BY KAREN BOSSICK

Learn the do’s and don’ts of home lighting when it comes to keeping Sun Valley’s dark skies dark during a free talk at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at the Hailey Public Library.

An area encompassing the Wood River Valley and the Sawtooth Mountains was recognized as one of the darkest areas in the nation when the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve was established in December 2017. The reserve was the first in the nation and only one of 11 in the world.

Our dark sky even made Jeopardy on Friday with the question: "Astronomy buffs visit Idaho for the USA's first dark sky reserve: Oddly, part of it is this resort area with a bright name."

The answer, of course: Sun Valley.

Local ordinances already in place help ensure the local sky will stay dark, provided everyone plays their role.

Carol Cole, a representative of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, will share dark sky-friendly lighting basics, along with Blaine County Commissioner Angenie McCleary and Hailey City Planner Lisa Horowitz.

They will also offer hands-on examples of dark sky-friendly lighting choices.

“Anyone who heads out of town on a moonless night knows how special our dark skies are,” said Library Director LeAnn Gelskey. “We’re delighted to offer a talk that will help people understand ways they can help out.”

In fact, the library will celebrate the area’s dark skies on Thursday, June 6, as well. That’s when astronomer Tim Frazier will show how to identify the summer constellations overhead and share their history and stories.

Summer constellations include Hercules, Lyra, Sagittarius and Scorpius.

That talk, also free, will take place at 5:30 p.m.