The sky cleared very early Thursday morning, 22 September. Scott Roberts reported a Sky Quality reading of 21.49 at 0300 MST from Oracle State Park. So some attendees were able to do some stargazing in Oracle.

During the morning the Arizona PBS radio station in Tucson broadcast the report "First-ever 'Oracle Dark Sky Cultural Festival' is this week".

Thursday was a day of featured speakers at Oracle State Park.

The morning session began with a tour of the historical Kannally Ranch House given by Park Ranger John McClard.

Then Scott Roberts, President of Explore Scientific, began the morning speakers session, which was livestreamed (click to view a replay). First up was Dr. David H. Levy (via Zoom) who spoke about "Dark Skies and Poetry". David was followed by Dr. John Barentine of Dark Sky Consulting and his talk on "Under Ancient Skies: The Archaeoastronomy of the Desert Southwest". Then Mike Weasner, local Dark Sky Advocate and amateur astronomer, gave a presentation doing "Smartphone Astrophotography". After lunch the speakers session resumed with Dr. Connie Walker talking about "Light Pollution from Satellites: What Should Concern Us?" Dr. Chris Walker then spoke about "Astronomy in Antarctica". Dr. Stephen Edberg provided some "Solar Viewing Tips" (via Zoom). The day wrapped up with Adam Block talking about "The Human Equation In Outreach". A replay of the afternoon session is available on YouTube.

As attendees left the Ranch House they were could see this large thunderstorm system over the Galiuro Mountains, 100 miles east of Oracle State Park, 30 minutes before sunset.

On Thursday, Arizona Public Media aired a short radio spot about the Oracle Dark Sky Cultural Festival with Tony Paniagua, reporter, and Alicia Bristow of Oracle.

Photos by Mike Weasner

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