For those looking to explore the world amongst the stars, Scottsdale’s Dark Sky Community certification, clear skies and lack of light pollution make it the perfect place to start.

Offering incredible star gazing all year round, space enthusiasts and astronomers flock to this desert city to experience Scottsdale’s wonder first-hand. In light of this, a new nonprofit STEM-based International Dark Sky Discovery Center, Groundbreaking, will soon be underway in Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, and is slated to open in March 2024.

The Discovery Center will have a Dark Sky Observatory, Hyperspace Planetarium, Inspiration Theater, a Night Sky Experience Exhibit Hall, and an Einstein Exploration Station; it will also boast the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix Area.

The new Center reinforces Arizona’s commitment to expanding visitors’ understanding of the universe and opens up many research and learning opportunities to locals and travellers alike.

Part of the mission of the Discovery Center is to help preserve dark skies, an important objective for the astronomy state of Arizona and Scottsdale, which is much-loved as a dark sky destination. The Discovery Center is a 23,000 sq. ft. nonprofit STEM science facility.

Its STEM science mission of dark sky preservation relates to astronomy research, the protection of nocturnal animals, and human health.

Travellers and locals are often found stargazing at The ADERO Scottsdale Resort, which is equipped with high-definition telescopes. Guests are also able to partake in ADERO’s signature night sky program, “Find Your Way,” which showcases the resort’s unique ability to navigate their way through our expansive universe.

On select evenings, the Star Dudes, who are notorious for their extensive knowledge of astronomy, are on hand to help spot all the right consolations and educate on the awe-inspiring solar system.

For those wanting to venture off-the-beaten-path, other extraordinary places to Stargaze in Scottsdale include the Verde River Area, Saguaro Lake and Mcdowell Mountain Regional Park, where there are plenty of well-marked picnic and camping areas set up for an unforgettable evening underneath Arizona’s magnificent starry skies.

For more information, please visit www.experiencescottsdale.com.

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