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.

This is where we check our weather - you can check it too:
>>Forecast for Southold NY<<.

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: 03/23/24

Saturday Night Observing: Open 7pm-Midnight


Saturday,
March 23

4:30 pm

Custer Board Meeting.

Members welcome.
MONDAY,
April 8

2024 GREAT NORTH AMERICAN SOLAR ECLIPSE.


Saturday,
May 4

8:30 pm

SPRING GALAXIES FAR, FAR AWAY...

may4

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,
May 18

4:30 pm

Custer Board Meeting.

Members welcome.
Saturday,
June 22

4:30 pm

Custer Board Meeting.

Members welcome.

What's Up: February 2024 Skywatching Tips from NASA

What are some skywatching highlights in December 2023? Clear skies will make for ideal viewing of the Geminid meteor shower, and grab your binoculars to search for asteroid Vesta.

News 12 East End: Custer Institute in Southold

The Custer Institute is the gateway to the known and unknown universe.
News 12's Joe Arena took a trip to Long Island's Southold,
where you can explore the night sky and see how the observatory has changed.

Play the video!