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Mt. Graham International Observatory
 Home Visitor Information MGIO Events MGIO Services A Long Time Ago...

The Large Binocular Telescope

Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope

Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope

Milky Way from Mt. Graham by Dave Harvey

Spring on the mountain...

Pinaleno Mountains to the south

Sunrise flowers...


Welcome to MGIO -- the
Mount Graham International Observatory

Please update your bookmark to our new server
http://mgio.arizona.edu

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Our Mission:

We are an operations and maintenance group whose mission is to provide quality logistics support services to the astronomical research community. Our Motto:
Continuous Improvement. We will accomplish our work in a teamwork environment; communicating, resolving conflicts and acknowledging accomplishments.

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Table of Contents

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Visitor Information

bulletEvents
bulletServices
bullet A Long Time Ago

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MGIO Profile

MGIO (including Base Camp) is a Weapons Free Zone in accordance with Arizona Board of Regents policy 5-302 to 303.  For further information, click on the above link.

Research telescopes at the MGIO include:
bullet Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope
bullet Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope
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The Large Binocular Telescope  

MGIO is a division of Steward Observatory , the research arm for the Department of Astronomy at the University of Arizona . Scientific researchers from around the world make use of the MGIO facilities. We serve this community, operating and maintaining facilities at the remote observing site located in the Pinaleņo Mountains in southeast Arizona.  This area is a part of the Coronado National Forest -- administered by the Safford Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service.  Our office, the Base Camp, is located at the eastern base of Mt. Graham, six miles south of Safford , Arizona.

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How do you get here?

The Observatory Base Camp is located six miles south of Safford, Arizona on State Route 366, also known as Swift Trail.  We are on the east side of Mt. Graham at the base of the mountain.  Click on the button below for directions to the Base Camp.  We are located immediately north of the Federal Correctional Institute.

Coming from Tucson on Interstate10, take exit #352 and  drive  north about 26 miles (past State Route 266) to the intersection of State Route 366.  Turn left onto SR-366 and proceed one mile to the Base Camp on your right.

Please check in with the office staff to insure your permits are in order and to "log in" your presence at the observatory. The Base Camp office opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, Monday through Friday except for holidays.

Base Camp    Expedia

Print Map    Printable Image File

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Weather & Road Conditions:

The US Forest Service closes the unpaved road to Columbine and Riggs Lake each November 15th through the winter season.  It typically opens in mid May each year.

Update May 11, 2012Click for Safford, Arizona Forecast

The unpaved road beginning at
milepost 136.2 on SR-366 is open
for travel to Columbine and Riggs Lake.

ADOT construction ongoing at Noon
Creek and Wet Canyon.

Warm, dry road conditions - Dusty!
Be cautious:  Drive Safely!

 

NWS     National Weather Service Prediction - Mt. Graham summit

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Contact Us...

        Telephone:                     928-428-2739
       
Fax:                                  928-428-2854
       
Mailing Address:           UofA - MGIO
                                                  1480 West Swift Trail
                                                  Safford, AZ  85546

Last modified: May 11, 2012