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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: 04/19/24

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,
May 4

8:30 pm


SPRING GALAXIES FAR, FAR AWAY...


Spring is the season of renewal, rejuvenation, growth and galaxies...lots and lots of galaxies! What better way to celebrate May the Fourth than at Custer Observatory's first night sky tour of 2024! Join stargazing lecturer Randall DiGiuseppe of the Custer Institute & Observatory as he guides you through a multitude of galaxies far, far away including the Leo Triplet, galactic marvels of the Virgo Cluster and the Sombrero Galaxy.

This event is being held outdoors and is open to everyone. Just bring an inquisitive mind, a blanket or chair and your imagination.

Randall DiGiuseppe is a professional artist, lecturer, telescope builder and amateur astronomer for over four decades. He is a lifetime member of the Custer Institute and Observatory and recipient of the Astronomical League’s Messier Award. He conducts lectures on the dynamics, history and art of the night sky throughout the country.

Following the presentation, Observatory staff will provide guided tours of the night sky (weather permitting) 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 make it possible to offer programs like these and are greatly appreciated. Due to limited space, registration is strongly encouraged.

Please bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the presentation.

Registration/ticket portal is here:
register
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

April 2024 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.