About the Kopernik Observatory
& Science Center
The Kopernik Observatory & Science Center opened in 1974, built by the Kopernik Society of Broome County to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Mikolaj Kopernik, the man known to the world as Copernicus - the “father” of modern astronomy. Since that time, hundreds of thousands of children and adults have experienced the wonders of science through the Observatory's programs.
Located atop a 1720 foot hill in Vestal, NY, 13 miles southwest of Binghamton, the Observatory has been one of the best-sited and best equipped public observatories in the Northeast United States for over 35 years.
The Kopernik Observatory & Science Center is the first science laboratory facility in New York State designed for K-12 teachers, students and their families.
Its mission is to offer hands-on investigations using advanced telescopes, computers and other tools, encouraging the discovery of the wonders of the Universe. The Observatory is also the home of the Kopernik Astronomical Society (KAS), a group of dedicated observational astronomers. Visitors to the Observatory often will find KAS volunteers helping at Kopernik programs.
Facilities
- 3 Observatory Telescopes
- 12 Portable Telescopes
- Solar Heliostat
- Solar Prominence Scope
- Solar Energy Array
- Outdoor Learning Area
- GeoWall 3D system
- Computer Lab
- Space Science Lab
- Physics/Laser Lab
- Earth Science Lab
- Weather Station
- Photographic Darkroom
- State of the Art Digital Cameras
- Amateur Radio Station (K2ZRO)
Kopernik Contacts, Email and Phone Numbers
Kopernik Observatory & Science Center
698 Underwood Road, Vestal NY 13850
Phone: 607-748-3685
Fax: 607-748-3222
Email: info@kopernik.org
Kopernik Observatory Staff
Drew Deskur, BSEE, MBA: Director
607-748-3685 X 303
admin@kopernik.orgTish Bresee, BS: School Programs Coordinator & NYS Certified Teacher
607-748-3685 X 305
tbresee@kopernik.orgRoy Williams, MSEd: Public Programs Coordinator & NYS Certified Teacher
607-748-3685 X 315
rwilliams@kopernik.orgNicholas M Guydosh, PhD: Science Educator and Technology Coordinator
607-748-3685
guydosh@binghamton.edu
Kopernik Astronomical Society [KAS]
George Normandin, President
Optics, Astrophotography and CCD Imaging Expert
georgepn@kopernik.org

