Since its formation in April 2014, the Oracle Dark Skies Committee has been attending various events around Oracle and Pinal County to talk about its work to have Oracle State Park designated as an "International Dark Sky Park". The Committee also does public outreach on the effects of Light Pollution and how everyone can help reduce the problem and save money as well. Selected past events are mentioned here.

If you would like a Committee member to talk to your company, organization, or group of local residents, please contact Mike Weasner (520-289-3402 or mweasner@mac.com).

Star Party, El Rancho Robles guest ranch, Wednesday, 26 October 2016

A company that was doing its annual retreat at El Rancho Robles guest ranch in Oracle had requested that a star party be held for its employees. The weather cooperated and the ODSC provided dark sky literature and telescope viewing:

About 30 very enthusiastic ranch guests who came from all across the United States had a thoroughly enjoyable evening at El Robles Ranch.

They were able to view the planets Venus, Saturn, and Mars shortly after sunset. And then later in the evening they saw the benefit of the dark sky available in Oracle. The ODSC members explained the harmful impacts of Light Pollution, gave a Light Pollution demonstration, and discussed how Oracle State Park became an IDA "International Dark Sky Park". The guests were shown how they could see the Andromeda Galaxy, 2.5 million Lightyears away, with just their eyes. They also saw the Big Dipper, several constellations (including the popular Cassiopeia constellation), the Double Cluster, the Pleiades, and the Milky Way. Using the telescope, they viewed M13 (Great Globular Cluster in Hercules), M57 (Ring Nebula), and the colorful double star Albireo. The star party ended about 9pm, a little over 3 hours after it began.

Thanks to ODSC members Wendy Ostrander and Chip Parfet for the event support. And many thanks to the company for the generous donation to the Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

Photos by Mike Weasner, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

Past Events - 2016
Past Events - 2015
Past Events - 2014

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