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First Friday Astronomy: The wonder of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve

Boise State Physics will host its monthly First Friday Astronomy lecture on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Classroom Building, room 101. The event is free and open to the public. This month’s talk features Carol Cole of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve talking about the priceless resource in Boise State’s backyard and how it can be protected.

Across the country, more than 80% of the population resides in cities and urban areas where light pollution obscures their view of the stars. One third of the world’s population can not see the Milky Way, according to research.

People from all over the world treasure Idaho’s Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve and visit the state to experience the wonder of the starry night sky.

The International Dark-Sky Association designated the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve in December 2017 and awarded the area gold tier status – their highest ranking for night sky quality. The Reserve works to preserve the natural nighttime experience, conserve robust natural ecosystems, enhance local scientific and educational opportunities through astronomy and much more.

This lecture will be live-streamed on Youtube at boi.st/AstroBroncosLive. Those viewing the live-stream are welcome and encouraged to ask questions via chat.

Stargazing in Boise State’s observatory will occur after the lecture, weather permitting. An indoor planetarium may be set up in case stargazing is not an option.

Donations to the astronomy department helps fund these events and the event is presented by the Department of Physics and the NASA Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve STEM Network.