Renewal and Discovery at Kitt Peak

Arizona’s night skies are perfect for stargazing, thanks to infrequent clouds, high elevation, and strict light pollution controls. This breathtaking shot shows the Milky Way above U.S. National Science Foundation Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), a Program of NSF NOIRLab. KPNO is the largest assembly of optical instruments in the northern hemisphere and is a leading site for astronomical research. To the right is the 0.9-meter SARA Kitt Peak Telescope and in the left in the distance is the WIYN 3.5-meter Telescope. This image is a close-up of a panorama image of more telescopes at KPNO and a fulldome image.

This photo was taken during the NOIRLab 2022 Photo Expedition to all the NOIRLab sites. Petr Horálek, the photographer, is a NOIRLab Audiovisual Ambassador.