Discover the Universe with us this Giving Tuesday, December 3rd!

Dear Friends of the Night Sky,

For nearly six decades, the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York (AOS) has been dedicated to bringing the wonders of the cosmos closer to our community. It’s a mission fueled by curiosity, passion, and an unshakable belief that the stars above inspire awe, discovery, and connection.

2024: A Stellar Year of Outreach and Education

Stars on Sunday, in partnership with the Hofstra University Physics Department, has become a cornerstone of our public outreach, welcoming hundreds of guests each month to explore the heavens.

This year, AOS volunteers have gone above and beyond to share the beauty of the night sky. Through dedication, teamwork, and your past support, we’ve created unforgettable experiences for thousands:

On Astronomy Day in May, we transformed the Cradle of Aviation Museum into a gateway to the universe, treating the public to a truly unique public space to explore solar astronomy and provided them the tools to learn and grow while touring the history of aviation on Long Island.

Music and Astronomy Under the Stars, this year funded by the Sierra Club of New York, brought telescopes to five free summer concerts to both counties of Long Island, delighting concertgoers with breathtaking views of planets, stars, and galaxies, as well as answering questions long after the musicians’ final bow.

In October, we celebrated NASA’s International Observe the Moon Night with dozens of families, marveling at lunar craters through our telescopes at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, rekindling the precious relationship we have with NYS and its dark shores.

At the inaugural No Space for Hunger event, AOS joined with a sister astronomy club, ASLI, and Long Island Cares in the fight against food insecurity, merging our passion for the stars with compassion for our neighbors.

Every clear Saturday night throughout the year, our Sue Rose Observatory, located on the grounds of Long Island’s only public observatory, The Custer Institute, opens its doors for free observing sessions, while AOS volunteers bring telescopes and provide expertise to the public visiting from the tri-state area.

Our Mission for 2025: A New Horizon

As we approach our 60th anniversary, AOS is preparing for its most ambitious endeavor yet: upgrading the Sue Rose Observatory. As the current Sue Rose Observatory has reached its 20-year milestone—a testament to our volunteers’ commitment to its care—we recognize that the time has come for the observatory to grow along with the increasing popularity of astronomy and the expansion of our outreach programs.

We plan to install a state-of-the-art, roll-off roof observatory, a transformative addition that will provide better access for the public and the space needed for our growing club to continue inspiring and educating the community. This new observatory will house both our 14-inch telescope and a newly acquired 16-inch research-grade telescope, offering unparalleled views of the cosmos and creating a more inclusive, engaging experience for all.

How You Can Help

AOS is an all-volunteer organization with over 200 members. We rely on modest annual dues and generous donations to fund our programs and maintain our equipment. Now, we’re reaching out to you—our friends, neighbors, and fellow stargazers—to help us achieve this milestone.

Your tax-deductible support will directly fund the observatory upgrade, ensuring that Long Islanders have unparalleled access to the cosmos. No gift is too small. Every dollar donated will be earmarked for this exciting project and will help ensure that the new Sue Rose Observatory remains a beacon of exploration for generations to come. Our project milestones include site & architectural drawings being completed by end of Q1 and permits filed by end of Q2.

Donating below through Zeffy carries no fee for you or AOSNY. However, there is an option to Contribute and “tip” Zeffy in support of their great service to non-profits like us. You can set it to any amount, including $0.00.

Prefer to send a check? Mail it to:
Harvey Miller – AOS Treasurer
105 Betty Road
East Meadow, NY 11554-1601

Our Supporters Are the Real Stars

When you support AOS, you’re not just funding telescopes and events—you’re fueling curiosity, education, and wonder. Together, we can make Long Island a gateway to the stars.
Thank you for your generosity, your enthusiasm, and your belief in our mission. Here’s to a bright future and clear skies for all!
 
With warmest regards,
Jason Cousins
President, Amateur Observers’ Society of New York, Inc.
A Registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization