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The stars just got a little closer for Valley skywatchers. The International Dark Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills installed metro Phoenix’s largest telescope.
In late September, the center’s observatory added a 27.5-inch PlaneWave CDK700, and it’s quite the astronomical powerhouse. The Valley’s first research-grade telescope, it’s remotely operable and features advanced astrophotography cameras.
It’s also a beast. Weighing 1,200 pounds, the massive telescope required an 89-foot crane for installation inside the Dark Sky Discovery Center’s observatory.
Dania Wright, the center’s education director, stated in a press release that the telescope will be used by both researchers and the public.
International Dark Sky Discovery Center
“With this telescope, visitors will be able to see planets, galaxies, nebulae and more in incredible detail,” Wright stated. “And since it is fully remotely operable, it will also connect the center to the global scientific community.”
The observatory and its research-grade telescope will anchor the Dark Sky Discovery Center. The 23,000-square-foot facility also includes a planetarium, a 150-seat theater and an exhibit hall with 60 interactive and static displays.
“Watching this architectural masterpiece rise from the ground up has been an awesome experience for our town,” Fountain Hills Mayor Gerry Friedel stated in the press release. “The community support for this project is truly amazing, and we can’t wait for its opening next summer.”
International Dark Sky Discovery Center
When is the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Discovery Center opening date?
The International Dark Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills is set to open in mid-2026. The $28 million facility is aimed at educating the public, supporting scientific research and promoting astrotourism.
Fountain Hills earned its Dark Sky Community designation in 2018 due to its distance from metro Phoenix’s light pollution. It’s the 17th International Dark Sky Community in the world. Since then, the northeast Valley town has become a popular destination for local stargazers, skywatchers and astrophotographers.
Back in March, the town hosted the first-ever Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival outside the center. The evening-long event featured science exhibits and activities, stargazing opportunities and an appearance by NASA astronaut Chris Birch.
