The Friends of the UCI Observatory annual giving program offers individuals interested in astronomy and physics the opportunity to become more involved with the UCI Observatory and engage with UC Irvine’s leading experts in astrophysics. With the financial support provided by the Friends of the UCI Observatory, the Department of Physics & Astronomy can continue offering public events and educational activities to the community. A gift to the UCI Observatory will help support and fund Visitor Nights, UCI Observatory tours, special lectures, classroom visits for K-12 schools, graduate student fellowships and astrophysical research. Memberships are for one year. Benefits are subject to change or substitution without notice.

Suggested Annual Donation Levels Include:

Star Patron - $50 - $150

$50 - Student
$100 - Individual
$150 - Family (2 adults and children under 18)

• Advance notice and invitations to UCI Observatory Visitor Nights.
   
• Invitation to the annual astronomy lecture, “Discover the Universe,” with special reserved seating, and a hosted private pre-lecture reception.  (Late January, 2014)
   
• Recognition on the UCI Observatory’s website (you may opt out).

Supernova Patron - $500

All the preceding Star Patron benefits, PLUS

• An invitation to submit questions to Ask an Astrophysicist – we will choose one per month to answer with an on-line video posted on our website.
   
• Invitation for one to the dinner of the annual astronomy lecture, “Discover the Universe,” with special reserved seating, and a hosted private pre-lecture reception.  (Late January, 2014)
   
• Exclusive invitation for one to participate in, “What's New in the Universe?” a hosted quarterly roundtable luncheon with leading experts in astrophysics (First luncheon scheduled for September, 2013).

Galaxy Patron - $1,000

All the preceding Supernova Patron benefits, PLUS

• Invitation for two to the dinner of the annual astronomy lecture, “Discover the Universe,” with special reserved seating, and a hosted private pre-lecture reception.  (Late January, 2014)
   
• Exclusive invitation for two to participate in, “What's New in the Universe?” a hosted quarterly roundtable luncheon with leading experts in astrophysics (First luncheon scheduled for September, 2013).
   
• Private invitation to attend an exclusive star-gazing event at the UCI Observatory.

Big Bang Patron $5,000+ 

All the preceding Galaxy patron benefits, plus the opportunities below are examples of what Big Bang patrons could fund, subject to contribution amounts. 

• Fund observatory tours and classroom visits for K-12 schools.
   
• Fund or establish graduate student fellowships.
   
• Fund astrophysical research.
   
• Name a Telescope.
   
• Invite UCI astrophysicists to talk to your group or event.
   
• Hold a private event at the UCI Observatory!