First, our daytime tour guide and Astronomer, Rachel was the reason this experience was so life changing. She truly taught me more in 2 1/2 hours than any college course I've taken in Astronomy. She was engaging, knowledgeable, personal yet professional, thought provoking and kept us captivated while using everyday lingo as to not overwhelm us with the wealth of...
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McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis
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McDonald Observatory
Fort Davis, TX 79734-1337
432-426-3640
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Ranked #1 of 5 attractions in Fort Davis
Type: Observatories/ Planetariums
Activities: Dining, Shopping
Traveller Description: This is a must-see if you are in the area! Spectacular views from all levels. The Star Party is both informative and awesome - checking out the...
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dallas/fort worth, tx
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See 3 more reviews by cswbkw for Fort Davis
Georgetown, Texas
Senior Contributor
We participated in both the daytime program and the "Starlight Party". Both were worth it. We had fears of a cloudy night, but the cloud cover dissipated just in time and just enough for a wonderful viewing of Saturn and the moon. No crowds at all in mid-May!
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See 2 more reviews by jaydee46 for Fort Davis
Austin, Texas
Top Contributor
We went to both the Twilight Party and the Star Party on a Tuesday night. Both programs were excellent. The presenter was knowledgeable and made it interesting for those of us who do not know much about stars and constellations. The highlight of the night was being able to look through the telescopes and see Saturn and it's rings and...
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See 5 more reviews by austin78669 for Fort Davis
Houston, Texas
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The extra detail and time spent explaining the history was great. Also getting to visit the Hobby Eberly telescope inside the actual room was awesome.
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See 3 more reviews by MikellyDavid for Fort Davis
Sugar Grove, Illinois
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We were fortunate, the Tuesday night we had tickets for was clear with 1/4 moon. They do not offer refunds if the sky/weather does not cooperate. There is an initial presentation for everyone that includes a tour of the night sky. Our presenter was knowledgable and funny. His laser pointer will show you exactly what constellation or star he is...
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See 3 more reviews by TeErickson for Fort Davis
McDonald_Obs, Manager at McDonald Observatory, responded to this review
8 May 2013
Thanks for the comments! Just to clarify a few points .. even though we don't offer refunds for cloudy Star Parties, we've had many folks tell us that they felt like they learned a great deal about what goes on at an Observatory, how astronomers learn so much about the Universe, and more than a few things about the Universe...
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Texas
Senior Contributor
The night sky is incredible here, and the programs always fun. Bring a jacket and try to plan a trip when the moon is dark!
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Senior Reviewer
Last time we did the Star Party and it was great. This time we did the Guided Tour with Rachel and she did an awesome job explaining everything. Highly recommend the tour.
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Sherwood, Arkansas
Contributor
the only good thing about mcdonald observatory is the drive up and down. there is nothing to see but a big dish antenna with 40 or 50 mirrors. maybe if you went at night, it might be better. i would not go back.
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See 4 more reviews by Bill P for Fort Davis
McDonald_Obs, Manager at McDonald Observatory, responded to this review
27 April 2013
Bill P .. it's a shame that you seem to have driven all the way from Arkansas w/o, checking-in at our Visitos Center, checking our website, calling our information desk, or even bothering to talk to the folks at the Chamber of Commerce, or any of the restaurants, hotels, or motels in the area. Doing any of those things certainly...
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Hempstead, Texas
Senior Contributor
Love to go to the star parties. Never fails to amaze me. Took a group of photographers out there for a workshop. Awesome!
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See 5 more reviews by VTheWhite for Fort Davis
midwestern US
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we attended a Twilight program and Star Party on the same night.
Knowing what I do now, I would skip the Twilight program, which started at 7:15 and lasted a little under an hour. The presentation was interesting, and the auditorium is comfortable. But there is over an hour between the end of this program and the start of the...
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