with a "virtual McDonald Observatory field trip"

As part of our new "Live...from McDonald Observatory" program, we can connect directly to your classroom via videoconferencing technology, and take you on a tour of McDonald Observatory and view our nearest star, the Sun, live and in person. Click here for details on this program and for instructions on how to request a program.

or with an onsite McDonald Observatory field trip!

The Frank N. Bash Visitors Center at McDonald Observatory features a full classroom, 90-seat theater, an astronomy park with telescopes, and the Decoding Starlight Exhibit Hall. All school groups are responsible for their own transportation needs while at McDonald Observatory.

• Hands-on, inquiry-based activities in an engaging environment
• Reinforces and complements Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, and the National Science Education Standards
• Encourages science teachers to co-facilitate students’ learning experience at McDonald Observatory

Student Field Experience programs can accommodate up to 80 students. One adult for every ten students is required, and one adult receives free Student Field Experience admission for every five students. Larger groups can request an additional program.

All school groups are responsible for their own transportation needs while at McDonald Observatory. If you need to plan for more than one Student Field Experience program in a day, be sure you have additional transportation. Up to two Student Field Experience programs are permitted in one day. We can only permit one group to visit McDonald Observatory at a time, except during mealtime.

We encourage teachers to think of the Observatory as an informal extension of their classroom and science instruction. To make the most out of the visit, teachers should download TEKS/TAKS based Pre & Post Visit Activities and behavior expectation forms.  After we approve your Student Field Experience request, we’ll send you a DVD about McDonald Observatory to share with your students before you leave the classroom. 

The McDonald Observatory is located 450 miles west of Austin, Texas.  The Student Field Experience program is an opportunity for your students to visit the astronomical research facility in the Davis Mountains of West Texas.

We strongly recommend planning your visit at least six weeks in advance. You can request a reservation with our online form.

Setup and Request Your
Student Field Experience Program

• Your entire group may join the public Star Party (Tuesday, Fridays, and Saturdays) for an additional $5 per student, and $10 per adult (one free adult public Star Party admission for every five students).  Public Star Party charges are in addition to Student Field Experience charges.
• Your entire group may also join our Twilight Program for an additional fee.  The public Twilight Program is an engaging 60-70 minute learning experience and begins 90 minutes before the public Starparty. 
• Because of our remote location, many schools request a meal from our Star Date Cafe either before or after their Student Field Experience.  You entire group can join during mealtime. Advance arrangements are required. You can request a Student Field Experience and indicate your meal preference with our online form. If you need to speak with our Star Date Café staff to discuss lunch or dinner meal options before submitting a date request, please call 432-426-3644.

Download a PDF brochure (520 kB) describing
our Student Field Experience
and Videoconference programs

We are proud to announce the availability of Student Field Experience Scholarships for schools in the following counties that surround McDonald Observatory: Jeff Davis, Presidio, and Brewster counties. We gratefully acknowledge AEP and the Trull Foundation for making these scholarships possible.