Space sector civic infrastructure refers to the public, community-centered groups and institutions that promote space and astronomy education and interest to the general public.The Empire Space Civic Infrastructure data table is the most comprehensive list of space related groups and public institutions in New York.
There are dozens of community and civic organizations across New York that are active in the space and astronomy field, and are an irreplaceable way that New Yorkers interact with space and astronomy in their communities. Open to the public, these groups offer unique programming and events that enrich the fabric of their neighborhoods.
There are over 100 planetariums, observatories, museums, and educational institutions that conduct space-related programming. The table includes website links, location data, major partnerships, superlatives, information on governmental representation, and brief notes. These organizations exist in every corner of New York and communities large and small. We hope this information demonstrates how integral space organizations are to communities throughout the state, including yours!
There are two tables under each regional header (be sure to scroll!) with 'Groups' first and 'Institutions & Facilities' second. Follow the links below to get involved today!
Contact us to recommend a new addition to the table, edit an existing table, or if you have any general comments or questions.
Civic Groups
Organization | Location | Status | Members | AD ▲ | SD | Partners | Region | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Astronomical Society of Long Island | Centerport | Active | 100 | 2 (R) | 2 (R) | Vanderbilt Planetarium | Long Island | Weekly programming available to the public. |
Custer Institute Astronomy Club | Riverhead | Active | 100 | 2 (R) | 1 (R) | Custer Institute | Long Island | Long Island's oldest public observatory. They also have a unique Music Project and monthly star parties. |
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers AFL-CIO, District 15 | Melville | Active | unknown | 10 (D) | 2 (R) | International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers | Long Island | Northeastern regional union that includes aerospace workers. |
Long Island Observers Association | Huntington | TBD | unknown | 12 (R) | 2 (R) | Long Island | ||
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, 754 Local Lodge | Farmingdale | Active | unknown | 15 (R) | 5 (R) | International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers | Long Island | Founded in 1940, this local union represents a small segment of workers in the Long Island aerospace ecosystem. |
NYC Aerospace | Roslyn Heights | Active | unknown | 16 (D) | 7 (R) | Roslyn Central Schools | Long Island | Roslyn High School Division of NYC Aerospace. |
AIAA Long Island | Bethpage | Active | unknown | 17 (R) | 5 (R) | Long Island | ||
Amateur Observers Society of NY | Hempstead | Active | 150 | 18 (D) | 6 (D) | Hofstra University | Long Island | Special focus on combating light pollution. |
ADDAPT | Garden City | Active | unknown | 19 (R) | 6 (D) | Cradle of Aviation Museum | Long Island | Trade organization focused on promoting the Long Island aerospace sector. |
NYC Aerospace | Brooklyn | Active | unknown | 57 (D) | 25 (D) | Brooklyn Technical High School | NYC | Brooklyn Technical High School Division, works in collaboration with the Aerospace Major available at the school. |
Astronomy Society of NYC | Staten Island | TBD | 20 | 63 (R) | 23 (D) | NYC | ||
NYC Aerospace | Manhattan | Active | unknown | 66 (D) | 27 (D) | Stuyvesant High School | NYC | Stuyvesant High School Division of NYC Aerospace. |
Rocket Club | Manhattan | Active | unknown | 67 (D) | 47 (D) | NYC | Private academy for students 7-14 that offers unique and unparalleled programming opportunities in STEAM and entreprenuership, including a Rocket Science and Robotics. | |
Space Prize | Manhattan | Active | unknown | 67 (D) | 47 (D) | NYC | Empowers young women to participate in the growing space economy. | |
Center for Space Governance | Manhattan | Active | unknown | 69 (D) | 30 (D) | Columbia University | NYC | The Center for Space Governance is a research institute dedicated to exploring current, emerging, and future issues in space policy, with a mission to to advance innovative solutions to address the greatest challenges and opportunities for our future in space. |
Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach | Manhattan | Active | unknown | 69 (D) | 30 (D) | Columbia University | NYC | Direct extension of the Columbia Physics & Astronomy Department with a mission to give back to the community. |
NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies | Manhattan | Active | unknown | 69 (D) | 30 (D) | Columbia University | NYC | Key NASA center focused on studies of the Earth, climate, and other planetary bodies. Major partnership with Columbia University. |
Ptolemy Schwartz Astronomical Society | Manhattan | TBD | unknown | 69 (D) | 30 (D) | NYC | ||
World Science Foundation | Manhattan | Active | unknown | 69 (D) | 30 (D) | NYC | Hosting the World Science Festival annually since 2008, drawing over 3.2 million people to New York to explore all things science. | |
Harlem Launch Alliance | Manhattan | Active | unknown | 70 (D) | 30 (D) | NYC | Collegiate and alumni rocket program of the City College of New York. | |
NYC Aerospace | Manhattan | Active | unknown | 70 (D) | 31 (D) | The High School of Math, Science, & Engineering | NYC | HSMSE Division of NYC Aerospace. |
The Explorers Club | Manhattan | Active | 100 | 73 (D) | 28 (D) | NYC | NYC is the hub of this global network of chapters embarking on scientific expeditions of all varieties. | |
Empire Space | Manhattan | Active | unknown | 74 (D) | 59 (D) | NYCST, NASA NY Space Grant Consortium | NYC | Key networking and research hub for the NY space ecosystem with the goal of growing New York into a Top 10 space state. |
Teachers in Space | Manhattan | Active | unknown | 74 (D) | 27 (D) | NYC | Provokes interest in STEM from students by providing resources to teachers. | |
Amateur Astronomers Association of NY | Manhattan | Active | 650 | 75 (D) | 28 (D) | American Museum of Natural History | NYC | Expansive educational programming. |
NYC Aerospace | Manhattan | Active | unknown | 75 (D) | 27 (D) | The Avenues of the World | NYC | Avenues of the World Division of NYC Aerospace. |
NYC Physics and Astronomy Meetup | Manhattan | Active | 2887 | 75 (D) | 30 (D) | NYC | Physics & Astronomy focused Meetup group with over 2,800 members. Affiliated with the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York. | |
Bronx Science Astronomy Club | Bronx | Active | unknown | 78 (D) | 33 (D) | Bronx High School of Science | NYC | Houses one of the few planetariums in NYC. |
NYC Aerospace | Bronx | Active | unknown | 81 (D) | 36 (D) | Bronx High School of Science | NYC | Bronx High School of Science Division of NYC Aerospace. |
The STEM Alliance | Mamaroneck | Active | unknown | 91 (D) | 37 (D) | Mamaroenk School District | Mid-Hudson | Westchester County based non-profit that is dedicated to enhancing STEM education and enrichment initiatives, and to ensuring equal access to STEM learning opportunities to all. Conducts numerous collaborative programs with local school districts and museums. |
Westchester Amateur Astronomers | Valhalla | Active | 200 | 93 (D) | 40 (D) | Pace University | Mid-Hudson | Monthly star parties, a newsletter, and group presentations. |
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory | Palisades | Active | unknown | 97 (R) | 38 (R) | NASA Johnson Space Center | Mid-Hudson | Home of the NASA Astromat program that analyzes data from numerous extraplanetary sample missions past, present, and future. |
Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Rocketry Club | Ramapo | Active | unknown | 97 (R) | 38 (R) | Town of Ramapo Challenger Center | Mid-Hudson | Part of the extensive STEM and space related programs available from the Ramapo Challenger Center. |
Rockland Astronomy Club | Suffern | Active | 170 | 97 (R) | 38 (R) | Mid-Hudson | Hosts the NEAF Expo, one of the largest space & astronomy events in the nation. | |
Orange County Astronomical Association | Chester | TBD | unknown | 98 (R) | 42 (D) | Mid-Hudson | ||
Metra Rocket Club | New Hampton | Active | 100 | 99 (R) | 42 (D) | Mid-Hudson | 100+ member rocketry club in the Mid-Hudson region that draws members from throughout the metro NYC region. | |
Catskill Astronomy Club | Monticello | TBD | unknown | 100 (D) | 51 (R) | Night Sky Network | Mid-Hudson | Existed from 2000 until 2011, recently attempted to reform and currently holding events. |
Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association | New Paltz | Active | 1819 | 103 (D) | 41 (D) | SUNY New Paltz | Mid-Hudson | Monthly star parties & presentations. |
Onteora Rocket Club | Boiceville | Active | unknown | 103 (D) | 51 (R) | Onteora Central School District | Mid-Hudson | School rocketry program open to students in grades 6-12. |
Woodstock Rocket Club | Woodstock | Active | unknown | 103 (D) | 41 (D) | Mid-Hudson | Launch elementary and middle school age appropriate rockets from the Comeau Property in Woodstock. | |
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers AFL-CIO, District 15 | Tonawanda | Active | unknown | 104 (D) | 61 (D) | International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers | Western NY | Northeastern regional union that includes aerospace workers. |
SUNY Research Foundation (RF) | Albany | Active | unknown | 108 (D) | 44 (R) | Capital Region | Largest comprehensive academic research foundation in the country, supporting SUNY faculty in their teaching & research endeavors. | |
Albany Area Amateur Astronomers Inc. | Delanson | Active | 150 | 111 (D) | 46 (D) | Dudley Observatory | Capital Region | Educational programs and monthly star parties. |
Edison Tech Center | Schenectady | Active | unknown | 111 (D) | 44 (R) | Capital Region | Harnesses the engineering legacy of Schenectady into an engaging interactive engineering experience. | |
Albany Schenectady Troy Rocket Enthusiasts (ASTRE) | Greenwich | Active | unknown | 113 (D) | 43 (R) | Capital Region | Active amateur rocketry organization for the entire Capital Region with launches from the Washington County Fairgrounds. | |
Adirondack Sky Center | Tupper Lake | Active | unknown | 115 (D) | 45 (R) | AstroScience Center | North Country | Expansive educational and observing resources offered amid New York's darkest skies. |
Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society | Waterville | Active | unknown | 121 (R) | 53 (R) | Barton-Brown Observatory | Mohawk Valley | Unique partnership with the Waterville Public Library. |
Kopernik Astronomical Society | Vestal | Active | 100 | 123 (D) | 52 (D) | Kopernik Institute & Observatory | Southern Tier | Host a Winter Star Party as well as an AstroFest, among other educational programs. |
Cornell Astronomical Society | Ithaca | Active | unknown | 125 (D) | 52 (D) | Fuertes Observatory | Southern Tier | |
Sciencenter | Ithaca | Active | unknown | 125 (D) | 52 (D) | NASA NY Space Grant | Southern Tier | Provides unique space and STEM opportunities for metro Ithaca, including the downtown Sagan Planet Walk. Active member of the NASA NY Space Grant consortium. |
Syracuse Astronomical Society | Syracuse | Active | 110 | 127 (D) | 48 (D) | Darling Hill Observatory | Central NY | 50 years of active observation, hosting regular star parties and welcoming thousands of local residents over the years. |
Syracuse Rocket Club | Baldwinsville | Active | unknown | 129 (D) | 48 (D) | Central NY | ||
Elmira-Corning Astronomical Society | Corning | TBD | 74 | 132 (R) | 52 (D) | Southern Tier | ||
Upstate Research Rocketry Group | Penn Yan | Active | unknown | 132 (R) | 58 (R) | Team America Rocketry Contest | Finger Lakes | Extensive youth and collegiate rocketry programs, including partnerships with NASA & the Boy Scouts. |
MARS (Monroe Astronautical Rocket Society) | Geneseo | Active | unknown | 133 (R) | 54 (R) | National Warplane Museum | Finger Lakes | Regular, accessible public launches with a focus on youth participation. |
Tech Rochester | Rochester | Active | unknown | 133 (R) | 55 (D) | Finger Lakes | Non-profit focused on supporting technology workers in the Rochester region of the Finger Lakes. | |
ASRAS (Astronomy Section of the Rochester Academy of Sciences) | Henrietta | Active | 250 | 138 (D) | 56 (D) | Rochester Academy of Sciences | Finger Lakes | Longstanding Rochester astronomy organization that holds monthly meetings as well as overseeing the Farash Center for Observational Astronomy. |
FIRST Upstate NY | Henrietta | Active | unknown | 138 (D) | 56 (D) | Finger Lakes | A suite of hands-on STEM programs engaging students of all ages across the Finger Lakes region. | |
New York Space Alliance | Rochester | Active | 3 | 138 (D) | 55 (D) | Finger Lakes | Focused on expanding opportunities for space entrepreneurs and growing New York's commercial space sector. | |
