Privately owned telescopes and binoculars are welcome at Frosty Drew Observatory. If you have a pair of binoculars of any kind bring them along by all means!!! Many of the most wonderful things are seen best in binoculars. For example, telescopes can't hope to compete with binoculars on wide angle things like comets and the Milky Way.

We have concrete pads with mounting piers for telescopes. Some of the pads provide 120 volt power for clock drives and accessories. Better yet, we have some of the best dark skies in Rhode Island's South County, with full 360 degree visibility.

If you bring your telescope, other visitors may ask if they can look through it. You may allow others to view through your telescope at your own discretion.

If you are in the market for a telescope, trying out a variety of telescopes can be a real benefit. The glossy department store wonder with umpteen knobs and adjustments may suddenly seem less desirable when it is compared to a simple sturdy scope with good optics. Talk with the amateurs to see what they think is important i n a scope. You may be surprised to find out that the very feature you thought you wanted (say highest magnification) is actually a drawback!

Over the months and years all types of portable telescopes have made their appearance at Frosty Drew. All the way from small spotting telescopes to a giant telescope equipped with computerized controls. You never know what may be available.

And again, if you have binoculars, by all means bring them! Time and time again we are asked what telescope a new enthusiast should buy. Our answer is always the same. Use a pair of binoculars until you are familiar with the sky. Time enough then to buy the telescope of your dreams. At least you'll know what you are buying.