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).

Blue Moon Trail Music Event, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 31 March 2018

There was a pre-sunset walk along the one-mile Nature Trail Loop with hikers enjoying the sounds of live instrumental music at designated spots along the trail. Back at the ranch house at sunset we hoped to see views of the Blue Moon rising over the Galiuro mountain range. The Blue Moon is the second full Moon of the month.

The weather was perfect for hiking. The clouds had everyone wondering if it would be clear enough to watch the Moon rising over the Galiuro mountains.

Attendance at the Park was incredible; well over 100 hikers and visitors.

Telescopes and a camera were set up to hopefully provide views of the rising Moon, although the sky was getting cloudier:

The following sequence of photos shows the Moon rising over the Galiuro mountains beginning about 7:15 PM. Clouds seriously hampered the view through the telescopes:

While viewing the rising Moon was not what everyone hoped for, Park visitors had a great time on the hike and thoroughly enjoyed the live music. Many visitors stayed past 8 PM to enjoy smores by the fire pit and the music on the Kannally Ranch House patio.

Thanks to the Friends of Oracle State Park for sponsoring the musicians. And thanks to the Saddlebrooke SkyGazers Club for providing the telescopes.

Photos by Mike Weasner and Chip Parfet, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

Previous Events

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

View the report.

"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

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