Custer Institute and Observatory is Long Island's oldest public observatory - open from 7 pm to midnight on Saturdays! 

Explore the night sky with our volunteers, powerful telescopes, tours, and live events.

Silhouette of a person under a colorful night sky filled with stars and the Milky Way.

Join us every Saturday night for public observing sessions, where you can explore the cosmos through our powerful telescopes.

When the skies are clear, our knowledgeable volunteer staff will guide you on a tour of the stars, planets, and beyond.

Saturday Night Public Observing
Doors open at 7 PM
Observing from dark until midnight (weather permitting)

All observing takes place outdoors—please dress appropriately. Seasonal hours and times of darkness may affect skywatching times.

Learn more

EVENTS

Outdoor Events: Most events take place on our lawn. We encourage you to bring a blanket or chair to make your experience more comfortable.

Rain Dates: Rain dates (when necessary) will be noted on our website, social media, and/or Eventbrite for your convenience.

OBSERVE THE MOON NIGHT 2025

Saturday, October 4, 2025
7:00 pm-11:30pm

Register

Join us as we celebrate International Observe the Moon Night 2025!

In cooperation with NASA, Custer Observatory will be participating in this special International Observe the Moon Night event. This is a worldwide celebration of lunar science and exploration held annually since 2010. One day each year, everyone on Earth is invited to observe and learn about the Moon together, and to celebrate the cultural and personal connections we all have with our nearest celestial neighbor.

International Observe the Moon Night is sponsored by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission and the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and other NASA and astronomical organizations that encourage observation, appreciation, and understanding of our Moon and its connection to planetary science and exploration.

This is a weather-permitting event. If the weather is clear, observatory staff will be providing guided tours of the moon and other night sky objects through the many telescopes on site, including the apochromatic Zerochromat telescope in our historic observation dome.

$5 Adult, $3 Children Under 16 , Observatory Members FREE. Your donations allow Custer Observatory to continue to offer programs like this to the community and are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made at the door. Pre-registration is free and will help us guide our preparations for the event. Guests can arrive at any time between the hours of 7pm and 11:30pm.

PROGRAMS + RESOURCES

  • Astronaut on the moon holding a yellow umbrella with Earth in the background.

    WEATHER

    Clear Skies Ahead!

    Find the latest weather forecasts tailored for astronomers, including cloud cover, precipitation, dewpoint, wind conditions, and Moon phases. Our easy-to-read key helps you decide if it’s a perfect night to bring out your telescope!

  • Silhouettes of musicians and text "Music Under the Stars The Music Project at Custer Institute & Observatory."

    THE MUSIC PROJECT

    Bring music and stargazing together at Long Island’s oldest public observatory, tMP blends the performing arts with science and discovery. A unique stargazing experience follows each performance where audiences are invited to explore the night sky with guidance from our expert volunteer staff, using our historic observation dome and an array of on-site telescopes.

  • WHAT'S UP?

    Skywatching highlights each month, provided by NASA.

  • Telescope on tripod with accessories in a grassy field with trees in the background.

    RESOURCES

    Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just starting your journey into the cosmos, our collection of resources will help guide you.

  • Blue background with white and gold text reading "Custer Institute & Observatory Scholarship Program" and a stylized star and comet graphic in the top left corner.

    SCHOLARSHIP

    Supporting the Next Generation of Scientists & Innovators. Available to High School Seniors throughout the North Fork.

  • Illustration of Custer Institute Observatory with text "Honey of the Stars, 100% Pure Local Honey, Custer Institute Observatory, Southold, New York" and "Custer HoneyBee Club" on a building, under a starry sky.

    HONEY BEE CLUB

    Custer's Honey Bee Club is an educational program focused on environmental sustainability and honeybee stewardship.

    Send an email to learn more.

Support the North Fork Dark Sky Coalition

Take action to protect our night skies:

  • Pledge to turn off unnecessary lights and spread awareness,

  • Update Your Lighting by using dark sky-friendly fixtures and warm-toned bulbs, and

  • Become a Partner to advocate, educate, and support local Dark Sky initiatives.

Take the pledge and join the North Fork Dark Sky Coalition

Learn more
Night sky with Milky Way over waterfront building and boats at a dock.

AFFILIATIONS + SUPPORTERS + PARTNERS

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