Field Trips to the UT Astronomy Department

The Astronomy Department operates a heliostat on the lower observing deck of the Physics, Math and Astronomy Building (PMA) on the campus of the University. The heliostat, or solar telescope, has a movable mirror that tracks the sun and then reflects the sun's light to a stationary mirror which sends it down to the 13th floor through a focusing lens. The projected image is displayed in the Astronomy lab room, PMA 13.132, where the sun's disk can then be safely observed and sunspots can be viewed. During special events, such as a solar eclipse, the observing room may be opened to the public. Area teachers and homeschool co-ops may request a visit to the heliostat as part of a field trip to the astronomy department.

** The heliostat is currently out of operation but an alternative activity for safely viewing the sun can be done on the roof of the building in the second half of the visit. Please allow some additional time for visits because the current set-up takes a little longer since it can only be viewed one person at a time. **

* The tour usually includes a look at the sun and a slide show and talk about the sun (including sunspots and solar storms) and a look at the night time telescope on the upper-level roof. Content can be customized for ages and specific subjects the teacher may want covered.

* The field trip can still be conducted if weather prohibits solar viewing. In the case of severe weather, groups may not be able to visit the roof.

* Tours usually last 1 hour, but may run longer depending on group size and number of questions. Plan for 90 minutes to allow for elevator wait time and other logistics.

* There is no charge for field trips (but there may be parking costs depending on your method of transportation)

* Tours can be geared towards any age group from 2nd to 12th grade

* The number of students that can be accommodated at once is about 40-50 for younger students and 20-30 for older students (~6th grade and above)

* Tours are typically scheduled to start at 10 a.m.

For additional information or to make a reservation, please email Lara Eakins through the contact page. Please note that these field trips are for school groups and classes, not individual families. Typically, the summer schedule is posted in May, the fall schedule is posted in August, and the spring schedule is posted in January.

Not in Central Texas? Our West Texas colleagues at McDonald Observatory Frank N. Bash Visitor Center offer a variety of programs, including free distance learning opportunities!