I remember how exciting it was to be newly hired at the McDonald Observatory Visitors Center in anticipation of the VC's grand opening. We opened only days before Spring Break, and let me tell you that was a steep learning curve those first few months. The StarDate Cafe served hot chocolate from individual cocoa packets!
Memories
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McDonald staff members
Opening of the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center
Shared by McDonald staff member Nancy Davis on September 19, 2013
When I first saw it.
Shared by McDonald staff member Mark Cash on September 19, 2013
I first saw the 82-inch telescope when I came to work here in 2000. I thought it was the most beautiful instrument I'd ever seen. It reminded me of the old pictures of astronomers working at Mount Wilson.
Comet Hale-Bopp
Shared by UT astronomer Christine Pulliam on September 19, 2013
As a graduate student at UT, I made several visits to McDonald Observatory. One night in particular stands out in my mind. In the early morning hours Comet Hale-Bopp was hanging above the horizon, looking absolutely spectacular in the observatory's dark skies.
75th Anniversary Paint Job
Shared by McDonald staff member Coyne Gibson on September 19, 2013
Stripping and painting of the 82" Otto Struve Telescope dome began September 3, 2013, as part of the overall 75th Anniversary year.
College Trip to McDonald
Shared by McDonald staff member Rebecca Johnson on September 19, 2013
I was a college student at UT in the early '90s, and had to do a photo essay for photojournalism class. I chose McDonald Observatory as my subject matter. I didn't know a soul at the Observatory, but contacted them and asked permission to visit. I was allowed to come out and photograph the telescopes inside the domes, and got a private tour of just about everything. It was incredible.