Friends of McDonald Observatory

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 at Austin in our mission to spark curiosity about astronomy and science while increasing the public understanding of the universe.

You can also give the gift of Friendship to a special stargazer in your life! Gift recipients receive a yearlong membership to the Friends of McDonald Observatory program and receive all the same benefits that a regular member would. Plus, we can include a custom message from you in their welcome packet so they know who to contact when they want to thank their lucky stars!

Join or Renew

Give a Gift Membership

All Members Enjoy:

• a 10% discount at the McDonald Observatory Gift Shop
• a 20% discount on Guided Tours and Special Viewing Nights
• advanced notice of Special Viewing Nights on the 36-inch and 82-inch telescopes via the Friends of McDonald Observatory email newsletter
• free general admission to the Frank N. Bash Visitors Center exhibit hall
• access to the Astronomers Lodge, on Mt. Locke, for overnight room reservations, subject to availability
• a $10 discount on an annual print subscription to StarDate magazine

Please note: Complimentary Star Party passes and discounted program passes are subject to availability. Contact the membership office by emailing friends@mcdonaldobservatory.org to reserve your passes in advance.

Individual Membership $50

Complimentary Star Party passes for one (1) member cardholder every time you visit us. Advance reservations are necessary and subject to availability.

Team Membership $75

Individual benefits for two (2) members of the same household.

Family Membership $100

• Individual benefits for up to four (4) members of the same household
• Membership in the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program
• Annual membership in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association

Family Plus Membership $175

Family benefits, plus:

• Two (2) additional guest admissions to the Visitors Center and accompanying Star Party passes to share with family and friends

​​​​Orion Circle $500

Family benefits, plus:

• Four (4) invitations to the annual Orion Festival and Director’s Dinner at the Observatory
• Same-day access to StarDate Radio
• Recognition in the McDonald Observatory Education & Outreach impact report

Orion Circle Supernova $1,000

Family Plus benefits, plus:

• Six (6) invitations to the annual Orion Festival and Director’s Dinner at the Observatory
• Same-day access to StarDate Radio
• Recognition in the McDonald Observatory Education & Outreach impact report

*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.