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Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory

The Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory is the largest field installation of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.

Located at the base of Mt. Hopkins 35 miles south of Tucson, the observatory educates its visitors with displays on astrophysics, astronomy, natural science, and cultural history. Under renovation in 2023, the Science Center at Whipple Observatory will reopen to the public in mid-to-late 2024 with all-new hands on exhibits and a Science Demonstration station, allowing visitors to experience the science themselves.

Guided tours for the general public are currently closed and will reopen in mid-to-late 2024. There are no self-guided tours of the Observatory.
  • Accessible
  • Family Friendly
  • Parking Available
Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory
  • Location
  • 670 Mount Hopkins Road
  • Amado, Arizona 85645
  • HoursMonday, Wednesday and Friday (tours only): 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.Reservations required.
Mapped location of Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory

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