All observing is
done out in the open air, under the stars. Dress appropriately.
For the Curious
The Custer Institute and Observatory is Long Island's oldest public observatory (est.1927). Open to the public every Saturday evening from dusk until midnight, our staff of volunteers will give you a tour of the facilities and the night sky through our powerful telescopes. Custer has a library, exhibit room, and gift shop. Frequent lectures, classes,concerts, art exhibits and other special events.
- Ridgewood Savings Bank
- The New York Community Trust
- The Joe & Hellen Darion Foundation
- The Harold Family Foundation
- Visit & Contact
- Membership Information
- Member Nights
- Our Equipment
- Custer History
- Radio Astronomy
- Music Project
- Eclipses and Transits
- Meteor Showers
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Updated: 03/30/22
Saturday Night Observing: Open 7pm-Midnight
| Saturday, April 22 8:30 pm |
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK.
Discover the night at Custer Observatory as we celebrate International Dark Skies Week 2023! Come visit Custer Institute and Observatory, Long Island's oldest public observatory (est.1927), to experience the dark skies in your neighborhood and learn about what you can do to protect the night sky. Artificial light at night has revolutionized the way we live and work outdoors, but it has come at a price. When used indiscriminately, outdoor lighting can disrupt wildlife, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view of the universe. Learn ways that you can appreciate dark, star-filled skies while enjoying the benefits of responsible outdoor lighting. Custer Institute and Observatory is located beneath some of Long Island's darkest skies, where on a clear dark night you can still see the Milky Way galaxy. Come join us in discovering (or re-discovering) the North Fork's night sky! If the weather is clear, the Custer Observatory dome and other telescopes on site will be open for viewing and guided by Observatory staff. Guests may arrive any time between 8:30pm and 11:30pm. Suggested Donation: $5 Adult, $3 Children Under 16, Observatory Members FREE. Your donations help us to continue our mission and are greatly appreciated. We ask that you register in advance as this will guide our preparations and plans for the evening, though registration is not required to attend. Registration/ticket portal is here:
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| Saturday, May 13 4:30 pm |
Custer Board Meeting.Members welcome. |
| Saturday, June 24 4:30 pm |
Custer Board Meeting.Members welcome. |
| Saturday, July 8 4:30 pm |
Custer Board Meeting.Members welcome. |
March 14, 8pm: Watch NASA's SpaceX CRS-27 Cargo Mission Launch to the Space Station (Official NASA Broadcast)
March 2023 Skywatching Tips from NASA
NASA TV airs a variety of regularly scheduled, pre-recorded educational and public relations programming 24 hours a day on its various channels. The network also provides an array of live programming, such as 24-hour coverage of International Space Station events (spacewalks, media interviews, educational broadcasts), and rocket launches.