Look to the dark skies in Pinal County

Pinal County is encouraging residents to take part in a Dark Sky Lights Out events across the county as part of International Dark Sky Week April 2-8.

At its March 20 meeting, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation adopting the week as "International Dark Sky Week" in Pinal County.

From 8:30 to 9 p.m., Monday, April 8, the supervisors are encouraging Pinal County residents to observe a 30-minute “Dark Skies Lights Out” event across the county. Residents will be asked to turn off all unnecessary lighting indoors and outdoors in their homes in order to reduce light pollution, “step outside and look up, and enjoy the beauty of the night sky and the wonders of our universe,” the county’s website stated.

Several events are planned around the county for the event:

• Dark Sky Hike, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, April 4 at Peralta Regional Park 17975 E. Peralta Road, Gold Canyon
• Dark Sky Lights Out Event Across Pinal County, 8:30-9 p.m., Monday, April 8, across the county
• Eclipse Viewing Event with Superstition Mountain Astronomical League 8 a.m.-noon, Monday, April 8, at the northwest corner of Basha’s Plaza in Gold Canyon
• Science is the Sky Party 8:30-9 p.m., Saturday, April 13, Oracle State Park, 3820 E. Wildlife Dive, Oracle
• STEAM Night, 5-7:30 p.m., Friday, April 19, Peralta Trails Elementary School, 10965 E. Peralta Road, Gold Canyon