Friends of the Planetarium

The Mission of the FOP

The Friends of the (Palomar College) Planetarium (FOP) is a non-profit association affiliated with the Palomar College Foundation formed to help the Palomar Community College District promote the Planetarium and develop educational outreach activities for the community, to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and engineers through activities at the Planetarium, to support the Planetarium as a venue to help K-12 students connect with the science of astronomy and improve science education in the U.S. Ultimately by supporting the Planetarium and its capabilities it is the goal of the FOP to promote the importance of student and community learning of astronomy and our understanding of the Universe.

The FOP is a non-profit 501(c)(3) auxiliary of the Palomar College Foundation.

Benefits of Membership

As a member of the Friends of the Planetarium, you can feel good that you are supporting the educational outreach of the Palomar College Planetarium.  Your financial support helps us make the planetarium available to local K-12 school groups, and helps bring high-quality educational programming to the planetarium.  As a thank you for your membership, we have various levels of benefits that will let you participate in members-only activities at the planetarium and enjoy members-only perks when you attend our public nights.

The benefits of membership include:
  • Personalized membership card
  • Early seating on Friday night planetarium shows
  • Invitations to members-only special events:
    • Guest lectures
    • Field trips
    • Star parties
  • Discounted Show Tickets (dependent upon membership level)
  • Free Show Tickets (dependent upon membership level)
  • Discounts at the planetarium gift shop

$25

Student/Child*/
Senior


Package Includes:

  • Membership card
  • Invitation to special events
  • Newsletter
  • Early seating in the Planetarium on public nights
  • 10% gift shop discount
  • 50% discount ticket coupons (2 coupons)

* 12 years old and under + 55 years old and older

$30

Individual


Package Includes:

  • Membership card
  • Invitation to special events
  • Newsletter
  • Early seating in the Planetarium on public nights
  • 10% gift shop discount
  • 50% discount ticket coupons (2 coupons)

$45

Dual*


Package Includes:

  • Membership card
  • Invitation to special events
  • Newsletter
  • Early seating in the Planetarium on public nights
  • 10% gift shop discount
  • 50% discount ticket coupons (4 coupons)

* 2 people, same household

$75

Family*


Package Includes:

  • Membership card
  • Invitation to special events
  • Newsletter
  • Early seating in the Planetarium on public nights
  • 10% gift shop discount
  • 50% discount ticket coupons (4 coupons)

* 3-8 people, same household

$100

Contributing*


Package Includes:

  • Membership card
  • Invitation to special events
  • Newsletter
  • Early seating in the Planetarium on public nights
  • 20% gift shop discount
  • Four free tickets for “The Sky Tonight”, or
    our Fulldome show

* 1-2 individuals

$500

Sponsor*


Package Includes:

  • Membership card
  • Invitation to special events
  • Newsletter
  • Early seating in the Planetarium on public nights
  • 20% gift shop discount
  • 10 free tickets for “The Sky Tonight”, or
    our Fulldome show

*1-2 individuals

$1,000

Director’s Club*


Package Includes:

  • Membership card
  • Invitation to special events
  • Newsletter
  • Early seating in the Planetarium on public nights
  • 20% gift shop discount
  • 20 free tickets for “The Sky Tonight”, or
    our Fulldome show
  • PLUS a private evening at the Planetarium for the donor and guests (limited to seating capacity).

* 1-2 individuals

Join the Friends and you can support the Planetarium while enjoying the rewards of being a member!

Become a Member

Click here for upcoming Friends of the Planetarium activities and events.

 See What's Happening

Planetarium Contact Information

Palomar College Planetarium
1140 West Mission Road | San Marcos, CA  92069
(760) 744-1150 ext. 2833 | Planetarium@palomar.edu

Mark Lane

Mark Lane
Planetarium Director
Professor of Astronomy

Scott Kardel

W. Scott Kardel
Assistant Planetarium Director
Assistant Professor of Astronomy

The Starry Messenger

The official newsletter of the
Palomar College Planetarium

The Fall 2022 issue of  "The Starry Messenger" is now available.

READ IT HERE!