Oracle Dark Skies Committee

Past Events

Updated: 24 September 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).

Total Solar Eclipse talk & Star Party, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 23 September 2017

Mike Weasner of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee did a presentation in the living room of the Kannally Ranch House on his 21 August 2017 Total Solar Eclipse experience. Oracle only saw a partial eclipse with the Sun covered about 60%. Weasner's talk let the attendees experience what it was like to prepare for, travel to, and see and photograph "The Great American Eclipse":

You can see Mike's complete Total Solar Eclipse report on his Cassiopeia Observatory web site.

Talk photos by MaryHelen Vasquez, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

The Star Party followed Weasner's talk with telescope viewing and night sky interpretation, thanks to the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and the Saddlebrooke SkyGazers Club. The crescent Moon, some planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies were viewed through the telescopes on a beautiful night at Oracle State Park. Here are some scenes from the Star Party:

One of the many highlights of the night was a bright, slow moving, flaming meteor that was seen high overhead about 8:30 PM. Many of the Park visitors got to see this exciting object.

Several visitors stayed past the scheduled end time (9:00 PM), with the last telescope leaving the Park at 9:45 PM.

This was another successful event at Oracle State Park. Many thanks to everyone involved.

Star Party photos by Mike Weasner, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

Previous Events

South Korean Dark Skies Delegation Visit, Oracle State Park, Friday, 21 July 2017

View the report.

Full Moon Night Hike, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 8 July 2017

View the report.

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

View the report.

"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