Since its formation in April 2014, the Oracle Dark Skies Committee has been attending various events around Oracle and Pinal County to talk about its work to have Oracle State Park designated as an "International Dark Sky Park". The Committee also does public outreach on the effects of Light Pollution and how everyone can help reduce the problem and save money as well. Selected past events are mentioned here.

If you would like a Committee member to talk to your company, organization, or group of local residents, please contact Mike Weasner (520-289-3402 or mweasner@mac.com).

Live Music Concert and Star Party in the Park, Oracle State Park, Sunday, 25 September 2016

Beginning at 4pm Heather "Lil Mama" Hardy, a soulful female electronic blues violinist, and her band began performing on the upper patio of the Kannally Ranch House to a crowd of Park visitors. Some clouds threatened during the afternoon but the sky began clearing as the time of the event approached.

The Oracle Dark Skies Committee set up an information table and a telescope. Here are ODSC members (left to right) Mike, Kay, Evaline (seated), and Wendy. Not in the photo is Chip.

This panorama of the Ranch House Patio shows the band beneath a canopy (left), attendees, the Kannally Ranch House, a telescope, and the ODSC information table:

With the prospects of clear skies after sunset improving, one of the Park's telescopes was also set up, as seen at the right in this photo:

After the band completed its last number at 6pm to the excited and well-entertained Park visitors, Mike Weasner of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee made an announcement about an upcoming event and reminded everyone of telescope viewing after sunset.

As the Sun set the two telescopes were initially pointed at the planet Venus, providing several of the visitors the opportunity to see the planet that was shining brightly in the western sky. As the evening progressed, the planets Saturn and Mars were also viewed through the telescopes. The last remaining Park visitors were thrilled to be viewing these objects in the sky, and reluctantly had to leave at 7pm, thus ending the star party.

Thanks to the Friends of Oracle State Park and ODSC members for the event support.

Photos by Mike Weasner, Oracle Dark Skies Committee.

Past Events - 2016
Past Events - 2015
Past Events - 2014

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