Photos: New Telescope Unveiled At Custer Institute & Observatory Largest Of Its Kind In Country

SOUTHOLD, NY — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Sunday at the Custer Institute & Observatory, where a new telescope, the largest of its kind in the United States, was unveiled.

The ribbon cutting was held during Custer's annual "Family Astronomy Day" event.

The Custer Institute & Observatory, an iconic symbol in Southold Town, has long been a place where those interested in astronomy and science can gather on a Saturday night and dream under the stars.

Charles Cardona, president of the Custer Institute, said the new telescope, which cost approximately $50,000, was purchased through generous donations.

Back in September, a GoFundMe page, "New Custer Telescope" was even created to help garner funds.

"Custer Observatory is the largest astronomical observatory on Long Island," Cardona wrote on the page.
Founded in the 1920s, the current structure, located at 1115 Main Bayview Road in Southold, was built in the 1930s, he said.

"Over the following years it grew to be a very special place where people interested in science and astronomy could gather, discuss and view the universe," Cardona said.

However, he explained in September, as fundraising commenced, the original wooden dome built by local shipbuilders "finally succumbed to the elements and was replaced by a more modern metal dome 10 years ago. The original telescope and mount are over 100 years old and are desperately in need of replacement."

There was a temporary telescope in the dome until funds were raised for the new, larger replacement.

The new telescope and mounting was on display Saturday, as a crowd of families enjoyed the festivities at the Custer Observatory, including solar viewing, planetarium shows, astronomy games, a solar systems walk, demonstrations, food, and even a bouncy house.

A dedication for the new, state of the art, dome telescope took place with guests including Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell, Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski, and the man who designed the telescope, Peter Wise, who came from England for the event.

"I'm happy for the folks at Custer. Their success in acquiring this is the direct result of their hard work and dedication," Russell said. "The Custer Institute is one of Southold's greatest jewels that probably doesn't get the attention it deserves."

According to the Zerochromat website, in 2008, "Wise developed the 'Zerochromat' refracting astronomical telescope, which provided excellent image quality from a dialyte design, based on the 30 inch dialyte refractor at Hanwell Observatory, the world's fifth largest refractor, which was invented and made entirely by John Wall, inventor of the Crayford focuser."

The images seen through the telescope are very sharp, Cardona explained, due to the special design.

And, in addition, the telescope has an adjustable height, making it easier for children to see the stars.

A mechanism in the telescope makes it possible for a stargazer to track the sky. Most of the visitors who come to Custer, Cardona said, ask to see galaxies and nebulas.

Cardona said talks are even in the works for Wise to design an even bigger telescope for Custer, which would be the largest of its kind in the world. Additional fundraising would need to commence for that project to take place.

Cardona thanked Southold Town for its commitment to Dark Skies; both Russell and Krupski were awarded plaques for their support of Custer.

Custer Observatory is open to the public every Saturday night, with more than 100 sometimes turning out to stargaze on clear nights.

"This new telescope will be used by thousands of people every year including, locals, tourists, school groups, college students, astronomers and more," Cardona said.

Patch photos by Lisa Finn.