Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory

When:

Friday October 7, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost:

$1 Suggested Donation per Person

Tonight is Stargazing Night at Frosty Drew Observatory and forecasts are looking quite good. We can expect mostly clear to clear conditions for most of the night, with clouds moving in during the early morning hours. The 40% waxing crescent Moon will be with us at sunset offering fabulous views of the cratered lunar surface. Once the Moon sets at 10:30, super dark skies will rock with fabulous views of nebulae and star clusters in our telescopes. Tonight is certainly a night to be out and a much needed break from clouded out Fridays.

We will open the Observatory and Sky Theatre at 7:00 p.m. In the Observatory, telescopes will showcase a late season view of Saturn’s rings, followed by fabulous views of the crescent Moon. Binary stars will be on display as well as an impressive list of globular star clusters and planetary nebula (the death of small-mid mass stars). The Sky Theatre will feature our popular showcase of celestial objects photographed at Frosty Drew Observatory. We will stay open until midnight at the earliest and will post a “Closing up” message to our Twitter (@FrostyDrewOBSY) and Facebook when we decide to pack it up.

Overall, tonight looks to be a fabulous night. The Moon, though a little bright, is in an excellent phase for viewing and will set early enough to enjoy beautiful starscapes with amazing views in our telescopes. Parts of the Milky Way will become visible once the Moon sets, though don’t expect crazy bright views of the galactic center like we have during summer, it’s too late in the year for that. Regardless, fabulous views of the night sky will be had. So put Frosty Drew Observatory on your list of Friday night things to do and have a fun autumn night out under the stars.

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Weekly Happenings
Scott MacNeill

This coming Thursday, October 13, 2016, Orbital ATK will launch the ISS resupply mission (Orbital CRS-5) from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. This is the first launch of the Orbital ATK Antares rocket since the explosion of the Antares rocket on October 28, 2014 which destroyed the CRS Orb-3 resupply mission to the ISS. Though launches happen all the time, this launch is significant for all of us US east coast residents because we will see it! The launch is slated for 9:13 p.m. on Thursday night. You will want to be at a spot with a good view of the horizon from the SE → SW. Try to arrive at your spot with at least 15 minutes to spare and keep an eye on the southern horizon. The launch will appear as a super bright, fast moving star about 3-4 minutes after launch time. Depending on weather and visibility, rocket stage separation may be visible. The CRS-5 launch will use the new Antares 200 series rocket, which comes with a replacement engine from what was used on the failed Orb-3 launch. Follow along with Frosty Drew on Facebook or Twitter as the launch date approaches for updated viewing information.

Save the Date!
International Observe the Moon Night is coming back to Frosty Drew Observatory on Saturday, October 8, 2016 (tomorrow) from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. International Observe the Moon Night is our night to make our amends for all moon-shaming Frosty Drew astronomers do over the year with a night of exclusive lunar awesomeness. All of our screens will showcase the Moon, all of our telescopes (except one) will showcase the Moon, and our astronomers will be talking about pretty much only the Moon. Weather is not looking so good for the event at this time, but if skies cut us a break, swing over and join in the global celebration for the Moon and take back all those terrible things you may have said about Earth’s only permanent natural satellite.

-Scott