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.
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
- Custer Maker Space
- News & Resources


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.
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.