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Columbia's observatory
The Rutherford Observatory at Columbia University allows amateur observers from the university and the Morningside Heights community to participate in public viewing sessions on the second and third Friday evenings of each month.
PHOTO: Stephen Lucey

Where Are All the Astronomers?

Given the poor conditions found in New York City and many other large cities around the country, astronomers are forced to travel to locations that bring together the ideal observing conditions.

As the population in the United States and around the world continues to grow, these ideal conditions are becoming even more difficult to preserve.

These are three of the best locations in the world.
Kitt Peak
Observatory

Kitt peak
PHOTO: Courtsey of AURO/NOAO/NSF
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Located in the Sonoran Desert on the Tohono O'odham Reservation, the Kitty Peak Observatory lies 56 miles southwest of Tucson, Az. The center sits atop the summit at 6,287 feet and houses a telescope with a diameter of four meters.

Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory

Cerro Tololo
PHOTO: Courtsey of AURO/NOAO/NSF
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Commonly referred to as CTIO by professional astronomers and researchers, the observatory is located about 50 miles east of La Serena, Chile. The site rests at 7,241 feet and the largest telescope has a diameter of four meters.

Gemini North Observatory

Gemini North
PHOTO: Courtsey of AURO/NOAO/NSF
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Located at the summit of the volcano Mauna Kea in Hawaii, Gemini North is one of two observatories sponsored by the United States Gemini Program. This location is at 13,796 feet and houses a telescope with an eight meter diameter.
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