Autumn trees with starry sky

Fall is back with cool nights and even cooler things to see!

Dear AOS Members,

As summer slowly gives way to the crisp nights of early fall, our club continues to shine as bright as ever. The long evenings are returning, the air is cooling, and September gives us some of the finest skies of the year. It’s a wonderful time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together this summer, while also looking forward to an exciting season of outreach, projects, and celestial treasures.

Summer Outreach Highlights

This year’s Music and Astronomy Under the Stars (MAUS) program was a huge success, with record attendance and enthusiastic audiences at every venue. A heartfelt thanks to the 15–20 volunteers who came out to set up telescopes, share the sky, and spread the joy of astronomy with hundreds of visitors. From Jones Beach to Manorhaven, our telescopes have inspired countless first looks at Saturn’s rings, the craters of the Moon, and distant clusters.

We also forged new partnerships, including the Science Museum of Long Island’s “ScienceStock” festival, and continued our strong ties with North Shore Land Alliance, Cradle of Aviation, and Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center.

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our volunteers—thank you for sharing your time, equipment, and enthusiasm!

Club Picnic – A Wonderful Success

This year’s annual picnic was held at a new location: Kings Point Park, and what a success it was! We had 35 club members and families in attendance, enjoying food, fellowship, and the beautiful surroundings. The picnic not only gave us a chance to relax and celebrate the summer, but also reinforced the sense of community that makes AOSNY so special. Thank you to everyone who helped organize, set up, and clean up.

Club Trip to Brookhaven National Laboratory

In July, 20 club members enjoyed a remarkable trip to Brookhaven National Laboratory. The day featured a private group tour and a spectacular presentation by BNL staff. From particle accelerators to advanced energy studies, the experience gave us a deeper appreciation of the incredible science happening right here on Long Island.

Sue Rose Observatory Rebuild – Project Update

Our committee has been hard at work moving the observatory rebuild at Custer Institute into its next stage. Phase 1 goals remain the same: a fully accessible roll-off roof building, modern electrical service, and housing for both our 14″ SCT and 16″ research-grade SCT.

Upcoming Events
Public Outreach Events

Friday, September 5 – Garden City Bird Sanctuary (New Location)
Our first-time partnership with the Garden City Bird Sanctuary! We’ll need plenty of volunteers with telescopes to make this inaugural event a success.

Saturday, October 4 – International Observe the Moon Night (IOMN)
Join us at the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center (JBENC) for one of the biggest astronomy outreach events of the year. Always a crowd favorite!

Monthly Meetings (beginning in September) + Stars on Sunday (beginning in October) – Hofstra University, Berliner Hall

Sunday, September 7 – Hofstra University (Berliner Hall)
  • Club Meeting: 1:15 p.m.
  • Guest Lecture: 3:00 p.m. – Dr. Or Graur on how the ancient Egyptians viewed the Milky Way as a river of life.
  • Note: This is a club meeting only; no Stars on Sunday follows this event.
Sunday, October 5 – Hofstra University (Berliner Hall)
  • Club Meeting: 1:15 p.m.
  • Guest Lecture: 3:00 p.m.
Stars on Sunday (public program): 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 5
  • Sunday, November 2
  • Sunday, December 7

Private Outreach Events & Member Opportunities

Friday, October 10 – North Shore Synagogue
A private outreach evening for the North Shore Synagogue community. Members are welcome to volunteer—please let us know if you can assist.

Wednesday, November 5 – Garden City (Building Association)
A private members-only volunteer event for a Garden City building association. Not open to the public, but club volunteers are encouraged to participate.

September Night Sky
  • Saturn at Opposition – Magnificent in the evening sky; the rings wow every crowd.
  • Jupiter Rising Earlier – By late September, it dominates the late-night/early-morning sky.
  • Autumn Equinox – September 22, 9:19 a.m. EDT, ushering in longer observing nights.
  • Double Cluster (h & χ Persei) – Prime binocular/telescope target for outreach.
Closing Thoughts

As we continue through our 60th anniversary year, the energy of this club continues to impress me. Membership is growing, our outreach is expanding, and the observatory project is progressing. Whether you volunteer, attend meetings, or simply share the sky with a neighbor, you’re a vital part of AOSNY.

Clear skies, and I’ll see you at Hofstra on September 7!

With gratitude and excitement,
Jason Cousins
President – Amateur Observers’ Society of New York, Inc.

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