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Astronomers Lodge Guidelines
Astronomers Lodge (AL) General Guidelines
NOTE: Workshop participants will not sleep overnight at the Astronomers Lodge. However, you will eat dinner there, which is included in the workshop fee.
Welcome to West Texas and the University of Texas McDonald Observatory! Guests of the University of Texas McDonald Observatory Astronomers Lodge (AL) facility should be aware that there are certain rules that must be followed at all times.
Daylight Hours
Please bear in mind that our visiting research astronomers are sleeping in the AL during the day. Observatory policy requires all residents to remain quiet while in this building. Conversations between individuals are of course permitted, just talk in a low voice. The recreation room on the first floor has a TV and billiard table. Billiards should not be played until after 4:00 P.M. TV volume should be kept low until after 4:00 P.M.
Evening & Night Hours
Guests traveling outdoors after sunset should always carry a flashlight. Flashlights must be pointed downward at all times and never pointed toward the telescope domes.
General Guidelines
Smoking: Smoking is not allowed inside any of our facilities. If you wish to smoke you must do so outside. If you do smoke, please be careful. Fires are a very real danger here in west Texas. Please dispose of your cigarettes properly.
Walking: Guests of McDonald should ALWAYS stay on paved roads and paths. For your safety please do not leave the roads.
High Altitude: Guests may experience shortness of breath as a result of our modestly high 6800-foot altitude. Please take your time and avoid strenuous physical exertion.
Telephone:
Guests requiring use of a telephone for long distance calls should use the phone booth at the base of the stairs on the ground floor of the AL. Please do not make collect calls from this or any telephone in the AL. Dial “9” to get an outside line, then make a credit card call to your long distance party. This telephone can receive calls at: 432-426-4140.
Dining Room:
Guests of the Observatory are treated to buffet-style meals at the AL dining facility. Various staff members and astronomers will likely join you during this time. Please assist our kitchen staff by removing your plates, cutlery, and glasses from the dining tables. Prepared meals from the AL dining room should be eaten in the AL dining room only.
First Aid Station:
A small first aid kit is located on the dining floor of the AL. It contains pain-reliever, Band-Aids, and other minor first aid items. There is also a larger first aid station at the Visitors Center in the Gift Shop office. Your workshop staff members will of course assist you and make the first aid station available to you.
Major Injuries & Medical Emergencies:
McDonald Observatory has several EMT trained staff to assist you with medical emergencies. Please complete the enclosed emergency contact form and bring it with you to the workshop. To report an emergency call 9+911. Emergency phone numbers can be found posted by Astronomers Lodge phones.