Southtowns Astronomy Club | West Seneca | TBD | unknown | 142 (D) | 60 (R) | Western NY | ||
AIAA Niagara Frontier | Buffalo | Active | unknown | 143 (D) | 63 (D) | University of Buffalo | Western NY | |
Lockport Astronomy Association | Lockport | TBD | unknown | 144 (R) | 62 (R) | Western NY | ||
Buffalo Astronomical Association | North Java | Active | 100 | 147 (R) | 57 (R) | Buffalo Museum & Science Center | Western NY | Traces its roots back to the 1930s, and offers extensive amateur astronomy opportunities, including use of the group's Beaver Meadow Observatory. |
Western New York TARC | East Aurora | Active | unknown | 147 (R) | 60 (R) | East Aurora High School | Western NY | Practice and qualification flights are at East Aurora High School. This is a private organization not open to the public. |
Olean Area Amateur Astronomy Group | Allegany | TBD | 10 | 148 (R) | 57 (R) | Western NY | ||
Centi Astro-space Activities | Brocton | TBD | unknown | 150 (R) | 57 (R) | Western NY | ||
Southern Tier Astronomy Recreation Society | Bemus Point | TBD | 40 | 150 (R) | 57 (R) | Western NY |
Planetariums and Observatories
Organization ▲ | Location | Telescope | Jobs | AD | SD | Partners | Region | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adelphi University Observatory | Garden City | 14.00" | 1 | 19 (R) | 6 (D) | Adelphi University | Long Island | For use by Physics & Astronomy students. |
Adirondack Observatory | Tupper Lake | 12.50" | 3 | 115 (D) | 45 (R) | Adirondack Sky Center | North Country | Full science complex with activities for all ages. |
AJ Reed Science and Discovery Center | Oneonta | N/A | 1 | 121 (R) | 51 (R) | SUNY Oneonta | Mohawk Valley | Includes programming and events at the campus planetarium. |
American Museum of Natural History | Manhattan | N/A | 1459 | 67 (D) | 47 (D) | Hayden Planetarium | NYC | Management of the Hayden Planetarium and affiliated space organizations. |
Ancient Eyes Productions | Cheektowaga | N/A | 1 | 143 (D) | 63 (D) | Ancient Eyes Productions | Western NY | Only traveling planetarium show in Western New York. |
Andrus Planetarium | Yonkers | N/A | 1 | 89 (D) | 35 (D) | Hudson River Museum | Mid-Hudson | Various shows geared towards different age groups. |
Astrophysical Observatory Staten | Staten Island | 16.00" | 13 | 63 (R) | 24 (R) | College of Staten Island | NYC | Registered as an official asteroid and comet research station. |
Barton-Brown Observatory | Waterville | 16.00" | 1 | 121 (R) | 53 (R) | Waterville Public Library | Mohawk Valley | Multiple telescopes in a heated outdoor observatory on library grounds. |
Beaver Meadow Observatory | Java | 20.00" | 1 | 147 (R) | 57 (R) | Buffalo Astronomical Association | Western NY | Dark sky site open to group members. |
Breyo Observatory | Loudonville | 27.50" | 1 | 108 (D) | 43 (R) | Siena College | Capital Region | New facility, opened in 2018. |
Bronx Science Planetarium | Bronx | N/A | 1 | 81 (D) | 33 (D) | Bronx High School of Science | NYC | A premiere high school space and astronomy program. |
Brookhaven National Laboratory | Upton | N/A | 3081 | 2 (R) | 3 (R) | NASA | Long Island | A premiere national research facility, including a joint project with NASA studying the impacts of cosmic radiation. |
Brooklyn Childrens Museum | Brooklyn | N/A | 118 | 43 (D) | 20 (D) | Brooklyn Childrens Museum | NYC | Rotating list of space-themed programs throughout the year. |
Buffalo Museum of Science | Buffalo | N/A | 79 | 141 (D) | 63 (D) | (Buffalo in Space) | Western NY | Special exhibit linking the city of Buffalo to space. |
C.E. Kenneth Mees Observatory | Naples | 24.00" | 1 | 131 (R) | 54 (R) | University of Rochester | Finger Lakes | Utilized by the Physics & Astronomy Department. |
CCNY Planetarium | Manhattan | N/A | 1 | 70 (D) | 30 (D) | City College of NY | NYC | Active online presence during COVID. |
Center for Science Technology & Learning | Rockville | N/A | 1 | 18 (D) | 6 (D) | NASA | Long Island | Member of NASA's Museum & Informal Education Alliance. |
Challenger Learning Center of Lockport | Lockport | N/A | 1 | 144 (R) | 62 (R) | Challenger Learning Center | Western NY | Community center that uses space exploration as a theme to promote youth interest in STEM. |
