“Flagstaff’s leadership in protecting our dark skies makes it the ideal place to celebrate,” said FDSC Interim Executive Director Dr. Danielle Adams.
As a warm-up to the official week, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is offering a presentation in the Lava Flow Trail Amphitheater, followed by a constellation tour and stargazing with telescopes. The evening’s activities are free, beginning at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 19, coinciding with the start of National Park Week.
Throughout the week, highlights include:
- Monday, April 21: At 7 p.m., at the Coconino Center for the Arts, the Dark Sky Quartet will perform “The Planets and Beyond,” arranged for the string quartet by David Koerner and presented in partnership with Creative Flagstaff. The musical selections in the CCA Theater will be accompanied by projections of the planets and other celestial objects, followed by stargazing outdoors on the grounds of CCA.
- Wednesday, April 23: Mother Road Brewing Company will unveil its special edition craft beer to commemorate Flagstaff’s starlit skies at 7 p.m., with telescope viewing to follow outside on the patio.
- Thursday, April 24: “Starlight in the Square,” a curated evening of stargazing and local flavors is planned on Heritage Square, presented in partnership with the Downtown Business Alliance and the Downtown Flagstaff Foundation. The event begins at sunset with heavy hors d’oeuvres and specialty drinks themed to dark skies. As the twilight skies darken, Heritage Square will take on the warm, intimate glow of amber lighting as the Square’s lamps are doused and atmospheric music fills the air. Guests can experience laser-guided tours of the night sky throughout the evening and close-up views of Mars, Jupiter and other celestial objects through telescopes on the Square. Tickets are available at downtownflagstaff.org/events/starlight-in-the-square.
- Friday, April 25: The Museum of Northern Arizona will offer stargazing after hours.
- Saturday, April 26: The Orpheum Theater, site of the 17th Annual Viola Awards presented by Creative Flagstaff, will open its patio to telescope viewing after the awards program for ticketed Viola Awards attendees. For tickets, visit creativeflagstaff.org/viola/2025-viola-awards/.
- Sunday, April 27: The week will conclude under the stars with free laser-guided star tours and telescope viewing at Buffalo Park, 7:30-10 p.m.
“Flagstaff’s leadership in protecting our dark skies makes it the ideal place to celebrate,” said FDSC Interim Executive Director Dr. Danielle Adams. “This week is an invitation for the community and visitors alike to experience the wonder of the stars, learn why protecting our night skies matters and discover how other cities can bring back the Milky Way to their night skies, too!”
The Coalition is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year as an organization that has been instrumental in bringing awareness of the importance of dark skies to Northern Arizona and showcasing Flagstaff’s efforts to preserve its dark starry nights as a model for other cities to follow. “We are excited to show others what they can do when an urban sky has been protected from increasing artificial skyglow,” said Adams. Special 25th anniversary FDSC T-shirts will be available at select International Dark Sky Week events.
“You can bring back the Milky Way almost anywhere by following Flagstaff’s model and you don’t have to give up a thriving economy or safety to do it,” added FDSC President Chris Luginbuhl. “Our challenge is getting people to believe it’s actually possible!” FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
The full schedule and event details can be found at flagstaffdarkskies.org/international-dark-sky-week. The Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition envisions a world where everyone can see the Milky Way where they live. Since its founding in 2000, the Coalition has worked with the community in Flagstaff and beyond to protect Northern Arizona’s skies for future generations. FDSC is dedicated to reconnecting people to the awe and wonder of a starlit sky by nurturing and celebrating the dark-sky ethos of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona and by educating and advocating for the restoration of starlit skies in other communities, using Flagstaff as a model. More information about FDSC is available at flagstaffdarkskies.org.
Courtesy Photo: Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition hosts cosmic activities in recognition of International Dark Sky Week and the Coalition’s 25th anniversary.
Leave a Reply