McDonald Observatory

We had a great time at the McDonald Observatory. We were lucky enough to get to stay in the Director's House at the Observatory and eat at the Astronomer's Lodge where the residing, working astronomers live and eat. So cool. We were worried as evening approached that the 9:30 pm Star Party would be a bust due to the extreme overcast skies. As we awaited twilight, we were treated to an amazing rainbow display out our back porch. Callie was the first to spot the double rainbow and literally ran out of the shower to catch the photo below! The sky hadn't cleared, so we went to the Star Party with low spirits. They were prepared to keep us entertained and educated with programs in the well-equipped Visitor's Center, however, after our first session, the skies parted and the Star Party was back on in full force. We looked at stars, star clusters, galaxies, the moon, constellations through about 10 different telescopes the astronomers set up for us. It was an amazing experience that I would recommend everyone put on their to-do list!