As a Board member of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association, I am submitting this letter as Part 6 in a seven-part community education series, which is required by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) for Fountain Hills to achieve the prestigious Dark Sky Community designation.

The benefits of Dark Sky Community (DSC) designation are many. First, we have residents who have purchased a home in our community specifically because it has dark skies, yet is close to a large city. With the addition of DSC designation (thus far, only 14 communities world-wide with this recognition), Fountain Hills will receive statewide and national publicity.

Consequently, some of the millions in this country alone interested in astronomy will hear about Fountain Hills for the first time. They will learn about our dark skies, our Fountain, our mountain views, our festivals, our sculptures, our golf courses and much more. Undoubtedly, some will move here.

Second, if you add the rare and prestigious DSC designation to our Town’s other phenomenal attributes, Fountain Hills will have a truly unique identity that can be promoted in a very positive way.

Third, astro-tourism is on the rise worldwide and with DSC designation, Fountain Hills would have a big advantage. Already, people from Fountain Hills and beyond are coming to the monthly star parties co-sponsored by the Fountain Hills Library and Fountain Hills Astronomy Club.

Fourth, Dark Sky Community designation will be a catalyst for the possibility of building a public observatory in Fountain Hills, which would likely draw tourists and residents from throughout the metropolitan area to experience our night skies.

Lastly, DSC designation will call attention to our dark skies, thus aiding our efforts to educate the community about smart lighting practices.

More information is available at our website: fhdarksky.com.