Business View Civil and Municipal | May/June 2022

8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 5 Y NOVEMBER such as the Kennedy Space Center and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. “Fountain Hills is the perfect location for the IDSDC,” said Ted Blank, IDSDC Vice President and NASA Solar System Ambassador. “As the 17th International Dark Sky Community in the world, its relatively dark skies will enable the observatory to actually conduct research in addition to offering public viewing.” Key Arizona leaders support the education and research goals of the IDSDC. Those statements of support from leaders such as Senators Kelly and Sinema, Governor Ducey, ASU President Michael Crow, and more are listed on the home page of the IDSDC website. “Donations and pledges are bringing this project to life,” said Bill. “We very recently added a new pledge program and already a private individual pledged $1 million. Also, naming rights opportunities are still available for those who wish to play a major role.” Bill adds, “The future is ours to create, and the next generation is ours to inspire, so let’s do this.” The 3D flyover of the IDSDC is available on the website homepage: darkskycenter.org About International Dark Sky Discovery Center The proposed non-profit International Dark Sky Discovery Center is a unique, state-of- the-art, multi-functional facility that will provide science-based education and research capabilities and also serve as a tourism attraction for the state of Arizona and beyond. Children and adults alike will be introduced to the awesome wonders of the cosmos and will leave with a better understanding of the universe and how to protect dark skies for the benefit of all life on Earth. This brings us much closer to creating an international centerpiece that will inspire future scientists and people of all ages to understand how important dark skies are for the well-being of humans, plants, and animals and for opening the window to the observable universe