The Astronomical Society of Long Island is one of the most active astronomy groups in the New York metropolitan area. We are a group of dedicated amateur astronomers and telescope makers with a passion for our hobby, and a willingness to share our knowledge and excitement of the hobby with others, both experienced and beginning astronomers.
We welcome new visitors, you do not need to own a telescope, and there is no requirement to join the club in order to attend meetings. Come visit with us, to ask questions, to benefit from our collective experience, and to explore the wonders of the night sky. Please visit the website below for a current schedule of talks, events, and viewing sessions.
The society’s goal is to encourage the sharing of ideas so that its individual and institutional members may serve their communities better. From its beginning in 1970, membership has grown to more than 600, representing schools, colleges and universities, museums and public facilities of all sizes around the globe.
www.ips-planetarium.org
Up-to-date information concerning space related topics is available on line from this government agency. For the latest news from space, including the next space shuttle flight and news from the International Space Station, click on www.nasa.gov. For information on all of the planetary space probes currently exploring our solar system, status reports and scientific information on any of over two dozen missions, click on www.jpl.nasa.gov. For information on the Sun, solar flares, aurora forecasts and even close asteroid encounters with the Earth that use data collected daily from the SOHO spacecraft, click on www.spaceweather.com.
A local treasure, the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site is an interesting example of unusual American architecture. Built c. 1819 by Whitman’s father, this newly restored farmhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site houses historic nineteenth-century furniture, including an old schoolmaster’s desk. The Whitman house also features an interpretive center that includes more than 100 portraits, original letters, manuscripts, and artifacts. Additional on-site activities include guided tours, a film, gift shop/bookstore and a scenic picnic area.
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum encourages everyone to visit Walt Whitman’s birthplace and learn about one of the nation’s literary giants. For more information, visit waltwhitman.org or contact the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, 246 Old Walt Whitman Road, South Huntington, NY 11746-4148. 631-427-5240.
Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt’s time in office, his “Summer White House” was the focus of international attention. Explore the natural surroundings and become inspired by the legacy of one of America’s most popular presidents.
For more information, visit nps.gov/sahi or contact the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, 20 Sagamore Hill Road, Oyster Bay, NY 11771. (516) 922-4788
