Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Jan 16, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Cost:

$5 Suggested Donation Per Person

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 partly cloudy sky conditions with wind. Gusts could reach as high as 26 mph, which could result in our view being restricted to one side of the sky. The 1% waning crescent Moon does not rise until 6:41 am, leaving the sky super dark for the entire nighttime period. Temps will be colder than it has been for the past week, and wind chill will feel like it’s in the low-mid 20’s. So dressing for extreme winter conditions is a requirement.

We will open the Observatory and Science Center at 7:00 pm. In the Observatory we will direct the 24 inch telescope towards Jupiter – which will have the Great Red Spot in view as well as the four Galilean Moons, the Orion Nebula, Messier 46 open star cluster, Messier 67 open star cluster, and more. In the Sky Theatre and Science Center temperatures will be warm and onscreen we will show our regular feature of celestial objects photographed at Frosty Drew Observatory. We will close up at 10:00 pm.

Overall, tonight has the possibility of being a fantastic night, though clouds will likely be problematic, and if wind gusts are as forecast we could be restricted in where we can view. With the temps in the 20’s tonight it is going to be cold on site, and those not properly dressed will not have an enjoyable experience. Take a moment to read about how the Frosty Drew Astronomy Team dresses on the cold winter nights. Then head out to the darkest spot in Southern New England for a night out under the stars.

Tickets are not required for visitors to attend this event. Though a suggested donation of $5 per person, at the event, is very appreciated.

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 Frosty 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 Dress for Winter Conditions: The Frosty Drew Observatory is not climate controlled, and the temperature inside the dome need to match the outside air temperature for a stable telescopic view. Frosty Drew Astronomy Team members dress in layers during the winter and for a very good reason. You should consider doing the same. Please read Dressing for All-Night Winter Stargazing to familiarize yourself with adequate dressing 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.