Tucson sky is perfect for stargazing

If you're into astronomy or just you're just someone that likes to stare up at the night sky and gaze at the stars, Tucson is a great place to live. This morning I watched as Venus and Jupiter passed each other only .6 degrees apart. That's pretty close according to most astronomers; basically I could raise my hand in the "thumbs up" position towards the planets and my thumb blocked both planets. Our city doesn't have many street lights, which allows for some incredible sites in the night sky.

The Tucson area was once known as the "astronomy capital of the world" and is home to several different observatories including Kitt Peak, and Mt. Graham. To get better views of the night sky, we need less nighttime lighting, so Pima County installed ordinances that restrict light pollution. Tucson and Pima County have some of the strictest lighting codes in the nation, with the goal of curbing light pollution and preserving Southern Arizona's night skies. Recently there's been a big focus on extending these codes to Phoenix and northern Pinal County where extensive growth is causing light pollution that's already affecting viewing at Kitt Peak.

Read more about how light pollution is affecting astronomy in Arizona

Read more about Venus and Jupiter merging in Tucson's night sky

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Great time of year to visit the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

Whenever I meet people that are visiting Tucson for the first time, I always suggest they check out the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum before they leave. The desert museum is a great place to really learn about Tucson's environment and wildlife in the natural setting of the Sonoran Desert.

I visited the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum last Saturday and took lots a great pictures that I've included. The Desert Museum is located in Saguaro National Park, on Tucson's West side, so it's a bit of a drive, but the views are incredible so the time really passes by quickly. Following the winding road to the musuem makes most people feel humble and small as they gaze up at the saguaro covered moutains.

I don't want to fill this blog with too much talk so I'll just include some great pictures and a link to the Desert Museum website. Tucson's winter months are great for visiting the museum because the animals are more active and visible in the cooler temperatures. During the summer they all disappear into their caves by 9am to avoid the heat.

Mountain Lion during his morning nap time

(looks like sombody else was hoping for that sleeping spot!)

Native Arizona wolves

These Arizona Ground hogs are my favorite exhibit!

This little Ocelot found the perfect spot for a sun bath!

Check out some of the beautiful minerals and stones on display

The Desert Museum has an incredible enclosed bird sanctuary where you can sit back and watch birds in their natural habitat

The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum has a number of educational programs in which volunteers teach visitors about animals native to our area

This is only a small sample of what you'll find at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. I only touched on a few of the animals, but you'll also find a reptile exhibit, a hummingbird exhibit, a display showing the evolution of the our planet and Arizona's Sonoran Desert, a butterfly garden, an art gallery, and several restuarants. Just plan on making your visit an all day event. There are all sorts of educational classes for kids as well as adults, and studies ranging from meeting the museum animals to ecological research and promotion of habitat conservation.

The Desert Museum opens at 8:30 am in the Spring, so I always recommend going early. As the sun rises it can get warm, so make sure to where comfy shoes and carry a bottle of water. Have fun and don't forget your camera!

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