The solar viewing & tour was a great way to spend the better part of my day! You actually take a couple short drives (or ride the shuttle bus) to a few locations along the tour and that way you get to see several of the big telescopes on the mountain. Great views the whole time!
One of the best places to stop if you're in the Big Bend area. Saw the presentation and live viewing of the sun along with a tour of the telescopes. The star party is great with a laser used to point out the constellations, look at planets through their telescopes and a scientist to answer questions. Fantastic place to view the stars at night. The gift store is a must to stop at and there's a small restaurant inside the main building too.
Saul the summer intern did a nice job despite it being his first week and Rachel was good at helping to answer questions without taking away his spotlight as a tour guide! After the tour I ate my packed lunch on the patio and then I had some good conversation with Judy and Eileen (two staffers who were not on the tour) in the visitor center. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and friendly! Thank you so much for the fantastic day!!
Terrific place to take the kids, Grandma too. Worth the drive!!!
We would go back if we were in the area.
Most amazing trip to an observatory you could ever wish for. I learned so much. We are from the city, so we forgot just how beautiful the Dark sky is at night. They would point out the constellations will a Lazer pointer , it looked like it was reaching the stars. This was the first time I could really see the stars they we're talking about.
Seemed okay but not great for younger children who were occasionally engaged by the tour guide but one ~5yo made a fuss whenever his interest wasn't piqued. The older kids seemed to have a decent time though!
This is a must do if you are visiting West Texas. The star party is absolutely phenomenal! Make sure to dress warm and bring a blanket!
We went to the start gazing party and had a great time. The staff starts off with the constellations, then goes into celestial bodies like planets, notable stars, and galaxies. Once that initial presentation is complete, you walk around to the many telescopes they have set up to get a close up view of select celestial bodies.
Mcdonald Observatory Visitors Center is a US Travel Agency based in Fort Davis, Texas. Mcdonald Observatory Visitors Center is located at 3640 Dark Sky Drive, Fort Davis, TX 79734, USA.
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