fred lawrence whipple observatory

After driving 1 ½ hours from Tucson, AZ, to visit the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory on Dec. 19, 2015, I found the door locked at 2:00 p.m., with a sign that said “Closed for Special Event.” I could see what appeared to be a private party going on inside. A woman close to the door said something like, “As the sign says, we are closed.” I said that I had read on the internet that the hours that day were from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. She said that they never publish closing for private parties. May I suggest that one check with the observatory visitors' center immediately before taking the long drive out there, just to make sure they have not planned a private party for that day and have actually decided to remain open as advertised on their web page.

We didn't make reservations for the tour (and then found out they were already sold out for the next few weeks) because the web site implied you could drive to the top yourself and look around. The tour is an all day affair and we didn't want to commit for the entire day. However, upon calling the visitor's center, we were told you could only drive to the lock gate (a few miles up) where you'd then have to turn around. And the road is a one lane dirt road. We decided it would be worth the ride from Tubac to Whipple (about 15 minutes) to go just to the visitors center. It was pretty neat there as you could see a gamma ray telescope and some neat displays. They had 2 binoculars to look thru (to the summit and to the west). Made a nice afternoon, but if you want the full view/vista you need to go to the top on the tour. Get on the list plenty early during high tourist season.

The reason Observatories are located in Southern Arizona is the weather and the sky. Watching the sky is amazing and to see first hand and up close at the 8th largest reflecting telescope in the World is pretty cool. The views of the valley below are spectacular!

Whatever you are doing in AZ, this stop is a MUST if you are interested in the nature of the universe! Much of the cutting edge work on Black Holes, expansion of the universe, the study of high energy particles/radiation, and exo-planets is done here. If you like science, even if your knowledge is limited, you will love this place!

What a surprise to book a tour the next day we inquired! Plan for a wonderful full day of learning and observing. There is a nice nature trail around the visitor center; also you will see four telescopes to observe gamma rays emitted from and in space. An informative series of videos prepares you for what you will be experiencing up on the mountain. If you are an amateur astronomer you can bring your own telescope and drive to the "Astronomy Vista" site at 5,000 ft. elevation.A bus transports you up the mountain - fabulous views in all directions - almost at the top you get to have your picnic lunch - then you transfer to smaller vans to get to the top. Lots of instruments to see, and finally you get to go inside the main observatory.What a surprise to see your own reflection in a mirrored telescope (outside).We even got to see Warren Brown, a renowned astronomer, get ready for his evening work.Don't forget to bring your camera!

Be sure to make reservations early, a month earlier than date of visit, for this guided tour to Whipple Observatory. The tour begins at 9:00 AM in the visitor's center with background information. Afterwards a maxiumum of 32 visitors climb on a bus to travel to the peak of Mt. Hopkins. Smaller observatories are visited first. Then in a picnic area you enjoy the lunch that you packed. There are no concessions only a cold drink machine. The views are spectacular. You can see yourself reflected in the many mirrors on a telescope behind the main observatory. The entire building is on a rotating platform, which we had the opportunity to watch move. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and could answer any technical questions. You are able to go inside to see the telescopes. The trip lasts until 3 PM. Whipple Observatory is in partnership with Smithsonian Institute and the University of Arizona. We did not make reservations early, and were able to go because of a cancellation. The nominal fee of $7.00 is well worth the visit. Only the Whipple Observatory bus is allowed to drive all the way to the base of the observatory. At that point you are transferred to a van for the final ascent at 23 degree grade. You can drive your own car to the gate, but are not permitted beyond that point. The gate is about halfway up the mountain. Therefore the guided tour is the best choice.

I guess they don't have tours during winter, so we just visited the Visitor Center. This part if free and worth the drive. You get to see the mirrored telescopes for gamma rays along with a room with exhibits on the other types of telescopes here.I wish they had at least one more room to explain the work that is going on here. I grew up hearing about the Whipple Observatory so I expected a bigger display.We also enjoyed a short nature walk right outside the parking lot.

One must take a small bus to the top of the mountain over windy, narrow roads. The views are spectacular and the stories of how the observatory was built and how the huge mirrors were delivered to the top are inspiring.

you need reservations. drive to visitors center at base of mountain. bus will take you to telescopes on top of mountain. the bus ride is about fifty minutes each way and can be noisy and slow; you may want to bring ear plugs. great views from top. tours only on mondays, wednesdays and fridays but check their website for details. i paid seven dollars for one person. bring your own lunch; there is soda machine at top for one dollar per soda but no food sold. there is nice picnic area on top with gazebo, rest rooms and fish pond; wild flowers in bloom during season. details of telescopes at their website. visitor center is small but nice. great place to go as cool and breezy on top of mountain, especially when hot in tucson and surrounding plains.