Custer Observatory

rdf:langString Custer Observatory

rdf:langString Custer Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by Custer Institute.Located in Southold, New York (US), facing Peconic Bay and Shelter Island, Custer's location boasts some of the darkest skies on Long Island. Long Island's oldest public observatory, Custer Institute was founded in 1927 by Charles Wesley Elmer (co-founder of the Perkin-Elmer Optical Company), along with a group of fellow amateur astronomers. The name was adopted to honor the hospitality of Mrs. Elmer, the Grand Niece of General George Armstrong Custer.In 1942, the Custer Institute was incorporated as a non-profit educational corporation in the State of New York. In 1938, the group purchased the land the institute presently occupies. Initial construction was completed in the spring of 1939. A 100-seat lecture hall was added in 1945. In 1947, through donations by Charles Elmer and Mr. Polk, a three story tower/library and observatory dome were built.In 1954, Charles Elmer died; that same year, the Institute added a shed, which houses three sliding roof observatories. Over the years, Custer has acquired a large collection of telescopes of all sizes and descriptions. Most recently, Custer acquired a 10" Zerochromat refracting telescope. Custer's Zerochromat telescope is the largest of its type in the United States. This telescope is in the main observatory dome. Custer's 10” refracting telescope was manufactured in England by Zerochromat Telescopes. Designed by award-winning optician Peter Wise, the telescope's unique dialyte lenses make it apochromatic, providing superior views of solar system and deep space objects. The folded light path construction uses mirrors to make the telescope a manageable size (still more than 6’ long), allowing the long f/12 focal length telescope to fit in Custer's dome. The telescope is attached to a computer-controlled Fornax 152 equatorial mount, permitting easy aiming and object tracking. The entire assembly can be raised/lowered on the Pier-Tech pier to accommodate most users’ heights, for comfortable viewing. Previously, the dome was home to a 25-inch (f/5) Obsession Newtonian reflector. In order to bring the eyepiece of this telescope to a level that does not require observers to climb a high ladder, the optics on this telescope were modified solely by Custer's own Justine Haupt, an engineer at Brookhaven National Lab. Justine is currently involved in working on the camera for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.