Rhode Island may be small, but it has a handful of places where you can turn a clear night into a close-up of the sky. Whether you’re a casual stargazer or planning a visit, a short drive can put you under different kinds of scopes and programs.
There are 3 Observatories in Rhode Island, ranging from Frosty Drew Observatory to Seagrave Memorial Observatory. For each site the list is organized with Town,Telescope aperture (mm),Public access, so you’ll find below.
Can I visit these observatories in person?
Most sites welcome the public for scheduled nights or special events, though exact hours and access vary; check each observatory’s calendar or social media before you go, and expect some to require reservations or have seasonal hours.
What does “Telescope aperture (mm)” tell me about what I’ll see?
Aperture (measured in millimeters) indicates how much light a telescope gathers—larger apertures reveal fainter deep-sky objects and finer detail on planets, while smaller apertures are great for bright objects and easier setup; use the listed aperture to match an observatory to your observing interests.
Observatories in Rhode Island
| Name | Town | Telescope aperture (mm) | Public access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladd Observatory | Providence | 305 | Free public viewing on clear Tuesday nights. |
| Frosty Drew Observatory | Charlestown | 699 | Open every clear Friday night, year-round; small donation requested. |
| Seagrave Memorial Observatory | North Scituate | 210 | Free public viewing every clear Saturday night. |
Images and Descriptions
Ladd Observatory
A historic Victorian-era observatory at Brown University, home to a beautiful 12-inch Brashear refracting telescope. It offers free public viewing, providing a unique opportunity to look through an antique instrument and learn about the history of astronomy in Providence.
Frosty Drew Observatory
Located in the dark skies of Ninigret Park, Frosty Drew is a premier public observatory in New England. It boasts a powerful 27.5-inch PlaneWave telescope, offering stunning views of celestial objects during its popular Friday night stargazing events for all ages.
Seagrave Memorial Observatory
Home to the Skyscrapers amateur astronomy society, this historic observatory houses a magnificent 8.25-inch Alvan Clark refracting telescope built in 1878. It’s a fantastic destination for the public on clear Saturday nights, offering a glimpse into astronomical history.
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