Constructed 1933-39, the Otto Struve Telescope was the first major telescope to be built at McDonald Observatory. Its 82-inch (2.1-meter) mirror was the second largest in the world at the time. The telescope is still in use today.

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Struve Telescope Entrance

Entry to the Otto Struve Telescope. Credit: Michael Ortiz

Otto Struve Telescope

The dome of the Otto Struve Telescope opens to the night sky above. Image credit: Michael Ortiz

Struve Entry

University of Texas seal above the entry to the Otto Struve Telescope. Credit: Ethan Tweedie Photography

University of Texas Seal

Seal of The University of Texas, on the exterior of the Otto Struve Telescope. Credit: Ethan Tweedie Photography

Struve Telescope with an Open Dome

The Struve Telescope above the clouds. Credit: Ethan Tweedie Photography

Struve Telescope with Its Dome Open

The 82-inch (2.1-meter) Otto Struve Telescope at the University of Texas McDonald Observatory. Credit: Marty Harris, McDonald Observatory.

Struve Telescope Interior

The Otto Struve Telescope points through its open dome. Credit: Ethan Tweedie Photography

Struve Control Panel

Control panel of the Otto Struve Telescope. Credit: Ethan Tweedie Photography

Otto Struve

Otto Struve (1897-1963) was the first director of McDonald Observatory, serving from 1932 to 1947. During this period, McDonald was run jointly by The University of Texas at Austin and The University of Chicago. Struve served simultaneously as the director of Chicago's Yerkes Observatory. Credit: McDonald Observatory.