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At SALT, we work every day to preserve the natural beauty of the Superstition region — and that includes the breathtaking night sky above it. This December, we’re excited to welcome Sam Miller of DarkSky International as the featured presenter for our next SALT Speakers Series event.
Miller will present “Protecting the Wonders of the Night Sky: Dark Sky Advocacy in Arizona” at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, on the rooftop fitness deck of the Apache Junction Multigenerational Center (1035 N. Idaho Road).
A virtual attendance option is also available at:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/21500111257295?p=VH3dt9jZFZ4AAm7EZR
Arizona is home to some of the most awe-inspiring celestial views in the nation, yet the brilliance of the Milky Way is fading year after year. Light pollution is now one of the greatest—and least discussed—threats to wildlife, human health, and our connection to the natural world. If current trends continue, experts warn that the stars may be barely visible within the next 20 years.
Miller’s presentation will highlight:
How light pollution affects wildlife behavior and ecosystems
The impact of nighttime lighting on human health and circadian rhythms
The beauty and science of astronomy
Simple, actionable steps every resident can take to reduce light pollution
His talk will guide attendees through both the wonder of the night sky and the practical ways we can all help preserve it.
Sam Miller serves as both an advocate with DarkSky International and the vice chair of the DarkSky Southern Arizona Chapter. From his home base in Tucson, he travels throughout the state providing expertise on outdoor lighting regulations, community outreach, and dark sky conservation.
In addition to being a seasoned pilot and avionics engineer, Miller is an amateur astronomer and astrophotographer—bringing both technical insight and deep personal passion to his work.
He frequently presents to HOAs, schools, municipalities, parks, and nature groups, helping Arizonans make informed decisions that protect our desert’s natural rhythm and beauty.
Following Miller’s presentation, attendees will hear brief updates on ongoing local dark sky efforts in Apache Junction and Gold Canyon.
Weather permitting, the Superstition Mountain Astronomical League will also be onsite with telescopes, offering guests a guided tour of the night sky — a perfect reminder of what we are working to protect.
This event is part of SALT’s 2025–26 Speakers Series, presented in partnership with the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department. Each month, on the second Wednesday, SALT brings experts, researchers, and advocates to the community to explore topics tied to conservation, wildlife, recreation, and the long-term health of the Sonoran Desert.
SALT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to conserving the natural Sonoran Desert open space surrounding the Superstition Wilderness Area. Through education, land stewardship, and community engagement, we work to safeguard the landscapes and ecosystems that define this remarkable region.
The Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT) works with public agencies to protect vulnerable Sonoran Desert foothills—part of Arizona’s 9 million acres of state trust land—threatened by urban sprawl and managed primarily for revenue.
Donating to the Superstition Area Land Trust (SALT) helps preserve the Sonoran Desert’s fragile foothills, wildlife, and open spaces for future generations.
