How long is the Star Party at McDonald Observatory?
approximately 2 hours
Star Parties are approximately 2 hours in length and are fun for the entire family.
Why is the McDonald Observatory closed?
McDonald Observatory Visitors Center is temporarily closed, but our virtual programs continue! FORT DAVIS, Texas – Due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the McDonald Observatory Frank N.
Can you look through telescope at McDonald Observatory?
Please note that there is no viewing through telescopes during the Guided Tours. The Guided Tour typically runs 1.5 – 2 hours. Please arrive on time for your Guided Tour, as refunds are not available for those who arrive after the tour group has left the Visitors Center.
What do you do at the McDonald’s observatory?
Every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night the McDonald Observatory Visitors Center we deploy a number of telescopes and give attendees a chance to see the widest and best possible selection of whatever is available in the sky. Also we have Special Viewing Nights on the 36″, 82″, and 107″ telescopes.
How much does it cost to go to the McDonald Observatory?
Prices
| Adults | DISCOUNT: Military Senior (65+) Locals Students (5+) | |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission Guided Tours Solar Viewings Star Party | $3 $10 $5 $25 | $3* $8* $5 $20 |
Where is the Texas Star Party?
the Prude Ranch
You are invited to attend the 42nd Annual Texas Star Party April 24th to May 1, 2022. TSP 2022 will be hosted on the Prude Ranch, located six miles northwest of Fort Davis on Highway 118. Our Star Party has 3 observing fields for attendees to set up their telescopes and related equipment.
What is the best time of year to visit the McDonald Observatory?
Autumn
When is the best time to visit the Observatory? Typically Autumn brings us our most consistently clear skies. July and August tend to be the rainy season. If you plan on attending a Star Party, consider the phase of the Moon.
Where is the largest telescope in the United States?
Keck Observatory, Mauna Kea, Hawaii, U.S.
Where can I stargaze in Marfa?
The official Marfa Lights Viewing Area is located 9 miles east of town on Highway 90, towards Alpine. We didn’t see any lights here, and most people I talked to haven’t. Either way, we weren’t disappointed. The viewing area provides the perfect spot to stargaze, Marfa Lights or not.
Why was the McDonald Observatory built?
Paris, Texas banker William Johnson McDonald left the bulk of his fortune to The University of Texas at Austin “for the purpose of aiding in erecting and equipping an Astronomical Observatory to be kept and used in connection with and as part of the University for the study and promotion of the study of Astronomical …
How can I see the night sky?
Observing the night sky can be done with no special equipment, although a sky map can be very useful. Binoculars or one of the best telescopes will enhance some experiences and bring some otherwise invisible objects into view.
What is a star party on Facebook?
We’re also launching Stars Party, a fun way for people to send Stars together. A Stars Party starts when a certain number of people send Stars during a live stream. Once triggered, a countdown timer appears and the community has five minutes to hit a Stars goal together.
Where should I stay near the McDonald’s observatory?
Where to stay near McDonald Observatory?
- Riata Inn. 2.5 out of 5. 4.1/5 Very Good! (
- Davis Mountains Inn. 2.5 out of 5.
- Antelope Lodge. 3.5 out of 5.
- Hampton Inn Alpine. 2.5 out of 5.
- The Hotel Limpia. 2.5 out of 5.
- The Holland Hotel. 3 out of 5.
- Alpine Bed and Breakfast. 4 out of 5.
- Fort Davis Drug Store and Hotel. 2.5 out of 5.
Who owns the McDonald’s observatory?
The Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET), dedicated in late 1997, is located on the summit of Mt. Fowlkes at 2,030 m (6,660 ft) above sea level. It is operated jointly by The University of Texas at Austin, Pennsylvania State University, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and Georg-August University of Göttingen.