News and Events- click here to view our star party etiqutte
All lectures are held at the Montauk Public Library and begin at 6:00 pm unless otherwise specified
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May 9th- Mars Geology and Mineralogy
All matter emits infrared radiation dependent on its temperature. The crystal structures in minerals are unique, as well as the IR wavelengths they emit. THEMIS and mini-TES measure these wavelengths and compare them to known IR signatures of minerals and elements. Montauk Observatory advisor and Montauk School teacher Joe Malave will show how geologist/planetary scientist are using these technologies to look for secondary minerals that are formed in water on the surface of Mars and how that could lead to the discovery of life on Mars.
Following the lecture a observing session will be held at Theodore Roosevelt County Park. (weather permitting)
- April 11th- The Sun: Our Home Star
Join astronomer, Tom Madigan as he guides us on a tour of the sun as viewed from the perspective of the sun as our home star. Tom will discuss the processes that power the sun, why the seasons change, how all life on earth depends on the sun, how the sun has evolved and how it will end up. Additionally, Tom will talk specifically about the sun’s cycle with an eye towards Global Climate Change and what role the sun plays in that.
Following the lecture a observing session will be held at Theodore Roosevelt County Park. (weather permitting)
- March 14th- The Mystery of Cosmic Rays
Cosmic Rays are some of the most energetic particles known in the Universe, yet their origin and formation remain a mystery. Where do they come from? Are they survivors of the early universe? Are they remnants of supernovas or do they originate from the event horizons of Black Holes!In this highly illustrated talk, Dr Mike Inglis will present the latest results with many new images, animations and theories.
Following the lecture a observing session will be held at Theodore Roosevelt County Park. (weather permitting)
- January 18th- Mythology of the Winter Sky
Winter is the best season for astronomical veiwing. With many bright stars contrasted against the blackness of a clear winter sky many astronomers also believe winter has the most beautiful sky . Join members of the observatory as Prof. Sean Tvelia leads a brief tour of the winter sky and discusses some of the many myths of the winter constellations.
Following the lecture a observing session will be held at Theodore Roosevelt County Park. (weather permitting)
- November 17th- Leonid Meteor Shower Star Party
Weather forecast does not look good for tonight's planned star party. Current forecast are calling for increasing clouds throughout the day with rain this afternoon followed by possible snow this evening.
If the forecast is correct, and the sky becomes cloudy, this evening's event will be cancelled
- November 9th- Astrophotography
Learn the basics of Astrophotography. Montauk Public School teacher Joe Malave will discuss the basic techniques and the equipment used to image the night sky. Following the lecture join us at Theodore Roosevelt County Park for a public Star Party.
- October 26th Star Party- Canceled due to weather
- October 12th, 2007- Telescope Clinic
Learn the basic of telescope maintenance and operation. Personal telescope welcome.
Sean Tvelia and Mike Inglis will discuss the use of coordinate systems, proper alignment, collimation, and finding your way around the sky.
- September 7th, 2007- UFOs: One Astronomer's Perspective
For decades, people across the globe have been witnessing Unidentified Flying Objects. Stemming from these sightings are claims of crashed alien spacecraft, alien abductions, and massive government cover ups. Consequently, there is a contingent of people who are at least willing to believe that these anecdotes are proof of visitors from another world. But what does the scientific community have to say about it?Professor Matthew Pappas will review the scientific studies that have been performed on the matter and present some of the astronomical obstacles that need to be overcome in order for aliens to make a trip to Earth.
- August 12, 2007- Perseid Meteor Shower
Join members of Montauk Observatory for an all night viewing (weather permitting) at Theodore Roosevelt County Park. All amateur telescopes are welcome and professional astronomers will be on hand to help those new to observing find thier way around the sky.
- August 3, 2007- Lunar Folklore: Science, Myth, and Religion
There are many myths and beliefs in our modern society. Many of these are ancient myths alive today only in the stories of the constellations. Others still survive in modern religious dogma. Join members of the Montauk Observatory as Prof. Sean Tvelia, from Suffolk Community College, traces back the history of many of these myths and explains an often surprising connection to our nearest neighbor in space.
Lecture begins at 6:00pm at the Montauk Public Library. Following the lecture an observing session will take place at 9:00 at Theodore Roosevelt County Park in Montauk (weather permitting).
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July 20, 2007- Mars, water, and the search for life
Join members of the Montauk Observatory at the Montauk Public Library as astronomer Dr Mike Inglis presents an overview of the red planet, gleaned from the many NASA missions, and discuss why scientist believe water is so important for the emergence of life, and whether water once flowed upon the surface of the Mars.
Lecture begins at 6:00pm. Following the lecture an observing session will take place at 8:30 at Theodore Roosevelt County Park in Montauk
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June 22, 2007- A Childrens Introduction to the Night Sky
Join David Cohn on another incredible journey through the universe in his portable planetarium at the Montauk Playhouse. Showtimes are 4:00, 5:00, 6:00. Due to limited seating please email Sean Tvelia to make a reservation
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May 26, 2007- Origins of LifePresented by David Cohn
The public is invited to join members of the Montauk Observatory at the Montauk Playhouse as David Cohn leads participants on a journey tracing back the Origins of Life in his completely portable planetarium.
Due to limited seating within the planetarium reservation are necessary. To make a reservation for a particular time please email: Sean Tvelia
Show times: 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm
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April 20, 2007 - " Black Holes - What, Why and Where!"The lecture will be held at the Montauk Public Library from
Presented by
Weather permitting, there will also be a star party following the lecture at
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November 15, 2006- Montauk Observatory Recieves 20" research-grade telescope.
Read Press Release
- December 19, 2005 -Montuak Observatory in the News
Dan's Papers
Montauk Looking Up- by David Lion Rattiner
If you have ever been out to Montauk at night you have noticed how incredibly clearly the stars can be seen. It really is quite striking, especially if you are a city dweller and are not used to seeing stars at night. The night sky in Montauk is so clear that many homeowners in Montauk have set up roof decks on their homes with their own personal telescopes. A warm summer night with a couple of friends, music, drinks and a view of the crystal clear night sky in Montauk is hard to beat. To read full article click here
- December 6, 2005
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| Legislator Schneiderman |
The Suffolk County Legislature unamimously approved resolution 1966-2005, sponsored by Legislator Jay Schniederman, granting Montauk Observatory the rights to construct at Third House in Montauk. Click here to read the full resolution.
- December 3, 2005
Join the Board of Directors and the Board Advisors at the Montauk Observatory's first Star Party at Suffolk County's Roosevelt Park.
Professional Astronomers will be on sight to give guided tours of the night sky using a 12" Meade LX200, 8" Meade LX200, Costumized 8" Maksutov-Cassegrain, 16" Dobsonian, and a 24" Dobsonian. There will be informal lectures given on Constellation Lore and visible celestial objects as well as plenty of hot chocolate to keep you warm.
©2005
Montauk Observatory