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).

Special Talk: "The Lost Constellations", Oracle State Park, Saturday, 9 April

Oracle State Park celebrated International Dark Sky Week with a program by Dr. John C. Barentine from the International Dark Sky Association. Dr. Barentine presented a talk on "lost constellations" beginning at 6:45pm with a slideshow presentation in the Kannally Ranch House living room for about an hour, followed by a "constellation tour" outside. A Star Party was held with telescopes courtesy of the Saddlebrooke Skygazers Club.

Here are the four telescopes set up before the talk:

Park Ranger Jennifer Rinio introduced Dr. John Barentine:

Dr. Barentine's talk on the history of astronomical constellations and the "lost constellations" was well thoroughly enjoyed by the crowd of 50 attendees. The talk was based on research that he had done for his recently published book "The Lost Constellations". (Mike Weasner, Chair, Oracle Dark Skies Committee, has a review of the book on his Cassiopeia Observatory web site.)

About 8pm everyone moved outside to the patio to enjoy about two hours of mostly clear skies at Oracle State Park. Mike Weasner gave a light pollution demonstration to several attendees. Dr. Barentine used a green laser pointer to point out the lost constellations that were visible that night:

Many attendees lined up to view stars, nebula, and the thin crescent Moon through the telescopes:

This photograph shows the crescent Moon that was seen in the western sky during much of the star party:

The last of the visitors left about 10:15pm after spending a wonderful night under the night sky at Oracle State Park.

Photos by Mike Weasner, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

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

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