Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Nov 17, 2023 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Cost:

Tickets are NOT required to attend Please read below.

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 overcast conditions with patchy fog and rain setting in overnight. There is a chance that the clouds could be thin enough to observe Saturn and Jupiter, which will benefit from a bit of thin cloud cover. So we will open and cross our fingers that a view may be possible.

We will open the Observatory, Science Center, and Sky Theatre at 7:00 pm. In the Observatory, we will monitor sky conditions, and direct the big telescope towards Saturn and Jupiter if the sky is clear enough. Otherwise, we will turn on the lights and offer tours of the Observatory building and large PlaneWave telescope. In the Science Center exhibits will be on display, and the Sky Theatre will show our popular feature of celestial objects photographed at Frosty Drew Observatory. If the sky is too overcast to observe, an astronomer will be available in the Sky Theatre and Science Center to offer a commentary. We will close up at 10:00 pm.

Overall, tonight is not the night to make the long drive. We are expecting overcast conditions with rain and fog eventually moving in. There is a slight prospect that clouds will be thin enough, at times, to observe the planets, which could offer up a stunning view of Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s equatorial bands and storms, and the four Galilean Moons. Alternatively, it could be too cloudy to view the sky. But if you are in the local area and have a free night, stop in to chat about astronomy and the dark sky.

Tickets are NOT required for visitors to attend this event. Though a suggested donation of $5 per person, at the event, is very appreciated.

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 space-based happenings in:
A Celebration of Space - November 17, 2023

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.

Read about our Observatory Dome Access Passes, which are available on a first come first serve basis.

How to Prepare for Autumn Conditions: The second half of autumn at Frosty Drew will bring cooler than expected temperatures. The wide open environment, and outdoor design of the event, will directly expose visitors to the elements. Dressing for winter temperatures is highly recommended when visiting during this time of year. The Observatory building is not climate controlled and the temperatures inside the building must match the outside air temperatures for correct operations. A wind breaking jacket, hat, and warm shoes are necessary when visiting.

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.