Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Sat, Jun 13, 2026 9:30 pm - 11:30 am

Cost:

$5 Suggested Donation Per Person

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center resides in one of the darkest locations in southern New England, and one of the most accessible spots to see the Milky Way Galaxy in the New England area. Catching sight of the Milky Way stretching across the sky is a view that we regularly enjoy at Frosty Drew, and one of our most frequent questions is "When can I see the Milky Way at Frosty Drew?". To promote this amazing natural resource, we are adding a few Saturday night stargazing events themed on viewing the Milky Way. These are the weekend nights that we think will offer best viewing of the Milky Way during the summer months.

Starting at 9:30 p.m. (weather permitting) hang out with our astronomers and telescopes as we showcase many of the fascinating celestial objects that are found along the Milky Way galactic plane, including young star clusters, star forming nebulae, colorful binary star systems, and thousands of stars. The Milky Way will become visible after 9:30 p.m. tonight, with best views kicking in a little later. These are the nights to lay out under thousands of stars with no Moon to obscure your view.

We are going to host this event in the old school, early days at Frosty Drew Observatory manner. This means will forgo tickets, cover cost, check-in requirements, and dome groups. It should be noted that without dome groups, the line for the Observatory primary telescope will be quite long. Please have this in mind when deciding to visit this event!

The best way to observe the Milky Way at Frosty Drew is just laying or standing out under the sky and looking up. Telescopes will not offer a better view of the Milky Way, but instead will offer high power views of objects found along the Milky Way plane.

If seeing the Milky Way is on your bucket list, or if you just want a relaxing night to lay out under a sky full of stars, then this is your chance.

Preparing for a Visit:

Check out our page on Visiting Frosty Drew Observatory to learn more about what to expect at the Observatory and Science Center 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.

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 bean 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.

To allow for visitors to freely explore all of the amazing experiences at Frosty Drew Observatory without having to wait in long lines, we have integrated a pass-based group access process that applies to only the large telescope inside the observatory dome. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with this process as part of your planning steps.

Now gear up for a fabulous night out at the darkest spot in Rhode Island and celebrate fabulous views of the Milky Way.

Photo: The Milky Way rises over Frosty Drew Observatory in 2019 by Frosty Drew Astronomy Team member, Scott MacNeill.