Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Nov 4, 2022 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Cost:

This Event has Sold Out

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 skies and offer free stargazing and astronomy to anybody interested in observing with us.

Tonight's forecasts are calling for partly cloudy conditions with possible bouts of fog. The 85% waxing gibbous Moon will be out for our entire session, and will outshine most deep sky objects. The planets and the Moon will be the primary targets of the night, which are less affected by thin cloud cover and lighter fog. So we should be good to go.

We will open the Observatory, Courtyard, Science Center, and Sky Theatre at 7:00 tonight. In the Observatory and Courtyard our telescopes will showcase the rings of Saturn, Galilean Moons of Jupiter, the Great Red Spot on Jupiter earlier in the night, the waxing gibbous Moon, and an early view of Mars – which is starting to come into good viewing. In the Science Center, exhibits will be on display alongside projects that the Frosty Drew Astronomy Team are working on. Now that Sky Theatre upgrades are largely completed, we will be reopening the Sky Theatre tonight with our feature of celestial objects captured by the Frosty Drew Astronomy Team. We will close up at 10:00 pm.

Overall, tonight is a bit risky as we could have a bit of cloud cover and fog. The forecast seems to be a bit variable, especially in regards to fog, so we could end up with a good night. Though the bright Moon and the presence of some level of clouds will certainly obscure any views of the departing Milky Way. So this is not a night for those looking to lay out under thousands of stars. Though a bit of thin cloud cover and fog will actually allow for better viewing of the planets, which are in great viewing right now. So stop in tonight and catch a view of three planets and the Moon.

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.
This event has SOLD OUT

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.

Take a moment to catch up on some awesome celestial happenings this week in:
A Celebration of Space - November 4, 2022

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 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.