Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve STEM Network
The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve STEM Network is a funded partner of NASA’s Science Activation Program and supports STEM engagement efforts throughout the state of Idaho.
The program has forged a cornerstone partnership with the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the only gold star-certified dark sky reserve in the US spanning an under-served rural region and thus an ideal venue for STEM engagement.

About the Program
The program combines several, mutually supporting strands:
- public astronomy lectures hosted at Boise State and stargazing and outreach events around the Treasure Valley and beyond
- adapting NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) materials and infrastructure to Idaho’s Content Standards for Science curriculum
- citizen science light pollution monitoring to support the Reserve’s mission
- an astronomer-in-residence program within the CIDSR
The program director is Prof. Brian Jackson of Boise State Physics.
In 2023, the CIDSRSN team has completed...
95
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Resources
AstroTAC

Boise State Undergrad Astronomers who provide public outreach and K-12 educational support.
Mobile Planetarium

The Mobile Planetarium allows students to imagine, dream and fill their vision with the cosmos. AstroTAC can bring it to your classroom or library free of charge.
First Friday Astronomy

Boise State Physics hosts an astronomy lecture and stargazing event on the first Friday of every month. This is donor supported and open to the public.