Visit the Observatory

Boise State Astronomical Observatory

Stargazing Update

Due to a shortage in staffing over the summer, stargazing nights have been put on hold. Please check back on the first Friday of every month as stargazing after the lecture might be possible. Have the best summer!

Plan your visit

Open Hours

Spring 2026 Semester Stargazing on the Quad

During the Spring 2026 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. 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 Spring 2026 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.

Location, Directions and Parking

To get to the Quad

The Boise State Quad is located between the Albertson’s Library and the Administration 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

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.

What to Expect

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.