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April 8: Total Solar Eclipse to Cross Texas

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will travel across North America, with the Moon surrounded by the Sun’s delicate corona. Texas will be a great spot to experience it – the state is in the "path of totality" and typically enjoys clear, cloud-free weather. McDonald Observatory is not in the path of totality. However, we will be able to see a partial solar eclipse.

Giant Magellan Telescope Expands Global Science Impact with Taiwanese Partner

The University of Texas at Austin joins the Giant Magellan Telescope today in welcoming Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA), a distinguished Taiwanese research institute, into the Giant Magellan Telescope’s international consortium. ASIAA's inclusion expands the consortium to 14 international research institutions, of which UT Austin is a founding partner.

Discovery of Unexpected Ultra-Massive Galaxies May Not Rewrite Cosmology, But Still Leaves Questions

Ever since the James Webb Space Telescope captured its first glimpse of the early Universe, astronomers have been taken aback by the presence of what appear to be more “ultra-massive” galaxies than expected. Based on the most widely accepted cosmological model, they shouldn’t have been able to evolve until much later in the history of the Universe, spurring claims that the model needs to be changed.

National Science Board Announces Federal Investment Recommendation

National Science Foundation to deliver funding plan for the U.S. Extremely Large Telescope Program by May 2024.

Work with the Stars! McDonald Observatory is hiring.

Work with McDonald Observatory

McDonald Observatory is currently hiring for positions located at the Observatory near beautiful Fort Davis, Texas. Join our team!