Reimers Observatory in Texas is a public facility established in 2015 and operated by Travis County Parks. The observatory is located at Reimers Ranch Park, located approximately 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Austin. Its two main telescopes, one 25-inches (64 cm) in diameter, and another 15-inches (38 cm) in diameter, are used to offer public astronomy programs for people of all ages. The observatory provides about 100 programs per year, and the staff will discuss what is seen through the telescopes. Reservations are required to visit, because of limited capacity to maintain the quality of the visitor experience. For program schedule and reservations, see website.
Deborah Byrd
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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.