Stargazing Nights

Stargazing Nights

Where:
Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center
When:
Fri, Mar 24, 2023 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Cost:
$5 Suggested Donation per Person

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 looking rather poor, with mostly cloudy conditions expected. We will have the 14% waxing crescent Moon with us until 10:45 pm, which will offer a hazy view through thinner cloud cover. Additionally, Mars, which is outside of its viewing season, is actually offering up a good view due to the Syrtis Major region being orientated towards Earth. Being that Mars is so bright, thin cloud cover will improve the view.

We will open the Observatory, Science Center, and Sky Theatre at 7:30 pm tonight. In the Observatory, we will attempt views of the night sky with our 24 inch telescope. Clouds may end up too heavy for a view of anything, but we will give it our best attempt. Due to it being a mostly cloudy night, only the brightest objects will be visible. In the Sky Theatre we will show our regular feature of celestial objects photographed at Frosty Drew. In the Science Center, exhibits and astrophotos will be on display. We will close up at 10:30 pm.

Overall, tonight is not the best night to be out under the stars. It will be cloudy, and the clouds could become too heavy to observe. If making the long drive, tonight is another night to skip. 2023 has been a very difficult year at Frosty Drew regarding clouds, and we have only had a handful of Friday’s where we’ve been able to view the night sky. In any case, if you’re in the local area, and need a quick astro fix, then stop in and catch a view of the Moon, Mars, and maybe more.

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.

Tickets are not required to attend tonight's event.

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.

How to Dress for Winter Conditions: The Frosty Drew Observatory is not climate controlled, and the temperatures inside the dome need to match the outside air temperature for a stable telescopic view. Frosty Drew Astronomy Team members dress in layers during the winter and for a very good reason. You should consider doing the same. Please read Dressing for All-Night Winter Stargazing to familiarize yourself with adequate dressing measures.

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.