Saturday, 24 September, was a day of Oracle Dark Sky Cultural Festival events at Oracle State Park, Sue and Jerry's Trading Post, and El Rancho Robles.

The day at the Park began with a Park Geology talk and hike conducted by Tom Buckley, Oracle State Park volunteer and geologist.

Unlike Friday night and its severe Monsoon thunderstorm, Saturday was looking beautiful! Kent Marts from Explore Scientific was definitely enjoying relaxing on the swing as live musicians played on the Kannally Ranch House patio. The Friends of Oracle State Park were there to support the Park. Some amazing food was available.

Some friends of Scott Roberts from his time at Meade Instruments were excited to be with him at Oracle State Park.

Late afternoon a talk on the "Bats of Arizona" was given by Joel Diamond. That was followed by a visit to the "bat net" to get up close and personal with some bats!

As sunset approached, many telescopes were being set up by Explore Scientific, Starizona, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, and the Saddlebrooke SkyGazers Club. Reporters from Cronkite News of Arizona Public Broadcasting was on hand to prepare a story and conduct interviews for broadcast in the near future. As sunset occurred the excitement was building for a wonderful night of stargazing at the Park. Local musicians entertained the very large crowd with the Big Dipper overhead.

The last Park visitors left at 11:44 PM, with the final telescope leaving the Park at 1:00 AM Sunday morning.

This was an incredible event at Oracle State Park, an IDA "International Dark Sky Park", with everyone enjoying a night under the dark sky in Oracle. Many thanks to the individuals and businesses who made this wonderful experience possible!

Photos by Mike Weasner

Cronkite News of Arizona PBS did a video story about the Star Party in Oracle in September. The story starts at 11:13. (Unfortunately they got Mike Weasner's name wrong.)

Click to view the video story

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