named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Members-Only Observing Nights
Exclusive stargazing opportunities at locations including Jones Beach after dark and access to the Sue Rose Observatory at Custer Institute
Messier Marathon
Annual spring event challenging members to observe as many of the 110 Messier objects as possible in one night
Monthly Meetings
General meetings held on the first Sunday of each month featuring guest speakers, member reports, and club news; includes virtual and in-person components
Public Outreach Activities
Telescope viewing events at locations such as Jones Beach State Park, Cradle of Aviation, and public libraries to introduce astronomy to the general public
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Public Astronomy & Space Science Education 7 activities
- Conducts public astronomy outreach and observing eventsHosts and participates in public stargazing events such as "Stars on Sunday" at Hofstra University, Music Under the Stars at Eisenhower Park, International Observe the Moon Night at Jones Beach, and Astronomy Day at the Cradle of Aviation, using club telescopes and volunteer members to engage the public with astronomy education and viewing opportunities.
- Curates and shares astronomy resourcesMaintains and distributes a curated list of astronomy-related resources for public use, supporting education and independent observation.
- Facilitates access to dark-sky observing locationsOrganizes member access to dark-sky sites in Long Island state parks for stargazing, particularly during celestial events such as meteor showers and planetary transits.
- Operates public observing sessions at Sue Rose ObservatoryHosts free public observing sessions on clear Saturday nights at the Sue Rose Observatory in Southold, NY, using a 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and Electronically Assisted Astronomy equipment, with modifications enabling electronic projection of celestial objects for group viewing.
- Organizes members-only astronomy events and excursionsPlans and conducts exclusive events for members including star parties at dark-sky locations, behind-the-scenes tours (e.g., meteorite collection at the Rose Center), bus trips to science exhibits, and annual social gatherings such as a summer picnic and holiday party.
- Provides astronomy education and citizen science programmingHosts lectures and presentations that introduce the public to citizen-science initiatives such as NASA’s Exoplanet Watch, enabling observational data collection and public participation in astronomical research.
- Runs a Library Telescope lending programOperates a program that lends telescopes through public libraries to increase community access to astronomy equipment and promote hands-on stargazing experiences.
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Environmental Policy Advocacy & Litigation 1 activity
- Advocates for light pollution reductionEngages in efforts to reduce light pollution on Long Island and across New York State to preserve dark skies for astronomical observation and environmental health.
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Regular Membership Meetings 1 activity
- Hosts monthly astronomy club meetings for membersOrganizes regular in-person and virtual meetings on the first Sunday of each month featuring member observation reports, club news, socializing, and guest speaker presentations; meetings alternate between Berliner Hall at Hofstra University and the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
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Industry and Community Recognition Awards 1 activity
- Recognizes volunteer contributions through annual awardsHosts an annual ceremony to honor volunteer service, including the distribution of Club Certificates to recognize member involvement and support.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$25K
Contributions & grants$13K52%
Program service revenue$4K17%
Investment income$1K4%
Other revenue$3K
expenses
Total expenses$9K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
balance sheet
Total assets$40K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$40K
5 years on record · 2021–2025 · YoY revenue +49.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
board members · 1
- Barbara Centrellar - Steve Bandel — Activities Director
relationships · 30
Who they work with
- ASLI Partner — Co-hosted the inaugural No Space for Hunger event with AOS to address food insecurity.
- American Museum of Natural History Partner — Employer affiliation of Dr. Joshua Tan, Research Associate in the Department of Astrophysics and featured lecturer.
- Astronomical League Network — AOSNY is a member organization of the Astronomical League, providing members access to its observing programs and newsletter.
- Astronomical League Network — Shares member roster and is affiliated with the Astronomical League; membership includes automatic enrollment in the League.
- Cradle of Aviation Partner — Hosts AOSNY’s participation in annual Astronomy Day events for public astronomy education.
- Cradle of Aviation Museum Partner — Hosts AOSNY club meetings in Garden City.
