The skies of southern Arizona are famous for clear, dark nights, perfectly suited to the study of the heavens. Whether by the glow of a full moon or the sparkle of stars, Tumacácori is a beautiful place to enjoy the night. Beginning with the first Starry Saturday on Sept. 12, Tumacácori National Historical Park will again open its doors to visitors on selected evenings.
Once each month from September through April, the park will open after dark with special programs under either a full moon or a starry, moonless sky. For this first Starry Saturday onSept. 12, the park will be open as usual from9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., then will reopen between the hours of7:00 and 9:00 p.m.for visitors to enjoy the beautiful, dark skies of a moonless night on the grounds of the historic Tumacácori Mission church. A free, candle-lit tour, "What Did Father Kino See?" will be offered at7:30.
Visitors are encouraged to bring flashlights, binoculars, and cameras.
Admission to the park is $5.00 per adult, free for federal pass holders and children under age 16. For more information, call the visitor center at (520) 377-5060, or visit the park website at nps.gov/tuma.
Tags: night sky stars moon kino mission evening program
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
