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: 08/06/22
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. |
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Saturday, Aug 13 4:30 pm |
Custer Board Meeting.Members welcome. |
Saturday, Aug 13 8:30 pm
Raindate: |
THE INVISIBLE UNIVERSE.![]() Discover the mysteries of our universe in this
outdoor presentation! |
Friday, Aug 19 9 pm |
DISCOVER THE NORTH FORK NIGHT SKY AT SOUND VIEW GREENPORT.![]() Group for the East End and Custer Institute and Observatory invite you to explore and learn about the North Fork's dark skies on the beach at Sound View Greenport. Join us for this unique opportunity! With the sand beneath your feet on the beautiful Long Island Sound, 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. 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. $15 Adult, $8 Children 12 and Under.
Attendance is limited so reserve your spot soon! All
proceeds benefit Custer Institute and Group for the
East End.
To learn more about Group for the East End visit www.groupfortheeastend.org. ![]() |
Friday, Sept 2 6 pm |
CUSTER HONEY BEE CLUB MEET.![]() Join us for our Honey Bee Club monthly meeting! Custer's Honey Bee Club is a group of enthusiastic beekeepers and bee lovers who get together once a month to share their honey bee experiences and learn from each other about how to keep bees, sustainable bee practices and hive management. At these informal meetings, you will have a chance to meet and mingle with beekeepers of all levels, from the novice beekeeper to the professional. Custer Institute has a community bee yard and other facilities that allows for hands-on collaborative learning and demonstrations and which is surrounded by a beautiful arboretum. Not yet a beekeeper, but want to learn what beekeeping is all about? Are you a backyard beekeeper looking for other backyard beekeepers? Or a professional beekeeper interested in getting involved with the growing North Fork beekeeping movement? Come join us! |
Saturday, Sept 10 4:30 pm |
Custer Board Meeting.Members welcome. |
Saturday, Sept 10 8 pm
Raindate: |
EXPLORING & NAVIGATING THE AUTUMN NIGHT SKY.![]() Learn how to explore and navigate the autumn night
sky, including the fall constellations, and stories
behind them! |
Saturday, Oct 08 4:30 pm |
Custer Board Meeting.Members welcome. |
NASA 2022: The Future is Now
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.