Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory

When:

Fri, May 7, 2021 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Cost:

$5 Suggested Donation per person 5 years and older

Welcome to the Frosty Drew Observatory 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.

After a tumultuous week of weather, tonight’s forecast bombed at the last minute. At the time of writing, we are expecting mostly cloudy conditions, with clouds increasing overnight. This is so unfortunate as we would have had another night of super dark sky conditions being that the 9% waning crescent Moon does not rise until pre-dawn tomorrow morning. We had originally planned for a night of galaxy observation, though we will take what we can get.

The Observatory and Observatory Courtyard will open at 8:30 pm this evening. In the Observatory and Courtyard telescopes we will attempt to observe any objects that are visible. Being that the Moon is not present, we do not have a fall back for thinner cloud cover. There is a lot of variability in tonight’s forecast, which usually works to our favor. If the sky is clearer, we will hunt down binary stars including Nu Draconis, Gamma Leo, Xi Bootes, Castor, Ras Algethi, and more. If the sky turns out quite clear we will dig out dozens of galaxies to observe. May is galaxy month because the heart of the Virgo Galactic Supercluster is almost at zenith (top of the sky) during the evening hours, making for optimal observation. We will close up at 10:30 pm tonight.

Overall, tonight is quite a risk. The rapidly changing forecast is calling for mostly cloudy conditions, depending on who is sourcing the data. Other reliable data sources are forecasting partly cloudy conditions, even mostly clear in some cases. So it’s a toss up. Over the past few weeks it has been cloudier than forecasts were predicting, which does not bode well for our plans tonight. But historically, variability usually favors us. If making the long drive, tonight is a night to skip. The prospect of super dark sky conditions does not outweigh the risk of cloud cover. So don't blame us if you chose to ignore this warning! But if you’re in the Rhode Island / Connecticut area then it may be worth a try. Regardless, we will give it our best and hope for a great view.

Be sure to subscribe to the Frosty Drew Observatory mailing list, follow us on Twitter (@FrostyDrewOBSY) or on Facebook to receive status updates about our Stargazing Nights program and more.

Take a moment to catch up on all the amazing things happening in astro this week in: A Celebration of Space - May 7, 2021

Now that Frosty Drew Observatory has entered its off / down season we are scaling back our operations for a few months. We will still open every Friday night, weather permitting, to host our Stargazing Nights event. Though we will not have as many telescopes or astronomers available. The big change of late is the removal of our ticket requirement, which could come back at any time we feel it is necessary. What this means is that visitors can freely visit Frosty Drew Observatory on Friday nights. What it DOESN’T mean is that everything is back to normal. We will be counting the number of visitors that enter our Courtyard and will only allow up to a specific number depending on how visitors are conducting themselves. Additionally, dome access will be a mix of self governed and astronomer managed. The same restrictions will be in place as have been for the past month and we will have signage as well as team members to help direct flow dynamics. It is very cold in the winter at Frosty Drew and due to this new model, you will be outside in the wind for extended periods of time. Inadequate preparation for your visit is NOT our fault! Our down season usually lasts until May. This is yet another trial and error process that we will adapt to and learn from. We thank you for your patience during these times.

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

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.

Please note that we do not allow any white lights on our campus from dusk - dawn. 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

It is cold at Frosty Drew Observatory during the winter and early spring. Visitors will be completely exposed to the harsh winter environment while standing on frozen ground. Dressing properly is REQUIRED to attend! Lean how the Frosty Drew Astronomers dress for working overnight on the Frosty Drew campus during the winter. Read it! Follow it!