Currently up to 60,000 visitors each year participate in the variety of public observing activities conducted at the Visitors Center Public Observatory, including Solar Viewing and Star Party programs. Many of the instruments available for public use were donated to the facility by individuals, companies, and institutions seeking to promote interest in astronomy.

Large groups planning on visiting the Observatory and/or joining any of our public programs should notify the Visitors Center prior to the visit.

The Visitors Center is open daily from 10:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M (additional hours on Star Party nights), and closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

DRESS WARMLY!!! 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. The mountain air can cool as much as 20 degrees after sunset and most of the Star Party program takes place outside under the stars. For summer make sure you bring at least a light jacket and long pants. For Fall, Winter, and early Spring programs, layer your attire and bring a warm coat, thermals, gloves, and something to keep your head warm.

Daytime Activities - Included in the "Daytime Pass":

• Explore the "Decoding Starlight" Exhibit Hall at the Visitors Center and enjoy various astronomical presentations in our multimedia theater.
• See our nearest star, the Sun, from the comfort of our multimedia theater during our Solar Viewing program. View sunspots, flares, and prominences safely as they happen live. In the event of cloudy conditions, we will provide video of the above, taken with our telescopes.
• Join our Guided Tour for an up-close look at large research telescopes at McDonald Observatory. The 90-minute tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will give you insight into the workings of a professional scientific research facility. A portion of the Tour takes place outside, so please dress appropriately. Even during summer, wind at the summit can make a warm day seem unpleasantly cool.

Now Available: Online reservations for daytime programs (Solar Viewing and Guided Tour) and Twilight Program.

Program availability is limited, and this program frequently does sell out in the summer months, so please purchase passes online. Passes may also be purchased at the Visitors Center as early as 10:00 A.M. on the day of the program, although with limited program availability, you're strongly encouraged to purchase your passes in advance online. If purchasing your tickets at the Visitors Center, please arrive at least 15-30 minutes before programs begin. Due to research and maintenance requirements, tour content may vary.

Discounted passes are available for seniors (65+), military personnel, and University of Texas System faculty, staff, and students.

Self Guided Tours of our largest telescope, the 362" Hobby-Eberly Telescope, are available at no charge from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. daily.

Interested in setting up a private tour or viewing for your group? Check out our Private Programs page.

Take a Virtual Tour with your Web browser!

Twilight Program

Our Twilight Program is an engaging, 60-70 minute learning experience which takes place on Star Party nights only, one and a half hours before the Star Party begins. This program is separate from and does not include the Star Party, although you may do both if you wish...many people do.

In our current Modeling the Night Sky Twilight Program, you will learn about planets - where to find them, where not to find them, and why they move and change in our night sky from week to week. This program utilizes both our indoor theater for visualization, and our outdoor amphitheater where we will construct a more-or-less scale model of our Solar System.

This program is great for all ages. Dress warmly...half of this program takes place outdoors.

Ticket prices for the Twilight Program vary with program content; tickets for our current program are $5.00 in addition to Star Party. Introduced several years ago, the Twilight Program has become more and more popular ... to the point that it is now occasionally selling out. Twilight Program tickets can be purchased online (strongly encouraged), or in person at the Visitors Center on the day of the program.

Evening Star Party - Included in the "Star Party Pass":

• Enjoy a tour of the constellations and view the moon, planets, stars, galaxies, and other objects through large telescopes at our Visitors Center Public Observatory. The program is fun for the entire family, and is open to everyone. In the event of rain, significant clouds, or high winds/dust/humidity, a series of unique indoor presentations will stimulate your interest and curiosity; refunds due to inclement weather are not available. The StarDate Café and Gift Shop open one hour before the Star Party.

Because there is no limit to the number of people attending a Star Party, RESERVATIONS ARE NEITHER REQUIRED NOR ACCEPTED FOR STAR PARTIES.

Join us for both the daytime programs and the Star Party and get both passes for a reduced rate:

DRESS WARMLY!!! 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. The mountain air can cool as much as 20 degrees after sunset and most of the Star Party program takes place outside under the stars. For summer make sure you bring at least a light jacket and long pants. For Fall, Winter, and early Spring programs, layer your attire and bring a warm coat, thermals, gloves, and something to keep your head warm.

When should I visit for a Star Party?
Although there is no single best answer to this question, one of the more important things to keep in mind is the phase of the Moon. 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.

At the U.S Naval Observatory data service site, you can find lists of dates of the four major moon phases to help you make your plans.

We also offer Special Viewing Nights on the 107" and 36" research telescopes, and a Lunar Viewing Program specifically designed for fantastic views of the Moon, our nearest neighbor in space.