By David Bullock
The groundbreaking ceremony event for the International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC) in Fountain Hills, Arizona will start at 10:30am on April 8 just before the solar eclipse will occur in the sky over the area. IDSDC is next to Centennial Circle in Fountain Hills located at 12845 North La Montana Drive. The center will provide safety shades to everyone there. There will also be a large video display from a solar telescope to see the eclipse without the glasses.
Besides the general public, eclipse experts and elected leaders will be in attendance at the event. Attendees can listen to a DJ and receive a blessing from an elder of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation at the Fountain Hill Center as well. Tents, seating and refreshments will come from McCarthy Building Companies.
According to a press release by the IDSDC, “The International Dark Sky Discovery Center will be a 23,000 square foot facility and will include a planetarium, an observatory, an exhibit hall, a theater, and much more.”
The IDSDC describes itself by the following: “The multi-functional International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC) will focus on how dark sky preservation relates not only to astronomy, but also to the well-being of humans, plants, and animals. The non-profit IDSDC will be located in the world’s 17th International Dark Sky Community, Fountain Hills, Arizona. To learn how you can help bring this amazing project to life, and donation opportunities go to www.darkskycenter.org.”
The International Dark Sky Discovery Center is seeking donations as well as offering naming rights as it approaches its fundraising goals. Follow the link for details.