Check the calendar for programs and start times.
Star Party
Enjoy night sky constellation tours in the Helen S. Martin Star Amphitheater and views of celestial objects through a number of telescopes in the Rebecca Gale Telescope Park behind the Visitors Center. Star Parties are approximately two hours in length and are fun for the entire family.
In the event that weather is likely to prevent views of the night sky, Visitors Center reservations staff will contact (via text and email) program participants to explain available options. Please be sure to include your mobile phone number and email address when making your reservation.
Reschedules and Refunds : On cloudy nights, refunds (minus a $3 processing fee) may be offered. Refunds may only be claimed on the night of the program. Except for weather emergencies (flooding, snow, ice, etc), no-shows will not be rescheduled or refunded.
What happens at a Star Party ...
Star Party Introduction Constellation Tour Telescope Viewing Gift Shop Access During the Star Party
Dress appropriately for the weather . The Star Party takes place outdoors. Our amphitheater seating consists of stone benches, so feel free to bring a pad or blanket for added comfort. Please note that there is some walking (at ~6300 ft in altitude) involved to participate in the program.
Introduction : Guests receive a short introduction in the outdoor Amphitheater at the Visitors Center, covering the program plan and the objects to view through telescopes. The introduction is about 15 minutes.
Constellation Tour : Visitor Center staff point out brighter stars and constellations, discuss the mythology of some constellations, and relate our scientific understanding of objects seen in the night sky. These constellation tours serve as an orientation to the night sky. Guests may skip the constellation tour and move directly to telescope viewing following the introduction. The constellation tour lasts about 25-35 minutes.
Telescope Viewing : Guests rotate among a number of telescopes, viewing different objects with guidance from staff and volunteers. Our telescopes range in aperture from 8" to 22". After about 90 minutes things wind down as guests take their last views through the telescopes.
Gift Shop Access During the Star Party : The Visitors Center, exhibit hall, gift shop, and restrooms remain open throughout the Star Party.
*The Observatory reserves the right to ask visitors to leave the program venue if their behavior becomes disruptive.
Programs may be cancelled at any time due to weather or public health concerns. Evening programs take place mostly outdoors.
What happens at a CLOUDY Star Party ...
We will take every reasonable opportunity to do telescope viewing with guests. In the event that weather is likely to prevent views of the night sky, Visitors Center reservations staff will contact (via text and email) program participants to explain available options.
When conditions don't allow for telescope viewing, we offer various unique, live indoor talks and demonstrations. The exact program content will be determined on the night of the program, depending on available staffing, crowd size, weather conditions and other factors.
Cloudy Star Party Program Options:
Virtual Sky Tour : Our most popular cloudy night program highlights the targets we typically view through telescopes at the Star Party. Your host will show you amazing images from ground- and space-based telescopes, share the scientific significance of these objects and answer your questions about them.
Spectroscopy Demonstration : This hands-on demonstration allows you to try deciphering the information encoded in starlight. Astronomers use the technique of spectroscopy to learn about the physical properties of stars, their motions, and more. Participants will use diffraction gratings to analyze various light sources and learn how astronomers decode the secrets of starlight.
Dome Tours : Although viewing through the telescopes may not be possible, there’s nothing stopping us from looking at them! We’ll turn on the lights and open the domes of our largest Star Party telescopes to allow you to get up close to them. Experienced guides will show you how the telescopes work and answer all of your telescope questions. This option is not available if heavy rain or nearby lightning is detected.
Exoplanets : Learn about the many worlds beyond our solar system! How did we find them? What are they like? Could there be life on these planets? This classroom presentation features the latest research on planets orbiting stars other than the sun.
Astronomy Ask Me Anything : Got a burning astronomy question? Odds are we’ve got an answer! This pop-up lab features a brave staff member who will take any and all of your astronomy-related questions.
On select nights throughout the year, the Visitors Center offers special viewing programs on our large research telescopes. These programs have limited capacity and offer amazing views in an intimate and historic setting on the smmit of Mt. Locke.
Workshops
On select nights throughout the year, the Visitors Center provides workshops on topics such as astrophotography for beginners and how to use a telescope. These programs have limited capacity.
Group Reservations are available for 15 or more people. Astronomy Field Trips are available for school visits.
Important: McDonald Observatory, part of the University of Texas at Austin, is located 450 miles west of Austin and is on Central Time .
The reservation system defaults to one adult pass; please remove that pass if not needed. Please include all members of your party in your reservation (including children of any age).
For the safety of all of our guests, minors must be accompanied by an adult (18 or over) on all of our public programs. Contact us for more information or to ask about accommodations.
HEALTH & SAFETY AT MCDONALD OBSERVATORY ...
What We’re Doing to Help Keep You Safe
All areas of the Visitors Center, including exhibits, restrooms, and high-touch areas, are cleaned regularly.
Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the Visitors Center.
Air purifiers are in use throughout the building.
We encourage staff and visitors to follow all applicable CDC guidelines for mask wearing and social distancing .
Health and Safety Requirements for Visitors
Do not visit if you have symptoms of COVID-19 , have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or have been in close contact with someone infected with or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. We will happily reschedule or refund your passes with no charges .
Use hand sanitizer, hand washing stations, and other hygiene best practices.
Follow directions from staff and signage about guidelines for use of facilities.