Friends of McDonald

Friends of McDonald Observatory provide important support for a broad range of education and outreach efforts through an annual tax-deductible gift. Join McDonald Observatory and The University of Texas in our mission to spark curiosity about astronomy and science while increasing the public understanding of the Universe.

Generosity has benefits! Members may reserve rooms at the McDonald Observatory Astronomers Lodge on top of Mount Locke for added convenience and a one-of-a-kind experience during their visit. Reservations are required and subject to availability. In addition, the following benefits are provided to members at various levels.

Individual Membership $50

Stargazers are invited to join Friends of McDonald Observatory and receive the following benefits:

Team Membership $75

The perfect way for two to support McDonald Observatory and receive the following benefits:

Family Membership $100

Bring the whole family out for stargazing wonder. Family memberships provide the following benefits for up to four (4) members of the same household:

Family Plus Membership $175

Your guests are our guests! Program pass benefits cover two extra guests, as well as these other benefits: 

 

Orion Circle $500

  • Invitation for two to the annual Orion Festival and Director’s Dinner at the Observatory
  • Recognition in the McDonald Observatory Education & Outreach annual report
  • Free general admission to the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center and free Star Party passes for up to two (2) members of the same household, PLUS two guests
  • Advance notice of Special Viewing Nights on Mount Locke Telescopes, including the original 2.1m Otto Struve Telescope 
  • Shopping discount of 10% at the McDonald Observatory Gift Shop
  • Discounts on Visitors Center Program passes and StarDate products

Orion Circle Supernova $1,000

  • Invitation for four to the annual Orion Festival and Director’s Dinner at the Observatory
  • Recognition in the McDonald Observatory Education & Outreach annual report
  • Free general admission to the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center and free Star Party passes for up to four (4) members of the same household, PLUS two guests
  • Advance notice of Special Viewing Nights on Mount Locke Telescopes, including the original 2.1m Otto Struve Telescope 
  • Shopping discount of 10% at the McDonald Observatory Gift Shop
  • Discounts on Visitors Center Program passes and StarDate products

 

*Friends of McDonald Memberships are nontransferable, and cannot be shared between households. Memberships are not refundable. Benefits subject to change; reservations required for all programs and Astronomers Lodge accommodations. Please e-mail friends@mcdonaldobservatory.org for more information.

Support Science Education!

Join or Renew Give a Gift

McDonald Observatory K12 education programs are made possible thanks to support from the National Science Foundation, Education & Outreach Endowments, the Abell-Hanger Foundation, Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation, Fash Foundation, Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, the Semmes Foundation, the Stillwater Foundation, and Friends of the McDonald Observatory & Orion Circle.


Email friends@mcdonaldobservatory.org.


Questions about Student Programs?

Contact the McDonald Observatory Education Team