Be sure to read the Rules for MDM Observers.

Notice: Begining January 31, 2008 observing semester, MDM will asses nominal user fees for the use of MDM vehicles and rooms. These fees are payable by check only and must be paid before you leave the mountain. Users are therefore reminded to bring their checkbook with them! The staff will issue recipts suitable for submission with travel expense claims.

MDM is located on the southwest ridge of Kitt Peak, approximately 50 miles from Tucson (see map, courtesy of the Kitt Peak National Observatory.) Once you are on the Kitt Peak road, the MDM access road will be a sharp left just past the 10 mile marker (look for the sign on the right side of the road for the southwest ridge.) Drive past the first large dome (the 12-meter radio telescope), then veer to the right, passing a large green tank on your left. One will quickly come to a fork: left goes to the 2.4-m, straight goes to the 1.3-m.

There are several ways for an observer to get to MDM. Indicate your choice on the observing preparation form:

1. Rental car (at your expense).

2. If it does not conflict with other needs, one of the Observatory's three vehicles (usually the 2002 Dodge Caravan) can be left near the NOAO headquarters for you to pick up and drive to the Observatory. It will be parked in the NOAO/AURA employees' parking lot. This is a large controlled access lot on the corner of First St. and Martin Ave., a couple of blocks to the northeast of NOAO headquarters, which is at 950 North Cherry Ave. You will have to get there from the airport via taxi or shared van. You will have to bring the key to the vehicle from your home institution. Please contact the MDM staff for instructions on access to the parking lot. No sightseeing or tourism is permitted with these vehicles. This entire procedure can be reversed for your departure from MDM. Users will be charged $50 round trip for use of the MDM vehicle.

   Note: As of January 31 2008, users will be charged $50 round trip for use of the MDM vehicle. The parking lot will require card access. Please contact the MDM staff for instructions on access after January 31.

   Warning: Ajo Highway is a very dangerous road due to various irresponsible behaviors of some local drivers. Drive defensively, and don't drive when you have not had enough sleep.

3. One can ride the KPNO shuttle if there is someone from NOAO to drive (MDM visitors are not allowed to drive NOAO vehicles, even if you do have a Government driver's license). This shuttle runs between NOAO headquarters at 950 North Cherry (the shipping and receiving area) and Kitt Peak: it does not stop at the airport. Before arriving in Tucson to go to the mountain, it is highly recommended that you call this NOAO number (520) 318-8212 (currently Susan Davidson) a day in advance to put your name on the sign-up list for the shuttle you wish to ride. The shuttle will drop you at MDM (either the 2.4-m or 1.3-m). Similarly, to leave the mountain, put your name on the sign-up list at the administration building on Kitt Peak, and call 8600 to say where you will meet them (usually at the base of the MDM access road).

Each telescope has an attached dorm with three rooms for observers (the 2.4-m has an extra room reserved for staff). Each room has two single beds and a private bathroom with shower. Pick up linens, towels, and washcloths from the supply closet in each building.

he fee for use of the rooms is $40 per night per telescope, reguardless of how many rooms are used. The observer is responsible for cleaning the rooms and removing all dirty linens to a common area after the last night. Please conserve electricity and water.

Because of the limited facilities and close quarters at MDM, the Observatory rule is that one shows up at MDM the day your run starts and leaves the morning (or early afternoon) immediately after your last night of observing. If you desire to come to MDM early or stay later, then you must have the expressed permission of the current observer.

In particular, it is expected that you will vacate the bedrooms by 2pm of the afternoon following your last night so the next observer has access to them before observing starts.

1. Buy food in Tucson before coming up and cook it in the limited cooking facilities at each telescope (refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee maker). Coffee is provided by MDM.

2. Eat at the KPNO dining hall: times and prices follow. One must pay all meal charges at the KPNO administration building during office hours (8am - 3:30pm M-F) before leaving the mountain, or very bad things will happen to you.

   Meal	Times	Cost
   Breakfast	24 hours (self service)	$8.00
   Lunch	11:30 am - 1:00 pm	$8.00
   Dinner	4:30 pm - 5:45 pm	$11.00
   Night Lunch	24 hours (self service)	$8.00
   Snack	24 hours (self service)	$4.50

   Times and prices are subject to change without notice.

   Night lunch and breakfast can now be ordered in advance via this KPNO order form. Note that the deadline is 3pm of the day night lunch is requested. This can be used to order night lunch for your first night on the mountain in advance of arrival.