Fountain Hills, Dark sky town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States.
Fountain Hills is a town in Maricopa County, Arizona, that enforces strict outdoor lighting standards. The settlement sits at an elevation of 1265 meters (4150 feet) in the Sonoran Desert and limits artificial light to keep the night sky visible.
The town was founded in 1989 and received International Dark Sky Community recognition in 2018. Residents worked for years to protect the natural night sky and gradually changed local lighting ordinances.
The International Dark Sky Discovery Center contributes to STEM education through its planetarium, exhibit hall, and specialized astronomy programs.
Most streetlights are shielded or use warm white light directed downward. Visitors walking at night will find clear paths and orientation without the sky being overpowered.
A planetarium and exhibit hall dedicated to astronomy offer programs for school groups and visitors. The facilities were funded through public and private contributions and serve as a regional center for stargazing.
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