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.
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Recent News Releases
September 21, 2026
Protected: UT Astronomer Selected for Frontiers of Research Project
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August 31, 2026
UT Austin Astronomers to Play Leading Role in NASA’s Newly Launched Roman Space Telescope
On August 30, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope lifted off from Kennedy Space Center. Named for NASA’s first chief astronomer, Roman carries a mirror the size of Hubble’s but captures a field of view about 100 times wider, letting […]
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 […]