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Stowaway Bat Returns Home

On Friday, July 25, representatives from Austin Bat Refuge in Austin, Texas, will be onsite at McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas, to release a Big Freetail bat back into the wild. Named Hubble after the famous astronomer, he is thought to have accidentally hitched a ride from the Observatory to Austin in some astronomy gear. 

Help Renovate Our Visitors Center

As our Frank N. Bash Visitors Center enters its third decade in service, we’ve started an extensive renovation of its public spaces. You are invited to be part of this transformative project by contributing to its funding. All gifts are currently being matched by sponsors!

Giant Magellan Telescope Advances to National Science Foundation Final Design Phase

The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) has received official approval from the National Science Foundation (NSF) confirming that the observatory will advance into its Major Facilities Final Design Phase, one of the final steps before becoming eligible for federal construction funding.

Daytime Livestream July 30: Solar Maximums and Auroras

Explore the Sun with McDonald Observatory! On July 30 at 11 a.m. CT, we will show you live views of the Sun (weather permitting) as we discuss its cycle, how it creates auroras here on Earth, and other effects it can have on our solar system. We are currently in a period of heightened solar activity, which may mean we get to see particularly interesting features on display.

Free Star Parties for Texas Educators in August

Texas educators and their families are invited to join McDonald Observatory for a free Star Party in August. Register with discount code TeachStars and bring your school ID for free admission.