The Orion Festival is hosted at McDonald Observatory as an opportunity to thank our wonderful education and outreach donors while providing updates about our impact over the previous year. Registration is free of charge to invited members, supporters, and their guests.

85 year ago, McDonald Observatory was established in 1939 for research and education thanks to the charitable estate gift of William J. McDonald.

Today, the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center welcomes over 65,000 visitors a year and provides public outreach to many more via YouTube livestreams. StarDate Radio is broadcast daily to almost 350 stations across the country.

Support from foundations, donors, and our wonderful Orion members sustain the lasting impact of Mr. McDonald’s generosity and vision by supporting education and outreach initiatives, inspiring curiosity about science and astronomy in learners of all ages.