Entry No. 32 — the Austin file — filed under: free

UT Austin Free Public Stargazing (PMA Rooftop & Painter Hall)

UT's astronomy department runs free rooftop telescope nights that most Austinites walk right past — a 16-inch reflector atop the 19-story PMA tower on Wednesdays during the semester, and a 9-inch refractor at 1930s-built Painter Hall on weekends, both staffed by grad students who'll aim it at whatever's up. A recorded weather line (512-232-4265) updates 30-45 minutes before each session so you know if it's on.

The move: Catch a fall-semester Wednesday night, ride the elevator up to the PMA rooftop for free telescope time next to actual astronomy students, then wander the quiet, mostly-empty campus afterward.

• 📍 University of Texas campus / West Campus
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 2515 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712 (PMA Building, SE corner of Dean Keeton & Speedway); additional viewing at Painter Hall on the UT campus

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: outreach.as.utexas.edu

last checked: 2026-07-20