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Amateur Scientists Have Helped Astronomers Identify Nearly a Quarter-Million Galaxies

More than 10,000 amateur scientists in 85 countries have been helping HETDEX with a historically ambitious and massive galaxy-mapping mission. Join this volunteer force for a unique project that could reveal for the first time the nature of dark energy. 

HET with star trails

Hobby-Eberly Telescope celebrates 25 years of science

One of the world's largest optical telescopes, the Hobby-Eberly telescope (HET) at The University of Texas at Austin's McDonald Observatory has reached a milestone — 25 years of service.

Investment from UT Austin, Other Partners Accelerates Construction of Giant Magellan Telescope

The Giant Magellan Telescope is a next-generation telescope that will yield important discoveries on topics such as galaxies in the early universe and Earth-sized planets orbiting nearby stars. The University of Texas at Austin is investing an additional $45 million in the GMT, which brings the university’s total commitment to $110.3 million.

McDonald creates world's largest International Dark Sky Reserve

McDonald Observatory, The Nature Conservancy, and the International Dark-Sky Association are pleased to announce the certification of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve. Protecting this resource benefits not only astronomical research, but also wildlife, ecology and tourism.