Why is Arizona such a wonderful place for stargazing? Clear skies and diverse geography set the stage, and many of our communities provide sound stewardship for Dark Skies. Fun fact: The 'Four Corners' region of the United States has the most IDA Dark Sky Communities in the world. In fact, Arizona has 20 dark-sky communities, places, and parks, two of which are National Parks (Grand Canyon & Petrified Forest).
Arizona also boasts 12 Dark Sky Parks, defined by the IDA as lands with "exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment." The most famous of these is Grand Canyon National Park, where remarkably beautiful night skies lend draw-dropping credence to the Park Service's reminder that "half the park is after dark."
Why is Arizona such a wonderful place for stargazing? The simple answer: good weather, mountainous geography and sound stewardship. On a clear night, you can see Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and the Andromeda galaxy. The sky is awash in stars, double stars and star clusters.
"Arizona has been a preferred location for astronomers—professional and amateurs—since the early 1900s," says Mike Weasner, an astrophysicist who helped Oracle State Park earn dark-sky status. "It's due to generally good weather and the mountains to get above the thicker portion of the atmosphere."
Mountains also shield dark-sky oases from urban skyglow. In the case of Oracle State Park, which is only 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Tucson, the Santa Catalina Mountains block out the city lights. Likewise, Fountain Hills, an exurb on the northern flank of metro Phoenix, enjoys surprisingly dark nights thanks to the rocky veil provided by McDowell Mountains.
Across Arizona, on rugged public lands and inside scenic city limits, the visitor experience doesn't end at sunset. Because this state, so synonymous with sunshine and blue sky, is equally spectacular when the stars come out.