- Custer Institute Government — Hosts the Sue Rose Observatory on its grounds, providing space for AOS public observing sessions.
- Custer Institute Partner — Hosts the Sue Rose Observatory used by AOSNY members for stargazing and observational activities.
- Custer Observatory Partner — Hosts the Sue Rose Observatory operated by AOSNY in Southold, NY.
- Dr. Glenn Kreisberg Partner — Guest speaker presenting on archaeoastronomy at the February general meeting.
- Eisenhower Park Partner — Hosts the public outreach program Music Under the Stars, in which AOSNY participates.
- Franklin Institute Partner — Hosted a “Museum of the Moon” exhibit visited by AOSNY on a group outing.
- Hofstra University Partner — Collaborates on public outreach programs such as Stars on Sunday where AOSNY provides telescopes and observational access.
- Hofstra University Partner — Hosts AOSNY club meetings at Berliner Hall, Room 117.
- Hofstra University Partner — Hosts the club’s monthly general meetings at Berliner Hall.
- Hofstra University Partner — Hosts the monthly meetings of the Amateur Observers’ Society of New York.
- Hofstra University Partner — Hosts the public outreach program Stars on Sunday, in which AOSNY participates.
- Hofstra University Physics Department Partner — Collaborates with AOS on the "Stars on Sunday" public outreach program.
- LaGuardia Community College Partner — Host institution for Dr. Joshua Tan, featured lecturer at the March general meeting.
- Libraries Partner — Partners with libraries to distribute telescopes through the Library Telescope program.
- Long Island Cares Partner — Partnered with AOS on the inaugural No Space for Hunger event to combat food insecurity.
- NASA Partner — Collaborates on citizen-science initiatives such as Exoplanet Watch, which the club promotes to its members.
- National Mall Partner — Hosts the Astronomy Festival on the National Mall where AOSNY conducts public outreach.
- New York State Parks Department Government — Collaborates with the New York State Parks Department to provide stargazing permits and comply with park regulations.
- Night Sky Network Network — Member of NASA’s nationwide coalition of amateur astronomy clubs.
- Rose Center for Earth and Space Partner — Hosted a behind-the-scenes tour of the meteorite collection for AOSNY members.
- Scouts Partner — Receives volunteer support from AOSNY members at astronomy events.
- Sierra Club of New York Funder — Funded the "Music and Astronomy Under the Stars" program in 2024.
- Susan F. Rose Observatory Partner — Collaborates with the observatory, where a board member serves as Observatory Director.
- Zeffy Partner — Platform used to process tax-deductible donations with no fees to the organization or donor.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Beginner Support Through Experiential Learningmethodology: beginner-support-through-experiential-learningBy guiding new members to gain hands-on experience before purchasing equipment, the organization reduces barriers to entry and informed decision-making because experiential learning builds confidence and prevents costly missteps.
- Community-Engaged Astronomy Educationmethodology: community-engaged astronomy educationBy combining educational content with member participation and social engagement, the organization fosters sustained community involvement and knowledge sharing in amateur astronomy because shared experience and peer interaction increase retention and deepen learning.
- Community-Partnered and Academic Outreachmethodology: community-partnered outreachBy partnering with academic institutions and community organizations to deliver astronomy programming, the organization expands public access and impact because collaborative delivery leverages shared resources and trusted networks to reach broader and more diverse audiences.
- Fun-Centered Public Outreachmethodology: fun-centered-outreachBy emphasizing fun and accessibility in public outreach, the organization inspires broader interest in astronomy because enjoyable, low-barrier experiences reduce intimidation and increase public engagement, especially among non-specialists.
- Public Education Through Direct Observationmethodology: public_engagement_through_direct_observationBy enabling first-time telescope viewing and interactive learning, the organization fosters scientific curiosity and community engagement because direct sensory experience with celestial objects creates memorable, transformative moments that inspire lasting interest.