Saturday, October 11th, 4:45PM - 9:15PM
Meeting will take place at the Kitt Peak Visitor Center; limit 12 students. General registration will open on Tuesday, August 19th at 10:00AM.
Explore poetry and superbly dark night skies at 7,000 feet in this unique writing workshop focused on poetry and astronomy. During this special experience at Kitt Peak National Observatory — one of our nation’s astronomical treasures — we will learn about the groundbreaking scientific discoveries being made right here in Southern Arizona, while also considering the ecological, historical, and cultural contexts of the observatory. Throughout, we will read contemporary poems inspired by the universe and write our own poetic responses to what we encounter. After dark, we will observe the night sky, gaining a basic familiarity with the stars and constellations before observing celestial objects through a 20-inch telescope. We will continue to write throughout our observing time, taking notes and drafting new poems under red light to preserve our nighttime vision. Join us for this memorable evening of poetry, astronomy, and wonder in the Sky Islands.
Kitt Peak Visitor Center is located at the end of route 386 on the Tohono O’odham Nation, 54 miles west of Tucson. Coming from Tucson, take route 86 (Ajo Way) west to the junction of 386. Make a left turn at the sign and follow the road to the top of the mountain. Please see this Google map for additional information and directions to Kitt Peak Visitor Center.
This program is unfortunately not ADA accessible due to the available telescope facilities. This program will involve walking approximately 0.5 miles, standing, and climbing stairs. Working service animals are welcome. Participants are asked to bring a beach/lawn/camping chair if they own one (this will allow us to pause and write in spectacular spots around the observatory campus!).
The program includes a light meal, and you may choose either a turkey (regular), or vegetarian or gluten-free sandwich. If you have dietary restrictions, you are welcome to bring your own meal. The kitchen cannot guarantee allergen-free, or otherwise specially prepared meals. The program fee is the same in either case.
Photo credit: KPNO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/B. Tafreshi