Distance Learning

What is astronomy? What exactly do astronomers study? Is all astronomy the same? Join your friends at McDonald Observatory as we explore the answers to these questions and more! In celebration of Astronomy Day on September 27th, McDonald Observatory, along with some guest astronomers, will explain the exciting universe of astronomy.

It’s Read Across America Day! We at McDonald Observatory are excited to read aloud the story of Alan Bean, an Apollo 12 astronaut and the only artist to walk on the Moon.

The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean was written by Dean Robbins and illustrated by Sean Rubin. This book has been published by Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc. Used by permission of Scholastic Inc.

Each year, NASA hosts the “International Observe the Moon Night”. The event is a wonderful way for everyone around the globe to observe and talk about our Moon. This year it will take place on September 19, 2026! Join McDonald Observatory as we discuss fun facts about the Moon, the many trips humans have made to it so far, and the many more trips yet to come.

So many wonderful discoveries are constantly being made with ground-based telescopes like the ones at McDonald Observatory. However, since the beginning of space telescopes, humanity has been able to view the Universe in a whole new light! During our virtual program, the team at McDonald Observatory will go over the history of space-based telescopes and some of the significant discoveries and breakthroughs that have contributed to modern astronomy.

Have you ever thought on a sunny day, “Just how far away is our Sun?” Or maybe on a moonlit night, you have asked, “I wonder how long it would take to get to the Moon?” During this program, the team at McDonald Observatory wants to answer those questions and more! We will explore the large distances between the objects in our Solar System and compare them to distances in our everyday life.

This program is also in celebration of the Voyager Spacecraft achieving the distance of one light-day from Earth!

Do you think our Earth might be a spaceship? Join McDonald Observatory as we explore how the Earth is constantly traveling through space. We will talk about how this affects seasons on Earth and causes beautiful phenomena like meteor showers!

We will also discuss the upcoming Geminid meteor shower, which will have its peak on December 13 and 14, 2026.

Join McDonald Observatory views of the sun and discussion of the Sun, Earth, Moon system. After a review of gravity and orbits we’ll lead into moon motion and phases then shadows and eclipses.

Join McDonald Observatory in reading Skywatcher by Jamie Hogan, and highlighting the wonder of a dark and starry sky. We’ll discuss the importance of keeping the night sky dark, and how anyone can help reduce light pollution.

A big thank you to the author and illustrator, Jamie Hogan for creating this delightful book, and thank you to the Tilbury House Publishers for allowing the reading and sharing of this book.

This book is read with permission from Tilbury House Publishers, an imprint of Cherry Lake Publishing Group.

Have you ever wondered why some areas have more stars than others? Did you know light pollution not only changes how many stars are visible but also affects the environment? Join McDonald Observatory as we talk about light pollution, its effects, and how you can help save dark skies.

Explore the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, a 10-meter telescope that uses 91 mirrors to observe the universe! Follow the light path from the sky into our instruments, made possible by creative engineering. Students will take a virtual tour of the HET, including images and videos, guided by a live educator.

Resources:

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Prepare your students for the Eclipse events Texas will experience in October 2023 and April 2024! Join McDonald Observatory as we explore the Sun, Earth, and Moon system. We’ll discuss gravity, orbits, Moon phases, and Eclipses.