On Sunday evening, March 8th, Dr. Jacelle Ramon-Sauberan from the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab) Kitt Peak National Observatory will address the SaddleBrooke Skygazers Astronomy Club. Dr. J will be providing a presentation that will focus on Tohono O’odham Himdag (Way of life) as it is interwoven with the night sky. The presentation will be held at the Desert View Theater, 39900 S Clubhouse Dr. at 7:00 pm.

In March 1956, astronomers received permission from the Tohono O’odham Nation to ride up Kitt Peak on horseback. Two O’odham guides—Al Martines and Raymond Lopez—accompanied them. At the top, the O’odham guides explained the importance of the mountain, their creator I’itoi and cultural perspectives on the land. After their ride up Kitt Peak, the astronomers spent time with the tribal council elders who governed the Tohono O’odham Nation, and it was agreed that the Nation would lease 200 acres atop Kitt Peak for the observatory. In 1960, Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO) was dedicated and a very close relationship between the Nation and KPNO honoring the sacred land of the Tohono O’odham Nation continues to this day.

Dr. J is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation and from the San Xavier District. She serves as the Tohono O'odham Nation Education Development Liaison for Kitt Peak and is an instructor within the Tohono O’odham Studies Program at Tohono O’odham Community College. Dr. J earned her PhD in American Indian Studies with a minor in Journalism at the University of Arizona in May 2023. Her research focuses on the history of land and water in the San Xavier District, and she has written for news publications across the US including Indian Country Today and serves on several boards in Southern Arizona including Friends of Saguaro National Park.

The SaddleBrooke Skygazers Astronomy Club meets monthly (and typically) on the second Sunday evening (7:00 p.m.) at the Desert View Theater. The spring/summer star parties are scheduled on Tuesday, March 17th, Wednesday April 15th, and Thursday May 14th at the Softball Field parking lot. The public is welcome to both meetings and star parties. Club and Star Party information can be obtained by reviewing our website (https://sbazsky.xakt.me/) or emailing Sam Miller at twoyosemite@gmail.com.

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