Special Viewing Night Schedule
on the Otto Struve 82-inch Telescope

Ticket price: $75 (per person, including dinner)

Following are dates available. Please do not call to inquire about dates not listed below. We do not have any scheduled dates other than those listed, although we will post more dates as soon as they become available.

Participants should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Total program length is approximately 4-5 hours including dinner (if applicable).

The fee for this program is $75 per participant, which includes a fine dinner served either in the Visitors Center StarDate Café or the Astronomers Lodge at the top of Mount Locke.

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, even if you're a member of our Friends of McDonald Observatory program. Also, reservations for the viewing do not include Astronomer's Lodge reservations, should you choose to stay with us (see information to right).

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.

Low light conditions, elevated platforms and late hours make this program not suitable for children under ten. There may occasionally be unforeseen weather conditions and/or mechanical difficulties beyond our control that may force us to choose alternate objects to observe or even cancel our observing for that evening. In the event of program cancellation, a partial refund (less a $10 administrative fee) may apply. This program requires moderate physical agility, and the ability to walk up two flights of stairs in low oxygen conditions (elevation 6,800 feet). If you have any concerns please contact the Visitors Center by phone in advance at (432) 426-3640.

Is the date you're interested in sold out or not available? Be sure to check out the Special Viewing Nights on the 107-inch Telescope as well.