Hobby–Eberly Telescope

The Hobby-Eberly Telescope is a research instrument at McDonald Observatory in West Texas, featuring a primary mirror made of 91 hexagonal segments with a 10-meter aperture. The facility underwent a major upgrade in 2016 that significantly expanded its observational capabilities for diverse astronomical studies.

The telescope entered service in 1997 as part of an international collaboration between American and German institutions. A major modernization in 2016 marked a turning point that significantly expanded its scientific capabilities.

Scientists from the University of Texas, Pennsylvania State University, and German institutions collaborate on research projects using this advanced instrument.

Access to the telescope is strictly limited because it is a specialized research instrument used exclusively for scientific projects. The best way to learn more about this facility is to visit the McDonald Observatory site in West Texas and explore its visitor areas.

The telescope is positioned at a fixed angle of 55 degrees above the horizon and moves on air cushions, allowing it to observe 70 percent of the visible sky. This unusual design makes it an unusually efficient instrument for monitoring large regions of the sky.

GPS coordinates: 30.68141,-104.01474

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:57