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We are in the thick of the winter visitor season here in Tucson. Every year we hear from the flock of new visitors about how dark it is here once the sun goes down.
Tucson being dark after dark, maybe I should say, dark after sunset, has a lot to do with the local astronomical observatories Kitt Peak National Observatory is probably the best known. Silicon Owl is a great site showing a host of other observatories in and around Tucson. Scroll down and you will see the map and photos of some of the many observatories around Tucson.
We are also home to the International Dark-Sky Association or (IDA). They are an international organization dedicated to keeping the skies dark. Check out there site to learn more about the benefits of darkness to the earth and ourselves.
I just stepped outside and took this picture. It is 10:20 PM. I know it doesn’t look like much, just darkness, and a few dim stars. That is what it is like here.
Pretty impressive isn’t it.
I know some of you think I made this in a graphics program, nope, this is an actual picture I just took from my back patio. It is really that dark, even with all the christmas lights up right now. It is even darker when the lights go down in early January.
If you love looking at the stars, being close to others that feel the same and you want access to some good astronomy clubs, shops, and observatories you just might want to make Tucson your home town.
Dear Administrators,
I’m a writer and I’m researching a possible article on star gazers who buy 2nd homes, or vacation homes in areas with dark sky ordinances. Do you know if of any communities near dark sky areas that are developed for astronomers?
Thanks,
Maria Finn
phone: (347) 342-7662
website: http://www.mariafinndominguez.com
Maria,
I don’ t know of any entire communities set up specifically for astronomers.
There are quite a few astronomers around town. Most that are serious buy
an acreage out of town and build their homes where it is really dark.
Tucson is one of those rare communities with Kitt Peak observatory nearby
it does all it can as a town to keep the sky as dark as it can for the observatories.
Sorry I couldn’t provide you with more information.
Here is the link to the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association. http://www.tucsonastronomy.org/
There might be a member there who can shed more light (pun intended) on the subject.
Sorry this reply is late- I just stub,ed upon it because I am an amateur astronomer and am looking for dark sky real estate. Yes there are a number of communities throughout the country dedicated to astronomers- one is in Arizona- Arizona Sky Village. Another is Chiefland in Chiefland FLorida and a recent addition is Deer Lick in Georgia. We astronomers are finding it harder and harder to find and enjoy dark skies.
Mike,
Good information is always timely. Thanks for the comment.
Wow, now thats dark and pretty darn scary.
My brother has a Dark Sky / Astonomy community in the Bib Bend Region of Texas that is close to the McDonald Observatory. http://www.sierralarana.com/astronomy.php
Gary,
Thanks for the information. Always glad to let people know of Dark Sky communities.
I just moved to Oro Valley, AZ and am finding more things to love about it here all the time. I just started stargazing and am thrilled about how dark my neighborhood is! Even though I live only minutes from a major road and shopping center, I haven’t seen stars this good since I lived in southern Florida before there was any development.
Dee,
We live in Oro Valley as well. Nice to see the stars at night indeed. We have several friends who have telescopes and love viewing the night skies from here in Tucson.
Quick question. Is the slimfit101 site yours? I do a lot of WordPress development and find it an interesting use of WordPress for a business site.
Hope you will enjoy Oro Valley for a long time.
Dave
Yes, that is one of many sites I have. I write the content and my husband handles the technical aspect of our sites. I found your site looking for information on dark sky ordinances in Tucson. I was emailing back east to my friends about one more reason I love Tucson! I’m signing up for your RSS feed – I like that you write about a variety of topics. I’ve been here two weeks so I’ve got A LOT to learn!