Custer Observatory: Stargazing Nights at Silver Sands, Greenport, April 17th, 7:30 – 9:30 PM

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STARGAZING NIGHTS

AT SILVER SANDS

APRIL 17 (FRIDAY), 7:30PM-9:30PM.

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Enjoy a special night of stargazing on the beach in partnership with Silver Sands Greenport!

Join us on Friday, April 17th from 7:30pm-9:30pm for an evening of early spring stargazing at Silver Sands, hosted at The Boathouse at 1400 Silvermere Road in Greenport. Guided by the team from Custer Observatory, guests will explore stars, planets, and distant galaxies through high-powered telescopes set along the beach overlooking Pipes Cove. Beginning at sunset for a beautiful transition from dusk into full night sky viewing, Mars and Venus will be visible briefly in the early evening, while Jupiter will remain visible longer for extended viewing. This is also an excellent opportunity to explore the Big Dipper in detail, and if conditions allow, we may observe the Coma Berenices star cluster.

To keep the night comfortable, complimentary hot cocoa, hot cider, and blankets will be available as you take in the sky above. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children, with all proceeds directly supporting Custer Observatory and its mission to bring astronomy to the community.

Turn the experience into a full evening by pairing stargazing with dinner at The Boathouse before or after the program. Space-themed films will be playing on the jumbo TV, extending the atmosphere well beyond the shoreline. Whether you are deeply familiar with the night sky or simply curious, this is an intimate and memorable way to spend a late winter evening on the North Fork.

Space is limited, so reserve now at www.custerobservatory.org! Note: This is a weather-permitting event. In the event of cancellation, updates will be posted on Custer Observatory’s website and full refunds will be automatically issued for cancelled events.

Location: The Boathouse at Silver Sands, 1400 Silvermere Rd., Greenport

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APRIL 18, 7:00PM-MIDNIGHT. CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY WEEK.

Discover the night at Custer Observatory as we celebrate International Dark Sky Week 2026!

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 at www.custerobservatory.org as this will guide our preparations and plans for the evening, though registration is not required to attend.

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Custer Observatory

1115 Main Bayview Rd., Southold, NY 11971

Phone: 631-765-2626

Website: www.custerobservatory.org

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ON-GOING: Custer Observatory is open to the public for stargazing every Saturday from 7pm until midnight. Staff provide guided tours of the night sky through powerful telescopes (weather permitting). Suggested donation: $5 Adults, $3 Children under 12.

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