Public Astronomy Lectures
Boise State Department of Physics invites you to join the First Friday Astronomy.
First Friday Astronomy is open to the public and happens every first Friday (even in the summer months).
Lectures start at 7:30 pm (MT) in the Education Building, room 112. Events are open to the public and donation-supported.
You can donate at boi.st/astronomy and live-stream at boi.st/astrobroncoslive.
Spring 2026
List of presenters:
- Jan 2, 2026 – Greg Harman, Park Ranger, Bruneau Dunes State Park – Your Guide to the Bruneau Dunes Observatory
- Feb 6, 2026 – “The Life of Galileo”, a play by Bertolt Brecht, directed by Gordon Reinhart. *Please note, this lecture and table reading will be in partnership with Boise State Theatre Arts Program and held in the Danny Peterson Theatre, Morrison Center for the Performing Arts.
- March 6, 2026 – Dr. Charles Law, NASA Hubble Fellowship Program Sagan Fellow – A Revolution in Planet Formation: The ALMA Era and Beyond
- April 3, 2026 – Dr. Madeleine McKenzie, Observational Astronomer at the Carnegie Science Observatories – Ancient Relics of the Early Milky Way
For more information, head to Seminars and Events.
Visit the Observatory
The Observatory will be open on Friday nights just after sunset (view sunset times) until midnight, if the weather permits. Announcements will be made each Friday at 12:00 pm MT to let the public know if the Observatory will be open or closed, and what time to arrive.
We will do our very best to make your Observatory experience an enjoyable event filled with the wonders of the night sky.
For more information, head to Visit the Observatory
Stargazing and Outreach Events
What is AstroTAC?
Our Astronomers in Training Assisting the Community (AstroTAC) team consists of Boise State University students who provide outreach opportunities for the public.
From unique hands-on activities to a mobile planetarium, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Through outreach, AstroTAC is able to provide access of NASA educational material to rural and remote communities, schools, and families. AstroTAC’s mission aims to bring STEM education into both rural and urban schools, sparking curiosity for our future’s next generation of scientists.
Partnered with educational professionals within Boise State’s College of Education, students also work to create engaging material that embodies Idaho’s science standards. For more information regarding this partnership, visit our page K-12 Teaching Resources.
We have a variety of event options for educators to choose from! In addition, AstroTAC is also happy to work with educators to create new content that best suits their needs. Explore all that the team has to offer below and when you’re ready, visit the Contact Us page to plan your outreach event.