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).

Arizona Trail Association Work Group star party, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 19 March 2016

The Oracle Dark Skies Committee supported a star party at Oracle State Park for volunteers of the Arizona Trail Association. Many of the volunteers took advantage of the early evening clear sky and enjoyed some good views of the waxing gibbous Moon, the Orion Nebula, and Jupiter and its four Galilean Moons. The Park's Explore Scientific 152mm refractor was used this night, seen here aimed at the Moon shortly after being set up:

The volunteers also learned some things about the night sky, why it is important to protect it, and how Oracle State Park became an IDA "International Dark Sky Park" in 2014. Clouds began interferring with the views about 8:30 PM. The star party ended at 9:30 PM.

Photo by Mike Weasner, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

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

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