The Idaho Dark Sky Alliance (IDSA) invites the community to celebrate the grand opening and “first light” of the Sawtooth Observatory.

This event will take place on July 18th, beginning at 8:30 PM, and marks an exciting milestone in expanding public access to Idaho’s extraordinary dark skies.

Guests are invited to arrive early to enjoy light refreshments, connect with IDSA members, and learn more about the vision and development of the observatory. As twilight fades, the observatory will officially open for its first night of public viewing, offering attendees a chance to experience the night sky through its telescope for the very first time.

In addition to the observatory, extra telescopes will be set up throughout the park, with knowledgeable astronomers on hand to guide visitors through the stars, planets, and other celestial objects visible that evening. This family-friendly event is a unique opportunity to explore the cosmos while celebrating a new resource for education, outreach, and dark sky preservation in the Sawtooth region.

The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve was established in 2017 as the first Dark Sky Reserve in the United States. Spanning more than 900,000 acres, the reserve protects some of the darkest skies in the country while promoting education, conservation, and responsible lighting practices within the region. The addition of the Sawtooth Observatory represents another exciting step forward in expanding public access to these remarkable skies and furthering opportunities for astronomy education and outreach. Learn more at idahodarksky.org.

Whether you are a seasoned stargazer or simply curious about the night sky, the Sawtooth Observatory Grand Opening event promises an unforgettable evening under some of the darkest skies in the country. Attendees are encouraged to bring camp chairs, blankets, and mugs to stay warm and get comfortable during the event!

Use this link to register to the event: https://tinyurl.com/SawtoothFirstLight