Beginning January 8, 2018 the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona was awarded the rare distinction of being designated an International Dark Sky Community by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). It is one of only two International Dark Sky Communities located near a major metropolitan area. In total, only 16 communities in the world have previously earned this prestigious designation.
Long known for having one of the world’s tallest fountains at 560 feet, its backdrop of the Sonoran Desert mountains, its many great festivals and its mountain preserve, Fountain Hills has adopted a mission to preserve another of its natural assets, its dark sky.
Because of the effort of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association and the support of the town council and town staff, the outdoor lighting and sign ordinances were updated to address new causes of light pollution.
The local astronomy club, in cooperation with the library, offers monthly star parties to introduce people to planets, constellations, and extraordinary stellar objects.
Fountain Hills feels privileged to be a dark sky oasis in the Valley of the Sun. Surrounded by mountains, parks, national forest, and tribal lands, this community in the far northeast corner of the Phoenix metropolitan area enjoys dark skies and the prestigious designation of International Dark Sky Community. An annual Dark Sky Festival is held every March.