Stargazing Nights

Stargazing Nights

Where:
Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center
When:
Fri, Oct 8, 2021 7:00 pm - 10:00 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.

Tonight's forecasts are calling for mostly clear to partly cloudy sky conditions with increasing clouds and wind. There is a bit of variability in the timings of cloud increases, but it looks like we will be able to catch views of, at least, the brighter objects in the sky. Wind gusts could become problematic with gusts reaching into the 25mph range, but we will work with it. Additionally, the 13% waxing crescent Moon will sit beautifully over the SW horizon in twilight offering up stunning views of Earthshine, which is when the night side of the Moon is illuminated by sunlight reflecting off of Earth, making it subtly visible alongside the brighter crescent.

We will open the Observatory, Observatory Courtyard, Sky Theatre, and Science Center at 7:00 pm. Courtyard telescopes will showcase the rings of Saturn, Venus at almost third quarter, Jupiter and the Galilean Moons, Albireo, Delta Cepheus, Gamma Andromeda, and any other object that is visible. Being that the Moon is so thin and setting at 7:46 pm, we will have super dark sky conditions to celebrate. Sadly, partly cloudy conditions may render this bonus unattainable. If it’s on the clearer side, we will direct our telescopes towards the Andromeda Galaxy, Ring Nebula, Pegasus Cluster, Hercules Cluster, and more. In the Science Center we will have exhibits on display alongside the works of our astronomers on gallery. The Sky Theatre will feature a showcase of celestial objects photographed by the Frosty Drew Astronomy Team. We will close up at 10:00 pm.

The Observatory dome will be open for visitors to check out, but the primary telescope has been removed and will not be operational as we have begun replacement operations, which will continue through the month of October. On the 40” display panel in the Observatory dome we will show videos and images of the Frosty Drew telescope as well as the new PlaneWave telescope that we are installing. It’s important to note that some of our Courtyard telescopes perform just as good as the primary observatory telescope that we have removed. So views will be comparable.

Overall, tonight could go either way. We could see rather clearer sky conditions, especially earlier in the night, but we could also see the sky cloud up fast. It’s a risk, but the cosmos are putting on a spectacular night with the super thin crescent Moon, and super dark sky conditions. If making the long drive, you may want to sit this one out. But if you’re in the area or are up for the risk, stop in and perhaps score a fantastic night with the cosmos.

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.

Check out our page on Visiting Frosty Drew Observatory to learn more about what to expect at the Observatory and to 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.

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.

Please note that due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the detail of this event may change. Please check in regularly, both here and on our SARS-CoV-2 page, to stay up to date.