Press Release: Star Night Event at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park May 9th 2015 J.D. Maddy, president of the Astronomers of Verde Valley, will be sponsoring the Star Night event at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. There will be two separate viewings at the park, the first one being a solar viewing from 11 am to 4 pm. Participants will be able to view the sun through a telescope with a specialized lens that allows you to look directly into the sun. There will also be crafts available for kids to do that will help increase their knowledge of the solar system. This viewing will be open to the public at just our regular park entrance fee of $5 per person for everyone 14 and older, and $2 per person for everyone 7-13. The second viewing will be the Star Night event. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park typically closes in the evening so reservations are required in advance for the night event. To make reservation please call (928) 476-4202 or email Gavin at gerickson(at)azstateparks.gov, reservations must be made in advance of the event, no later than 2 P.M. on the day of the event. Charges for the night event will be at a discounted rate of $4 per person everyone 14 and older, with the $2 per person for everyone 7-13. This event will be from 7-9:30 P.M. and will begin with a PowerPoint presentation at 7 pm. Followed shortly after will be the stargazing where astronomers will volunteer their expertise and telescopes for visitors to view an assortment of night sky attractions. For the night event we ask that you bring a folding chair, a red light (to protect everyone’s night vision), a sweater or jacket (the temperatures will drop after the sun sets).