Star Party at Oracle State Park

Oracle State Park

Saturday, April 4   6:30-9:30 p.m.

Join us for a special evening of stargazing, music, astronomy talks, and fish tacos at Oracle State Park, an official International Dark Sky Park!

6:00-9:00pm: Delicious food and drinks will be available for purchase from La Bufadora Food Truck! They will be set up in the ranch house parking lot serving fish & shrimp tacos, sides & drinks. 

6:30-7:30pm: Hear from leading dark sky advocates and professionals as they talk about topics including protecting our dark skies, astro archaeology, and the discovery of Pluto. We are privileged to be hearing from Tim Hunter, co-founder of DarkSky International; John Barentine, with Dark Sky Consulting; and David Eicher, Editor Emeritus at Astronomy Magazine. Their informative presentations will take place on the ranch house patio as the sun sets. 

7:30-8:30pm: During the first hour of stargazing, enjoy ambient, immersive, meditative music from musician Jamie Miller (Hypnopad) who will be set up on the ranch house patio. His electronic, rhythmic music will be special to experience under some of Arizona's darkest skies. 

7:30-9:30pm: Once the sky is dark, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) will guide you through the night sky with several telescopes set up just outside the ranch house. View planets, stars, and deep space objects through high-powered telescopes and learn from knowledgeable, local astronomers! 

Bring folding chairs if you'd like a guaranteed seat—patio space is limited and fills up quickly.

This star party is free with regular day-use admission or an annual state parks pass, and does not require registration.

Questions? Call the park at 520-896-2425 or email Ranger Michael at mbain@azstateparks.gov.