On Saturday, 14 September 2024, a talk and star party was held at Oracle State Park, our local International Dark Sky Park.

During the daytime, there were a lot of clouds in the sky over Oracle, but the forecasts were for less clouds at night. An hour before sunset there was a small rainshower to the northeast and the Moon was playing hide-n-seek with the clouds.

Mouseover or tap on the photograph for a pointer to the Moon

As sunset approached, the Moon would occasionally be visible.

Just after the Sun had set, Park Ranger Michael Bain introduced the special guest speaker Jim O'Conner from the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. Jim gave a wonderful "Twilight Talk". He talked about sky viewing at twilight and what would be seen after the sky was darker. He also eloquently described how ancient cultures around the world viewed the night sky.

Saturday, 14 September 2024, was "International Observe the Moon Night", but the Moon seemed reluctant to make an appearance.

However, as the talk ended the sky was mostly clear! The Park visitors were able to enjoy views of the Moon, Venus, Saturn, star clusters, double stars, and some nebulae through the several telescopes set up by members of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association.

The views through an "electronic telescope" provided a unique opportunity to see night sky objects, even very faint ones. When looking into the eyepiece of the telescope, a Park visitor could see the Eagle Nebula and the "Pillars of Creation". (Handheld iPhone photo.)

This is the same view displayed on a tablet next to the telescope.

The Moon through one of the other telescopes on "International Observe the Moon Night". (Handheld iPhone photo.)

The Star Party ended at 9:30pm. The late afternoon clouds probably kept many people from driving to Oracle State Park, thinking the star party would be clouded out. But for the 80 visitors who took the chance, they were treated to a wonderful talk, great views through the telescopes, and the opportunity to be out "under the stars" at beautiful Oracle State Park.

Many thanks to Jim O'Connor and the members of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for supporting Oracle State Park.

Photos by Mike Weasner

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