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The Summer Solstice Celebration at Oracle State Park will be held on the patio of the Kannally House. John
On Saturday, June 21, 2014, celebrate the summer solstice at Oracle State Park with live music and stargazing as the park extends its hours and presents the Tucson band “Undercover” starting at 6 p.m. and telescopes aimed at the skies from 8 to 10 p.m.
Mars and Saturn will be on view, the asteroids Ceres and Vesta, plus star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. During the evening, the Milky Way will rise over the eastern horizon.
“Undercover” is a variety dance band known for great sound in an eclectic mix of songs and styles from the ’60s through today. Tunes range from the Beatles to Van Morrison to the Stones, usually with a bit of jazz and country tossed in.
Visitors are welcome to bring a personal telescope, and are encouraged to bring their picnic and beverages, a comfortable outdoor chair, and flashlight.
The event, free with park admission of $7 per car, is being presented in collaboration with Friends of Oracle State Park and the Oracle Dark Skies Committee. The Committee will be on hand to discuss its work to have Oracle State Park designated a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Assn.
The park is open year around on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekdays for group reservations. Information about this and other summer events, plus driving directions to the park, is at www.azStateParks.com/Parks/ORAC.
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