Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Mar 25, 2022 7:30 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.

Tonight's forecasts are looking pretty good. There is a lot of variability in regards to passing clouds, so we will likely have periods of clouded out conditions, but the overall forecast is calling for mostly clear conditions. Considering that the 33% waning crescent Moon will not rise until 3:44 am, we are in for a night of super dark sky conditions. Temps will be in the upper 40’s and it will be a bit damp.

We will open the Observatory and Sky Theatre at 7:30 pm tonight. In the Observatory our 24 inch telescope will rock the dark sky. On our list of awesome sights are the Orion Nebula, the Messier 46 open star cluster, R-Lepus – a carbon star, the Messier 50 open star cluster, Hubble's Variable Nebula, the Ghost of Jupiter – a young white dwarf, and a handful of galaxies including Messier 95, Messier 96, Messier 65, Messier 66, Messier 104 – the Sombrero Galaxy, and more. We’ll finish off the night with a view of Messier 3, and Messier 53 globular star clusters. In the Sky Theatre we will show a feature of celestial images captured by the Frosty Drew Astronomy Team. We’ll close up at 10:30 pm.

Overall, tonight has the making of an amazing night. There is a threat of periodic clouds, some of which could last for over an hour. But every forecasting source has different timings listed, which is quite variable, and variability usually favors us. If making the long drive, it is a bit risky but probably worth it because clear dark sky conditions are the best at Frosty Drew. So pack up your geeky self and head out for a night of astronomy at Frosty Drew tonight.

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 some space happenings this coming week in:
A Celebration of Space - March 25, 2022

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.

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!

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.