Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Fri, Apr 13, 2029 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Cost:

$5 per person over 4 years of age

On the night of April 13, 2029 a very large Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) will pass within 19,600 miles of Earth's surface, which is 0.082 times the distance of the Moon. The NEA is 99942-Apophis which is slightly taller than the Empire State Building in New York City. This pass will be easily visible to the naked eye!

Visibility of the Apophis will depend on weather and overall sky conditions. All non-weather conditions are ideal for visibility with the New Moon occurring on this night and the pass starting about 80 minutes after sunset. Starting at 7:18 pm ET, Apophis will rise over the ESE horizon. At 8:19 pm, Apophis will make it's closest visible pass to Mars - at 4º 15'. Starting at 8:25 pm ET and continuing until 8:32 pm Apophis will be at its brightest visibility (Mag 1.52). At 8:54 pm ET, Apophis will pass at its highest point over Frosty Drew, almost directly overhead. Shortly after 9:30 pm the asteroid will fade out of naked eye view.

Join Frosty Drew astronomers at the Observatory on April 13, 2029, weather permitting, to witness this spectacular event. We will open the Observatory, Observatory Courtyard, Sky Theatre, and Science Center at 6:30 pm. In the Observatory, telescopes will showcase the twilight sky until Apophis becomes accessible to the telescope. In the Observatory Courtyard we will have several telescopes set up to track the asteroid, offering views to visitors. The event will end at 10:30 pm.

A ticket is required for admission at this event!

Important information about tickets:

- A ticket is required for each person in your party / group that is over four years of age.
- Tickets can be purchased online only.
- Tickets will be checked at the Observatory main gate, either electronically or physically.
- The name on the ticket must match the name of the ticket holder. We check ID.
- Tickets are non-refundable.
- We cannot guarantee the weather, and telescope observation is dependent on sky conditions.
- All ticket holders can stay on the campus for the entire duration of the event.

Tickets usually become available up-to one day before the event. This is due to tickets being non-refundable alongside the weather dependency of the event. If you are reading this, then tickets have not been made available yet. We understand this may be frustrating or stressful as is most uncertainty, but that is how it is with New England weather. All the information you need about tickets are either right here or here. We do not respond to inquiries regarding acquiring tickets. Thank you for understanding.

Bring your friends and family. Break out your lawn chairs and blankets, *binoculars, and telescopes. Spend the night under the beautifully clear dark sky of Ninigret Park in Charlestown, Rhode Island and have a fabulous astronomy experience watching the historic naked-eye visible pass of the asteroid Apophis!

Take a minute to read up on visiting the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center and catch up on what to / not to bring and how to adequately prepare for a comfortable night of meteor watching.

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.

This event is a weather dependent event. Cloudy sky conditions, fog, and / or rain will cancel this event.

See you under the stars!