Around the Cracker Barrel - 60 Years of Kitt Peak - Peter McMahon and Emily Hunting - (Aired 09/27/2024)

In this episode of Around the Cracker Barrel, we celebrate Kitt Peak National Observatory’s 60 years of offering public tours and educational outreach. Our guests include Peter McMahon, Operations Manager of the Kitt Peak Visitors Center, and later, Emily Hunting, an optical engineer at Kitt Peak. The discussion begins with Peter sharing how Kitt Peak stands out from other observatories around the world, showcasing its distinction as the location with the highest concentration of major optical observatories in one place.Peter elaborates on the observatory’s role in mapping the universe in 3D using one of its key instruments, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), mounted on the iconic 4-meter Mayall Telescope. DESI uses 5,000 tiny, robotically positioned fiber optic eyes to peer into distant galaxies, avoiding foreground stars to map the cosmos’ expansion. This advanced technology aids scientists in studying dark energy, a mysterious force influencing the acceleration of the universe’s growth, which could ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of the nature of the universe.Kitt Peak’s scenic location also adds to its allure. Situated 30 to 40 minutes west of Tucson, a drive to the observatory offers picturesque views and sightings of diverse wildlife. Perched 7,000 feet above sea level, it provides a refreshing break from the desert heat, making it a popular destination not only for astronomers but also for visitors looking for a cooler escape with a stunning view.Later in the show, Emily Hunting introduces the WIYN telescope, named after the founding partners: the University of Wisconsin, Indiana University, Yale, and the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO). While the partnership structure has evolved—Yale is no longer part of the consortium, and NOAO has been rebranded as Noir Lab—WIYN remains a crucial part of the observatory’s research facilities, reflecting its ongoing commitment to collaborative astronomy and cutting-edge optical engineering.For More Info visit https://kpno.noirlab.edu