Eyepiece

Astronomers no longer look through eyepieces on research telescopes to do their research, but eyepieces are still important at McDonald Observatory.

That's because they are attached to both our Harlan J. Smith research telescope and our 0.9-meter Telescope on a regular basis for our Special Viewing Nights. These monthly programs allow members of the public who've made advance reservations look through these telescopes for up-close views of planets, galaxies, and other beautiful celestial objects.

McDonald is one of the few professional observatories in the world that allows the general public to use its large research-class telescopes.