Every year, the International Dark-Sky Association promotes Dark Sky Week to raise awareness about the solutions to light pollution's many negative effects. McDonald Observatory is celebrating Dark Sky Week with a series of activities in addition to our regular programs.
Join us for a behind the scenes look at the Hobby-Eberly Telescope. Hosted by a member of the HET staff, this tour will visit the dome floor of the telescope, affording an up close and personal view of one of the largest telescopes in the world! Limited to 20 participants. Reservations required.
Did you know that dark night skies are important for more than just nocturnal wildlife? Learn about why nature needs darkness as we discuss wildlife and plants that rely on dark skies for survival. Included with Star Party passes at no extra cost. Seating is limited.
Reservations required. Locals (residents of Jeff Davis, Brewster and Presidio Counties) use the code: BigBendSky for free passes
Stephen Hummel, McDonald Observatory
In the past decade light pollution increased by almost ten percent per year in North America, far outpacing population growth and threatening to erase views of the night sky for the next generation. Learn about the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve and how light pollution has fallen in the region over the past two years thanks to the community’s efforts. Free with General Admission (always free for locals).
Join us for a behind the scenes look at the Hobby-Eberly Telescope. Hosted by a member of the HET staff, this tour will visit the dome floor of the telescope, affording an up close and personal view of one of the largest telescopes in the world! Limited to 20 participants. Reservations required.
In the US, urban lighting policy and practices have directly affected the well-being of Black populations. This talk will explore race and urban illumination, by asking us to consider what is light justice? Included with Star Party passes at no extra cost. Seating is limited.
Reservations required. Locals (residents of Jeff Davis, Brewster and Presidio Counties) use the code: BigBendSky for free passes
The first astronomers of the Big Bend were indigenous peoples, while astronomy continues to play an important role for Native groups with historical relationships to the region. Learn both the history of indigenous peoples and the ways in which astronomy has long informed indigenous culture in Trans-Pecos Texas. Included with Star Party passes at no extra cost. Seating is limited.
Reservations required. Locals (residents of Jeff Davis, Brewster and Presidio Counties) use the code: BigBendSky for free passes.
Rarely open to the public, the 82-inch Otto Struve Telescope offers a unique glimpse of both history and the cutting edge of astronomy. Led by McDonald Observatory staff, this tour will visit the original McDonald Observatory building, including the dome floor of the 82-inch telescope. Don’t miss this chance to meet The Grand Old Lady! Limited to 15 participants. Reservations required.
Benny & Gena Roberts
The Black Hills encompass approximately 1800 acres in Central Brewster County, Texas. Recorded cultural sites include 29 rock art sites, lacking common camp features thereby suggesting sacred space, and 64 individual campsites. Evidence of prehistoric annual solar-related astronomical observations are present among the rock art sites. These phenomena will be discussed during this presentation. Included with Star Party passes at no extra cost. Seating is limited.
Reservations required. Locals (residents of Jeff Davis, Brewster and Presidio Counties) use the code: BigBendSky for free passes
Learn more about the Dark Skies Initiative and efforts to preserve the night skies over McDonald Observatory and how you can help. Special thanks to Apache Corporation for their support and partnership to preserve the night skies over Far West Texas and to create the Preserving Dark Skies exhibit at the McDonald Observatory Frank N. Bash Visitors Center. Visit to learn more about how to protect our night skies and how you can support this important conservation effort.
Milky Way Over Mt. Locke
The Dark Skies Initiative helps to fund education efforts and replacements of lights in our community to keep the skies above West Texas full of stars for all to enjoy.
McDonald Observatory thanks the Apache Corporation and Big Bend Coffee Roasters for their support of the Dark Skies Initiative.
