Visit the Observatory

Boise State Astronomical Observatory

Tonight’s Update (September 6th)

Unfortunately, with the smoke and poor air quality we won’t be able to stargaze tonight. However, please check back next week as we will continue to try to stargaze in the Boise State Quad (lawn area between the Albertsons Library and Admin Building) for the fall semester!

Plan your visit

Fall 2024 Semester Stargazing on the Quad

During the Fall Semester, our Observatory will be inaccessible. To not miss out on any good stargazing, we will be hosting weekly stargazing on the Boise State Quad instead. Stargazing will be from 8:15pm until 11pm, if the weather permits. Announcements will be made each Friday at 12:00 pm MT on this page to let anyone interested know if the event will be happening.

Observatory Visits

(Unavailable for Fall 2024 Semester)

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 on this page to let the public know if the Observatory will be open or closed and what time to arrive.

To get to the Quad

The Boise State Quad is located between the Albertson’s Library and the Admistration Building. View a map here

Address: 1910 University Drive

There are a number of small parking lots near the Quad and parking in the Brady Street Garage (view on map). Visitors will either need a parking pass or to pay at the kiosk.

To get to the Observatory

(unavailable in the Fall 2024 Semester)

The Boise State Observatory is located on top of the Science/Education Building (view on map).

Address: 2133 Cesar Chavez Lane.

The best place to park is the Brady Street Garage (view on map). Visitors will either need a parking pass or to pay at the kiosk.

We will do our very best to make your stargazing experience an enjoyable event filled with the wonders of the night sky. A typical stargazing event will look like the following:

Stargazing requires clear skies. If it’s cloudy, we will not be able to show you any celestial objects. Celestial objects such as stars and planets are already pre-selected for each event depending on the month and season. We may be able to accommodate personal requests with the added flexibility of being on the Quad.
For any visit, our astronomers will guide you and will be happy to answer any question you would have.
In case stargazing happens, the entire event will occur outside. We encourage you to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.

Renewing the Astronomical Observatory

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Matching gifts through October 2024. Now is the time!

Make a Gift

Help us make Boise State’s astronomical observatory a keystone of research and education on campus!

Though the observatory on campus is still functional and lovingly maintained, at 50 years old, it is showing its age. Upgrades to Boise State’s observatory will support teaching at the university and will allow it to be run remotely by schools, libraries, and guest observers, expanding Boise State’s astronomical footprint throughout Idaho.