Thatcher, Ariz –Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park Campus recently hosted a group of local educators for a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Mount Graham International Observatory (MGIO), offering an up-close look at cutting-edge astronomical research in Southeastern Arizona.
On Wednesday, June 4, 16 teachers participating in the Southeastern Arizona Teachers Academy (SEATA) gathered at Discovery Park for an orientation on the observatory’s three world-renowned telescopes. SEATA is a three-day professional development program organized by the Graham County School Superintendent’s Office and hosted by EAC.
Following the orientation, the group traveled 90 minutes by van to the Columbine Ranger Station near the summit of Mount Graham. After enjoying a box lunch, the teachers continued to the top of the mountain for private tours of the Submillimeter Radio Telescope (SMT), the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT), and the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT).
Inside each facility, telescope staff and operators provided in-depth information about the instruments, technology, and current research projects. Teachers had the opportunity to view the telescopes’ massive mirrors and dish arrays, explore control rooms, and ask questions about ongoing scientific work.
“The Mount Graham International Observatory is a scientific treasure right here in our backyard,” said Paul Anger, director of EAC Discovery Park. “Giving teachers the chance to experience these world-class telescopes firsthand equips them to share that wonder with their students—and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
Public tours of the MGIO are available most Saturdays from May through October. For more information, pricing, and reservations, visit EAC.edu, click “Get Tickets,” then “Past Events,” followed by “Collections,” and scroll to “MGIO Tours.”
Tours begin at 9 a.m. at EAC’s Discovery Park Campus and conclude around 4:30 p.m. The experience includes an orientation session, a scenic drive up Mt. Graham in passenger vans, a box lunch at the Columbine Ranger Station, and docent-led tours of each telescope facility.
Each tour is limited to 18 participants. Tickets are $75 per person, with a discounted rate of $60 for seniors over 65, veterans, and youth ages 12–18. Participants must be in good health and able to stand, climb stairs, and handle the 10,500-foot elevation.
For full details, health advisories, and reservations, visit EAC.edu, click “Get Tickets,” and scroll to “Mt. Graham International Observatory Tours.”
