Editing Kitt Peak National Observatory (section)

== History ==
[[File:Sign (7554301964).jpg|thumb|left|Sign at Kitt Peak National Observatory]]
The Kitt Peak National Observatory of the United States was dedicated on March 16, 1960.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1086/127502|title = General Notes|journal = Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific|volume = 72|pages = 146|year = 1960| issue=425 | bibcode=1960PASP...72..146. |doi-access = free}}</ref> At the dedication a 36-inch telescope and various facilities were ready.<ref name=":2" /> Construction was underway for the then planned 84 inch telescope.<ref name=":2" /> (i.e. the KPNO 2.1 meter)

The 84 inch (2.1 m) had its first light in September 1964.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.noao.edu/outreach/kptour/2_1_m.html|title=2.1-Meter Telescope|website=www.noao.edu|access-date=2019-11-22|archive-date=September 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904000100/https://www.noao.edu/outreach/kptour/2_1_m.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Over the decades the mountaintop hosted many telescopes, and achieved a variety of discoveries.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.space.com/26898-kitt-peak-facts.html|title=Kitt Peak National Observatory: Discoveries & Programs|last1=Science|first1=Elizabeth Howell 2014-08-21T02:46:09Z|last2=Astronomy|website=Space.com|date=August 21, 2014 |language=en|access-date=2019-11-18}}</ref> Some examples of astronomical research KPNO contributed to include the study of [[dark matter]], [[Cosmic distance ladder|cosmic distances]], high-redshift galaxies, and the [[Boötes Void]].<ref name=":3" /> In addition, the observatory has engaged in variety of public outreach and education programs.<ref name=":3" />

In 2018, KPNO established plans for its ''Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=53106|title=NSF Funds New Center for Astronomy Outreach at Kitt Peak|website=www.spaceref.com|date=September 26, 2018 |access-date=2019-11-18}}</ref>