“We talk about how lucky we are to be living in Flagstaff because we have these dark skies that few others in the world can enjoy so easily.”
The Coconino Astronomical Society is a local non-profit organization made up of about 80 members that has been around for more than 20 years. Some are professional astronomers, some are retired, some are amateur astronomers and some just love the starry view into the universe, but all are passionate about conserving the dark skies resource.
“Truly dark skies are a rapidly disappearing natural resource that a majority of the world’s population doesn’t get to enjoy and isn’t even aware of until they actually come to a dark skies site like the Southwest or some of our National Parks,” said Klaus Brasch, a retired Cal State biology professor and amateur astronomer. “When they do see a truly dark sky like we enjoy, the experience is often emotional and sometimes spiritual as well as scientific. To be in that situation, people often become aware of how small and precious Earth is and how much is out there that most people don’t realize.”
It may surprise residents to know that, like other CAS members, Brasch owns an observatory and several high powered telescopes. In fact, there’s a whole Northern Arizona community of individuals with serious stargazing gear and others around the region who travel here when they can.
For Brasch and other members of the Coconino Astronomical Society, goals include reaching out to the public whenever they can to share information about astronomy and dark skies. The volunteers provide free monthly talks in collaboration with Lowell Observatory about topics such as how to use a telescope, life in the universe, night photography and space exploration.
“We try to seize every opportunity we have to engage the public schools and participate in small star parties, even in the daytime with the use of sun telescopes,” he said. “We talk about how lucky we are to be living in Flagstaff because we have these dark skies that few others in the world can enjoy so easily.”
One of the most visible events that CAS members participate in is the annual Flagstaff Star Party, a free three-night experience each fall in Buffalo Park. The event, hosted and implemented by the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, is largely supported by knowledgeable local telescope hosts who are members of the CAS and often the Coalition as well, who bring their own telescopes and give of their time and expertise to share their love of the universe with residents and visitors of all ages.
“Those who experience Flagstaff’s dark skies for the first time are in absolute awe,” said Brasch.
In addition, the Coconino Astronomical Society was supportive in Flagstaff’s 2001 designation as the First International Dark Sky City. “I think the city has become increasingly interested in the dark sky attraction,” said Brasch. “It brings people here from all over the world because they know this is the place to go.”
For an unwavering passion for the universe and a commitment to providing public education and awareness about the dark skies resource, the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition applauds and appreciates the enthusiastic efforts of the Coconino Astronomical Society and proclaims this local non-profit organization an important Flagstaff Dark Skies Champion. FBN
