Keep wonder and discovery within our scope!
Make a gift to support science education and receive a year of member benefits.
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.
Join or Renew Give a Gift MembershipBecome a Member
All members Enjoy:
- Complimentary Star Party pass(es), subject to availability. Number of passes determined by membership level.
- 10% discount at the McDonald Observatory gift shop
- 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
- Discounted annual print subscription to StarDate magazine
Individual Memberships
- Complimentary Star Party passes for one (1) member cardholder every time you visit us. Advance reservations are necessary and subject to availability.
- Individual benefits for two (2) members of the same household.
Family Memberships
- Individual benefits for up to four (4) members of the same household
- Annual membership in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association
- Annual membership in the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program
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
Family benefits, plus:
- Four (4) invitations to Orion Festival, an annual, invitation-only event at McDonald Observatory, featuring tours, talks, dinner, and telescope viewing.
- Same-day access to StarDate radio
Family Plus benefits, plus:
- Six (6) invitations to the annual Orion Festival, an annual, invitation-only event at McDonald Observatory, featuring tours, talks, dinner, and telescope viewing.
- Same-day access to StarDate radio
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.