Dark Sky Discovery Center to receive $2.5 million from state budget
The International Dark Sky Discovery Center is receiving a big boost in moving the plan forward with a $2.5 million allocation in the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. With the $2.5 million in the state budget allocated to the International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC), the project enters Phase Two: detailed architectural design of this state-of-the-art, science-based facility.
The non-profit IDSDC, 15,000-square-foot facility will have four distinct educational attractions. One is a Dark Sky Observatory with the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix area.
Interactive and mixed reality experiential and educational learning opportunities will be provided by the other three major IDSDC components: A Hyperspace Planetarium, an Inspiration Theater and an Immersion Zone. The facility will be located on the south side of Centennial Circle in Fountain Hills.
“Arizona’s continued success and recognition as the fastest growing technology community in the U.S. can be traced back to our roots in space-related industries including astronomy and aerospace and defense. It’s critical that we continue to support development and innovation in this industry through local organizations like the International Dark Sky Discovery Center,” said Steven Zylstra, President & CEO, Arizona Technology Council.
“Fountain Hills, which was designated in January 2018 by the International Dark Sky Association as the 17th International Dark Sky Community in the world is the perfect location for the IDSDC in the Greater Phoenix area,” said Mayor Ginny Dickey.
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