FAQ
Q: Is there a registration fee, and what does it include?
Yes, there is a registration fee of $150 for students and $300 for all other career levels (plus Eventbrite fees). The fee covers access to all conference sessions, the conference reception, coffee breaks, and lunches on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Please note that lunch is NOT provided on Wednesday, with the exception of conference participants who have registered and paid an additional fee for the Kitt Peak tour, which includes a bagged lunch in the cost. Visit the Registration tab for more details.
Q: Where should I stay?
The Solar System in Context is please to announce that we have reserved room blocks at the AC Hotel Tucson Downtown and the Graduate Tucson at the per diem rate of $123/night (plus applicable taxes and fees). Please visit our Venue & Accommodations tab for more information.
Q: How can I get around while in Tucson?
Please see here for information on the Tucson streetcar, which can be used to get to/from the conference venue and downtown Tucson. Conference attendees staying at the AC Hotel Tucson Downtown are encouraged to use the streetcar, which stops about 600 feet from the hotel and offers convenient access to the conference venue.
Q: Are there any pre-conference workshops or events?
While there are no planned pre-conference activities, we encourage you to explore the variety of attractions that Tucson has to offer. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or cultural experiences, Tucson has something for you.
Here are some popular things to do in or around Tucson:
- Saguaro National Park:
Explore the stunning landscapes of Saguaro National Park, known for its giant saguaro cacti. Hiking trails provide opportunities to experience the Sonoran Desert.
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum:
Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a combination of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum, showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
- Mission San Xavier del Bac:
Discover the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, a beautifully preserved Spanish colonial mission known as the "White Dove of the Desert."
- Old Tucson Studios:
Experience the Old West at Old Tucson Studios, a western movie studio and theme park featuring historical buildings, live performances, and entertainment.
- Tucson Botanical Gardens:
Enjoy the tranquility of Tucson Botanical Gardens, featuring a wide variety of plants, themed gardens, and seasonal exhibits.
- Pima Air & Space Museum:
Explore the Pima Air & Space Museum, one of the largest aerospace museums in the world, showcasing historic aircraft and spacecraft.
- University of Arizona Campus:
Stroll through the University of Arizona campus, visit the Arizona State Museum, and explore the vibrant atmosphere of this educational institution.
- Mt. Lemmon:
Take a scenic drive to the top of Mt. Lemmon via the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, offering breathtaking views as you ascend the Catalina Mountains then stop at a local favorite, The Cookie Cabin, as you explore the small town of Summerhaven.
- Tucson Museum of Art:
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection of art from different time periods and cultures.
- Fourth Avenue:
Explore Fourth Avenue, a lively district with eclectic shops, boutiques, cafes, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
- Sabino Canyon:
Hike or take a tram tour through Sabino Canyon, known for its picturesque landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Ventana Canyon offers a daily shuttle and a guided hike for its guests.
- Reid Park Zoo:
Enjoy a day at Reid Park Zoo, home to a variety of animals from around the world.
- Catalina State Park:
Hike the trails of Catalina State Park, offering scenic views of the Catalina Mountains and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab:
This 90-minute tour provides a unique opportunity to learn how innovative engineering and optical technology melds with manufacturing techniques to produce the largest and most advanced giant (8.4 meters / 27 ft) telescope mirrors in the world on the University of Arizona campus.
- Tohono Chul Gardens & Galleries:
Embrace the authentic beauty of the Sonoran Desert year-round at Tohono Chul, Tucson’s charming crossroads of nature, art, and culture.
Please go to Visit Tucson for a comprehensive list of things to do.
Tucson is also known as a city of gastronomy and thus, has many excellent culinary experiences. Check out Tucson Foodie for suggestions on some of the best places in town.
Q: How can I contact the conference organizers?
For any inquiries or assistance, you can reach out to our support team at solarsystemcontext2025@noirlab.edu
Yom Kippur and Tucson Synagogues
The Solar System in Context LOC would like to offer our apologies for scheduling the conference over Yom Kippur from Wednesday night to Thursday night during the conference. Choosing these dates was an unintentional oversight on our part.
If you wish to observe the holiday with the Jewish community, local Jewish synagogues include Young Israel - Chabad Tucson, Kol Ami Synagogue, Congregation Chofetz Chayim, Congregation Anshei Israel, and Congregation Chaverim.
