Latest News
Update on Tours
Sep 19, 2018
Due to scheduled road construction leading to the MMTO, tours are not currently scheduled. Tours will resume Spring 2019. Please check back here for updates!
MMT Observing Schedule – August-December
Sep 17, 2018
The observing schedule for August-December can be found here.
Successful Summer Shutdown
Sep 15, 2018
On August 15th, the MMT returned to normal operations after a three-week summer shutdown. Some of the scheduled work completed during this period included: wet washing the primary mirror, removing the decommissioned laser guide star system from the telescope, …
Successful Shutter Seal Replacement
Jul 03, 2018
In preparation for the shutter seal replacement, the Blue Channel instrument and the f/9 secondary mirror were removed on June 18th and the telescope was parked horizon pointing and covered with a tarp. Kappcon, Inc. then began the process …
Observatory Improvements
May 24, 2018
The observatory will be closed June 18 through July 1 for shutter seal replacement. As part of the new heated roof contract, the p-seal and flapper seal used to seal the gap between the two shutter halves when in …
MMTO at the SPIE meeting in June
May 10, 2018
Six staff members will be presenting talks or posters in June at the SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation meeting in Austin, TX. Topics include the re-aluminization as well as wet-washing in-situ of the 6.5-m primary mirror, queue scheduling software …
Tour Information
Apr 10, 2018
We hope you were able to visit our table at the recent Tucson Festival of Books! A virtual tour of our observatory was enjoyed by many! Reserve your spot for a real tour by calling 520-879-4407!
Sat., April 7 – Kartchner Caverns Star Party
Apr 05, 2018
Dr. Grant Williams, MMTO Director, will give a talk at the Kartchner Star Party on Saturday, April 7. Join him at 5:30pm in the Discovery Center and learn about “The Three Dimensional Nature of Supernovae: Are Exploding Stars Round?” …
Smithsonian Lecture Series on Astronomy – April 4
Mar 19, 2018
The final lecture for this year will be held on Wednesday, April 4. Dr. Stephanie Juneau, of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory, will speak on “Black Holes, Galaxies, and Cosmic Fireworks.” Join us at 9:00am at the Green Valley …
Stargazing at Historical Canoa Ranch – Fri., March 16
Mar 11, 2018
Join Sonora Astronomical Society volunteers as they set up their telescopes for viewing between 6:00-9:00pm, weather permitting. Be sure to bring a flashlight and lawn chair. Come earlier and take a self-guided tour of the Historical Canoa Ranch. Take …