Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Jun 10, 2022 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Cost:

Tickets are required to attend.

Welcome to the Frosty Drew Observatory Summer Stargazing Nights! Every Friday night (weather permitting) we open our Observatory, Sky Theatre, and telescopes to the skies and offer free stargazing and astronomy to anybody interested in observing with us.

Tonight's forecasts are looking rather tricky. Some sources are calling for clear sky conditions until after 11:00 pm, while others are calling for clouds to move in earlier, which could impact our astro geek out. Though we do have the bright 81% waxing gibbous Moon with us tonight, and will offer good views even through thin cloud cover. Additionally, at 81% waxing gibbous, the Moon is in a fantastic phase for viewing several notable craters and regions on the lunar surface. In any case, we will work with what we have tonight.

We will open the Observatory, Courtyard, Science Center, and Sky Theatre at 6:30 pm. In the Observatory Courtyard our solar telescopes will rock the Sun, offering live views of sunspots, prominence, and more. Once the Sun sets, we will switch over to stargazing mode and offer up views of the gibbous Moon, binary stars, and possibly a few star clusters. The Moon will certainly be too bright for galaxy and nebulae viewing. The large 24 inch PlaneWave telescope will be open, alongside telescopes set up in the Observatory Courtyard. We will also host a live streamed view of the Moon projected on the outdoor screen in the Lunar Lounge. Frosty Drew Astronomy Team member Jessica will host Story Time Under the Willow at 7:00 pm and again at 8:00 pm. In the Science Center we will have exhibits on display, and the Sky Theatre will show a feature of celestial objects that we have captured at Frosty Drew Observatory. We will stay open until 11:00 pm.

Overall, tonight is another questionable night. We could end up with beautifully clear sky conditions, or the sky could become covered in thinner cloud cover. It’s really a 50/50. Though the Moon will offer a fallback if thin clouds move in. If making the long drive, it is risky due to the potential for cloud cover. Also, the Milky Way and a sky full of stars will not be visible tonight because of the bright gibbous Moon. But if the Moon is your crush, then tonight is your night because the best phases to observe the Moon is during the 60% - 90% waxing gibbous phases. So make it a night to celebrate the last days of spring, and have a moment with the Moon at Frosty Drew tonight.

Tickets are required for visitors to attend this event. Tickets are free, though a suggested donation of $5 per person, at the event, is very appreciated. Tickets can be acquired here.

Take a moment to catch up on some amazing things happening in space this week in:
A Celebration of Space - June 10, 2022

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.

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

Preparing for Your Visit:

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 or in Ninigret Park from dusk - dawn, with the exception of low bean headlights while in motion. 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.