Oracle State Park held an Earth Day and International Dark Sky Week Celebration on Saturday, 22 April 2023.

The day began with a "Bird Walk Experience" given by Mary Ellen Flynn.

That was followed by an Oracle State Park "Geology Tour" conducted by Tom Buckley, Oracle State Park volunteer geologist.

The morning ended with "Snake Encounters" given by volunteer herpetologist Dennis Jex from Picacho Peak State Park. Visitors were able to cuddle with some snakes!

The afternoon began with a talk by David Levy. David spoke about love of the night sky and his first comet discovery. He also talked about his new book Clipper, Cosmos, and Children: Finding the Eureka Moment.

David's talk was followed by Mike Weasner, Oracle State Park Dark Sky Advocate, who noted that this was the 9th year that Oracle State Park has celebrated becoming an IDA "International Dark Sky Park". He also talked about the problems of Light Pollution and that the community of Oracle was planning to pursue the designation as an "International Dark Sky Community".

Dave Coward, President of Gold Canyon Community Inc, then read a Pinal County Proclamation in honor of International Dark Sky Week. Many thanks to Dave and his team for working with the County Board of Supervisors on the Proclamation.

Click to view a larger version (PDF)

David Levy introduced Tim Hunter, Co-founder of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) who gave an "Astronomy 101" talk based on his new book The Sky at Night.

Local geology is an important aspect of Oracle State Park and southeastern Arizona. A "Ribbon Cutting" ceremony was held for the newly created Oracle State Park Geology Trail. Many thanks to Tom Buckley and the Friends of Oracle State Park (FOSP) for all the effort involved to make the Geology Trail an important addition to the park. Ethan Finch, Oracle State Park, had the honor of cutting the ribbon.

The last daytime event was "Music on the Trail" with several local musicians entertaining park visitors as they walked the Geology Trail.

Food services were provided in the afternoon by Malta Joe and the Sweet Coqui.

The celebrations concluded with a "Star Party" after sunset. Telescopes were provided by members of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA). Some clouds in the sky provided a pretty sunset and some musicians on the Kannally Ranch House patio added to the enjoyment of visitors.

A crescent Moon and the planet Venus were visible in the western sky.

Mouseover or tap on image for a pointer to Venus

As the sky became darker and the stars began appearing, visitors began looking through the telescopes at the Moon, Venus, Mars, stars, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies, and of course, just enjoying being outside under the beautiful night sky at Oracle State Park.

Many thanks to the Park Staff, FOSP, park volunteers, TAAA, the speakers, food vendors, musicians, and park visitors for making this day and night a wonderful experience for everyone!

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