Saturday, 17 January 2026, a star party was held at Oracle State Park, a DarkSky International "International Dark Sky Park" since 2014. The sky was clear, providing an awesome view of the Galiuro Mountains to the east for early visitors to the Park.

The Sun set at the Park at 5:14 PM.

Sam Miller of the DarkSky Southern Arizona Chapter talked with visitors about Light Pollution and the importance of protecting the night sky.

There was a lovely view of the Galiuro Mountains with shadows from the Catalina Mountains as the Sun set.

The "Belt of Venus" (the bands of color along the horizon) in the eastern sky was impressive this evening.

Park visitors began gathering on the Kannally Ranch House patio.

As darkness fell, Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association members began showing planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies through their telescopes.

Park Rangers Dylan Bastian and Malana Starr provided Light Pollution and Astronomy activities in the Kannally Ranch House living room. Past images from the Park's electronic telescope were shown on the living room wall.

As the sky became darker, visitors began looking up at the beautiful Oracle State Park night sky and enjoying views through the telescopes.

Other Park visitors enjoyed being on the Ranch House patio beneath the stars and talking with friends.

The Star Party was a fun and educational event for the 180 adults and children who attended. They really got to appreciate our night sky as seen from Oracle State Park Center for Environmental Education.

Many thanks to members of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for providing telescopes and expertise, and to the DarkSky Southern Arizona Chapter for educating visitors about the harmful affects of Artificial Light At Night and offering solutions to reduce and eliminate Light Pollution.

Photos by Mike Weasner.

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