Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Apr 15, 2022 8:00 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 look pretty good. We can expect clear sky conditions with clouds starting to move in after 10:00 pm. The 98% waxing crescent Moon, one day from Full, will outshine nearly every deep sky object in the sky, leaving only binary stars to observe. Though the bright Moon will make for a good fall back if clouds move in early.

We will open the Observatory, Science Center, and Sky Theatre at 8:00 pm tonight. In the Observatory the primary 24 inch telescope will show binary stars and the bright Moon. On our list of stunning binary stars are Algieba, Wasat, Castor, Cor Caroli, Mizar / Alcor, and Beta Monoceros. Once the Moon rises high enough off the eastern horizon we will periodically showcase the view. In the Sky Theatre we will show a feature of celestial objects photographed by our astronomy team. In the Science Center, exhibits will be on display. Note that the Science Center renovations are coming to an end, though all exhibits have not been restored. We will close up at 10:30 pm.

Overall, tonight is probably not the night to make the long drive as the Moon will dominate the sky. Weather looks acceptable, and it should be a nice comfortable evening with temps in the low 50’s. Though if you’re looking for that amazing view of thousands of stars stretching overhead, then tonight will be the night to skip as the sky will be just as plain as it is in the city due to the copious amounts of moonlight. But if the Moon is your crush, then tonight will be a night to get your geek on with our celestial partner. So swing by, catch a view of a binary or two, and have a night out under the Moon at Frosty Drew tonight.

Take a moment to catch up on some amazing happenings in space this week in:
A Celebration of Space - April 15, 2022

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.

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.