Tuesday, March 28, 2006

McDonnald Observatory, Ft. Davis, Tx.

We enjoyed our visit to the observatory. We arrived before lunch so we could view the exhibits and take in all the observatroy had to offer. We paid for the 2:00 tour and movie. We really enjoyed the tour and since we had paid early, we were among the 14 passengers in the shuttle which our tour guide drove to the 107' telescope. After the tour, we had dinner and went to the program they have before they bring out the telescopes for the Star party. Our guide pointed out all the constellations and many satellites. Using the telescopes, we were able to view Saturn and numerous stars. Researchers who want to use one of the many telescopes at the observatory must submit their requests 4 months in advance. If selected, it will only cost around $2000 a night to use the telescope. From the top of the hill, we were able to see into Mexico. The exhibits were all hands-on.

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