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Star light, star bright, there’s no need to wish for breathtaking celestial shows on Long Island. From twinkling Venus and the classic Big Dipper to mesmerizing meteor showers and the sprawling Milky Way, stargazing on Long Island is truly stellar thanks to clear, pitch-black skies, wide-open horizons, and state-of-the-art observatories.
Whether you’re a casual stargazer or an avid astronomer, here’s how to embrace the dark side in the best way possible for an awe-inspiring night under the stars.
Best Stargazing Spots on Long Island
Escape the city lights to secluded, waterfront parks, some with moon-white sand and the peaceful sounds of the surf and others with quiet bays and inlets reflecting shimmering constellations in the water.
Cupsogue Beach County Park offers panoramic, unobstructed views of the night sky over the Atlantic Ocean with a long stretch of beach perfect for staking out a prime stargazing spot.
Montauk Point State Park, at Long Island’s easternmost tip, leaves little room for light pollution. The cosmos truly shines here, unfolding endlessly into the Atlantic. In this rare case, a building elevates the ambiance. Every five seconds, the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse sends out its pulse of light.
Another prime dark-sky destination, Orient Beach State Park is a peaceful place to marvel at the universe as it glows over Gardiner’s Bay.
Leaving behind a sky full of stars is never easy, but you don't have to at Hither Hills State Park. With 190 beach campsites, you can fall asleep beneath a canopy of stars.
Explore Observatories, Planetariums & Astronomy Clubs
Sometimes, the naked eye just isn’t enough. Fortunately, Long Island is home to powerful telescopes—including the largest of its kind in the country—operated by scientists and professors eager to share the wonders of the universe free of charge!
Must-Visit Observatories & Planetariums
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Custer Institute and Observatory, considered Long Island’s oldest public observatory after being established in 1927, welcomes visitors every Saturday from 8 p.m. until midnight. Experts offer tours of the facility and guided views of the night sky through powerful equipment, including a revered refracting telescope in the main dome that's the largest of its kind in the United States.
Mount Stony Brook Observatory hosts regular “Astronomy Open Nights,” a tradition that began in 1973 with the excitement of a nearing comet and has been a hit ever since. Arrive early to secure a seat for lectures, which have covered topics such as “When Asteroids Attack” and will no doubt explore the James Webb Telescope’s jaw-dropping discoveries in the future. Afterward, enjoy a viewing session of planets, the moon, nearby nebulae, and more through the rooftop telescope.
Hamptons Observatory, formerly known as the Montauk Observatory, houses Long Island’s largest research-grade public telescope which can zoom in on planets and faint celestial objects. It offers in-person and virtual lectures by renowned scientists, astronauts, authors and academicians plus parties, portable planetarium shows and other fun educational events.
Vanderbilt Observatory, located on the grounds of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum & Reichert Planetarium, features both nighttime and daytime telescopes. At night, observe wonders like the moon’s mountains and craters, Jupiter, Saturn, and star clusters. During the day, catch glimpses of the sun’s solar flares and spots. The observatory is open to the public on Friday nights. Meanwhile, the planetarium offers stunning laser and award-winning shows projected under a 60-foot dome.
The Cradle of Aviation Museum’s planetarium, hailed as one of the most powerful virtual reality experiences in the world, takes you on a real-time journey through the night sky and the latest in astronomy. While at the museum, check out the Space Gallery where you’ll find replicas and originals from humanity’s quest to reach the moon and stars such as rockets and missiles, lunar module simulators and the Apollo spacecraft program.
Astronomy Clubs & Events
For NASA fans and backyard binocular enthusiasts alike, there also are exciting events year-round from star parties and concerts to fascinating lectures and astrophotography workshops. If you’re looking for extra encouragement and a sense of camaraderie, astronomy clubs are happy to welcome you.
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The Amateur Observer’s Society of New York, one of Long Island’s oldest active astronomy clubs, is dedicated to inspiring stargazers and making astronomy fun. Members host dozens of observation parties each year and answer questions about everything from choosing the right telescope to capturing celestial photography. The society also advocates for reducing the ever-growing issue of light pollution in the state.
When is the Best Time to Stargaze on Long Island?
If you ask an astronomy aficionado, the best time to stargaze is all the time—even during the day—when Venus can make an appearance and the sun reveals fascinating phenomena of its own.
In general, the cooler months of fall, winter and early spring provide clearer air, less cloud cover, and longer nights. Winter provides the sharpest views if you can brave the cold. Summer, while hazier with more light pollution, offers a breathtaking view of the Milky Way stretching over the Atlantic.
For the best experience, aim for nights closest to the new moon, wait about 90 minutes to two hours after twilight, and give your eyes about 20 minutes to adjust to the dark. Meteor showers often peak after midnight.
Not sure if conditions are ideal before venturing out? There’s an app for that. Some allow you to simply point your phone at the sky to identify constellations, planets, galaxies, and even newly discovered comets.
Stargazing on Long Island is a great opportunity to slow down and reset below the grandeur of the universe. And when you’re ready to continue the adventure after dark, check out the local nightlife scene for more ways to make the most of the night.
