The annual Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival will take place later today. For a list of all the activities follow this link.
This event will feature live music, food trucks, a “Star Party & Laser Tour of the Stars,” nocturnal animals, guest speakers and more from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 30 at the Fountain Hills Community Center, located at 13001 N. La Montana Dr.
The festival is happening about a week before the largest eclipse watching party in Arizona that will take place April 8 at 10:30 a.m. It coincides with the groundbreaking ceremony for the International Dark Sky Discovery Center. More than 300 people are expected to attend the eclipse watching party.
Both the Dark Sky Festival and the eclipse watching party celebrate Fountain Hills’ special status as the 17th community worldwide to have been designated an International Dark Sky Community. It’s one of the very few to be so close to a metropolitan area.
The eclipse watching party on April 8 will take place at the future home of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center, located at 12845 N. La Montana Dr. in Fountain Hills.
Organizers will be providing protective eyewear to view the eclipse. There will also be a specialized solar telescope to display a live view of the eclipse on a large monitor. Eclipse experts will be on hand to explain the science of an eclipse as well as guidance on how to safely view it. A live DJ will be there playing space and sci-fi themed music for this community celebration. More than 300 people are expected to attend the eclipse watching party.
The multi-functional International Dark Sky Discovery Center will focus on how dark sky preservation relates not only to astronomy, but also to the well-being of humans, plants and animals. To learn more, including donation opportunities, visit darkskycenter.org.
