Summer Solstice And Dark Sky Celebration

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UPDATE: Rain and clouds will likely block the view of our beautiful sky tonight. If tonight’s event doesn’t work, there will be more scheduled soon.
When: Saturday, June 17 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (weather permitting)
Where: Frosty Drew Campus in Ninigret Park
Why: To Celebrate The Summer Solstice and Charlestown’s Beautiful Star-Filled Skies
Who: Charlestown RI Dark Sky Advocates in Cooperation with Frosty Drew Observatory & Science Center

As We Celebrate The Shortest Night Of The Year, We Can Party With The Stars
Westerly may have Taylor Swift, but Charlestown has the entire cosmos

Let’s celebrate the summer solstice as we come to another new moon cycle and the Milky Way’s galactic core comes to view earlier in the night.

Bring a chair or blanket to sit and relax and enjoy some marvelous stargazing accompanied by the nighttime sounds that our protected wildlife may have to offer. There may even be some fireflies in the area or a few passing meteors.

Charlestown has the darkest skies along the coast between New York and Boston. This is a chance to learn more about what you are seeing in the sky and meet others who love our night sky.

“The Dark Sky Advocates” ask that those attending follow guidelines for the event so that all will have a fun time:

  • Read and follow the rules for Visiting Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center
  • The use of a RED LIGHT for seeing is highly encouraged as the use of white light is disturbing to other observers as well as observing equipment and cameras.
  • Alcohol and drugs are prohibited while visiting.
  • While you may think the world of your furry friends, please leave your dogs at home.
  • Ninigret Park is surrounded by wildlife and that includes mosquitoes so be sure to dress accordingly and take proper precautions.

Registration is not required, but if you have a Facebook account, you can signup for this event at https://www.facebook.com/events/1287625575466899/

If you’re interested in bringing your own telescope to set up, please send Brian Nieves a note through messenger to make arrangements.

Banner photograph of Charlestown’s dark sky by Brian Nieves.
Visit Our “Charlestown Dark Sky” Page For More On The Light Pollution Issue