Saturday, 14 February 2026, a special Valentine's Day Star Party was held at Oracle State Park, a DarkSky International "International Dark Sky Park" since 2014. Some clouds were in the sky in the late afternoon, as seen in these views of the Galiuro Mountains to the east and the Kannally Ranch House.

Members of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association began setting up their telescopes.

As the Sun was setting, the sky was clearing. The Galiuro Mountains to the east turned red.

Park Ranger Michael Bain introduced the musicians for this special Valentine's Day event: Wendy Sweet (singer/entertainer) and Chuck Sweet (roadie/sound engineer). With a 25 year career as a radio personality, Wendy is very much at home behind a microphone. She has performed as a professional singer for over 35 years at a variety of venues, including the finest resorts in Sedona and Tucson. She has sung the National Anthem numerous times for audiences of up to 14,000 people, and currently entertains at private parties, conventions, benefits, service clubs, community events, retirement communities, and state parks.

The DarkSky Southern Arizona Chapter was available to discuss the importance of protecting the Night Sky like we have at Oracle State Park.

As the sky became darker, Park visitors began enjoying being out under the stars and looking at planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies through the telescopes.

An hour after sunset everyone was treated to a SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Although some thin cirrus clouds were in the sky, the enthusiasm of the 150 park visitors who experienced our dark sky was not dampened.

Even with the thin cirrus clouds, a Sky Quality Measurement taken after the event ended at 9:15pm was 21.12. The measurement was reported to the Globe at Night.

Thanks to members of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and to the DarkSky Southern Arizona Chapter for supporting Oracle State Park.

Photos by Mike Weasner.

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