Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Nov 24, 2023 7:00 pm - 9:30 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 forecast is calling for mostly clear sky conditions with a bit of wind. Considering that the Moon is sporting a stunning 92% waxing crescent phase this evening, the views will be intense. Best views of the Moon usually occur between First Quarter and 90% waxing gibbous, which puts tonight’s view close to that phase. Even though the sky will be clear, the Moon will be very bright, and will outshine everything aside from the planets and brighter stars.

We will open the Observatory, Science Center, and Sky Theatre at 7:00 pm tonight. In the Observatory, the large 24 inch telescope will showcase the rings of Saturn, Jupiter, the Moon, and a handful of binary and carbon stars. Just before we close up, a stunning view of Ganymede’s shadow will be visible along the bottom of Jupiter. Ganymede is Jupiter’s largest moon. 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. We will close up at 9:30 pm.

Overall, the sky should clear out nicely just in time for our view. The Moon will be excessively bright tonight, which will block our view of the usual thousands of stars across the starscape, but the planets will be quite visible. Additionally, the nights with the bright Moon allow for us to catch up on some awesome carbon star viewing. If making the long drive, be sure to note that the Moon will dominate the sky tonight, and the Milky Way will not be visible. But the Moon is in a good phase for viewing the Aristarchus Crater, and Sinus Iridum (Bay of Rainbows). So swing by Frosty Drew tonight, and add the cosmos to your holiday weekend of seasonal festivities.

Tickets are NOT required for visitors to attend this event. Though a suggested donation of $5 per person, either online or 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 astronomy and an important issue facing Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center in:
A Celebration of Space - November 24, 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.