Entry No. 55 — the Boise file — filed under: after-dark

Boise State University Astronomical Observatory

Run by the Boise State physics department's student outreach team (AstroTAC), this rooftop observatory atop the Science/Education Building aims a 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope at the night sky. The marquee public night is First Friday Astronomy: a 7:30pm talk followed by a climb up to look through the dome (weather permitting). When the observatory is closed, the same crew sets up portable telescopes for free public stargazing on the campus Quad instead. It's an unfussy, locals-and-students scene where the volunteers will happily walk you through whatever is up that night.

The move: Reserve a Friday slot, climb to the rooftop dome after dark, and let a grad student center the telescope on a double star for the two of you.

📍 Before you go Reservations required and weather-dependent; status is posted each Friday at noon, and during some semesters viewing moves from the rooftop dome to the campus Quad.

• 📍 Boise
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 1910 University Dr, Boise, ID 83725 (Education Building rooftop)

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24