McDonald Observatory, a research unit of The University of Texas at Austin, is one of the world’s leading centers for astronomy research and public outreach. The Observatory is located atop Mount Locke and Mount Fowlkes in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, about 16 miles from the town of Fort Davis.
Press Resources
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Recent News Releases
August 5, 2026
Astronomers Catch Massive Star’s Death from the First Explosive Moment
A rare cosmic explosion has given astronomers an unprecedented view of a massive star in its final moments, revealing a previously missing link between ordinary supernovae and the most energetic explosions in the universe. In March 2026, the Einstein Probe […]
July 27, 2026
2026 Board of Visitors Summer Meeting Provides Front Row Seat to the Cosmos
July 10-11, 2026, marked another exciting Board of Visitors meeting at McDonald Observatory. Thanks to everyone who made the trip to West Texas to join us. This year’s event included: Talks on topics ranging from supernovae to white dwarfs to […]
July 20, 2026
One Idea, Two Cosmic Mysteries: Linking Little Red Dots and Globular Clusters
A new study led by astronomers at The University of Texas at Austin proposes a theory that could solve two astronomical riddles at once. That is, the nature of Little Red Dots and the origin of globular clusters. Rather than […]