Stargazing in Idaho

True astronomical darkness runs from 2:43 AM to 12:08 PM (9.4 hours) at Idaho's central latitude — this is the real window when the sky is darkest.

Cloud cover decides whether you can see anything at all, so check a local forecast before you go. In Idaho, skies are usually clearest after a cold front passes, and higher, drier sites tend to beat valleys and coasts. Hourly cloud outlook →

The Moon is Waning Crescent at 9% illumination. Moonlight shouldn't significantly interfere with deep-sky observing tonight. Full Moon details →

• Jupiter — visible in Leo, toward the East (up to 32° altitude).
• Saturn — visible in Cetus, toward the South (up to 48° altitude).
• Mars — visible in Cancer, toward the East-Southeast (up to 45° altitude).

Draconids is active tonight. A minor, unpredictable shower best watched right after nightfall, unlike most showers which peak before dawn. Full calendar →

The ISS is visible to the naked eye as a bright, steady point crossing the sky in a few minutes, usually shortly after dusk or before dawn. Live ISS tracker →

Current planetary Kp is 2.7; Idaho's central latitude needs roughly Kp 7.6 for aurora to become visible. Aurora is unlikely from most of the state tonight at current activity levels. Full Aurora forecast →

Planetary Kp is 2.7 right now. Full space weather conditions →

Darkness and Moon conditions tonight favor deep-sky and Milky Way viewing, assuming clear skies and distance from city lights. This doesn't account for light pollution at your specific spot — a real light-pollution measurement isn't currently available for this location, so use distance from city lights as a practical guide instead. Check Milky Way visibility →

Moonlight is low tonight, which favours the Milky Way and fainter deep-sky objects. 3 planets are realistically observable. Pick a dark site away from city lights and confirm the local cloud forecast before you go.

The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve covers the Sawtooth region around Ketchum and Stanley. Craters of the Moon National Monument is a certified International Dark Sky Park.

• Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve — First International Dark Sky Reserve in the U.S. (Sawtooth region).
• Craters of the Moon National Monument — International Dark Sky Park with volcanic landscapes.

The Boise/Treasure Valley, the Snake River Plain, the central mountains and the northern panhandle.

Boise is the main glow source; the central mountains are extremely dark.

Strong from the central mountains roughly May through September.

Dry, high skies are excellent; wildfire smoke can interfere in late summer.

July through September; mountain winters are snowy.

Dry air gives sharp views across the state.

Aurora is possible during strong storms, best from northern Idaho and dark central valleys.

The Sawtooth peaks and lava fields of Craters of the Moon are standout foregrounds.

Major meteor showers (Quadrantids, Lyrids, Perseids, Geminids), Milky Way core season and any eclipses apply here as they do nationally -- dates shift each year, so check the current calendar.

Mountain nights are cold even in summer; Stanley is one of the coldest towns in the lower 48.