We’re not hearing good weather news for this evening, so the 16-inch reflector most likely will not be opening tonight. However, if you have any open sky overhead, there are two passages of the International Space Station – a very bright one beginning low in the northwest at 9:15, passing about halfway above the north-northeast, then disappearing low in the east-southeast at 9:21. Then, at 10:52, the ISS will reappear low above the western horizon, move up, then disappear two minutes later about a third of the way above the west-southwest. This pass will be a bit dimmer than the first, but still bright enough to see if the skies cooperate.

Now that the season of summer is officially here, the Sun, from our perspective, will appear to rise just a bit more southerly each morning. Then set in the approximate position in the west. We often think of the Sun as rising due east and setting due west every day, but that isn’t the nature of the Sun. As the Sun is now at its extreme northerly point, start watching for its sunrise/set position every day/evening you can. Also, you might note that, contrary to many peoples’ opinions, from Rhode Island the Sun is never directly overhead. It’s now as high as it can be seen, about ¾ of the way above the south just about noontime.

As the summer progresses, we are now looking forward to information on the next Martian landing, that of Curiosity, NASA’s largest lander ever built. We will be making you aware of its progress, and remind you of its proposed landing, the first weekend in August.

Again, we’d like to thank the Charlestown Town Council, the Town Planning Committee, and all of you who sent notes in allowing the town lighting ordinance to be passed. This will allow us at Frosty Drew to continue our mission of the best astronomy education in the state of Rhode Island. Thanks to all.

-Francine Jackson

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Tonight's weather forecast is calling for scattered T-storms with partly cloudy skies. We will attempt to open the telescope at 9:00 if skies permit though the threat of T-storms will likely keep us closed. Be sure to check our website, Twitter (FrostyDrewOBSY), or Facebook for updates before trekking out to the park.

Tonight's T-storms are the result of a cold front that is pushing through early tomorrow. This front will not only bring T-storms but will also bring relief from the heat we have had these past few days. Some of us may dislike the high heat with oppressive humidity but other life that we share Rhode Island with loves it. Has anybody been watching the impressive dance the fireflies have been putting on these past two nights? How about the colorful flowers that have been opening up and soaking in the heat. Put on a white t-shirt, shorts, and sunblock; then venture out for a warm evening with some great presentations from our local habitat.

This weekend the circus comes to town! Ninigret Park will play host to the BIg Apple Circus till July 8th. This offers many fun opportunities for families but will also bring much temporary light pollution to the skies over Frosty Drew Observatory. Enthusiasts and hobbyists that are looking to take advantage of Charlestown's super dark skies will want to sit it out till after July 8th. Everybody else can use this time for a really great family event or date night. Spend an evening at the circus, then stop over to Frosty Drew Observatory for a breath taking view of Saturn.

-Scott MacNeill