Aurora Borealis from Long Island, NY

Aurora Borealis seen from New York

Cedar Beach, Mt. Sinai, Long Island, NY

June 23, 2015

On June 22, 2015 Space Weather Live put out a KP index of 7. In order to see an Aurora from Long Island the KP index needs to be a 7 or higher. I saw a reading as high as KP8.67 in the early morning hours of June 23, 2015. Although the Aurora was not seen visually I continued to take photos of the dark sky in hopes of capturing something of the Aurora. It is rare to capture and see an Aurora from Long Island, NY. Although the seeing was not optimal I was able to capture enough of the Aurora to confirm it from Long Island. 

Special Thanks to Elias Bonaros for  the Aurora alert and help confirming the final Aurora photos.

The following photos were taken between one and two am in the morning.

1:15am Some green above the Sky-glow of Connecticut.

1:24am - Some dark pupleish-red appears visible above the green of the Aurora

1:27am - The Aurora appears in the north under the Constellation Cassiopeia.

1:45am

1:46am

1:47am

1:48am

2:08am - The Aurora seemed to dissipate after 2 am. Green no longer seen above the Connecticut sky-glow.

Custer Institute & Observatory's 

36th Annual Astronomy Jamboree

In conjunction with the 

Suffolk County Community College 

- Eastern Campus, Riverhead, NY

October 17th thru the 19th, 2014

ABOUT THIS YEARS ASTRONOMY JAMBOREE

Every year Custer Observatory (Southold, NY) hosts a weekend of astronomy lectures, stargazing, and friendship. 2014 marks the 36th year of the Jamboree and this year we will have a special screening of the film Particle Fever, hosted by Stony Brook University's Simons Center. We're also adding topics in radio astronomy which I think is an exciting change that will offer a unique opportunity for those interested in this little-understood but very interesting area of science.

 To find out more or to purchase tickets online visit the Custer Observatory Website!

PARTICLE FEVER - Official Trailer (2014) HD 

 

Moon and Venus

Moon Rise and Venus Set at 

Fire Island National Seashore, Long Island, NY

November 20, 2013

Moon Rise over the Smith Point Beach Camp Ground

Venus setting over the ocean at Ranger Station, Fire Island National Seashore, NY

Partial Solar Eclipse

Partial Solar Eclipse as seen from Fire Island, New York 

On the morning of Sunday, November 3, 2013, the eastern United States was privileged to be in the path of a partial Solar Eclipse at Sunrise. Many had the misfortune of having clouds obscure their viewing of the eclipse, as did I, but there was enough of a break in the clouds for me to capture some awesome images of this rare event from Fire Island, New York!  

(Click on image to view larger images!)

Partial Solar Eclipse of the Sun taken at Sunrise enhanced with filters

Not quite sure how this image happened but I like it! :-)

Partial Eclipse of the Sun taken through a Solar Filter

Partial Eclipse of the Sun taken through a Solar Filter

Partial Eclipse of the Sun taken through a Solar Filter

Partial Eclipse of the Sun taken through a Solar Filter

Partial Eclipse of the Sun taken through a Solar Filter

Partial Eclipse of the Sun taken through a Solar Filter

Partial Solar Eclipse of the Sun taken at Sunrise without a filter

Partial Eclipse of the Sun taken through a Solar Filter

(*Caution: NEVER look directly at the sun without an approved SOLAR FILTER as this could result in permanent eye damage or blindness! You should contact your local Observatory or Astronomy Club for more information!)

Custer Observatory Annual Membership Meeting & Elections

Yesterday, Saturday, June 23, 2012 Custer Observatory held its Annual Membership Meeting and Elections. Following the elections members enjoyed a barbecue and stargazing!

Congratulations to our new board members!

                             President:                  Bill Bogardus

                             Vice President:         Dave Van Popering

                             Secretary:                  Justine Haupt

                             Treasurer:                 Barbara Lebkeucher

                             Finance Chair:          Anne Spooner

                             Directors at Large:   Steve Bellavia & Bill Crispino 

Matt Cousins, Alan Cousins and David Van Popering

Matt Cousins, Alan Cousins and David Van Popering

Bill Bogardus, Bill Crispino and Maria Smith

Maria Smith, Justine Haupt, Ron Smith and Barbara Lebkeucher