A Dark Sky Community 

The Town of Fountain Hills is a designated Dark Sky community, and our district has embraced the community's love of astronomy by creating the new McDowell Mountain astronomy-themed library. Featuring a fully functional planetarium, students can learn in an immersive environment. Each wall within the library features augmented reality graphics that teach students about the shuttle program, moon landings, space race, planets and the Milky Way Galaxy, and flight. By hovering a tablet, smartphone, or laptop over the wall graphics, students enter a virtual world of wonder and discovery. The planetarium uses special software to take students on a galactic journey but also serves as a theatre for history, science, and academic excellence. Join us for a tour of the new library by clicking here.