Exploring the Universe
The Department of Astronomy is answering the oldest questions of our universe through cutting-edge research, education and public outreach.
Research at McDonald Observatory
Located atop Mount Locke and Mount Fowlkes in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, McDonald Observatory is one of the world’s leading centers for astronomical research, teaching, public education and outreach.
Research
Researchers in the Department of Astronomy explore nearly every aspect of the field, partnering with international collaborators at state-of-the-art facilities. Students also have the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects that contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.
News
One Idea, Two Cosmic Mysteries: Linking Little Red Dots and Globular Clusters
In a preprint publication, John Chisholm and colleagues find that LRDs may be an early form of global cluster.
McDonald Observatory
UT Austin Astronomers to Play Leading Role in Newly Launched Roman Space Telescope
McDonald Observatory
Nearby “Super Earth” May Be a Better Candidate for Life Than Previously Thought
Events
Sep
11
2026
Public Star Party on UT Campus
8:00 pm
– 10:00 pm
•
In Person
Sep
14
2026
Sep
15
2026
Sep
16
2026
Sep
16
2026
Public Star Party on UT Campus
8:00 pm
– 10:00 pm
•
In Person
Sep
17
2026
Sep
18
2026
Info Session: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
10:00 am
•
Virtual
Sep
18
2026
Hot Science – Cool Talks: Big Rivers on Mars
5:30 pm
– 8:15 pm
•
In Person
Sep
18
2026
Public Star Party on UT Campus
8:00 pm
– 10:00 pm
•
In Person
Sep
21
2026