ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov

Star Parties at Catalina State Park and
Kartchner Caverns State Park on March 16

(Phoenix, Arizona - March 1, 2013) - Catalina State Park and Kartchner Caverns State Park will host separate Star Parties on Saturday, March 16, 2013.

The event at Kartchner Caverns State Park will start at 1pm. The "Afternoon Solar Viewing" and "Night Sky Network" info tent will be held from 1- 4pm. Joining the "Afternoon Solar Viewing" will be Lunt Solar Systems of Tucson. Dr. Tim Hunter will be the guest speaker in the Discovery Center at 5:30pm. His talk will include the discussion and photographs of wonders of the night sky and preservation of our dark skies. Evening star viewing will start at 6:30pm in the parking lot next to the Discovery Center. Visitors should a red light (to protect everyone's night vision), sweater or jacket. The Bat Cave Café and Gift Shop will be open until 8pm on this day. This event is supported by Huachuca Astronomy Club of Southeast Arizona.

The event at Catalina State Park will start at 6:30pm. Astronomers will answer questions and discuss the elements of the night sky as darkness descends. Visitors should meet at the main trailhead parking lot. When the night sky arrives, astronomers will volunteer their expertise and telescopes for visitors to view an assortment of night sky attractions including star clusters, galaxies and nebulae. Visitors should bring water, snacks, a red light (to protect everyone's night vision), sweater or jacket. This event is supported by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association.

Kartchner Caverns State Park's Entrance Fee is $6 per vehicle but is waived with a reservation for a tour. The guided tours inside the cave at Kartchner Caverns are the Rotunda/Throne Room Tour and the Big Room Tour. Both tours are $22.95 for adults aged 14 and older and $12.95 for children aged 7 to 13. Children aged 6 and younger are free for the Rotunda/Throne Room but are not allowed in the Big Room. Reservations for camping or cave tours can be made 24-hours-a-day at AZStateParks.com or by calling (520) 586-2283 between 8am and 5pm (Mountain Standard Time) seven days per week. Reservations are highly recommended for all cave tours. Cave Tour tickets must be picked up AT LEAST one hour prior to your scheduled tour. Kartchner Caverns State Park is located on Highway 90, nine miles south of I-10 near Benson, Arizona.

Catalina State Park's Entrance Fee is $7 per vehicle (up to four adults). Primitive to full hookup camping sites are available at a fee of $15 to $25 depending on the type of camping site needed. Catalina State Park is located on State Highway 77 (Oracle Road) at mile marker 81, just nine miles north of Tucson and six miles north of Ina Road.

For information about all 27 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703), visit the website and online camping reservations at AZStateParks.com, Twitter/Facebook AZStateParks.

-end-

Learn More About Catalina State Park (Learn More)
Learn More About Kartchner Caverns State Park (Learn More)

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http://azstateparks.com/press/2013/PR_03-01-13.html

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