Oracle Dark Skies Committee

Past Events

Updated: 21 May 2017

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).

Open House & Star Party at Oracle State Park, Saturday, 29 April 2017

The special day at Oracle State Park began with local singing beekeeper Fred Terry:

Great food was available from our vendors:

There were activities for the kids:

Athena Sparks (right), Regional Manager, Arizona State Parks, stopped by the Friends of Oracle State Park information table to chat with Charla Wright and Anne Lucic from the FOSP (left and center):

The Oracle Dark Skies Committee also had a table with Bill John, Chip Parfet, and Mike Weasner:

Park Ranger Jennifer Rinio introduced the Undercover Band which provided music for listening and dancing:

The crescent Moon was high in the sky waiting for the night's telescope viewing:

It was appropriate that on this Astronomy Day 2017 the Saddlebrooke SkyGazers Club was recognized by Arizona State Parks for their frequent, outstanding, and many times short notice support to Oracle State Park. Here are Don Cain (left) and Richard Spitzer (center) of the Saddlebrooke SkyGazers Club being recognized by Oracle State Park Manager Vince Micallef (right):

The support of Mike Weasner and the Oracle Dark Skies Committee to the Park was also acknowledged by Park Manager Micallef:

As darkness fell at Oracle State Park, many visitors braved the surprisingly cold temperatures to be treated by exciting views through the telescopes:

Mike Weasner demonstrated to several visitors how they could use their smartphone to take photographs through the telescopes. These photos were taken with an iPhone and show the Moon (left) and Jupiter and the four Galilean Moons (right) as seen through one of the telescopes this night:

The last of the Park visitors left at 9 PM, following a thoroughly enjoyable day and night at Oracle State Park. The crescent Moon was still shining in the sky:

Thanks to the Friends of Oracle State Park for music sponsorship and the Saddlebrooke SkyGazers Club for the telescopes support.

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

Previous Events

"Family Reading Night", Mountain Vista School, Oracle, Tuesday, 21 March 2017

View the report.

"International Dark Sky Park" Celebration & Star Party, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 18 March 2017