Challenger Learning Center of the Twin Tier Region | Allegany | N/A | 1 | 148 (R) | 57 (R) | NASA | Western NY | Extensive virtual and in person space program offerings. |
Challenger Learning Center Rochester | Rochester | N/A | 3 | 136 (D) | 56 (D) | Challenger Learning Center | Finger Lakes | Center uses space to teach broader skills, closely aligned with teacher needs and state education curriculum. |
Childrens Library Discovery Center | Queens | N/A | 1 | 29 (D) | 11 (D) | NASA | NYC | STEM oriented programming for kids. Also a member of NASA's Museum & Informal Education Alliance. |
Clarkstown South High School Planetarium | West Nyack | N/A | 1 | 96 (D) | 38 (R) | Clarkstown Central School District | Mid-Hudson | Restored and renovated in 2004. |
Clinton B. Ford Observatory | Ithaca | 16.00" | 1 | 125 (D) | 52 (D) | Ithaca College | Southern Tier | Built in 1998, does host public viewing nights. |
Corning Museum of Glass | Corning | N/A | 234 | 132 (R) | 58 (R) | (Journey to the Moon) | Southern Tier | Numerous exhibits about the history of glass in space. |
Cradle of Aviation Museum | Garden City | N/A | 67 | 19 (R) | 6 (D) | Cradle of Aviation | Long Island | Numerous exhibits and activities centered on aerospace and spaceflight. |
Custer Institute & Observatory | Southold | 10.00" | 2 | 2 (R) | 1 (R) | The Custer Institute | Long Island | Numerous exciting projects underway. |
Darling Hill Observatory | Syracuse | 16.00" | 1 | 127 (D) | 48 (D) | Syracuse Astronomical Society | Central NY | 40 years of robust public viewing schedule. |
Dudley Observatory | Schenectady | 14.00" | 2 | 111 (D) | 43 (R) | Siena College | Capital Region | Oldest non-academic astronomical organization in America, no longer an operating observatory. |
East Village Planetarium | Manhattan | N/A | 1 | 74 (D) | 27 (D) | Lower East Side Girls Club | NYC | Pnanetarium is part of a wider range of offerings to encourage young girls to pursue STEM. |
Edwin P. Hubble Planetarium | Brooklyn | N/A | 1 | 48 (D) | 22 (D) | Edward R. Murrow High School | NYC | One of the last operational planetariums in a NYC public school. |
Eileen Collins Observatory | Corning | 20.00" | 1 | 132 (R) | 58 (R) | Corning Community College | Southern Tier | Host regular public viewing nights. |
Empire State Aerospace Museum | Schenectady | N/A | 1 | 112 (R) | 46 (D) | Empire State Aerospace Museum | Capital Region | A unique New York aerospace museum experience. |
Explore & More Childrens Museum | Buffalo | N/A | 39 | 149 (D) | 63 (D) | NASA | Western NY | Member of NASA's Museum & Informal Education Alliance. |
Farash Observatory | Ionia | 20.00" | 1 | 131 (R) | 54 (R) | Rochester Academy of Sciences | Finger Lakes | Multiple large telescopes in use at the complex. |
Fayetteville Manlius High School Planetarium | Manlius | N/A | 1 | 127 (D) | 50 (D) | Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District | Central NY | Coursework includes Observational Astronomy, planetarium was upgraded in 2017 with state assistance. |
Ferguson Planetarium | Buffalo | N/A | 3 | 149 (D) | 61 (D) | Buffalo State College | Western NY | Located directly on campus for use by both students and the public. |
Flatiron Institute Center for Computational Astrophysics | Manhattan | N/A | 328 | 75 (D) | 28 (D) | Simons Foundation | NYC | Multiple research tracks in areas of cosmology and astrophysics while conducting extensive outreach and programming around NYC. |
Foggy Bottom Observatory | Hamilton | 16.00" | 1 | 121 (R) | 53 (R) | Colgate University | Mohawk Valley | Offer lectures in addition to research resources for students and staff. |
Fuertes Observatory | Ithaca | 12.00" | 1 | 125 (D) | 52 (D) | Cornell University | Southern Tier | Public viewing nights courtesy of the Cornell Astronomical Society. |
Geneseo Launch Site | Geneseo | N/A | 1 | 133 (R) | 54 (R) | Monroe Astronautical Rocket Society | Finger Lakes | Largest amateur rocketry organization in New York state, hosting regular free public launches. Certifiied to launch high powered rockets capable of reaching 12,000 ft in altitude. |
Gustafson Planetarium | Fishkill | N/A | 1 | 105 (R) | 39 (R) | The Fresh Air Fund | Mid-Hudson | Multiple educational programs geared to multiple age groups. |
Half Hollow Hills High School Planetarium | Dix Hills | N/A | 1 | 10 (D) | 2 (R) | Half Hollow Hills School District | Long Island | State of the art facility serving all of the districts K-12 students. |
