Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Sep 13, 2024 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Cost:

This Event has SOLD OUT!

Welcome to the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center's Stargazing Nights! Every Friday night (weather permitting) we open our Observatory, Science Center, Sky Theatre, and telescopes to the sky and offer free stargazing and astronomy to anybody interested in observing with us.

Happy Friday the Thirteenth! Tonight's forecasts are looking questionable. We can expect mostly clear to clear sky conditions as far as clouds go, but we have a credible threat of fog, which isn’t forecast to move into our region until after midnight, though we always get fog earlier than forecast in Ninigret Park. We do have the bright 75% waxing gibbous Moon, which is an excellent phase for observing, and will offer views through thinner fog, as will Saturn. So we will give it a go, and hope for fog to stay out.

We’ll open the Observatory, Courtyard, Science Center, and Sky Theatre at 8:00 pm tonight. In the Observatory and Courtyard our telescopes will show views of the cratered lunar surface, Saturn’s rings, Albireo, and more. The Sky Theatre will show our regular feature of celestial images captured at Frosty Drew Observatory, and the Science Center will be open with exhibits on display. We will close up at 10:30 pm.

Overall, tonight looks like it could go either way. If the fog stays out, we will have a fantastic night, otherwise, we could end up fogged out early. The Moon is in a fantastic phase for observation, which will allow for stunning views of the Copernicus Crater, Plato Crater, Kepler Crater, Tycho Crater, and more. Also, now that Saturn has passed opposition, it will be much easier to observe. If making the long drive, beware that fog usually moves into Ninigret Park hours before forecasts call for it. Regardless, we will have at least a partial night of observing, and hopefully a full night of astro geekery. So swing by and have your moment with the cosmos at Frosty Drew tonight.

Tickets are required for visitors to attend this event. Tickets are free, though a suggested donation of $5 per person, either online or 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 sky in Rhode Island, then this is your chance.

Take a moment and catch up with a busy series of days at Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center in:
A Celebration of Space - September 13, 2024

Be sure to subscribe to the Frost Drew Observatory mailing list and follow us on Instagram 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 Prepare for Summertime Conditions: The Frosty Drew Observatory is located inside Ninigret Park and borders the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. Insects and arachnids are a concern when visiting the Frosty Drew campus. We have observed mosquitoes, green head flies, deer flies, ticks, biting ants, and more. Please read the Mosquitoes and Insects section on our Visiting the Observatory page to familiarize yourself with adequate preparation 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.