Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Sep 26, 2025 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Cost:

$6 per person over four years of age

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 stargazing and astronomy to anybody interested in observing with us.

Tonight's forecasts are calling for variable conditions. Largely we can expect periods of clear sky conditions and periods of thinner cloud cover. The 25% waxing crescent Moon will be with us until 8:36 pm, and will allow for easier viewing through thin clouds. If the sky is clearer, the 21% crescent Moon will offer excellent views of Earthshine – when sunlight reflecting off of Earth illuminates the nighttime regions on the Moon. Once the Moon sets, super dark sky conditions will take over, and if clouds can stay minimal, we may have a night under thousands of stars.

We will open the Observatory and Science Center at 7:30 pm. In the Observatory we will direct the large telescope towards anything the sky has to offer. Courtyard telescopes will feature the waxing crescent Moon, Saturn, and more. 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 10:00 pm.

Overall, tonight has the potential to be a fantastic night. We do have a threat of periodic cloud cover, though we do not expect overcast conditions. Some forecast sources are calling for mostly clear sky conditions, which could play out nicely. The Moon is in an excellent phase for naked eye views and the early Moon set will allow for super dark sky conditions. So swing over to Frosty Drew for a night with the cosmos.

Tickets are required for visitors to attend this event. Inline with our mission to keep costs as low as possible, tickets are $6 per person ages 5 and older. Tickets can be purchased online or at the event until the event sells 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.

How to Prepare for Autumn 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.