Harrison High School Space Theater | Harrison | N/A | 1 | 93 (D) | 37 (D) | Harrison Central School District | Mid-Hudson | Astronomy Club puts on public shows, and the planetarium was renovated in 2010. |
Harry S. Truman High School Planetarium | Bronx | N/A | unknown | 82 (D) | 36 (D) | Harry S. Truman High School | NYC | Recently renovated to provide a state of the art planetarium experience. |
Hartung-Boothroyd Observatory | Ithaca | 25.00" | 1 | 125 (D) | 52 (D) | Cornell University | Southern Tier | Used primarily for graduate Astronomy research. |
Hayden Planetarium | Manhattan | N/A | 13 | 67 (D) | 47 (D) | Rose Center for Science & Space | NYC | A significant research and community education complex. |
Hirsch Observatory | Troy | 16.00" | 1 | 108 (D) | 43 (R) | RPI | Capital Region | Operational since 1942. |
Hofstra University Observatory | Hempstead | 11.00" | 1 | 19 (R) | 6 (D) | Hofstra University | Long Island | Observatory is utilized for research by undergraduate students. |
Holden Observatory | Syracuse | 8.00" | 1 | 127 (D) | 48 (D) | Syracuse University | Central NY | Built in 1887, Holden Observatory is the second-oldest building on campus. In 1991 the entire structure was physically moved 190 feet and eventually refurbished and rededicated. It currently houses an Astronomy Learning Center in addition to the telescope. |
Intrepid Air & Space Museum | Manhattan | N/A | 50 | 67 (D) | 27 (D) | NASA | NYC | Numerous virtual and in person space exhibits, including hosting the Space Shuttle Enterprise. |
John R. Kirk Planetarium | New Paltz | N/A | 1 | 103 (D) | 41 (D) | SUNY New Paltz | Mid-Hudson | Public and private viewings available. |
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center | Vestal | 20.00" | 5 | 123 (D) | 52 (D) | Kopernik Observatory | Southern Tier | Part of a full science complex specifically designed for K-12 students, teachers, and families, with numerous public events and festivals year round. |
Lennon Hall Planetarium & Observatory | Brockport | 12.00" | 1 | 139 (R) | 62 (R) | SUNY Brockport | Finger Lakes | Planetarium and Observatory utilized primarily for student research. |
Lindenhurst Middle School Planetarium | Lindenhurst | N/A | unknown | 11 (D) | 8 (R) | Long Island | ||
Long Island Childrens Museum | Garden City | N/A | 62 | 19 (R) | 6 (D) | Long Island Childrens Museum | Long Island | Space related programs for youth, including NASA tutorials. |
Long Island Explorium | Port Jefferson | N/A | 6 | 4 (R) | 1 (R) | NASA | Long Island | Member of NASA's Museum & Informal Education Alliance. |
Longwood Regional Planetarium | Middle Island | N/A | 1 | 9 (R) | 3 (R) | Longwood Middle School | Long Island | 64 seat capacity, located at Longwood Middle School. |
Marlboro High School Planetarium & Observatory | Marlboro | 16.00" | 1 | 104 (D) | 41 (D) | Marlboro Central School District | Mid-Hudson | Planetarium & observatory available for both student & community use. |
Martz-Kohl Observatory | Frewsburg | 24.00" | 1 | 150 (R) | 57 (R) | Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association | Western NY | Focused on public outreach and events. |
Maryvale Intermediate School Planetarium | Cheektowaga | N/A | 1 | 143 (D) | 63 (D) | Douglas Unified School District | Western NY | Planetarium renovted in 2014 with community support and a state grant for $300,000. |
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum | Poughkeepsie | N/A | 7 | 104 (D) | 39 (R) | (Outdoor space programming) | Mid-Hudson | Space-themed programming as part of their Outdoor Events series. |
Milton Rosenstein Museum of Science & Tech (MOST) | Syracuse | N/A | 46 | 129 (D) | 48 (D) | Lockheed Martin | Central NY | Flight & space center sponsored by Lockheed Martin, includes a flight simulator. |
Mount Stony Brook Observatory | Stony Brook | 14.00" | 1 | 4 (R) | 1 (R) | Stony Brook University | Long Island | Primarily a research & teaching observatory. |
Museum of Innovation & Science | Schenectady | N/A | 13 | 111 (D) | 44 (R) | MiSci | Capital Region | Various space and STEM programs available for youth of all ages. |
Nassau Community College Planetarium | Garden City | N/A | 1 | 19 (R) | 6 (D) | Nassau Community College | Long Island | Hosts "Open House" astronomy nights. |
