Catalina Station

Catalina Station is an astronomical observatory on Mount Bigelow in the Santa Catalina Mountains northeast of Tucson, operated by the University of Arizona within Coronado National Forest. Chosen in 1960 by Gerard P. Kuiper for its elevation and access, the site began operating in 1963 and expanded rapidly with several telescopes at two nearby locations. Forest Service requirements in the early 1970s led the university to abandon the second site, leaving the principal instruments now at Catalina Station: the 1.54-meter Kuiper Telescope and a Schmidt camera. The facility remains active in both astronomical research and education, including use by Astronomy Camp students.

Arizona · United States