APRIL 26, 6:00PM - MIDNIGHT. CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK & EARTH DAY.
Discover the night at Custer Observatory as we celebrate the Dark Sky and Earth Day with the North Fork Dark Sky Coalition!
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 and planet Earth.
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. Learn ways that you can appreciate dark, star-filled skies while enjoying the benefits of responsible outdoor lighting. Learn, too, how you can make positive change to protect our planet Earth.
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!
Events Schedule:
6:00pm - Guided walks through the ReWild native garden within Custer Preserve. Learn about sustainable landscaping for thriving communities, from pollinators to people with ReWild Long Island.
7:00pm- Guided tours of Custer Observatory. Learn about the history of Custer Institute & Observatory and tour the exhibits and facility before dark.
7:45pm - Enjoy a sunset walk through Custer Preserve, a beautiful arboretum surrounding Custer Institute.
8:00pm - Astronomy Talk on the South Lawn "Spring Galaxies Far, Far Away" - see below for details.
8:30pm to midnight - Guided stargazing through telescopes including inside Custer's historic observation dome.
Throughout the event, visit tables by North Fork Dark Sky Coalition, North Fork ReWild, North Fork Environmental Council, North Fork SAP, North Fork Audubon Society and Group For the East End to learn more about their work and some simple things you can do to get involved in protecting the night sky and planet Earth. Live music will also be provided by Marina DeLuca.
8:00PM -SPRING GALAXIES FAR, FAR AWAY (on the south lawn)
Spring is the season of renewal, rejuvenation, growth and galaxies...lots and lots of galaxies! 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.
Please bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the outdoor presentation.
Registration is not required for this event. A rain date is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd in case of inclement weather.
Suggested donation of $5 Adult, $3 Children Under 16, Observatory Members FREE can be made at the door to help support Custer Observatory.