National Museum of Mathematics | Manhattan | N/A | 59 | 75 (D) | 28 (D) | National Museum of Mathematics | NYC | Various space-themed exhibits around the museum. |
New Rochelle High School Planetarium | New Rochelle | N/A | 1 | 88 (D) | 37 (D) | New Rochelle City School District | Mid-Hudson | Fully developed programming and curriculum for district students of all ages. |
Newburgh Free Academy Planetarium | Newburgh | N/A | 1 | 104 (D) | 39 (R) | Newburgh Free Academy | Mid-Hudson | Advanced Astronomy curriculum available to students as well as a high quality planetarium. |
Niagara Aerospace Museum | Niagara Falls | N/A | 6 | 145 (R) | 62 (R) | Western NY | Located in the old Niagara Airport terminal building, weekly programs and events available. | |
Niagara County Community College Planetarium | Sandborn | N/A | 1 | 145 (R) | 62 (R) | Western NY | ||
North Rockland High School Planetarium | Thiells | N/A | 1 | 96 (D) | 38 (R) | North Rockland High School | Mid-Hudson | Program currently unavailable due to budget cuts. |
Northcountry Planetarium | Plattsburgh | N/A | 1 | 115 (D) | 45 (R) | SUNY Plattsburgh | North Country | Strong focus on engagement with secondary schools and the broader community. |
NY Hall of Science | Queens | N/A | 237 | 35 (D) | 13 (D) | (Rocket Park mini-golf) | NYC | Numerous STEM related events and exhibits available. |
NYC Center for Aerospace and Applied Mathematics | Manhattan | N/A | 1 | 65 (D) | 27 (D) | NYC Department of Education | NYC | Numerous extracurricular space offerings, including a NASA Aerospace Education Lab and a Challenger Center. |
OHM BOCES Portable Planetarium | Oneida | N/A | 1 | 101 (R) | 53 (R) | OHM Boces | Mohawk Valley | Utilize a portable STARLAB DOME for mobile astronomy. Currently not available due to staffing vacancy. |
Peekskill High School Planetarium | Peekskill | N/A | 1 | 95 (D) | 40 (D) | Peekskill City School District | Mid-Hudson | Planetarium is part of a strong STEM-centric curriculum. |
Penn Yan Launch Site | Penn Yan | N/A | unknown | 132 (R) | 58 (R) | Upstate Rsearch Rocketry Group | Finger Lakes | Amateur rocket launch facility with monthly launches open to the public. |
Peters Observatory | Hamilton | 11.25" | 1 | 117 (R) | 53 (R) | Hamilton College | Mohawk Valley | Recently ugraded facility for use by students. |
Port Chester Schools Planetarium | Port Chester | N/A | 1 | 91 (D) | 37 (D) | Port Chester Central School District | Mid-Hudson | District has an Astro Space Coding Club. |
Ramapo Challenger Learning Center | Ramapo | N/A | 1 | 97 (R) | 38 (R) | Town of Ramapo | Mid-Hudson | Numerous space and STEM related programs available. |
Reynolds Observatory | Potsdam | 12.00" | 1 | 116 (D) | 45 (R) | Clarkson University | North Country | Long exposure telescopes allow for deep sky research. |
RIT Observatory | Henrietta | 14.00" | 1 | 138 (D) | 56 (D) | Rochester Institute of Technology | Finger Lakes | Utilized by undergraduate and gradute students. |
Roberson Science Center & Planetarium | Binghamton | N/A | 21 | 123 (D) | 52 (D) | Roberson Planetarium | Southern Tier | Wide range of events and exhibits that serves thousands of schoolchildren and the general public every year. |
Rochester Museum & Science Center | Rochester | N/A | 51 | 138 (D) | 55 (D) | Strasenburgh Planetarium | Finger Lakes | Extensive space related programming and events linked to the planetarium. |
Rutherford Observatory | Manhattan | 14.00" | 1 | 69 (D) | 30 (D) | Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach | NYC | Observatory has been in continuous operation since 1927 and sits atop the building that houses Columbia University's astronomy and physics departments. |
Sayville Middle School Planetarium | Sayville | N/A | 1 | 7 (R) | 8 (R) | Sayville Union Free School District | Long Island | Planetarium construction was a community effort, and extracurricular programs exist to help more students experience it. |
Sciencenter | Ithaca | N/A | 11 | 125 (D) | 52 (D) | (Sagan Walk) | Southern Tier | Outdoor exhibit exploring the Universe. |
SciTech Center of Northern NY | Watertown | N/A | 1 | 116 (D) | 49 (R) | (Traveling science program) | North Country | A year round, hands on museum of science and technology. |
Sinnecock Multimedia Planetarium | Southampton | N/A | 1 | 1 (D) | 1 (R) | Southampton High School | Long Island | Fully renovated in 2012, supports numerous community and academic astronomy programs. |
