Star Parties at Catalina State Park on April 19 and Lost Dutchman State Park on April 26

(Phoenix, Arizona - April 8, 2014) - Catalina State Park (Tucson) will hold a Star Party on Saturday, April 19, 2014 and Lost Dutchman State Park (Apache Junction) will hold a Star Party on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Families are welcome to come spend an evening and observe the wonders of the night sky through astronomers' telescopes. For either Star Party, participants should bring water, snacks, a red light (to protect everyone's night vision), sweater or jacket.

Catalina State Park's Star Party will start at 6:30 p.m. Astronomers from the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will be onsite to answer questions and discuss the elements of the night sky as darkness descends. Visitors should meet at the main trailhead parking lot. When the night sky arrives, astronomers will volunteer their expertise and telescopes for visitors to view an assortment of night sky attractions including star clusters, galaxies and nebulae.

Lost Dutchman State Park's Star Party will start at 7 p.m. and be hosted by the Superstition Astronomical League. Members of the "League" will provide telescopic views of astronomical objects and will answer questions about astronomy and astronomical equipment. This is an opportunity to see the moon, planets, star clusters, galaxies and other phenomena using sophisticated telescopes and talk with very knowledgeable and experienced local astronomers. Participants should meet at the Saguaro Day-Use area.

Catalina State Park's Entrance Fee is $7 per vehicle (up to four adults). Primitive to full hookup camping sites are available at a fee of $15 to $30 depending on the type of camping site needed. For more information about Catalina State Park call (520) 628-5798 or visit AZStateParks.com/parks/CATA. Catalina State Park is located on State Highway 77 (Oracle Road) at mile marker 81, just nine miles north of Tucson and six miles north of Ina Road.

Lost Dutchman State Park's Entrance Fee is $7 per vehicle (up to four adults). Primitive to full hookup camping sites are available at a fee of $15 to $30 depending on the type of camping site needed. For more information about Lost Dutchman State Park call (480) 982-4485 or visit AZStateParks.com/parks/LODU. Lost Dutchman State Park is located off of Highway 88 (Apache Trail North) just outside of Apache Junction, AZ.

Arizona State Parks' astronomy program has been in operation for more than five years. The program continues to grow with 10 parks currently participating. Video is available for viewing on our website at AZStateParks.com/find/starparty and gives a good introduction to Star Night activities. Learn more about what to expect and what to bring on this page.

For information about all 27 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703). Campsite and Cave Tour reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.