Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Aug 1, 2025 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Cost:

This Event Has SOLD OUT

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's forecasts are calling for clearing sky conditions shortly after sunset. There is a bit of variability in timings, with some sources calling for clear conditions by 9:00 pm, and others closer to 10:00 pm. Regardless, it looks like it could be quite a good night. The first quarter Moon will be with us until near midnight, offering fabulous views of the cratered lunar surface. Cooler temps will prevail as well offering comfortable conditions on site.

We will open the Observatory and Science Center at 6:30 pm this afternoon. We’ll start off with views of the Sun in our solar telescopes. Depending on cloud cover, we could have spectacular views of several sunspot regions visible on the Sun today. Once the Sun starts to set we will slowly transition to twilight observation. Up first will be the first quarter Moon in Courtyard telescopes. As the night progresses we will observe binary and multiple star systems as well as some bright 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 up at 11:00 pm.

It should be noted that the annual Charlestown Seafood Festival is happening in Ninigret Park tonight and this weekend. The festival will bring a significant increase in light pollution and traffic to the park. Traveling along Park Lane could be a bit confusing with parking attendants setting up checkpoints for the festival. When encountering parking attendants kindly inform them that you are visiting Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center and they will let you pass. You DO NOT have to pay to park if solely visiting Frosty Drew! Additionally, festival staff, including parking attendants, are unaware of Frosty Drew’s schedule, so do not let them turn you away, we are open tonight!

Overall, tonight looks like it will be a good night, but with some caveats. There will be the first quarter Moon with us until after our event ends. This will brighten up the sky, so dark sky viewing tonight will be limited. The Seafood Festival will make for sub-optimal viewing conditions due to light pollution and glare. Though the Moon will be fantastic tonight, and if clouds can depart early, we could have an excellent night. If making the long drive, this will be the weekend to skip due to other activities in the park, though if deciding to visit, we should have good viewing.

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.

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.