The two large domes in the foreground house the 2.1-meter (82-inch) Otto Struve

Observatory Seeks New Superintendent

McDonald Observatory is seeking highly qualified and strongly motivated applicants for the position of Superintendent. The position primarily involves management and oversight of operations at the observatory, located near Fort Davis, Texas.
Stars shine in an inky night sky above the open dome of the Harlan J. Smith Tele

Finding the Sun's 'Long-lost Brother'

Ivan Ramirez has identified the first “sibling” of the Sun — a star that was almost certainly born from the same cloud of gas and dust as our star. Ramirez’ methods will help other astronomers find other “solar siblings,” work that could lead to an understanding of how and where our Sun formed, and how our solar system became hospitable for life.

GMT and McDonald Host Teacher Workshop

McDonald Observatory is partnering with the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) Organization to present a teacher workshop starting June 29 that will educate teachers about how the GMT, the world’s largest telescope, will dramatically advance the field of astronomy when it begins operations in 2020.
Visitors enjoying a star party at the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center at McDonald

Share Your Story

As part of our 75th anniversary celebrations, we've created an interactive blog where you can share your memories of McDonald Observatory. We'd like to hear from visitors, scientists, teacher workshop participants — everyone! You can write your story and share photos. You can also read stories shared by others, describing their McDonald experiences from the 1930s up to today. Join in the celebration!
GMT

Regents Authorize $50 Million for UT Austin Share in GMT

The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently authorized UT Austin to spend $50 million to participate in building the Giant Magellan Telescope project, which will be the world’s largest telescope when it’s completed in 2020. The project will give students, researchers and faculty the opportunity to make groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy.

Celebrate Our 75th!

Celebrate Our 75th!

Share your memories and see what we're planning around Texas. 

More information »

In the Sky

Aug 1: Lunar Checkers

The Moon will jump over several stars and planets the next few evenings. The first is Spica, the brightest star of Virgo, which is to the left or upper left of the Moon this evening. Then come Mars, Saturn, and Zubenelgenubi, a star in Libra.

More stargazing »