Plan Your Trip

We’re often asked when the best time of year is to visit. There is no single best answer to this question, but there are a few factors to keep in mind.

The Moon

If you plan on attending an evening program, consider the phase of the Moon. A bright Moon changes what you can see in the night sky. With the Moon at any phase between several days before First Quarter and 3 or 4 days past Full, bright moonlight limits our ability to observe faint objects but, of course, gives us great views of the Moon itself.

You can check a calendar of Moon phases on the Time and Date website. They are also included on our public programs calendar.

Holidays

Programs frequently sell out during busy periods like Spring Break and major holidays. To ensure your spot, make advance reservations.

Other Seasonal Factors to Consider

• The summer sky has different objects visible than the winter night sky
• Typically, autumn brings us our most consistently clear skies.
• Sunset is later in summer and evening programs take place 9:45-11:45 p.m.
• Sunset is earlier in the winter and evening programs take place 7:00-9:00 p.m.
• We have a rainy season July-August and there is a higher chance of cloudy or rained out evening programs.

Temperatures vary quite a bit at our elevation (6,300-6,800 feet above sea level) and are usually much cooler than other areas of Texas.

For summer, make sure you bring a light jacket and long pants. For fall, winter, and early spring, layer your attire and bring a warm coat, thermals, gloves, and something to keep your head warm.

See current and historical temperatures on our Weather page.

Fort Davis is the nearest town to the Observatory and boasts several hotels, motels, and B&Bs. The Fort Davis Chamber of Commerce maintains an extensive list of area accommodations. The Chamber sites of Alpine (~ 45 miles) and Marfa (~ 37 miles) also list area lodging.

Overnight camping/RVing on Observatory grounds is NOT permitted.

Friends of McDonald Observatory can reserve rooms at the Astronomers Lodge, located on Mount Locke near the Otto Struve and Harlan J. Smith Telescopes. Rooms are subject to availability.

There is no public food service at the Observatory. However, there are picnic tables at the visitors center that you are welcome to use. Fort Davis offers restaurants with a variety of food.

There are several roadside picnic areas nearby on Hwy 118 (two towards Fort Davis, about 1/2 mile and 2 miles, and another about 1/2 mile towards Kent). A very nice picnic area, called the Lawrence E. Wood Roadside Rest Area, is about 8 miles northwest of McDonald towards Kent along Hwy 118.

Military personnel, seniors (age 65+), students (age 5+), children (under 5), and University of Texas faculty/staff/students (please bring your UT ID) receive discounted Guided Tours and Star Parties. Use the “Discount” option during checkout.

University of Texas faculty/staff/students also receive free General Admission. Please bring your UT ID to reserve these tickets in person. Note: Most program tickets already include General Admission.

Residents of Jeff Davis, Brewster, and Presidio counties receive free General Admission and Guided Tours as well as discounted Star Parties (use the “Discount” option during your Star Party checkout). Please bring valid proof of residency.

Groups of 15+ can receive special rates on Guided Tours and Star Parties. Groups must request discounts in advance.

Friends of McDonald Observatory receive a range of discounts depending on membership level.

Members of the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program and the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association receive free General Admission. Please bring your membership card to reserve these tickets in person.

Cell phone service in our area is spotty to non-existent. Most areas of the Observatory do not have cellular phone service, and the Visitors Center does not provide public WiFi service in our facilities.

Depending on your carrier, service is generally available in Fort Davis, Alpine, and Marfa, but there are significant dead zones in between.

The Visitors Center is located at 6,235 ft. above sea level, and some portions of our public programs may take place at elevations around 6,800 ft. Some people experience varying symptoms related to altitude sensitivity. These may include fatigue, headache, nausea, and dizziness. Limit physical activity until you are fully adjusted to the altitude, and drink plenty of water.

If you experience discomfort during a public program, let your presenter know, and they can assist you.

During evening programs, we prohibit the use of any electronic devices (smart phones, tablet computers, etc.) that have a light-emitting screen in our Telescope Park and Amphitheater areas. Your best views of the night sky are possible only when your eyes are fully dark-adapted, and even at minimum brightness setting, these devices are too bright to maintain dark adaptation.

Other prohibited items include light sticks, light-up shoes (we can provide tape upon request), and green laser pointers (except for those used by McDonald personnel).

Red lighting is provided throughout the Telescope Park and Amphitheater, and all telescope operators carry red flashlights.

We are in the Chihuahuan Desert and surrounded by desert inhabitants. If you encounter animals, please remember that they are wild and should not be approached. Once the weather gets warm, keep an eye out for snakes on paved areas after sunset.

Please stay on the paths. The ground is rough and rocky and there are desert plants here that may have stickers (cactus and agave).

Most programs are appropriate for all ages. Please keep children with you at all times. This is especially important when it is dark and may be difficult to find people.

For the safety of all guests, minors must be accompanied by an adult (18 or over). McDonald Observatory will not take custodial responsibility of minors while participating in programs. Custodial responsibility remains with teachers, parents, legal guardians, and chaperones.

UT policy, in accordance with the State Attorney’s General Office, does not allow pets (including emotional, comfort, therapy, or support animals) in Observatory buildings or in indoor/at outdoor public program venues. In accordance with federal regulations, trained service animals accompanying their handlers/owners are welcome.

Visit our Directions page for information on gas in the area, EV charging, the nearest commercial airports, and more.