Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), located 54 miles southwest of Tucson, Arizona, has been a major center for astronomical research since 1958. KNPO has one of the world’s largest selections of solar and radio telescopes, including the McMath-Pierce solar telescope which for many years was the largest in the world.

In June 2022, the Contreras Fire resulted in the evacuation of KPNO and the burning of several buildings. KPNO has since reopened, and commenced work on the Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach. Attractions include exhibits, a planetarium, a theater, an astronomy classroom, and the former telescope control room. For educational spaces such as these, speech intelligibility is key and is addressed by strategically introducing sound absorptive treatments on ceilings and walls. Several spaces such as the Planetarium also include amplified speech and/or music, and require enhanced treatments for proper low frequency absorption.

MCH provided acoustical guidance for sound absorptive treatments.