Have you ever wondered how stars form, what planets and moons look like through a telescope, or how the Earth was formed? Would you like to operate a research telescope and interact with professional astronomers in an informal setting? If so, this Camp opportunity is for you! Designed for both beginners and experienced amateurs, Adult Astronomy Camps provide an exciting educational experience for people from around the world in all walks of life.
The setting is atop Mt. Lemmon in the colorful Santa Catalina Mountains during either fall or spring. After an initial gathering in Tucson, participants travel together to Mt. Lemmon Observatory (9200 ft) about 1.5 hours drive north of Tucson. Nighttime temperatures are 35-45 oF, and there is a quarter-mile uphill walk on a paved road from the dormitories to the telescopes. Anyone suffering from respiratory problems, arthritis, or any condition that limits physical mobility should probably not participate.
Campers reside at Mt. Lemmon Observatory. They sleep in the astronomers’ dormitories along with staff and the Director. Separate facilities are provided for men and women, each with shared sleeping areas and bathrooms.
We use telescopes at the observatories on both Mt. Lemmon and Mt. Bigelow, along with associated instrumentation for imaging and spectroscopy, both digital and naked-eye. Typically, we also visit the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab at The University of Arizona.
During daytime hours, Astronomy Campers interact with astronomers on modern research topics, participate in interactive activities about astrophysical topics, observe the Sun in different colors of light, and hike a scale model of our Solar System in the unique environment of Mt. Lemmon.
Here is the schedule from the Adult Camp (May 2026).
VIDEO: “Our Home on Mt. Lemmon“
Beginning Adult Camp
For anyone with an interest in astronomy. A background in Algebra or Geometry is helpful but not required.
Professional astronomers will offer talks and interactive activities on topics ranging from our Solar System to Cosmology.
A unique opportunity is observing (naked-eye & electronically) celestial objects through the 61″ Kuiper telescope on Mt. Bigelow. Smaller telescopes (binoculars, 8″, 24″, and 32″) are also available. You will be encouraged to operate the telescopes and equipment yourself and with your group of ~20 other adults. Astronomers are present during all observing sessions and available for informal discussions.
Advanced Adult Camp
Geared towards alumni of Beginning Adult Camps or advanced amateurs.
Advanced Adult Camps are scheduled periodically with emphasis on using the high quality 61″ Kuiper telescope along with research-grade optical instrumentation. Campers will have the opportunity to engage in research and submit findings to professional astronomical journals.
Possible projects could include deep optical imaging of faint galaxies and Kuiper Belt objects, lightcurves of exoplanets, etc. A focus will be learning to use the image processing and data analysis tools used by professional astronomers. An image galaxy cluster NGC 3718 was obtained at Camp in May 2006, and was the featured Astronomy Picture of the Day.
Advanced Adult Camp is scheduled depending on demand. If you are interested in this opportunity, then please contact the Camp Director (Dr. McCarthy).