Q: Is there a registration fee, and what does it include?
Yes, there is a registration fee of $150 for students and $300 for all other career levels (plus Eventbrite fees). The fee covers access to all conference sessions, the conference reception, coffee breaks, and lunches on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Please note that lunch is NOT provided on Wednesday, with the exception of conference participants who have registered and paid an additional fee for the Kitt Peak tour, which includes a bagged lunch in the cost. Visit the Registration tab for more details.
Q: Where should I stay?
The Solar System in Context is please to announce that we have reserved room blocks at the AC Hotel Tucson Downtown and the Graduate Tucson at the per diem rate of $123/night (plus applicable taxes and fees). Please visit our Venue & Accommodations tab for more information.
Q: How can I get around while in Tucson?
Please see here for information on the Tucson streetcar, which can be used to get to/from the conference venue and downtown Tucson. Conference attendees staying at the AC Hotel Tucson Downtown are encouraged to use the streetcar, which stops about 600 feet from the hotel and offers convenient access to the conference venue.
Q: Are there any pre-conference workshops or events?
While there are no planned pre-conference activities, we encourage you to explore the variety of attractions that Tucson has to offer. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or cultural experiences, Tucson has something for you.
Here are some popular things to do in or around Tucson:
- Saguaro National Park:
Explore the stunning landscapes of Saguaro National Park, known for its giant saguaro cacti. Hiking trails provide opportunities to experience the Sonoran Desert. - Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum:
Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a combination of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum, showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of the region. - Mission San Xavier del Bac:
Discover the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac, a beautifully preserved Spanish colonial mission known as the "White Dove of the Desert." - Old Tucson Studios:
Experience the Old West at Old Tucson Studios, a western movie studio and theme park featuring historical buildings, live performances, and entertainment. - Tucson Botanical Gardens:
Enjoy the tranquility of Tucson Botanical Gardens, featuring a wide variety of plants, themed gardens, and seasonal exhibits. - Pima Air & Space Museum:
Explore the Pima Air & Space Museum, one of the largest aerospace museums in the world, showcasing historic aircraft and spacecraft. - University of Arizona Campus:
Stroll through the University of Arizona campus, visit the Arizona State Museum, and explore the vibrant atmosphere of this educational institution. - Mt. Lemmon:
Take a scenic drive to the top of Mt. Lemmon via the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, offering breathtaking views as you ascend the Catalina Mountains then stop at a local favorite, The Cookie Cabin, as you explore the small town of Summerhaven. - Tucson Museum of Art:
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection of art from different time periods and cultures. - Fourth Avenue:
Explore Fourth Avenue, a lively district with eclectic shops, boutiques, cafes, and a vibrant nightlife scene. - Sabino Canyon:
Hike or take a tram tour through Sabino Canyon, known for its picturesque landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Ventana Canyon offers a daily shuttle and a guided hike for its guests. - Reid Park Zoo:
Enjoy a day at Reid Park Zoo, home to a variety of animals from around the world. - Catalina State Park:
Hike the trails of Catalina State Park, offering scenic views of the Catalina Mountains and opportunities for birdwatching. - Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab:
This 90-minute tour provides a unique opportunity to learn how innovative engineering and optical technology melds with manufacturing techniques to produce the largest and most advanced giant (8.4 meters / 27 ft) telescope mirrors in the world on the University of Arizona campus. - Tohono Chul Gardens & Galleries:
Embrace the authentic beauty of the Sonoran Desert year-round at Tohono Chul, Tucson’s charming crossroads of nature, art, and culture.
Please go to Visit Tucson for a comprehensive list of things to do.
Tucson is also known as a city of gastronomy and thus, has many excellent culinary experiences. Check out Tucson Foodie for suggestions on some of the best places in town.
Q: How can I contact the conference organizers?
For any inquiries or assistance, you can reach out to our support team at solarsystemcontext2025@noirlab.edu
Yom Kippur and Tucson Synagogues
The Solar System in Context LOC would like to offer our apologies for scheduling the conference over Yom Kippur from Wednesday night to Thursday night during the conference. Choosing these dates was an unintentional oversight on our part.
If you wish to observe the holiday with the Jewish community, local Jewish synagogues include Young Israel - Chabad Tucson, Kol Ami Synagogue, Congregation Chofetz Chayim, Congregation Anshei Israel, and Congregation Chaverim.