Welcome to the Custer Institute & Observatory

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

All observing is done out in the open air, under the stars. Dress appropriately.
Please wear a mask when inside the buildings.

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.


Custer Links



Updated: 11/09/21

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.

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,
Dec 4

4:30 pm

Custer Board Meeting.

Members welcome.
Saturday,
Jan 8

4:30 pm

Custer Board Meeting.

Members welcome.

"The Big Challenge", NASA Documentary 1967

NASA TV Public-Education

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.