Oracle Dark Skies Committee

Past Events

Updated: 25 June 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).

Live Music and Star Party, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 24 June 2017

A nice crowd of people came to Oracle State Park to enjoy the cooler temps and live music on the upper patio of the historic Kannally Ranch House. Local country music icon, Hadj Banjovi, performed an Americana mix of tunes.

Here are some members of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee at the ODSC information table:

Park visitors were thrilled by the visit of a Harris's Hawk over the performers:

A pretty sunset was seen from the Park:

After sunset three telescopes were set up by members of the Saddlebrooke SkyGazers Club and by Mike Weasner, ODSC Chair. Although viewing was somewhat hampered by clouds, Park visitors were treated to views of Jupiter and four of its moons, Saturn and its Ring, and some other night sky objects. And of course, they were able to appreciate seeing night sky view from our "International Dark Sky Park". (This reporter didn't get any photos of the telescopes being used because he was too busy operating his own telescope.)

The sky eventually became mostly overcast and the star party ended about 9:45pm.

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

Photos by Mike Weasner, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

Previous Events

"Arizona's Night Skies: Past, Present, and Future", Oracle State Park, Saturday, 20 May 2017

View the report.

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

View the report.

"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