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 1740 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 50 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. 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.

Mission, Vision, & Values

The mission, vision, and values of Kopernik Observatory and Science Center reflect its dynamic relationship to the region, and its growing impact beyond the region through expanding web-based programs and offerings.

Mission

Kopernik Observatory and Science Center is an innovative leader in interdisciplinary, lifelong learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Kopernik is a place of exploration, discovery, and inspiration for inquisitive minds of all ages.

Vision

Kopernik Observatory and Science Center is an organization committed to the advancement of scientific literacy as the foundation for personal and social decisions that impact us all. Scientific literacy is essential to creating an equitable and sustainable world by inspiring all to participate in the improvement of their community. Opportunities to advance scientific literacy should be available in and beyond school, in ways that challenge and engage.

Values

Kopernik Observatory and Science Center…

  • appreciates that we live on one spaceship called Earth, and must act globally to share
    knowledge, resources, and learning to protect living and future generations;
  • fosters a multigenerational approach that emphasizes experiential, engaged, and active
    learning as a model of STEM education;
  • promotes science and engineering practices built on the foundation of empirical
    evidence, logical argument, and skeptical review;
  • disseminates scientific discoveries and research to the public to support informed
    personal and social decision making;
  • embraces both our Polish legacy, and the international, collaborative nature of scientific
    exploration.

Facilities

  • 3 Observatory Telescopes
  • Over 12 Portable Telescopes including a wheelchair-accessible telescope
  • Heliostat Solar Telescope
  • High-Resolution CCD camera and filter set
  • Hershel Wedge & other solar filters
  • Photovoltaic Array
  • VR Classroom
  • Computer Lab
  • Space Science Lab
  • Physics/Laser Lab
  • Earth Science Lab
  • STEM Van
  • Weather Station  Wunderground Link
  • Amateur Radio Station (K2ZRO)
  • 24 Acres
  • Portable Planetarium