Frosty Drew Nature Center & Observatory: Francine Jackson's Columns

Happy Perihelion!

Francine Jackson — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 11:19:31 EST

This has got to be one of the trickiest, and most confusing times of the year. As we here in the north are struggling to stay as warm as possible, we are experiencing what to many is not possible: Being as close to the Sun as the Earth can be.

URI Planetarium - What more do you need?

Francine Jackson — Thu, 4 Apr 2013 21:17:51 EDT

Nestled quietly on the corner of Upper College Road and Engineering Row is a unique little building resembling a silo stepped on by the Jolly Green Giant. Many students who pass by this building have no idea they are looking at one of the most modern pla

The Long Night Moon - December's Full Moon

Francine Jackson — Mon, 3 Dec 2012 18:18:21 EST

With the winter season beginning this month, the nights are the longest, and the days slowly begin to get colder. As such, we celebrate both the Full Cold Moon and the Full Long Night Moon. And, because we also celebrate the holiday season at this

The Beaver Moon - November's Full Moon

Francine Jackson — Tue, 6 Nov 2012 10:27:23 EST

As the swamps began to freeze, settlers looking to stay warm during the winter would set traps along them, to try to catch the full, soft, fluffy beaver, who were looking to prepare their winters' naps; this is why the Full Moon of November is called