Dark Sky Public Programs
The Idaho Dark Sky Alliance is excited to offer a broad range of programs throughout the area through our partnership with the Boise State University Physics Department and NASA’s Science Activation Program. Our dark sky programs promote STEM engagement and bring science to classrooms, libraries, and communities in central Idaho.
Click here to see what’s visible in the night sky throughout the year.
2026 Programs
July 10, 4:00 PM, Community Library, Ketchum and
July 15, 5:00 PM, Stanley Library, Stanley
How Dark Is it? Light Pollution Research in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve – UCLA student researchers will share information about the impacts of light pollution in Idaho, the results of their monitoring studies throughout the Reserve since 2021, and ways you may be able to get involved in tackling light pollution.
July 12 to 18 – Stanley Dark Sky Drinks Week
To help build excitement about the new observatory opening in Stanley and to spark conversation about the growing issue of light pollution, this initiative celebrates our dark sky and supports local businesses. Check out the cosmic cocktails at the Rod and Gun, the Kasino Club, Mountain Village and Redfish Lake Lodge.
July 14, 10:00 PM – Star Float, Redfish Lake Lodge, Stanley
Experience a night of floating under the Milky Way on Redfish Lake! Enjoy stargazing and a night sky tour with a local astronomer sponsored by Redfish Lake Lodge and IDSA. Reservations required.
July 18, 8:30 PM – Sawtooth Observatory First Light
Join us in celebrating the grand opening of the Sawtooth Observatory at Pioneer Park in Stanley! Bring a camp chair, picnic blanket, and mug to get comfortable for a night of stargazing and viewing the universe through a new lens!
August 11 & 12, dusk, 4th Annual Perseid-Palooza
Sawtooth Observatory in Stanley on August 11 and
Sawtooth Botanical Garden in Ketchum on August 12
Enjoy a night under the stars at IDSA’s 4th Annual Perseid-Palooza with meteor spotting, telescope observing, constellation stories, and kid’s activities with local astronomers and Dark Sky Advocates.
PAST PROGRAMS
Feb 6, 7:30 PM – Boise State University February First Friday, Boise
BSU First Friday event for February is a special evening with a reading of “The Life of Galileo”, a play written by Bertolt Brecht and directed by Gordon Reinhart.
Feb 11, 6:00 PM – Dark Sky Trivia at the Sawtooth Brewery, Hailey
Join IDSA for a fun night of Dark Sky Trivia to test your knowledge, win prizes, and raise a glass with friends! More info on our Instagram!
March 7, 5:30 PM – Public Program at Town Center West, Hailey
Program with Dr. Charles Law, astronomer at the University of Virginia, about “A Revolution in Planet Formation: The ALMA Era and Beyond”.
March 7, 7:30 PM – Stargazing, Sawtooth Botanical Garden, Ketchum
Gather at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden for a night of stargazing, following the program at the Hailey Public Library.
April 4, 5:30 PM – Public Program at Town Center West, Hailey
Program with Dr. Madeleine McKenzie, Observational Astronomer at the Carnegie Science Observatories, about “Ancient Relics of the Milky Way”.
April 4, 8:30 PM – Stargazing, Sawtooth Botanical Garden, Ketchum
Gather at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden for a night of stargazing, following the program at the Hailey Public Library.
April 25, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM – Earth Fest, Hailey
Stop by our booth at Earth Fest to learn about impacts of light pollution and explore DIY options for retrofitting your not-so-dark-sky-friendly light fixtures
April 25, 9:00 PM – Stargazing at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden, Ketchum
Following the program at the Hailey Public Library, gather at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden for a night of stargazing. Stargazing is weather dependent so check our Instagram for updates.
May 2, 6:30 PM – Public Program at Stanley Public Library
Presentation by Dr. Ellie Hara, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – “From Stardust to Cells: The Unsolved Mystery of Life’s Origins”. Dr. Hara will also be speaking at the BSU First Friday event in Boise on Friday May 1 at 7:30 PM
May 2, 8:30 PM – Stargazing at Stanley Pioneer Park
Following the program at the Stanley Public Library gather at Stanley Pioneer Park for a night of stargazing.
May 29, 8:30 PM – Blue Moon Yoga, Boise
Unwind under a Blue Moon and a sky full of stars with a yoga session at Avimor Foothills Heritage Park
June 25, 5:30 PM – Public Program at Town Center West, Hailey
Astronomy program with Dr Brian Jackson, Boise State University, about Aerial Exploration of Mars.
