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 Special Event: Celebrate Connections to Nature at Oracle State Park, Saturday, 5 March 2016

This Special Event at Oracle State Park was to Celebrate Connections to Nature. Activities included:

3p-5p "Beginner Digital Astrophotography" Workshop, given by volunteer Mike Weasner;

5p-6:30p hike on the Nature Trail with "Signs and Sounds", visiting the new educational signage along the one-mile trail highlighting wildlife, vegetation, geology and water resources of the park, while enjoying the sounds of live instrumental music featuring violin, mandolin, flute, drums and guitar;

7-9pm a Star Party had been planned to celebrate Oracle State Park becoming an IDA "International Dark Sky Park" in 2014, the first in the Arizona State Parks system. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association had planned to provide telescopes and interpretation of night-sky objects. Kids' activities throughout the day included skull identification and making dials to tell time by the sun and stars.

The following scenes from Oracle State Park show some of the activities.

New Welcome sign at Oracle State Park:

Closeup of the Welcome sign with information about being an "International Dark Sky Park":

Activities and display tables:

The Friends of Oracle State Park table:

Set up for the "Beginner Digital Astrophotography" Workshop:

As evening approached the sky looked somewhat ominous:

Definitely did not look good for the Star Party!

Some Oracle Dark Skies Committee members at the ODSC table:

The Star Party began with a welcome by Park Ranger Jennifer Rinio, followed by some Dark Sky remarks by Mike Weasner, Chair, Oracle Dark Skies Committee. A "Certificate of Appreciation" from Arizona State Parks and the Oracle Dark Skies Committee was presented to the local (west) Circle K store. The store manager and Circle K Corporate were thanked for their support to preserving the night sky in Oracle by installing several dark sky friendly light fixtures at the store.

The weather did not cooperate at night so no telescopes were set up at the Star Party. There were some brief periods of stars showing through thin clouds, allowing those who stayed for live music and the fire in the patio firepit to experience a hint of the dark sky at Oracle State Park. During one such brief period, Mike Weasner demonstrated one of the techniques he discussed at the "Beginner Digital Astrophotography" Workshop; how to photograph stars and constellations using a smartphone. This handheld photo of the constellations of Canis Major (with the bright star Sirius) and Orion was taken with an iPhone 6s Plus using the NightCap Pro app:

Although the weather was not the best, everyone who came to Oracle State Park this day had a great time.

Photos by Mike Weasner, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

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

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