Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Jul 18, 2025 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Cost:

THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT! Please try again next week.

Welcome to the Frosty Drew Summer 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.

Tonight may be the first truly excellent night we have had in 2025, which has been the worst year for sky conditions that we have experienced yet. Though it should be noted that as the day progresses the forecast for tonight has been degrading significantly. At the time of writing, forecasts are calling for mostly clear sky conditions this evening becoming clear overnight. As of last night, we expected clearings to happen well before sunset, but it appears that the clouds may stick around until after 9:00 pm, There is a lot of variability in the timings of clearings. The 31% waning crescent Moon does not rise until 12:19 am, which will allow for spectacular dark sky viewing once twilight wanes. If clouds can stay out, it could be an amazing night.

We will open the Observatory and Science Center at 6:30 pm. First up will be solar observing in the Observatory Courtyard where we will have our solar telescopes set up on the Sun. Several sunspot groups with notable sunspots are in view today, and will be stunning to observe in the telescopes. Once the Sun starts to set we will direct our telescopes towards the twilight sky. We’ll begin with binary and multiple star systems, and as twilight wanes we will direct our telescopes towards the Milky Way galactic plane and observe nebulae and star clusters. In the Sky Theatre we will show our regular feature of celestial objects photographed at Frosty Drew Observatory and the Science Center will have exhibits on display. We will close at 11:00 pm.

Sunset will happen at 8:16 pm this evening, and twilight will stick around until after 9:30 pm. Ticket holding visitors can arrive anytime between 6:15 pm and 10:30 pm. There will be a notable period without telescope observation once the Sun sets into the treeline and the first stars become visible. We allow re-entry to the event and there are activities and attractions in Ninigret Park (home to Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center) that are available to the general public.

Overall, tonight has the makings for an amazing night under the darkest sky in Rhode Island, but there are caveats. We are seeing variability in the timings that the sky will clear. It appears that we may be under some cloud cover for the daytime part of our event, and it could clear out at sunset, or stick around until after 9:00 pm. Though the prospect of a clear sky is very exciting as the Milky Way will become exceptionally visible after sunset. If making the long drive, it is probably a good night to make an attempt, but keep in mind there is a risk of cloudy conditions. But we think it is probably worth a try.

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! Please try again next week.

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.

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.

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

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. If you show up with your high beam headlights on, don't expect a warm welcome. Learn more about why we have this requirement in The Red Light District.