The Wild Dark: Finding the Night Sky in the Age of Light
We have always looked to the stars for navigation and imagination. What does it do to us to not see the night sky?
In July and August 2026, the Science Friday Book Club will read “The Wild Dark: Finding the Night Sky in the Age of Light” by Craig Childs. Part memoir, part field guide, “The Wild Dark” invites us to look to the night sky with curiosity. Childs expertly weaves the story of his bike-riding journey from Las Vegas into the desert with captivating science about light pollution, quirky anecdotes about the natural world, and a loving celebration of the night sky.
There are so many ways to dive in and participate! You can grab a copy of the book (and support the author and SciFri), join the discussion in our online Book Club community, sign up for our email newsletter, or RSVP for our upcoming Book Club events.
This Book Club season kicks off on Wednesday, July 1, and you can read along with us! Discussion questions are shared on Monday of each week in the community group and via the newsletter. Plus, we’ll be hosting exciting, free events!
- July 1-5: “Introduction”
- July 6-12: “Bortle 9” and “Bortle 8”
- July 14: EVENT – Kick Off, 8 pm ET
- July 13-19: “Bortle 7”
- July 20-26: “Bortle 6”
- July 31: EVENT – Author Livestream Q&A with Craig Childs
- July 27-August 2: “Bortle 5”
- August 3-9: “Bortle 4”
- August 10-16: “Bortle 3”
- August 17-23: “Bortle 2”
- August 27: EVENT – Community Meeting, 8 pm ET
- August 24-30: “Bortle 1” and “Formula 1”
Get updates, reminders, and more to your email inbox each week. Join our Book Club newsletter today!
Grab Your Own Copy
If you’d like to purchase a physical copy, we encourage you to start local! Check out the SciFri Book Club partner bookstores and libraries—if you’re in the area, consider supporting your local bookseller or public library (plus, mention our Book Club for a percentage off your purchase at participating shops!).
If they don’t have the book in stock or you’d rather purchase online, you can support Science Friday by buying your copy on our Bookshop.org page.
Want more ways to read? This book is available in a few formats via online retailers, your local library, or elsewhere:
Your local library may not currently have “The Wild Dark” in its catalog, but many branches offer options for patrons like you to submit book suggestions to librarians. Look for ways to suggest new titles via the Libby on your library’s website, or a suggestion box at your local branch!
Save the date(s): SciFri Book Club events
Book Club kick off
Did you listen to our podcast episode featuring Craig Childs? Let’s talk about it! Join us on Zoom for a free, informal conversation to kick off our reading of “The Wild Dark.” We’ll dig into the interview, share first impressions, and get oriented on what’s ahead. No prior reading required; if you haven’t heard the interview yet, we’ll catch you up.
- When: Tuesday, July 14 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT
- Where: Science Friday’s Zoom
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for link
Please note that this is the working schedule, but of course, the news could change our plans.
Author Q&A livestream with Craig Childs
Explorer and author Craig Childs has written over a dozen books about the wonders of the desert. In “The Wild Dark,” he takes us from the bright lights of Las Vegas to one of North America’s darkest spots. Join us for a livestream Q&A where we discuss his journey. Come with your curiosity—we’ll be taking your questions in the livestream comments.
- When: Friday, July 31 at 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT
- Where: Science Friday’s YouTube channel
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for reminders
You do not have to read the book to participate. Everyone is welcome!
Book Club community meeting
Want to connect with other SciFri Book Club members, share your thoughts about the book, and find more resources for deeper learning—all without leaving your home? Our community meeting is the place for you! While the conversation will focus on themes and topics from the book, you’re welcome to join us, no matter your reading progress. Come and chat!
- When: Thursday, August 27 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT
- Where: Science Friday’s Zoom
- Tickets: Free! RSVP for link
Join Our Community Space
And as you start reading, join us on our online community space: the SciFri Book Club is on Mighty Networks, a platform where we can gather, read and discuss science books together. We’ve built this community space to create a better way for readers to stay connected with other Book Clubbers, and we hope you’ll join us there!
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Subscribe to SciFri Book Club emails to stay updated on our monthly read sand join us for community discussions. We’ll send emails a few times per week.