Hamptons Observatory, Long Island’s Largest Telescope Brings the Cosmos to You

Looking for a star-studded event? What about a private star party? Just because the summer is over doesn’t mean the stars are gone! Okay, so maybe not celebrities…the stars on display here are actual celestial bodies. Although, it could be argued that the stars and constellations above have long captured our imagination and storytelling, like modern celebrities. Check out the Hamptons Observatory for out-of-this-world events perfect for all ages this Fall!

Since 2005, Hamptons Observatory (HO) has served the East End community with fascinating and educational events. Formerly known as the Montauk Observatory, they are the first astronomical observatory and the largest research-grade telescope on the South Fork of Long Island. HO offers all of its programs free of charge so that everyone can learn about and enjoy the universe around them.  

Its mission: to foster interest in science, particularly astronomy, through educational programs. They offer free, family-friendly educational programs that focus on science and astronomy through lectures, star parties, portable planetarium shows, and more. Donna L. McCormick, the Observatory’s Executive Director says, “The intention when establishing the observatory was to have it as a facility where students, educators, researchers, and the general public can log on and use the equipment via the internet to study the night sky, take astrophotos, and more!”

An added benefit of their state-of-the-art observatory—it provides the community with a unique, year-round ecotourism site that will help preserve the dark skies and natural environment that make the Hamptons so special. Don’t miss these exciting upcoming virtual events this Fall. All events are recorded and available for anyone to view for free. Click here to view!

October 20, 7:00 PM: 

“Gravitational Wave Astronomy: Current State & Future,” by Dr. Rainer Weiss, Nobel Laureate and Emeritus Professor of Physics, MIT

November 10, 7:00 PM: 

“A Cosmic Perspective: Searching for Aliens, Finding Ourselves,” by Dr. Jill Tarter, Emeritus Chair for SETI Research, SETI Institute

Available later this year, for those interested in donating, the Observatory will offer private star parties. These events are guided tours of the night sky via a telescope with one of the Observatory’s senior educators. After the presentation, the expert instructor will answer questions and discuss the cosmos!

The HO delivers cutting-edge science that is sure to get your imagination flowing, all for free and soon to be available online. Their in-person and virtual programs are presented by renowned scientists, astronauts, authors, and scholars. They also hold star parties, portable planetarium shows, and other fun and instructional events. HO frequently partners with other nonprofits from Long Island.

Although their facilities are located on the Ross School’s East Hampton campus, the observatory is a fully independent organization. Their facility is home to a 20” Meade RCX-400 reflector telescope Long Island’s largest research-grade public telescope. With this telescope, you can view planets and faint celestial objects—perfect for astrophotography as well as scientific studies. Plus, a wide assortment of portable telescopes and other equipment.

They rely on people like you who believe that it’s important to learn about and share the wonders of the universe! Please take a moment now to give what you can. All donations are tax-deductible. Hamptons Observatory (HO) is a 501(c)(3) NYS nonprofit that relies on public support. Please consider giving a tax-deductible donation to support their mission, please go to www.HamptonsObservatory.org and click on Donations. 

To join their email list for event notices, please email [email protected]