Smith Observatory | Geneva | 10.00" | 1 | 131 (R) | 54 (R) | Smith Observatory (historic site) | Finger Lakes | Formerly owned by Hobart & William Smith College, now a National Historic site. |
Southern Cayuga Planetarium | Aurora | N/A | 1 | 126 (R) | 48 (D) | Southern Cayuga School District | Central NY | The historic Planetarium was renovated after intense public advocacy and support, leading to a state-of-the-art facility reopening to students and the community in 2019. |
St. Bonaventure University Observatory | St. Bonaventure | 11.00" | 1 | 148 (R) | 57 (R) | St. Bonaventure University | Western NY | The Orion Astronomy Club utilizes the Observatory. |
Staten Island Childrens Museum | Staten Island | N/A | 20 | 61 (D) | 23 (D) | (Stargazing series) | NYC | Museum hosts outside space presenters. |
Stowell Planetarium | Potsdam | N/A | 1 | 116 (D) | 45 (R) | SUNY Potsdam | North Country | Located directly on the SUNY Potsdam campus. |
Strasenburgh Planetarium | Rochester | N/A | 2 | 138 (D) | 55 (D) | Rochester Museum & Science Center | Finger Lakes | Robust schedule of events, special focus on children. |
Stull Observatory | Alfred | 32.00" | 1 | 148 (R) | 58 (R) | Alfred University | Western NY | Primarily used for undergraduate teaching & research. |
Suffern High School Planetarium | Suffern | N/A | 1 | 97 (R) | 38 (R) | Ramapo Central School District | Mid-Hudson | Planetarium recently repaired and reopened with dynamic new programming. |
Suits-Bueche Planetarium | Schenectady | N/A | 5 | 111 (D) | 44 (R) | MiSci | Capital Region | Multiple space related learning programs, including virtual options. |
SUNY Cortland Planetarium | Cortland | N/A | 1 | 125 (D) | 52 (D) | SUNY Cortland | Central NY | Opened in 2014, the facility is open to both students and the public. |
SUNY Geneseo Planetarium & Observatory | Geneseo | 20.00" | 1 | 133 (R) | 54 (R) | SUNY Geneseo | Finger Lakes | Planetarium & Observatory utilized by the campus Astronomy Club. |
SUNY New Paltz Smolen Observatory | New Paltz | 14.00" | 1 | 103 (D) | 41 (D) | SUNY New Paltz | Mid-Hudson | Twice monthly astronomy nights open to the public |
SUNY Oneonta College Observatory | Oneonta | 40.00" | 1 | 121 (R) | 51 (R) | SUNY Oneonta | Mohawk Valley | Home to the largest optical telescope in the state of New York. |
SUNY Oswego Shineman Center | Oswego | N/A | 1 | 130 (R) | 50 (D) | SUNY Oswego | Central NY | State of the art planetarium used for both student instruction and shows for the general public. |
Syracuse Rocket Club | Baldwinsville | N/A | unknown | 129 (D) | 48 (D) | Syracuse Rocket Club | Central NY | Amateur rocketry organization for Central NY, with a newsletter and regular sport launches. |
Tesla Science Center | Shoreham | N/A | 15 | 2 (R) | 1 (R) | Tesla Science Center | Long Island | Expansive science programming, including physics exhibits. |
The Climate Museum | Manhattan | N/A | 14 | 73 (D) | 27 (D) | The Climate Museum | NYC | The Science Working Group and Board of Trustees include NASA figures, and NASA employees have been featured as guest lecturers. |
Union College Observatory | Schenectady | 20.00" | 1 | 110 (D) | 44 (R) | Union College | Capital Region | Utilized extensively for student research while also conducting communtiy open houses. |
Vanderbilt Planetarium & Observatory | Centerport | 16.00" | 22 | 12 (R) | 2 (R) | Vanderbilt Museum | Long Island | Friday and Saturday night viewings. |
Vassar College Observatory | Poughkeepsie | 32.00" | 2 | 106 (D) | 39 (R) | Vassar College | Mid-Hudson | Two large research caliber telescopes. |
Wagner College Planetarium | Staten Island | N/A | 1 | 63 (R) | 24 (R) | Wagner College | NYC | Wide range of community events available. |
West Islip High School Planetarium | West Islip | N/A | 1 | 9 (R) | 8 (R) | West Islip School District | Long Island | Active program for students across the district with an active social media presence. |
Williamsville Space Lab Planetarium | Williamsville | N/A | 11 | 146 (D) | 61 (D) | Williamsville CSD | Western NY | State of the art immersive multimedia facility open to students and the general public. |
Wings of Eagles Discovery Center | Horseheads | N/A | 6 | 124 (R) | 58 (R) | (Aerospace collection) | Southern Tier | Aerospace museum and exhibit center. |