Find our programs and register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas). Registration closes 3 days prior to any program.
Moon Phases and the Lunar Cycle
Now that Spring is here, it's a great time to get outside and observe the Moon! We'll talk about moon facts, moon craters, and moon phases. We will make a model that shows moon phases and even though McDonald Observatory is in a dry desert, we will talk about tides.
- Cost: Free
- Grades: K-8
- Dates and Times:
- April 15: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
- April 16: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
- April 29: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
- April 30: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
- All times are in CT
- Length: 45 minutes
Register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas). Registration closes 3 days prior to each program.
Spotlight Session: Celebrate Earth Day with "Skywatcher"
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.
This session is geared towards grades 2-6, but it is useful and enjoyable for all ages.
- Cost: Free
- Grades: 2-6
- Date: April 22
- Times: 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. CT
- Length: 45 minutes
Register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas). Registration deadline is April 18.
We will also offer a recording of this session, after it takes place.
ExciteSpace! Observe the Sun
McDonald Observatory is a great place to observe the stars, and during the school day, the star that we are able to observe is ‘our’ star, the Sun. In this program, students will observe our Sun in real time (weather permitting) using a K-12 dedicated telescope. They will have the opportunity to make drawings of the sun and make STEM connections in astronomy.
Download Drawing Sheet and TEKS
Register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas). Registration closes 3 days prior to any program.
Observe the Sun (grades PreK-4)
Observe the Sun (grades 3-12)
ExciteSpace! Meet Mr. McDonald
Come visit McDonald Observatory without leaving your home or classroom! Learn about Mr. McDonald, who loved nature and science. Explore what happens here and how astronomers use telescopes to study all kinds of things in the universe. Students will be guided on a virtual tour of the 2.1-meter Otto Struve Telescope, and we will discuss together the things that make McDonald Observatory a great place to do astronomy.
Download TEKS
Register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas). Registration closes 3 days prior to any program.
Check back later for scheduled live programs, or see below to request a recording.
ExciteSpace! Super Big Telescope Tour
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.
Download TEKS
Register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas). Registration closes 3 days prior to any program.
