Lunar Viewing Program

Our Lunar Viewing Program is the closest you can get to a guided tour of the Moon, next to hitching a ride on a rocket.  Through telescope observing, staff presentations and guided activities, participants in the Lunar Viewing Program will conduct an in-depth exploration of our nearest cosmic neighbor, the Moon.  Take a whirlwind tour of the lunar surface using our 16” telescope and state of the art imaging equipment.  Then use the eyepiece for a more intimate view of select targets, while the eyepiece view is simultaneously presented on a large video monitor for all to see.  Typical observing targets include large craters, mountain ranges and other geological formations, as well as Apollo landing sites.  In addition to telescope viewing, the program includes activities and presentations highlighting the formation of the moon, surface geological features, craters, moon phases and the Apollo missions.

Scheduled dates and times for this program will vary depending on lunar phase and time of year.  Seating is limited and reservations are required.  The Lunar Viewing Program is approximately 3-3.5 hours in length and takes place both outdoors and in an unheated dome.

Dinner and a Viewing on the 107" Harlan J. Smith Telescope

One night a month, typically on the Wednesday nearest the full moon, the 107-inch Harlan J. Smith Telescope is opened for public viewing. A special dinner will also be provided to all participants, and will be served at the Visitors Center's StarDate Café or Astronomers Lodge before seating at the 107" dome floor. In addition to the view through the telescope, the professional astronomer using the telescope speaks about their research project and answers questions. A demonstration of spectroscopy (one of the many techniques used by research astronomers to learn about the universe) is given by the Visitors Center staff to offer the program participants a glimpse into how research is conducted at McDonald Observatory. Viewing Night on the 107" is typically a 4 hour program from dinner time to conclusion.

Scheduled dates for this program vary from month to month, and due to limited seating on the observing floor, early reservations are encouraged particularly for the Spring and Summer months.

Program Schedule

Special Viewing Night on the 36" Telescope

Dedicated in 1956, the 36-inch Telescope near the top of Mt. Locke remains a powerful window on the universe. Its long focus allows for awesome views of the planets as well as excellent, high contrast views of deep space objects like globular clusters, planetary nebulae, and galaxies. Although not our largest telescope open for public viewing, the 36-inch has the great advantage of the Visitors Center securing more nights for public programs than on the 107-inch, while still providing excellent views. Join us for a 36-inch Special Viewing Night and we're sure you'll agree!

Program Schedule

Special Viewing Night on the 82" Otto Struve Telescope

This program is currently unavailable. For more information, please visit the 82" Special Viewing Night page.

Can't decide which evening viewing program is for you?

The Dinner and a Viewing on the 107" is designed to give you insight into the tools and methods of astronomical research. You'll have contact with a professional researcher and will look through the 107" telescope at two objects. This program may not be suitable for children under ten.

Special Viewing Night on the 36" is our most casual viewing program. Not only will you get fabulous views through a large telescope, but you'll also have more opportunity to marvel at our dark skies since we won't be in a large dome that obscures most of the sky. This allows us to conduct a "constellation tour" for the participants. Best of all, since this telescope isn't used as much for research as are the 107" and 82" telescopes, we have more access for a wide variety of special programs. This program may not be suitable for young children.

The Lunar Viewing Program is all about the Moon.  On occasion, an additional target (e.g., a planet) will be added, but otherwise viewing focuses entirely on lunar surface features.  You’ll have a chance to see spectacular views of the lunar surface and our unique eyepiece/camera set-up makes identifying features a snap.  The hands-on activities are educational and great for older children and adults alike.  Ages 10 & up recommended.

Our public Star Parties, held every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, are great for those with young children and don't require reservations.

If you're still having trouble deciding, call us at (432) 426-3640 and we'll be happy to assist you!