Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Oct 3, 2025 7:30 pm - 10:00 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 stargazing and astronomy to anybody interested in observing with us.

Tonight's forecasts are calling for mostly clear to clear sky conditions for the entire night. We will have the 85% waxing gibbous Moon with us tonight, which will offer stunning views of the cratered lunar surface. Even though the sky will be clear, dark sky conditions will be thwarted by the bright gibbous Moon. Regardless, we are expecting a fabulous night out under the Moon.

We will open the Observatory and Science Center at 7:30 pm this evening. In the Observatory the large 24 inch telescope will showcase multiple star systems, the gibbous Moon, and later in the night – Saturn. Our courtyard telescopes will showcase everything the sky has to offer including an earlier viewing of Saturn. We will close up at 10:00 pm.

Overall, tonight looks like it will be a stunning night, though it should be noted that if super dark sky conditions with the Milky Way stretching across the sky is your thing then tonight will be a night to skip. The 85% waxing gibbous Moon will surely outshine the Milky Way and most deep sky objects. On the flip side the 85% waxing gibbous Moon is a fantastic phase for lunar observation, with most notable craters positioned along the best regions for viewing. So celebrate autumn with a night out at Frosty Drew Observatory and become acquainted with your inner geek.

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.