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SkyCenter open to visitors on Mount Lemmon

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UA officials are hoping Mount Lemmon visitors want a little science with their pie.

In an effort to increase public awareness of the research conducted at the University of Arizona, officials recently began a series of daytime tours and talks by scientists at a university-operated observatory in the Santa Catalina Mountains.

The goal of the program, which began over the weekend, is to give people an opportunity to learn about some of the research being done at the UA while they take in the cooler weather and tour the UA's Mount Lemmon SkyCenter.

The observatory — which is near Summerhaven favorites such as the pie from the Mount Lemmon Cafe — has been offering nighttime public viewings since early summer.

Visitors get a chance to rub elbows with leading scientists while increasing their understanding of science, said Valerie Grindle, executive officer for the observatory.

"It's a fun but a stimulating learning environment that's interactive," Grindle said. "It's not a lecture."

Once visitors get a chance to interact with the scientists, the excitement of discovery and passion for science becomes contagious, said Adam Block, program coordinator for the observing programs at the site.

"It certainly gives it a personal connection, and there's no better way of showing how passionate those scientists are than bringing them to the mountain," he said.

In addition to the discussions with guest scientists, visitors will get to tour the observatory and peer at the sun, if weather permits.

Carol Mack, who along with her husband owns the Mount Lemmon General Store and Gift Shop, recently attended an evening program at the observatory.

While Mack said she had a mild interest in astronomy before the visit, the perspective she gained by gazing up at the stars has made her an admirer.

"You get to put your little eyeballs right on that telescope," she said. "It'll definitely change your mind on looking up at the stars. It'll humble you."