New school year (in progress), new planetarium projector (coming soon), new membership year! The Friends are excited about the Planetarium re-opening shortly after the installation of a state-of-the-art projection system. Renew your membership or join to keep abreast of what is happening at the planetarium and with astronomy.

The Friends support the Planetarium with advocacy and engaging science programming, in and out of done. None of which is possible without the participation of members like you. Until the planetarium re-opens, the Friends are planning to inspire learners of all ages through astronomy programs, both virtual and in-person.

Please save October 23 (Sunday) and join us to learn about the astronomical origins of Halloween, Día de los Muertos, Samhain, and All That. We'll have lots of seasonal treats and perhaps some tricks. Check your member newsletter and announcements for details of these and future events.

Throughout the 2022–2023 academic year, the Friends will provide professional development grants to Arlington STEM teachers. In spring 2023, the Friends will award the David M. Brown Memorial Scholarship to an APS high school senior pursuing a STEM degree. In addition, we will be working with the new planetarium specialist, Mary Clendenning, to design a replacement mural along the entrance corridor to excite visitors' imaginations. Your charitable dues and donations finance these opportunities.

Join us to make all of these things happen. Please write to us for more opportunities to get involved.

The Friends look forward to sharing an exciting year full of learning with you, in and out of the planetarium.