Custer Institute and Observatory — Attraction in Town of Southold

I love this place.

During the first time we came, around November, it was a full moon and we were told that conditions weren't so optimal. However, there were a lot of people out and the place was hopping.

There were stargazers who had set up their own telescopes on the lawn, the domes were manned, and monitors were displaying what they were focused on with such amazing views.

We went inside and queued up to be able to go upstairs to the big telescope (they bring up 15 people at a time), and the waiting area had a piano player that provided a lovely ambiance. There were a couple of staff members speaking and answering questions, and really learned quite a bit from them.

Here's where it gets even better...it's run by volunteers and is free. There is no other place like it. They operate on donations from visitors, and dues from those who decide to become members.

We fell in love with the experience that night and became members ourselves. I even had my girlfriend become a volunteer 😁

We returned on 12/21 for the Winter Solstice where they had a lecturer out front on with a laser pointer and he gave a talk about what was visible in the night sky. Bonus: it was completely dark. No moonlight.

They served coffee, tea, hot cocoa, desserts and cookies from Erica's, and there was quite a crowd that night despite it being 19 degrees out. No piano this time, but a very good guitar player provided lovely music.

I don't know what it is about this location, but the stars seem much clearer, like they want to come out and show off.

Spent quite a bit of time at the big scope, got to see Jupiter and its moons, Orion's Nebula, Mars, it's always a fantastic time here if you're into stargazing. If you want to do something off the beaten path on a Saturday night, this is the place.

In my photos, you'll see the difference from when there was a full moon, and the night of the...

Wonderful people that keep it very safe during COVID. I went to see comet Neowise this summer and it was a life changing experience. I brought my own binoculars because (many people bring their own telescopes too) visitors aren't allowed to observe through Custer's telescope due to the pandemic, but the volunteers pointed with their flash lights where exactly to watch for the comet, which was incredible because they were able to have me find it within a matter of seconds. They keep it extremely safe as everyone is wearing a mask at all times and they allow only a certain number of people to go on top of observatory and to see the universe while other people wait from near the grass area to observe from the outside. The grounds are well maintained and they have a small exhibit to see as well. This observatory is not as advanced nor as big as let's say Mauna Kea or Alma, but it is still incredible considering that it's one of the few places if any that is open to the public for observations on a weekly basis, during these trying times. To see so many stars and constellations was incredible. These volunteers even helped me locate and find Andromeda Galaxy with just binoculars from 2.5 million light years away. These volunteers are amazing people and very dedicated and got me interested in astronomy. I can't thank them enough for their dedication and generosity. I felt like I left Earth for a couple of hours and was traveling into space when I was there because the pitch black skies isolated from any light pollution is perfect for stargazers. Custer Institute is a great addition to Greenport, and their entry fee is donation based. Highly...

Dear Custer Institute; Barbara, Chuck and all staff, I am Angela Falsetta. For many enjoyable and precious years, Myself and daughter Jennifer Falsetta attended the Gamboree weekends and some one night visits over the years.These we hold in our hearts forever. We have not been able to attend for some years due to pressing circumstances that were not in our control. It's been about six or seven years since we have been able to be with you guys and enjoy the indescribable atmosphere of Custer Institute and all of you!. Hope to see you this year. Left you a message. Please call me. i am concerned if the New Moon (there abouts) coincides with the Gamboree scheduled weekend. Please respond. Thank you and miss you all, Sincerely, Angela and...