Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Apr 26, 2024 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Cost:

$5 Suggested Donation Per Person

Welcome to the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center's Stargazing Nights! Every Friday night (weather permitting) we open our Observatory, Science Center, Sky Theatre, and telescopes to the sky and offer free stargazing and astronomy to anybody interested in observing with us.

Tonight's forecasts are looking rather fantastic. We can expect clear sky conditions all night long. It will be a bit chilly, with temps dropping into the low 40’s and upper 30’s during our opening times, and there will be a light wind, which could make it feel colder. Though the 93% waning gibbous Moon will not rise until 10:56 pm, keeping the sky super dark during our viewing times. Certainly a fantastic night to celebrate the night sky at Frosty Drew!

We will open at 8:00 pm. In the Observatory we’ll direct the large 24 inch telescope towards multiple star systems until twilight wanes. Once darkness sets in and the sky opens up we will observe NGC 2392 – a young white dwarf star, the Messier 67 open star cluster, Messier 104 – The Sombrero Galaxy, the Corvus Star Gate, Messier 3 globular star cluster, Messier 51 – The Whirlpool Galaxy, Markarian’s Chain of galaxies, the Messier 106 galaxy, and Messier 63 – The Sunflower Galaxy. May is galaxy season and we are ready to rock socks! In the Observatory Courtyard we will have one of our Courtyard telescopes set up scanning the sky for galaxies, nebulae, and anything we can find. The Sky Theatre will show our regular feature of celestial objects photographed at Frosty Drew Observatory, and the Science Center will be open. We expect to close up at 10:00 pm.

Overall, tonight looks spectacular! We can expect clear sky conditions with cool temps and light winds. Being that the Moon will not rise until near 11:00 pm, our night is set up for super dark sky viewing, once twilight wanes. If making the long drive, tonight is probably your night, but note that we are closing 30 minutes earlier than usual due to a busy on site schedule tomorrow morning. In any case, set your sights to the cosmos and stop in at Frosty Drew tonight for a lovely spring night under thousands of stars.

Tickets are not required for visitors to attend this event.

If you are looking for that awesome astronomy thing to do or just want a night out to experience the cosmos under the darkest sky in Rhode Island, then this is your chance.

Be sure to subscribe to the Frost Drew Observatory mailing list and follow us on Instagram to receive status updates about our Stargazing Nights program and more.

Preparing for Your Visit:

Check out our page on Visiting Frosty Drew Observatory to learn more about what to expect at the Observatory and better help you prepare for your visit.

How to Dress for Winter Conditions: The Frosty Drew Observatory is not climate controlled, and the temperature inside the dome need to match the outside air temperature for a stable telescopic view. Frosty Drew Astronomy Team members dress in layers during the winter and for a very good reason. You should consider doing the same. Please read Dressing for All-Night Winter Stargazing to familiarize yourself with adequate dressing measures.

Please note that we do not allow any white lights on our campus or in Ninigret Park from dusk - dawn, with the exception of low beam headlights while in motion. This is to ensure an equally awesome view of the night sky for all and to allow for the use of light sensitive astronomical equipment. Learn more about why we have this requirement in The Red Light District.