BY KAREN BOSSICK

Dive into new stars, the edge of the universe and the search for extraterrestrial life when North Carolina  astronomer Rachel Smith offers a free talk Saturday, March 8.

The talk is presented by the Hailey Public Library, Idaho Dark Sky Alliance and Boise State University. It will start at 5 p.m. at Hailey Town Center West.

The talk will be followed by a free astronomical observing session from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden. Participants can expect to see stars, planets, constellations nebulae and more.

“IDSA is a non-profit that partners with many other organizations to host dark sky astronomy talks throughout the year,” said Carol Cole, the board president of the Idaho Dark Sky Alliance. “We’re excited about this series of monthly talks that highlight the connection between reducing light pollution and preserving our breathtaking views of the night sky for future generations. These talks are part of a larger NASA-funded program through the BSU Physics Department, which works closely with IDSA to bring science education to classrooms, libraries, and communities within the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve.”

Rachel Smith is head of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Lab and curator of meteorites at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

An observational astronomer, she is interested in how our solar system and other planetary systems form and evolve over time. She uses some of the largest ground-based optical-infrared telescopes, including the 10-meter (33 foot) Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea in Hawaii. By studying the gas, ice, and dust surrounding stars forming across our Milky Way Galaxy, she gains insights about how they will eventually make up planets and pre-biotic compounds.

Data from her observations are compared to meteorites and the Sun--together, the oldest material we have from the early solar system--in order to understand the early chemical pathways fundamental to building planets and, eventually, life. In addition to her research, Dr. Smith also teaches “Astrobiology: Exploring Life in the Universe” at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C.

“We’re so lucky to live where we can revel in our pitch-black night skies and the wonder they inspire,” said Kristin Fletcher, who has helped organize many dark sky viewings in the Wood River Valley. “Dark skies in winter are SO special with a neat planetary alignment plus Orion and his gang!! 

“We’re delighted to partner with the IDSA, BSU and the Sawtooth Botanical Garden to not only host these talks but also offer free observing sessions with astronomers and their way cool telescopes that peer into deep space,” she added.