On the 36-inch Research Telescope

Ticket price: $50 per participant.

Explore the spiral arms of our galaxy to find nebulae and star clusters. Nebulae are the birthplace of new stars, but are also formed in the violent throes of stellar death and are quite beautiful. Young clusters of stars shine with the brilliant light of young, hot stars, while the oldest denizens of the Milky Way, the globular star clusters, contain hundreds of thousands of stars as old as the galaxy itself. We'll take a look at galaxies beyond the Milky Way to put our stellar city in perspective.

Warning: Views of these objects through even a small telescope can be stunning, but with a research grade 36-inch you may never be satisfied with a small telescope again!

We are offering the following Special 36-inch Viewings, each with a limited capacity. Due to cancellations, sometimes we have a few seats become available in the few days leading up to a particular program date. If you can join us on short notice, please call our Visitors Center (432-426-3640) to check on any availability not listed here.

The dates listed below are the only dates we currently have available for reservations. Once other dates become available, they will be posted here. If a date you're interested in is not listed below, please consider one of our other Special Viewing programs or the regularly scheduled Star Party at the Visitors Center. No other viewing programs will be held at the 36" other than those listed below.

Start times listed are for the departure of our shuttle bus from the VISITORS CENTER. Participants should plan to arrive 15 minutes earlier. Observing starts roughly 20 minutes after departure. Total program length is approximately 3-3.5 hours.

The fee for this program is $50 per participant.

To purchase your tickets or receive additional information, please call our Visitors Center at (432) 426-3640. Reservations are required for this program, typically months in advance. Members of our Friends of McDonald Observatory program must make advance reservations, as well. Please note that reservations for the viewing do not include Astronomer's Lodge reservations. Those interested in possibly staying with us should consult the information on the right-hand side of this page.

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 Special Viewing Night 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.

Binoculars are also great to have along with you for use during idle time. Please also bring a SMALL flashlight for locating your car in the parking lot after the program concludes.

There may be times that conditions beyond our control may force us to alter the program and/or objects to be viewed. Also keep in mind that bad weather or mechanical problems may not allow us a view through the telescope. If this occurs we will still provide you with an interesting
program. Program length is typically 3-3.5 hours. Due to its length, this program is not suitable for children under ten.

This program requires moderate physical agility. The 36" dome is not wheelchair accessible. If you have any concerns please contact the Visitors Center by phone in advance at (432) 426-3640.