Business View Civil and Municipal | February 2021

5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL FEBRUARY 2021 O p e n i n g L i n e s F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY DISCOVERY CENTER LAUNCHES $18 MI TO BUILD SCIENCE FACILITY HOUSING LARGEST TELESCOPE IN GRE International attraction connects the night sky to life on earth through STEM education and leading- edge experiences O n Jan 13, 2021, the International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC) launched an $18 million capital campaign to build a unique science-based facility in Fountain Hills, Ariz. that includes a first-class domed observatory. The IDSDC will house the largest telescope in Greater Phoenix, and with its three other state-of-the-art components, will provide STEM education for students and leading-edge learning experiences for all ages. “By inspiring individuals and organizations to fund this exciting endeavor, we will fulfill IDSDC’s vision to inspire, educate, and stir imaginations to cultivate a greater understanding of our dark skies, our planet, and the universe,” said Joe Bill, IDSDC president. Coinciding with the third anniversary of Fountain Hills being designated as the 17th Dark Sky Community in the world by the International