The Branched Oak Observatory is possible because of so many kind of giving individuals and businesses. Together we have accomplished so much since the observatory was nothing but a mere idea. We know that many of our supporters are struggling with the pandemic and economic downturn this year, so we are especially thankful to all who have helped us “weather the storm.” We offer a variety of opportunities for your involvement and support of astronomy activities and events. These are:

• Donate Funds and Become a Friend of the BOO!

At Branched Oak Observatory, we’re on a mission we call Fuel the Future—bringing hands-on STEM astronomy to tens of thousands of curious minds. Whether it’s kids peering through a telescope for the first time or university teams tracking near-Earth asteroids, the impact is real—and growing.

Here’s how you can partner with us:

$10/month Rigel Level:
Become a Friend of the BOO—help cover basic operating costs and enjoy 10% off every purchase in our online store and our observatory gift shop.

$25/month Vega Level:
All the above plus an invite to our annual Friends of BOO Star Party for you and three guests. Network with fellow aviators and astronomers under the stars and through our biggest scopes.

A one-time donation of $120* qualifies you to become a Rigel Level Friend of the BOO for one year, or

A one-time donation of $300 or more* qualifies you to become a Vega Level Friend of the BOO for one year!

Please use the form to make a contribution. 100% of your donation will go towards equipment, programming materials, and maintenance of the Branched Oak Observatory. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and IRC Section 170.

All contributions are greatly appreciated!

For any questions or inquiries about how you can help the Branched Oak Observatory, please use our contact page. Responses are typically 2-3 business days.

*Donations must be made yearly to keep membership

• Volunteer at Our Public Star Parties

Arrive up to 2 hours before the advertised observing session to set up your own equipment. Alternatively, you could join us sans equipment to act as an on-site astronomy expert for the event. In either case, there is no need to contact us beforehand, just let us know when you arrive, and we will give you an official “Night Sky Docent” lanyard.

• Become an Observatory Associate

We are looking for a few good men and women who would like to not only help at star parties, but to also help behind the scenes with program development and facility construction. Whenever we are getting together to work on a project at the observatory, we will contact you to see if you are available. There is no obligation whatsoever. All Observatory Associates will be listed on the About Us page.

• Donate Equipment

If you have any astronomical equipment; telescopes, CCD imagers, eyepieces, binoculars, etc., new or used, that you would like to donate to the Branched Oak Observatory, we would very much be interested in putting it to good use. All donations are 100% tax-deductible as provided by law of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and IRC Sections 170, 2055, 2106, and 2522. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires donors to value their items.