Orion Circle

Orion Circle and Orion Supernova members make a significant contribution to our continued education and outreach efforts with an annual gift of $500 or $1,000, or above. Orion members also meet once a year for a special, invitation-only festival in West Texas, hosted by the McDonald Observatory Director, Taft Armandroff. The program typically includes tours, talks, dinner, and telescope viewing. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with McDonald Observatory education and outreach programs and staff and to celebrate science education and inspiration. 

Orion Festival is scheduled for September 13, 2025. 

To do the most you can to improve science education nationwide — and to gain access to the most current Observatory news and events — become an Orionid today.

Orion Circle $500

• Complimentary Star Party passes for four (4) members of the same household every time you visit us. Advance reservations are necessary and subject to availability.
• Membership in the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program
• Annual membership in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association
• 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

• Complimentary Star Party passes for four (4) members of the same household and up to two (2) guests every time you visit us. Advance reservations are necessary and subject to availability.
• Membership in the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program
• Annual membership in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association
• 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

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
• an $8 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.

*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.