About us

Mission

To promote an understanding of, and appreciation for, science, particularly astronomy, through free, quality educational programs and access to astronomical observatory facilities.

Hamptons Observatory (formerly known as Montauk Observatory) was established in 2005. We provide free, year-round, family-friendly educational programs that focus on science in general and astronomy in particular.

Our in-person and virtual lectures are presented by renown scientists, astronauts, authors and academicians. We also hold star parties, portable planetarium shows and other fun and instructional events.

To further our community impact, we frequently partner with other local nonprofit organizations.

We are proud to have established the first astronomical observatory on the South Fork.

While we are grateful to be located on the campus of the Ross School in East Hampton, New York, the Hamptons Observatory is an independent organization. Our facilities include a 20” Meade RCX-400 reflector telescope, the first of its kind (and ours is the first off the assembly line); it is Long Island’s largest research-grade public telescope. This telescope makes it possible to not only view planets, but also faint celestial objects. It is perfect for astrophotography and for use in scientific studies. We also have an assortment of solar and smaller, portable telescopes, as well as astrophotography equipment.

We intend to make these resources available in-person and over the internet to students, teachers, researchers, and the general public. An additional benefit of our state-of-the-art observatory is that it provides the community with a unique, year-round ecotourist site that will help preserve the dark skies and natural environment that make the Hamptons so special. We offer our programs free-of-charge because we want them to be as accessible as possible to all.

We believe that learning about the universe around us now will lead to beneficial personal and societal changes that will impact generations to come.

Hamptons Observatory is a 501(c)(3) New York State nonprofit. We are not endowed nor government-funded but rely exclusively on public support—donations from those who believe in sharing the wonders of our universe! Click here to donate today!