Arizona State Parks & Trails: Star Party at Kartchner Caverns

oin Kartchner Caverns, an International Dark Sky Park, for a Star Party on April 18 to celebrate International Dark Sky Week! Before night sky viewing through high-powered telescopes begins, listen to a presentation by Ted Blank, “Light Pollution: Why Should I Care?” This talk will discuss the importance of protecting our dark skies through smart lighting to help nighttime pollinators (like bats), nocturnal animals, migrating birds, and human health. After our talk, we’ll enjoy this International Dark Sky Park by viewing stars, planets, and other wonders of the dark and natural night sky. The Star Party is free but standard park entry fees apply. Program is weather permitting. About our speaker: Ted Blank has been a NASA Solar System Ambassador since 2010, communicating the science and excitement of space exploration missions and discoveries to people in his community. He is a past President of the New Hampshire Astronomical Society and a current member of the Board of Directors of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills, Arizona slated to open in late 2026. Ted bought his first telescope in 2007 and still frequently sets one up on the sidewalk to share the views with the public. He is a retired IT professional, having spent more than 35 years as a performance analyst with IBM and Oracle. He currently lives in Fountain Hills with his wife Peggy. Program Schedule 1 p.m. - Daytime solar viewing 5 p.m. - Presentation “Light Pollution: Why Should I Care?” 7 p.m. - Telescope viewing