Immerse your students in astronomy at an active research facility!
Can’t make it to West Texas? We also offer distance learning options. If you are a group of 15 or more, but not a school group, visit our group reservations page.
Field Trip Activities
Students will explore three research telescopes and investigate the science of astronomy.
At a radio telescope, students will discuss the idea of light and the limitations of our eyes. After a short drive (5 min) up Mount Locke to the Harlan J. Smith Telescope, students will ascend to the dome floor to observe telescope motion and learn how telescopes collect light. The last stop will bring students to the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, one of the largest telescopes in the world. Students will explore the engineering of a multi-mirror telescope and be inspired by the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment.
Extended: See the Sun
If your time allows, add an additional learning opportunity for your students to experience a live exploration of the Sun (weather permitting).
For groups 35 or fewer, students will work outside safely operating solar telescopes and searching for sunspots. For larger groups, students will explore the Sun in our theater where live solar images are projected on a screen.
Enjoy the universe after sunset! You’ll join our regular public program at a special student rate. Your chaperones will escort students to the amphitheater behind the Visitors Center at dusk for an introduction to our sky before enjoying live telescope views. Students will see an assortment of deep space objects through the numerous telescopes used for public outreach.
Our staff are able to adjust to different age ranges and abilities. If you have any concerns, contact our Education team, and we’ll see what we can do that will work for your unique group.
Additional Information
Scheduling & Blackout Dates
Please register for your Astronomy Field Trip six weeks in advance.
Field Trips will NOT be offered:
- March 6-21, 2026
- April 13-18, 2026
- Nov 10-30, 2026
- Dec 15, 2026-Jan 5, 2027
Scheduling Information
| Telescope Exploration | Telescope Exploration + See the Sun | Star Party | |
| Length | 2 hours | 3 hours | Up to 2 hours |
| Days Offered | Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Tuesdays and Saturdays by special request only. | Varies by season. Please see our Calendar. | |
| Start Time | 10:00 a.m. Central Time | Varies by season. Please see our Calendar. | |
Cost
We charge for a minimum of 12 students, although you may bring fewer. If your group is only taking part in the Star Party, we charge for a minimum of 25 students.
| Telescope Exploration | Telescope Exploration + See the Sun | Star Party | |
| Student | $5 | $7 | $5 |
| Student – Title I | $3 | $4 | $5 |
| Student – Local Resident of Jeff Davis, Presidio, or Brewster County |
Free | Free | Free |
| Teachers / Chaperones Minimum 1 per 10 students. Maximum 1 per 5 students. |
Free | Free | Free |
| Extra Chaperones Any chaperones beyond the 1 per 5 students maximum. |
$9 | $9 | $20 |
| Chaperones – Local Resident of Jeff Davis, Presidio, or Brewster County |
Free | Free | Free |
| Extra Chaperones – Local Any chaperones beyond the 1 per 5 students maximum. |
Free | Free | Free |
Group Size Requirements
For daytime field trips, we require a minimum of six students and a maximum of 70. Groups over 35 are split. At least one adult chaperone must be present for every ten students.
For evening field trips to Star Parties, there is not maximum group size.
Group Size Changes
Please let us know about changes to your group size as soon as you can. If your group is taking part in a Star Party and your number increases, additional tickets may not be available due to limited program capacity.
Plan Your Visit
Lunch Options
The Frank N. Bash Visitors Center does not have a cafe but box lunches can be requested from the Astronomers Lodge ($10-15/person). Your group is also welcome to bring a sack lunch. We have outdoor seating, but no indoor eating spaces. In the case of bad weather, students will need to eat on the bus.
You will have an opportunity to indicate your meal plans when submitting your application.
The closest fast food options are in Alpine, Texas, about 1 hour away.
Transportation
Most groups bring a bus or teachers/parents drive private vehicles. Your vehicles must be available during your entire visit. Directions to McDonald Observatory.
Planning Resources
There are a number of places to stay, eat, and learn in this part of Texas. If you wish to explore the area, we recommend visiting the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce website.
The Plan Your Trip page of our website is another useful resource that we encourage you to review.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or want to learn more, please contact our Education team.
Sign up for our K-12 educators’ newsletter to find out about upcoming programs and other astronomy education opportunities for your students.