CSI Twin Falls Observatory Saturn Viewing Party Was Amazing

In case you missed it, the College of Southern Idaho held a gathering in the early morning hours on Sunday and allowed area space junkies to use its telescope to view the second-largest planet in our solar system. The experience was one my family and I won't soon forget.

Saturn reached its closest orbital point to Earth in quite a while over the weekend at just under 800 million miles and was also at opposition to the Sun, allowing the public to view the ringed giant on both Saturday and Sunday. We ordered a telescope just for the occasion, and it arrived just before 9 P.M. on Saturday while we were at Oktoberfest in downtown Twin Falls.

We heard the College of Southern Idaho was hosting a viewing gathering at 1:15 A.M. on Sunday through social media. There were about a dozen or so people who passed in and out of the observatory while we were there, and as we were leaving at about 1:45 A.M., a few more people passed us on their way in.

The College Of Southern Idaho Held A Saturn Viewing Party Sunday Morning That Was Amazing

College of Southern Idaho Herrett Center Credit: Greg Jannetta

The Herrett Center hosts these celestial viewing parties multiple times a year. Click here to find out what else is on the calendar for 2026.

The center's next event is the monthly star party, which is free to the public and scheduled for Saturday, October 10, from 8 P.M. to 10 P.M.

CSI has the most powerful telescope of any college in the state, according to Sunday's host. Thanks to the CSI Observatory staff for holding these gatherings. They sure are a lot of fun.