Weekly Note
As of this afternoon, skies for Frosty drew still look fairly good, so it is likely the telescope will be open for observing tonight. Remember, though: Because sunset occurs rather late, the opening is rather late, after 8:30 P.M. Jupiter will be a good target for early evening, but it is setting with the rest of the winter sky earlier each night, and will soon be out of reach of the observatory. Saturn, though, is beautiful, and does rise early enough to take Jupiter’s place as the planet of the night. The Moon, which is on its way to next week’s new phase, will not be in our sky, which would allow Scott to scan the northern part of our sky for Comet PANSTARRS without the excess moonlight, which, although it is rather dim, still has that distinct comet appearance of a bright head and wispy tail. Unfortunately, there are no Space Station passes tonight.
Don’t forget to get your running shoes ready for Saturday’s Frosty Drew’s 4th Annual 5K run/walk around beautiful Ninigret Park. Not only will you view parts of the park that you normally don’t see when you visit, but winners are competing for pies. Along with the main event, there are fun runs for kids, and sing-alongs with John Veradian before the 11:00 A.M. starting time. Come join us for this great annual event.
Also, if you’d always wanted to learn more about astronomy, your chance is here beginning Saturday, May 11th, and continuing the 18th and June 1st. For two hours each Saturday, beginning at 2:00 P.M., you will learn about stars, galaxies, planets, and the early ideas of our universe. For more information, please consult the website, or call Frosty Drew at 401.364.9508.
The monthly URI/ Frosty Drew planetarium program next Friday, May 10th, will be a play on the famous Dr. Philip Morrison short, “Powers of 10.” First aired in 1977, this masterpiece of the very big and the very small is still worth watching; also, URI Lab Manager Steve Pellegrino added backdrop images to the original, making for a totally different look to this program. Admission is only $5.00, to benefit both the Frosty Drew and URI Planetarium funds, and will be shown at 6:00 and 7:00 P.M. The planetarium is located on the corner of Upper College Road and Engineering Row. Hope to see you then.
Frosty Drew Observatory is proud to be located at the darkest skies in Rhode Island. Please help us to keep the skies as dark as possible.
-Francine Jackson
