On Saturday, 7 November 2026, a star party was held at Oracle State Park, a DarkSky International "International Dark Sky Park" since 2014.

During the late afternoon the sky was mostly clear, with some strong breezes.

Residents of the Park were active.

Courtesy of the Friends of Oracle State Park, local Oracle musician Fred Terry, performed acoustic folk music on the ranch house patio.

The setting Sun showed off the dramatic Galiuro Mountains to the east of the Park. Clouds over the mountains wanted to join the Party.

Sam Miller of the DarkSky Southern Arizona (an official Chapter of DarkSky International) was available to discuss the importance of protecting our beautiful dark sky.

Members of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association began setting their telescopes and binoculars for the Star Party.

Deb Gaines, President of the Friends of Oracle State Park, spoke about the Park and the Friends support to the Park.

As the sky became darker, Park visitors began enjoying the views of stars, star clusters, nebula, galaxies, and the planet Saturn and its beautiful Ring through the telescopes and binoculars.

When the music stopped, Park Ranger Michael Bain thanked everyone for coming out to the Park.

The Star Party continued. Visitors were thrilled to see the Milky Way in the Park's dark sky.

The clouds that had been over the Galiuro Mountains at sunset decided they had to get in on the fun at the Star Party.

By 7:30pm the sky was almost completely overcast. The Star Party ended 30 minutes before its scheduled ending time. But the clouds had not detracted from what the 70 adults and children experienced at Oracle State Park on a cool night.

Thanks to members of the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and to the Friends of Oracle State Park for supporting Oracle State Park.

Photos by Mike Weasner.

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