Oracle Dark Skies Committee

Past Events

Updated: 26 October 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).

Dark Skies and Other Astronomical Adventures, Country Club of La Cholla, Tuesday, 24 October 2017

Mike Weasner of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee gave two presentations at the Country Club of La Cholla: one on the importance of preserving dark skies and the other on his 21 August 2017 Total Solar Eclipse experience.

Showing short films and slides he made the point that we are losing the dark and need to preserve it for the sake of human and wildlife health as well as for studies and just plain enjoyment of the night sky. He told of how Oracle State Park had become an "International Dark Sky Park" in 2014. Today there are about 100 other Dark Sky Places around the world, including one in South Korea, which had been helped by the Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

As part of the presentation the IDA short video "Losing the Dark" was shown.

Following that he told about his trip to observe the total solar eclipse this past summer.

About 30 residents attended with many asking questions and taking informational brochures. Mr. Weasner had been invited by and was presented by resident Evaline Auerbach who was Recorder of the committee he chairs, which was instrumental in getting OSP the designation as International Dark Sky Park.

Photos by Evaline Auerbach, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

Previous Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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