named programs · 8 · from sources
what they call their work
Astrotourism
Serves as an international attraction for visitors of all ages, promoting Arizona's dark skies.
CRAIG AND RUTH GIMBEL PLANETARIUM
State-of-the-art planetarium with tilted dome technology.
DARK SKY OBSERVATORY
Features the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix area for public viewing and university research.
Dark Sky Preservation
Emphasizes issues related to human health, wildlife conservation, nocturnal pollinators, sustainability, and night sky observation.
EINSTEIN EXPLORATION STATION
Creative, hands-on learning experiences and challenges for visitors.
INSPIRATION THEATER
A theater with an LED video screen and 150 tiered seats for presentations and events.
NIGHT SKY EXHIBIT HALL
Engaging, interactive educational displays focused on the night sky.
STEM education experiences
Provides STEM education experiences to students interested in the sciences, fostering partnerships with Arizona State University, area community colleges, and high schools.
activities · 2 clusters
what they do
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Public Observatory & Planetarium Programs 11 activities
- Developing a Dark Sky Discovery CenterIs developing a nonprofit STEM-based International Dark Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills, which will include a 22,000 square-foot facility for extensive educational activities, interactive experiences, a 900 square foot area for hands-on displays, an Inspiration Theater, a Night Sky Exhibit Hall, and an Einstein Exploration Station.
- Developing a Dark Sky Discovery CenterIs developing a nonprofit STEM-based International Dark Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills, planning to operate a 22,000 square-foot facility with a 900 square foot area dedicated to experiential hands-on displays and creative learning experiences, an Inspiration Theater, a Night Sky Exhibit Hall, and an Einstein Exploration Station.
- Development of the International Dark Sky Discovery CenterIs developing a nonprofit STEM-based International Dark Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills, which will include a 22,000 square-foot facility for educational activities and interactive experiences.
- Hosting Dark Sky FestivalsHosts annual Dark Sky Festivals, including virtual events, to engage the public with dark sky conservation and astronomy.
- Hosting Events and FestivalsHolds annual events such as the Dark Sky Festival and other community gatherings to promote awareness of dark skies and astronomy.
- Operating a PlanetariumOperates a 66-seat planetarium with a 39-foot diameter tilted dome, utilizing advanced projection technology, as part of a larger planned facility.
- Operating a PlanetariumOperates a 66-seat planetarium with a 39-foot diameter tilted dome, utilizing advanced projection technology.
- Operating a Public ObservatoryOperates a 20.5-foot domed observatory featuring a 27.5-inch PlaneWave telescope, the largest in the Greater Phoenix area, for public viewing, research, live broadcasts, and astrophotography. The observatory includes a deep space imaging camera, a lunar/planetary camera, and an ADA-compliant eyepiece system, and uses additional high-quality, portable telescopes on its private outdoor viewing terrace.
- Operating an Astronomical ObservatoryOperates a 20.5-foot domed observatory featuring a 27.5-inch PlaneWave telescope, the largest in the Greater Phoenix area, for public viewing, research, live broadcasts, and astrophotography. The observatory includes a deep space imaging camera, a lunar/planetary camera, and an ADA-compliant eyepiece system, along with additional high-quality, portable telescopes on its private outdoor viewing terrace.
- Operation of the Dark Sky ObservatoryOperates a Dark Sky Observatory featuring the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix area, along with a planetarium, an Inspiration Theater, and interactive educational displays.
- Public Viewing and Educational ProgramsOffers public viewing opportunities using a 27.5-inch PlaneWave telescope and additional high-quality portable telescopes, along with educational programs for all ages.
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Uncategorized 4 activities
- Facility Amenities and ServicesProvides various amenities including a gift shop, snack station, and private outdoor areas for gatherings, enhancing visitor experience at the center.
- Hosting Dark Sky FestivalsHosts an Annual Dark Sky Festival, including virtual events, to engage the public with dark sky preservation and astronomy.
- Providing Event and Retail FacilitiesOperates a gift shop offering astronomy-related merchandise and local artisan handicrafts, a snack station with vending machines, and a lobby space capable of hosting up to 100 people for dinner events or conferences, as well as a private outdoor area for intimate gatherings.
- Providing Event and Retail FacilitiesOperates a gift shop offering merchandise related to astronomy, space, and dark skies, including handicrafts from local artisans, and provides a snack station. The center also offers a lobby space for dinner events or conferences and a private outdoor area for intimate gatherings.
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financials · form 990 · fy2022
the money
revenue
Total revenue$3.61M
Contributions & grants$3.60M100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$13K0%
Other revenue$251
expenses
Total expenses$62K
Program expenses0%
Admin / overhead31%
Fundraising69%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$5.19M
Cash$3.90M
Investments$0
Liabilities$1.22M
Net assets$3.98M
Liquid reserves753.4 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2022 · YoY revenue +37.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022
who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vicky Derksen | Former Board Member | 20 | $24K |
board members · 7
- Alan Magazine — Board Member
- Chandra Merica — Board Member
- Jeff Esposito — Board Member
- Jerry Butler — Board Member
- Scott Adams — Board Member
- Tony Pistilli — Board Member
- Walt Franklin — Board Member
relationships · 16
who they work with
- Arizona State University Partner — Fosters partnerships with the university to fulfill its educational mission and develop a collaborative relationship.
- Arizona Technology Council Partner — The President & CEO supports the center's role in developing and innovating the space-related industries.
- Audubon Partner — Refers users to Audubon's "Lights Out Program" to learn more about careless lighting practices and migratory birds.
- Celestron Partner — Engaged in new collaborations.
- DarkSky International Partner — Shares the goal of educating people about the night sky and preserving dark skies.
- Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce Partner
- Greater Phoenix Economic Council Partner — The President & CEO views the center as a unique regional asset for STEM education and workforce development.
- Griffith Observatory Partner — The Deputy Director looks forward to welcoming the center to public service in astronomy.
- Lowell Observatory Partner — The former Director appreciates the center's efforts to maintain and promote dark skies in the Phoenix area and statewide.
- McCarthy Builders Partner — Partner involved in the design or construction of the facility.
- NASA Partner — Participated in a NASA event.
- Smithsonian Partner — Mentioned in relation to a top stargazing spot.
- Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History Partner — Shares a mission of educating people about the adverse impact of excessive lighting, as evidenced by the museum's "Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky" exhibit.
- Split Rock Studios Partner — Engaged in new collaborations.
- Swaback Partner — Partner involved in the design or construction of the facility.
- Town of Fountain Hills Partner — The Mayor and former Mayor support the center, recognizing its benefit to the town and its status as an International Dark Sky Community.