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 a 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. Join in discovering (or re-discovering) the North Fork's night sky!
6:00pm - Guided walks through the Town of Southold’s ReWild native garden within the Town’s Arboretum at Custer Preserve. Learn about sustainable landscaping for thriving communities, from pollinators to people with the gardeners from ReWild Long Island and the Southold Peconic Civic Association.
7:00pm- Guided tours of Custer Observatory. Learn about the history of Custer Institute & Observatory and tour the exhibits and facility before dark.
8:00pm - Astronomy talk on the south lawn, "Spring Galaxies Far, Far Away", presented by lifetime Custer member, Randall DiGiuseppe (see below for details).
8:00pm to midnight - Stargazing. View the night sky through powerful telescopes guided by Observatory staff, including inside Custer's historic observation dome.
Throughout the event, visit tables by the North Fork Audubon Society, the North Fork DarkSky Coalition, North Fork Environmental Council, North Fork ReWild, and other community organizations to learn more about their work and some simple things you can do to help protect the night sky and planet Earth.
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.
Please bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the outdoor presentation. This event is weather permitting - A rain date is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd in case of inclement weather.
Visitors may arrive at any time between 6pm and 11:30pm for this Dark Sky & Earth Day celebration. Due to limited space, registration is strongly encouraged if you plan to attend the 8pm astronomy talk.
A suggested donation of $5 for Adults, $3 for Children Under 16, and Observatory Members FREE helps support Custer Observatory.