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.
ExciteSpace! Eclipses and our Moon
Join McDonald Observatory as we explore the Sun, Earth, Moon system. After discussing gravity and orbits, students will experience Moon phases before discussing Eclipses. Get your students ready for the Eclipse events Texas will experience in October 2023 and April 2024.
Register at Connect2Texas. (Use the filter to find McDonald Observatory, University of Texas). Registration closes 3 days prior to any program.
Eclipses and our Moon (grades PreK-4)
Eclipses and our Moon (grades 3-12)
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.
Check back later for scheduled live programs, or see below to request a recording.
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.
Check back later for scheduled live programs, or see below to request a recording.
