Saturday, 8 June 2024, a Concert and Star Party was held at Oracle State Park, our local International Dark Sky Park.

The sky was partly cloudy in the late afternoon, but the clouds only added to the incredible scenic view from the Park.

Sam Miller from the DarkSky Southern Arizona Chapter had a table with literature about protecting the night sky.

As sunset approached the sky began clearing. Park visitors were treated to a "sundog" in the western sky.

Before the Concert began, Mike Weasner, local Park Volunteer and Dark Sky Advocate announced that Ranger Ethan Finch was leaving Oracle State Park to assume the position of Assistant Park Manager at Picacho Peak State Park. This was his last event at Oracle. Mike noted that during Ethan's time at Oracle State Park, he had been instrumental in expanding many programs at the Park, including star parties. Mike thanked Ethan, who wasn't on the patio since he was at the Park gate, for his support to the Park. He received a round of applause from the visitors.

Then Oracle State Park Ranger Michael Bain introduced local musical duo Acoustic West, who provided a concert of acoustic folk and Americana tunes. A pretty sunset with a thin crescent Moon provided a nice backdrop for their performance on the Kannally Ranch House patio.

After sunset, members of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) set up several telescopes for viewing the crescent Moon, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies (including one with a supernova).

The two "electronic telescopes" showed nice views of several objects, including Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS (C/2023 A3) and the Needle Galaxy (NGC4565).

As the sky became darker, the 108 visitors continued to enjoy the views through the telescopes and being under the dark sky at Oracle State Park.

Wind and clouds began increasing about 9:30pm, but that did not deter everyone from staying at the Park for another 30 minutes.

Thanks to the staff from Arizona State Parks & Trails and TAAA for another wonderful star party event at Oracle State Park.

Photos by Mike Weasner

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