Celebrating International Dark Sky Week

Come visit Custer Institute and Observatory, Long Island's oldest public observatory (est.1927), to experience the dark skies in your neighborhood and learn about what you can do to protect the night sky.

Artificial light at night has revolutionized the way we live and work outdoors, but it has come at a price. When used indiscriminately, outdoor lighting can disrupt wildlife, impact human health, waste money and energy, contribute to climate change, and block our view of the universe.

Custer Institute and Observatory is located beneath some of Long Island's darkest skies, where on a clear dark night you can still see the Milky Way galaxy. Come join us in discovering (or re-discovering) the North Fork's night sky!

If the weather is clear, the Custer Observatory dome and other telescopes on site will be open for viewing and guided by Observatory staff. Guests may arrive any time between 7:00pm and 11:30pm. Stargazing (weather permitting) will begin as soon as skies are dark.

Suggested Donation: $5 Adult, $3 Children Under 16, Observatory Members FREE. Your donations help us to continue our mission and are greatly appreciated. We ask that you register in advance as this will guide our preparations and plans for the evening, though registration is not required to attend.

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Host or Publisher Custer Institute and Observatory