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).

Campers Private Star Party, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 27 October 2018, 5:30-9pm

A private star party was held for some campers who were staying at Oracle State Park.

The view of the Galiuro Mountains to the east of the Park at sunset was pretty:

Click or tap on image for larger version

Setting up the telescopes:

The campers viewing the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars:

The planet Jupiter disappearing behind the terrain at Oracle State Park:

As the sky darkened at our IDA "International Dark Sky Park", the viewing of stars, galaxies, nebulae, and the Milky Way began:

Several people were able to view the Pleiades star cluster through telescopes and binoculars. This is the Pleiades with a 600mm telephoto camera lens:

The final treat of the evening was watching the waning gibbous Moon rise over the Galiuro Mountains:

The last of the campers left the star party a little before 9 PM. It had been a beautiful night at Oracle Star Party.

Thanks to the members of the Saddlebrooke SkyGazers Club for providing the telescopes.

Photos by Mike Weasner, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

Previous Events

Live Music and Star Party, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 1 September 2018

View the report.

Star Party and Dark Sky Special Event, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 30 June 2018

View the report.

Blue Moon Trail Music Event, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 31 March 2018

View the report.

Talk and Star Party, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 24 March 2018

View the report.

"An Inner Astronomy" Art Show Closing Reception, Triangle L Ranch, Oracle, Sunday, 18 March 2018

View the report.

Family Reading Night, Oracle Mountain Vista School, Thursday, 15 March 2018

View the report.

Live Music and Star Party, Oracle State Park, Saturday, 17 February 2018

View the report.

Past Events - 2017
Past Events - 2016
Past Events - 2015
Past Events - 2014

Go back to the ODSC Home Page.