- NOAO KPNO Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), part of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO), supports the most diverse collection of astronomical observatories on Earth for nighttime optical and infrared astronomy and daytime study of the Sun. Founded in 1958, KPNO operates 3 major nighttime telescopes and hosts operations of the National Solar Observatory and university ...www.noao.edu/kpno