BY KAREN BOSSICK

Fresh on the heels of this week’s aurora borealis, the Idaho Dark Sky Alliance is holding an evening to unplug, look up and discover the wonders of the night sky.

The nonprofit organization will host a free Dark Sky Stargazing Night at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at Sawtooth Botanical Garden, a few miles south of Ketchum at Highway 75 and Gimlet Road. The garden sits in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, which stretches as far north as Stanley.

Local astronomer Tim Frazier, night sky guide Kristin Fletcher, and AmeriCorps Night Sky Conservationist Leah Rogers will lead observers on a cosmic tour of stars, planets, deep sky objects and early winter constellations.

“If we’re lucky, we might catch a glimpse of some shooting stars from the Leonids or Taurids meteor showers,” said Carol Cole, president of the Idaho Dark Sky Alliance.

Participants will be able to avail themselves of telescopes provided by organizers. The star guides will tell constellation stories from peoples around the world. And there will be some kids’ astro-activities.

Participants are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket, while bundling up in a warm winter coats, gloves and hat.

The evening is co-sponsored by the Sawtooth Botanical Garden and Boise State University.

“We’re so lucky to live where our night sky offers stunning views of the stars that inspire wonder,” said Cole.

WATCH THE WEATHER: If conditions are too cloudy for observing, the Idaho Dark Sky Alliance will post a notice by 5:30 p.m. Friday on its Idaho Dark Sky Instagram and Facebook pages.