Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Sat, Aug 12, 2023 - CLOSED

Cost:

$5 per person over 4 years of age.

UPDATE: 2023.08.11 =========================
Due to the forecast for overcast sky conditions with rain, we have decided to cancel this event. Viewing meteor showers is very dependent on clear sky conditions. Haze, clouds, and smoke will all make it difficult to observe the shower. If you find yourself under a clearer sky, be sure to step outside around midnight for an hour or so. We'll see you next on Friday, August 18, 2023 for our regular Summer Stargazing Nights event.
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The early morning of August 12th and 13th, 2023 will bring the Perseid Meteor Shower peak to the sky over Frosty Drew Observatory, blazing the starscape with up to 100+ meteors per hour. The Perseids are considered by many to be the best meteor shower of the year, and in 2023 we are setup for a rather good display due to the waning crescent Moon rising during the morning hours. Bright Moon light obscures our view of meteor activity when the Moon is above the horizon. The waning crescent Moon will outshine some of the dimmest Perseid meteors, though most meteors will be visible, especially before the Moon rises. Perseids will start appearing more frequently after 10:00 pm, with the shower really taking off shortly after midnight. The peak occurs in the early morning hours of August 12th and 13th just before dawn.

Join Frosty Drew astronomers at the Observatory on August 12, 2023, weather permitting, to witness this spectacular event. We will open the Observatory, Observatory Courtyard, Sky Theatre, and Science Center at 8:30 p.m. In the Observatory, telescopes will showcase the night sky until meteors start becoming frequent, usually around 10:30 p.m. Telescopic views of nebulae, star clusters, and more will serve as a mesmerizing start to a great night. Once meteors become frequent, we will all make our way outside to view the meteor shower. We may have Courtyard telescopes available throughout the night with some great views of the cosmos. The Science Center and Sky Theatre will remain open all night with videos and showcases of celestial objects we have photographed at Frosty Drew Observatory.

A ticket is required for admission to this event!

Important information about tickets:

- A ticket is required for each person in your party / group that is over 4 years of age.
- Tickets will NOT be available on site, and must be purchased beforehand online.
- Tickets will be checked at the Observatory main gate, either electronically or physically.
- The name on the ticket must match the name of the ticket holder.
- Tickets are non-refundable.
- This event is weather dependent and cancellations will be posted on the day of the event.
- We cannot guarantee the weather and seeing meteor activity is very dependent on clear conditions.
- All ticket holders can stay on the campus for the entire duration of the event.

Once tickets become available, they can be acquired here. Tickets usually become available a day or so before the event. This is due to the weather dependent nature of the event. If you are reading this, then tickets have not been made available yet.

Bring your friends and family. Break out your lawn chairs and blankets, *binoculars, and telescopes. Sit under the beautifully clear dark sky of Ninigret Park in Charlestown, Rhode Island and have a fabulous astronomy experience as shooting stars blaze the sky!

Take a minute to read up on visiting the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center and catch up on what to / not to bring and how to adequately prepare for a comfortable night of meteor watching.

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 beam 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.

This event is a weather dependent event. Cloudy sky conditions, fog, and / or rain will cancel this event.

See you under the Perseids!

*Binoculars and telescopes are welcome but are not needed to view the meteor shower.