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Welcome to the Custer Institute & Observatory

Long Island's oldest public observatory (est. 1927)

Support Custer through General Donations, Building & Restoration Project, and by becoming a Member!

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.



Updated: 01/22/22

Saturday Night Observing: Open 7pm-Midnight

Check our weather and the moon phase

Weather permitting, Saturday Night Observing is from 7pm to midnight where volunteer Staff provide guided tours of the sky.

Check back often for the lastest information regarding programs and news.

Friday,
Feb 3

7pm - 9pm

STARGAZING AND HOT CHOCOLATE AT DOWNS FARM PRESERVE.

feb3

Join Group for the East End and Custer Institute for stargazing and hot chocolate at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue. Downs Farm Preserve is a National Historic Landmark and the site of Fort Corchaug, a Native American settlement established in the mid-17th century. Its 51 acres of scenic woodlands and tidal wetlands along the shores of Downs Creek allow visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the North Fork, including the North Fork's dark skies.

Catch a glimpse of nebulae, galaxies and other deep sky objects visible this season in a guided tour of the night sky using powerful telescopes. In addition to learning about our universe, hear about the amazing local wildlife that we share our night skies with and how we can help protect them. Learn more about light pollution and how you can help protect our night sky for years to come. From owls to bats to moths, the night comes alive!

Custer Institute and Observatory is Long Island’s oldest public observatory (est. 1927), located on Main Bayview Rd in Southold, beneath some of Long Island's darkest skies. Group for the East End is a local environmental organization focused on education, advocacy and conservation of Long Island’s East End.

This is a family friendly event and weather dependent. Please dress weather appropriately.

NO RESTROOM AVAILABLE ON SITE

$10 Adult, Children 12 and Under FREE. Attendance is limited so reserve your spot soon! All proceeds benefit Custer Institute and Group for the East End.
register

Everyone loves the moon! Check the phase of the Moon here and remember, less moon = darker skies which is what you need to see many deep sky objects such as those found in the Messier Catalog or the NGC Objects. But whether the Moon is just a sliver or full, it's always great to see through our telescopes!

As a volunteer organization, we can really only guarantee to answer the phone Saturday nights when we are there. Check back here and our facebook page for the latest information.
Saturday,
Feb 11

4:30 pm

Custer Board Meeting.

Members welcome.
Saturday,
March 11

4:30 pm

Custer Board Meeting.

Members welcome.
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.

This Week @NASA

January 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.