Who We Are
McDonald Observatory was founded in 1939 under the dark night skies of the Davis Mountains in West Texas. As a research unit of The University of Texas at Austin, we are one of the world’s top-ranked research observatories, with strong capabilities in observations, instrument design, and undergraduate and graduate education.
The Observatory is also a world leader in public education and outreach with our Frank N. Bash Visitors Center hosting over 80,000 visitors each year and providing programs for the public and K-12 audiences. Additionally, McDonald Observatory produces the longest running science show in the nation, StarDate radio, which reaches millions each week on over 300 radio stations across the country.
What We're Fundraising For
In a typical year, hundreds of students visit the Observatory for learning field experiences and even more connect with education staff through interactive videoconferences. We train thousands of teachers from Texas and beyond through hands-on workshops, which include the opportunity to meet and work with professional astronomers as they conduct their research.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 forced us to cancel our in-person programs, but this has created an exciting opportunity for us to utilize livestream technology and reach an even larger audience! We expect to serve over 8,000 K-12 students in Texas and beyond through online videoconference experiences hosted by education staff at the Observatory. These programs provide a brief tour of the Observatory; live telescope observations of Venus or the Sun with specially equipped telescopes and cameras; guided exploration; and follow up discussion with students and staff. All online education programs will be offered free of charge to students everywhere.
Your 40 for Forty gift helps make all this possible, bringing the majesty of the night sky to children all over the country!
Your Impact
Your gift directly supports our virtual education programs. These can look like our teacher workshops or even a deep sky livestream hosted on YouTube! Using cutting edge technology, our staff guide viewers through some of the Universe’s most stunning celestial objects, all made possible by you. Nothing sparks the imagination more than the mysteries of the night sky! “My preschooler (3.5 yrs old) drew the Sun! I was amazed how curiosity notched up from the book he read. All in all, wonderful of you to serve your community and encourage future citizens to live well under one sky.”
