Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory

When:

Sat, Jul 18, 2020 9:00 pm - Sun, Jul 19, 2020 12:00 am

Cost:

THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT!

UPDATE: July 18, 2020 3:02 pm ===============
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT!

Tonight's event has a very high likelihood of being completely fogged out. Though there are still reasonable possibilities of being able to see Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE, Jupiter, and Saturn. Due to the number of cancelled events we have had this summer due to weather, we will attempt an opening tonight. PLEASE NOTE that we cannot guarantee acceptable viewing conditions regarding weather, and tickets are NON REFUNDABLE!
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Frosty Drew Observatory resides in one of the darkest locations in southern New England, and one of the most accessible spots to see the Milky Way Galaxy. Catching sight of the Milky Way stretching across the sky is a view that we regularly enjoy at Frosty Drew Observatory, and one of our most frequent questions is “when can I see the Milky Way at Frosty Drew Observatory?’. So we are adding a couple Saturday night stargazing events themed on viewing the Milky Way. These are the nights that we think will offer best viewing of the Milky Way during the summer months.

Starting at 9:00 pm (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 pm tonight, with best views kicking in around 10:00 pm. These are the nights to lay out under thousands of stars with no Moon to obscure your view.

Due to restrictions on the number of people that can be in groups, we have integrated a temporary ticketing system. Tickets can be acquired online only! A link to acquire tickets is posted below. If the event sells out, please DO NOT attempt to circumvent the ticketing process by using the standard donation form on our website. THAT WILL NOT GET YOU A TICKET OR ACCESS TO THIS EVENT! A ticket is required for admission at tonight’s event!

Important information about tickets:

- A maximum of 180 tickets will be available for each night depending on telescope availability.
- A ticket is required for each person in your party / group.
- Tickets will not be available on site. This means you need to arrive with your ticket.
- 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.
- If you do not have a ticket, you will not be granted admission.
- Tickets are non-refundable.
- We cannot guarantee the weather and seeing the Milky Way is very dependent on clear conditions.
- Though tickets have different times listed, all ticket holders can stay on the campus for the entire duration of the event. The times are to mitigate the formation of a long admission line.
- Some tickets will list "+ Dome Access". Only ticket holders with this ticket will be allowed to enter the Observatory dome and look through the primary telescope, and only 60 of these tickets are available. Note that all other telescopes and presentations will be available to all visitors, regardless of ticket type.

Tickets for tonight's event have SOLD OUT. Thank you for your support!

When visiting, please be aware of signage and social distancing markers as well as flow indicators. If you are experiencing any symptoms of any contagion, stay home and postpone your visit, even if that means forfeiture of your ticket. Visitors who are visibly displaying symptoms of a contagion will not be granted admission. This is just how it is for now, so take your allergy pill before departing for Frosty Drew Observatory!

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

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.

Please note that we do not allow any white lights on our campus from dusk - dawn. This is to ensure an equally awesome view of the night sky for all as well as to allow for the use of light sensitive astronomical equipment. Learn more about why we have this requirement in The Red Light District.

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

Photo: A fabulous springtime view of the Milky Way over Frosty Drew Observatory by Frosty Drew Observatory Director - Scott MacNeill.