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Pre-Workshop Orientation

You are invited to join other workshop participants in a pre-workshop orientation meeting that will be held via Zoom on Saturday, May 27 at 5:00 PM Central Daylight Time.  You will receive an email containing the Zoom link for the meeting. This will be a chance to have your questions answered and meet other workshop participants.  The orientation meeting will be recorded for those who are unable to attend.

Location

The University of Texas McDonald Observatory is located 6,800 feet elevation atop Mt. Locke and Mt. Fowlkes in the heart of the Davis Mountains of West Texas.

Although every person reacts differently to high altitude environments, you might experience shortness of breath because of our modestly high altitude; therefore, please take your time and avoid strenuous physical exertion. Due to the high altitude and dry climate, we suggest that you drink plenty of water while at the observatory.

Transportation

Workshop participants are responsible for making her/his own travel arrangements to and from McDonald Observatory.

Driving

If you are traveling east on Interstate10 from El Paso, take Highway 118 south at Kent for the 39-mile scenic drive to the observatory. Remember that the Observatory is on Central Time (El Paso is on Mountain Time - one hour behind the Observatory). If you are traveling west on Interstate 10, take Highway 17 south at Balmorhea to Fort Davis, then Highway 118 north 14 miles to Mt. Locke. If you're coming from the Big Bend National Park, take Highway 118 north through Alpine and Fort Davis to the Observatory. If you are traveling west on Interstate 20 take Highway 17 south at Pecos to Balmorhea (following I-10 for 1 mile) and Fort Davis, then Highway 118 north 16 miles to Mt. Locke.

Flying

The closest commercial airports are in Midland and El Paso. From either Midland or El Paso, you need to rent a car. The drive to the Observatory is approximately 3.5-hours either from Midland or El Paso if you take it casually. Remember that the Observatory is on Central Time (El Paso is on Mountain Time - one hour behind the Observatory).

Lodging

You will be staying either in the McDonald Observatory Astronomers Lodge (AL) or in a local lodging facility. Reservations have been made for you for single-occupancy rooms.  The room reservation is for you only.  You will be informed by email of your room assignment and check-in instructions approximately two weeks before your workshop.

If you choose to arrive in the area before the first day of your workshop, or if you are bringing additional people with you, please plan on arranging and paying for your own accommodations.  Your workshop fee covers the three nights of your workshop; you will be responsible for paying for any additional nights.  If you would like to select your own accommodation from those in the region, information on local accommodations, restaurants, and activities can be found on the Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce website.

Check-out

The workshop officially ends with a noon lunch on the final day. Plan to check out of your room that morning before our workshop resumes at 10:00 AM.

Workshop Day/Night

Our workshop begins at 8:00 P.M. in the Visitors Center classroom. The Visitors Center is closed at that time, but we will have a staff member outside to meet you.  We will begin with a social time, a short activity, and then you will be welcome to join the public Star Party that begins at 9:45 PM.

Please review your workshop agenda. We want to immerse you in this unique science environment, so it is important to arrive each morning with a “day pack” since you will spend most of your time in the Visitors Center classroom. Remember to include your jacket, flashlight (don't forget the extra batteries), medications, camera, power cords, and anything you may need throughout the day. Please refer to the Suggested Packing List for recommended items to bring each day.

If you arrive early on the first day, explore the Visitors Center, which opens each day at noon. Workshop participants receive free admission during the workshop period. The Astronomy Gift Shop and the Exhibit Hall are available to you while you wait.

The Visitors Center has a small staff refrigerator and basic first aid cabinet in an office next to the classroom. Since others share the refrigerator, it is important to limit its use by storing only what is necessary, such as important medications. You may purchase soft drinks, water, and snacks at the gift shop in the Visitors Center, and water is always available to participants, so bring a water bottle.

Meals

Meals will be provided by the Astronomers Lodge.  While we make every attempt to accommodate special dietary needs, the Astronomers Lodge cannot guarantee that all food has been produced in a facility that does not process peanuts.  Please let us know before your workshop if you have dietary restrictions, so that AL staff will be able to plan for your needs.

Emergency Phone Contact While You're Out of Town

There is no cell phone reception at the Visitors Center and limited cell phone access in the area, but during your workshop you will have wi-fi access. Many of our teachers keep in touch with family via text message.

You can be reached at one of the following three phone numbers:

The main phone number in the classroom, where you will be most of the time, is 432-426-4152 and there is voice mail at this phone.

The number for the Visitors Center information desk, available from noon-5:00 P.M., is 432-426-3640 ext. 0.

The main phone number during business hours on weekdays for McDonald Observatory is 432-426-3263.

Long distance phone calls can be made from an observatory telephone only with a calling card. Please print the Contact Numbers document and leave a copy at home, should anyone need to contact you.

Weather

At nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, the weather at McDonald Observatory is difficult to predict and highly variable. Summer mornings and evenings are chilly, so we recommend bringing a jacket or windbreaker, and perhaps a sweatshirt. Sunscreen is a must at this altitude. To check out the current weather conditions at the Observatory, go to this web page, also linked on our workshop web page.

Due to the high altitude and dry climate we suggest that you drink plenty of water while at the observatory. Many people like to use body lotion and lip balm for this climate. Closed-toe shoes are safer for the evening observing experiences and tours.

Medical Emergencies

Please complete the emergency information form and bring it with you. There is no need to send it before you leave. McDonald Observatory has several staff trained in First Aid to assist with medical emergencies, and there are AED devices in every building.  Our workshop will begin with a short safety orientation.

Photo-release permission form

Please complete the photo-release permission form and bring it with you. We might photograph a portion of the workshop to inform others of our experience together and we may wish to include the images in brochures or web sites.

Incidental Expenses

Meals will be provided during the workshop, but bring enough money to cover any incidentals or souvenirs you might wish to purchase. There is a fantastic gift shop at the Visitors Center with a great deal to choose from. If you find material or items you would like to use in the classroom, you can avoid paying tax if you can provide your school ID and Texas tax-exempt number. The gift shop will accept VISA, MC, & DISCOVER cards, but cannot accept a school PO.