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

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. 



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.