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).

Family Reading Night, Oracle Mountain Vista School, Thursday, 15 March 2018

A "Family Reading Night" was held at Mountain Vista School in Oracle, Arizona. Students, parents, and teachers were able to learn about many topics, including Light Pollution. Here are displays set up by the 4th Grade students:

The 4th grade students explained the effects of Light Pollution on humans and wildlife:

Students drew planets and had a special visitor:

Three members of the Saddlebrooke SkyGazers Club set up telescopes for viewing after sunset. Some students, parents, and teachers took advantage of the opportunity to view the planets Venus and Mercury, low in the western sky after sunset.

And as the sky became darker, the bright star Sirius became visible in the south. So everyone had to look at it in the sky:

Venus is visible in the photo above to the right of center but only the student in the middle is looking at it.

Thanks to the Saddlebrooke SkyGazers Club members for the telescopes. And thanks to everyone who came to Family Reading Night and the short star party on a windy and cold evening in Oracle.

Photos by Mike Weasner, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

Previous Events

Live Music and Star Party, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 17 February 2018

View the report.

Past Events - 2017
Past Events - 2016
Past Events - 2015
Past Events - 2014

Go back to the ODSC Home Page.