International Dark Sky Week

When: April 15 to April 22, 2023
Where: The sky above Charlestown, Rhode Island
Why: Charlestown’s dark sky protects the health of both people and wildlife, gives us a fabulous view of the universe, and so much more.

Charlestown Has Star Power!

Charlestown is an important location for the study and viewing of the cosmos because we have the darkest skies along the coast between New York and Boston.

The “Earth at Night” graphic above shows areas of low light pollution in green. The arrow points to the location of Frosty Drew Observatory in Ninigret Park. Frosty Drew is inside one of the darkest, least developed areas of Rhode Island and then looks out toward the Atlantic Ocean, which provides total darkness. This darkness is great for stargazing and protects wildlife as well.

Here are some ways to celebrate International Dark Sky Week:

Visit Frosty Drew Observatory.
Frosty Drew Observatory opens every Friday night year-round to the public free of charge. Being a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, it does accept, and greatly appreciates any donations. If the sky is clear and the wind is manageable, the observatory will be in full observation mode, looking to the sky through one or more of their telescopes at stars, distant galaxies, shining nebulae, the planets and their moons, and maybe a passing comet. During cloudy, rainy, or snowy conditions, the Observatory hosts presentations in the Sky Theatre with astronomers on hand to answer questions and give tours of the observatory and astronomical equipment. It also frequently hosts live-streamed events on the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center YouTube.
Please visit frostydrew.org for details on visiting the Observatory.

Host or Attend a Star Party.
Find a dark, safe observing site near your home and invite some friends to share your view of the stars. You can camp out under the stars or just spread a blanket and lie down and look up. While 83 percent of the global population lives under a light-polluted sky, in Charlestown we still have our night sky. It is ours to lose and we need to protect, preserve, and promote it. So please celebrate it with friends and spread the word.
Learn more about star parties at skyandtelescope.org

Learn more about International Dark Sky Week.
International Dark Sky Week is sponsored by the International Dark-Sky Association, the leaders in the movement to bring better lighting to communities around the world so that all life can thrive.
Please visit idsw.darksky.org for details on International Dark Sky Week.

---

The banner image is a photograph of the Milky Way taken at Frosty Drew Observatory by Scott MacNeill.
Visit Our “Charlestown Dark Sky” Page For More On The Light Pollution Issue