Click here for a printable version of this schedule

We are delighted to welcome our scientist friends to join Mo-Ranch staff for a weekend of exciting and informative activities.

Dr. Walter Kiefer is the Interim Director of the Lunar and Planetary Institute. He studies the structure and evolution of Mars, Venus, the Moon, and asteroids. He is on the science teams for three planetary spacecraft missions that are currently in development: the Europa Clipper, which is planned to launch in October 2024 for this icy moon of Jupiter, along with the DAVINCI and EnVision missions, which will explore Venus in the future.

Dr. Georgiana “George” Kramer is a lunar scientist at the Planetary Science Institute, professor at the College of the Mainlands, and consultant and author. Her research is focused on understanding the lunar environment and using its resources in supporting a human presence on the Moon.

Dr. Kennda Lynch is an astrobiologist and geomicrobiologist, and serves as a staff scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute.  Dr. Lynch studies life in extreme environments on Earth as models for understanding habitable environments and searching for signatures of life on other planetary bodies. She has also worked as a systems engineer for the International Space Station Program.  As such, Dr. Lynch combines her science training and engineering background to develop solutions to harness local natural resources on the Moon and Mars for future human exploration.

Dr. Prajkta Mane is a Staff Scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute. She studies meteorites and other astromaterials, including samples from asteroids, comets and Mars, to learn more about the early Solar System. She is developing new laboratory techniques for studying samples from planetary missions.

Christine Shupla is the Science Engagement Manager at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, where she supports a variety of projects in engaging diverse communities in planetary science.

Dr. Oliver White is a research scientist at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute in California who investigates how planetary landscapes form and change over time. He works on the New Horizons mission that flew past Pluto in 2015, and studies impact craters on the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn.

• Ticket packages are $150 per person for children (4-12) and $250 per person for adults (12+). Children under 4 are free.
• Ticket packages are for the entire Motality Weekend, April 6-9 and get you access to incredible programming, including exclusive talks from scientists, star parties, science experiments, outdoor adventure and more!  Additionally, all ticket holders will receive a complimentary T-shirt and a pair of eclipse glasses. They DO NOT include housing or meals.

• All housing options except individual bunk beds are sold out.  Limited reservations for bunk beds in group housing are available at $50 each. Loma Linda will be designated into Men’s and Women’s sides.  All minors must be accompanied by a same-sex adult to reserve a bunk bed.  Reservations are only made with a three-night minimum (checking in April 6, 2024 and checking out April 9, 2024).  Please contact Guest Services at 800.460.8801 to make your reservation.

Packing Suggestions

• Comfortable/casual clothes and swimwear
• Comfortable walking shoes (close-toed shoes recommended; required for high rope elements)
• Refillable water bottle
• Flashlight (it is very dark here at night)
• Toiletries
• Sunblock, sunshades and hats
• Rain jacket
• Bible
• Journal
• Beds are ready upon arrive; hotel rooms do not have mini-fridges, microwaves, TVs or hair dryers, so please plan accordingly.
• Towel are in rooms, and river towels are at the river and pool.

Transportation

The Eclipse is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to Kerrville, far more than the infrastructure is used to. Traffic management will be in full effect by the Kerrville police and fire departments in the days leading up to, and on, April 8th. For this reason, we recommend all guests to schedule in extra travel time both arriving at and departing from, Mo-Ranch and heavily encourage remaining on property for the duration of your stay. 

Mo-Ranch is 90 miles one-way, or a 2-hour drive from the nearest airport (SAT), allow 3 hours travel/check-in time for departures. We recommend generally scheduling arriving flights before 3 p.m. and departing flights after 3 p.m. to be sure you do not miss any of your event. If you are in need of shuttle service to Mo-Ranch, call Kars for Hire in Kerrville at (830) 890-8200 at least 15 days in advance to arrange transportation from San Antonio International Airport. Click here for directions to Mo.  

Safety

For the security of all guests and staff we will have added security during these dates who will check registration at the gates. Only registered guests and staff will be allowed on the property to help create a safe and comfortable atmosphere. There will be no medical staff onsite. In the event of an emergency, call 9-11 first and then contact the front desk or manager on duty after business hours. Both will be reachable at 800.460.4401 ext. 0.

The eclipse must be viewed through eclipse glasses, which will be provided for all guests. Viewing the eclipse with unprotected eyes can cause permanent damage such as spotty or blurry vision, and in extreme cases, blindness. However, during the totality (the period when the sun is completely covered by the moon), it is considered safe to view the eclipse without protective eyewear.

Ropes Course

This event will include a selection of our ropes course elements. To read a description of each element, click here.

Trading Post

Make sure to stop by the Mo-Ranch Trading Post during your stay to pick out a souvenir!

Questions

We’re happy to help! Contact us at 1.800.460.4401 ext. 0.