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The patio at Kannally Ranch House, Oracle State Park, will be the site of a stargazing event Jan. 24 to celebrate the park’s new International Dark-Sky designation. John Hernandez | Crier
As part of the community celebration for Oracle State Park’s designation as an International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) Park, a “Star Party” is set for Saturday, Jan. 24, at the park starting at 3 p.m. with live music and continuing into the evening with sky viewing through telescopes. All activities are free with park admission.
The park was recently granted the designation and is only the twentieth park in the entire world so named. IDA’s dark skies program aims to designate and “protect locations of exceptional nighttime visages for future generations.”
Oracle’s own “Drumension” band will provide music in the Kannally Ranch House living room, introducing their electronic drumscapes from 3-5 p.m. Full information about the work of the Oracle Dark Skies Committee, headed by Michael Weasner, will be available.
A presentation on “Ancient Native American Astronomical Practices” will begin at 5PM with Ken Zoll of the Arizona Humanities Council. It is widely known that seasonal calendars became the foundation of early cultures for hunting and gathering, planting and harvesting, worshipping and celebrating. This cultural astronomy program will describe the diverse ways in which prehistoric native American cultures perceived and integrated objects in the sky into their world view.
After dark, outdoor heaters and the patio fire pit will be lit and telescopes will be set up for public viewing by local astronomy buffs including the SaddleBrooke Stargazing Club. All are invited to sip hot apple cider and hot chocolate, compliments of Friends of Oracle State Park.
The park entrance is on Mt. Lemmon Rd; admission is $7 per car. More information at 520-896-2425 or visit www.azstateparks.com/Parks/ORAC for details of many upcoming events.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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