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).

Talk and Star Party, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 24 March 2018

March is Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Awareness month. Dr. John Barentine of the International Dark-Sky Association returned to Oracle State Park to present a program on "Under Ancient Skies: The Archaeo-astronomy of the Desert Southwest".

During the day the sky was mostly cloudy, dimming hopes for a successful star party after the presentation:

However, the Park offered up its own typical exciting views:

About an hour before sunset the sky began clearing, raising hopes for the star party. The First Quarter Moon was visible high in the sky:

In the Kannally Ranch House living room Ranger Jennifer Rinio introduced Dr. John Barentine to a large audience:

Dr. Barentine discussed how the night sky has been a powerful point of connection between humanity and nature since long before the start of recorded history. For ancient peoples, fascination with the stars reached well beyond aesthetic appreciation and intellectual curiosity about the sky, touching on aspects of religious faith and the keeping of calendars for agricultural and ceremonial purposes. Among the prehistoric peoples of the southwest, there is evidence from architectural alignments, rock art, and items of material culture that suggests the ancient inhabitants of the Four Corners states were keen sky-watchers. Some examples of this evidence was presented to illustrate the ancients' sophisticated understanding of the sky, and how it defined their view of the Earth's place in the cosmos.

After the talk was over the sky was somewhat clear, allowing for some viewing of the Moon and brighter objects in the night sky:

The Moon, some clouds, and the constellations of Canis Major (lower left), Orion (below center), and Taurus (right middle)


Telescope viewing:





The galaxies M82 (top) & M81 (bottom) seen live via a video camera on a telescope


The Moon seen through a telescope (handheld iPhone photo)

As the star party was ending a little after 9 PM a halo was seen around the Moon:

Thanks to the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and the Saddlebrooke SkyGazers Club for setting up the telescopes and for the interpretation of the night sky objects. And many thanks to Dr. Barentine for his fascinating and educational talk.

Photos by Mike Weasner, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

Previous Events

"An Inner Astronomy" Art Show Closing Reception, Triangle L Ranch, Oracle, Sunday, 18 March 2018

View the report.

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

View the report.

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.