Benefits O.C. / GOOD CAUSES, TRENDS, CELEBS AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED : A Rockin’ Beach Party : Discovery Science Center supporters have a celestial evening at unique O.C. home.

The event: A reception honoring underwriters of “An Astronomical Affair, the Celestial Circus,� an upcoming gala benefiting the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. Dennis Morin, a center supporter, staged the party Wednesday at his unique abode--the Rock House in Laguna Beach.

Ultimate beach house: Built out of a rock on Aliso Beach, Morin’s home features an ocean-themed interior with wavy walls, flooring embedded with seashells and a salt creek running through its center. “This is the perfect house for kicking off our ‘Celestial Circus’ because it’s not of this world,� said Oliva Johnson, gala committee member.

More than 70 guests toured the home, admired the ocean view and enjoyed seafood appetizers and champagne. “This home was designed for entertaining,� Morin said.

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Weird science: The Discovery Science Center gives children a hands-on understanding of science, math and technology. Visitors can lie on a bed of nails, sit inside a simulated cloud of steam and dance on a musical floor. More than 225,000 people, one-third of them children on school field trips, have visited the center since its opening in December 1998. “Our mission is to get them excited about science by doing things,� said Karen Johnson, center president. “Then, when they go back to school, what they learn in science books makes sense.�

Quote: “The Discovery Science Center is another cultural and educational cornerstone of Orange County. It’s a kids’ museum, but the adults have fun, too,� said Catherine Thyen, gala chairwoman.

Bottom line: The second annual Astronomical Affair is expected to net about $100,000 for the science center. Proceeds will be used for exhibits, educational programs and scholarships for eligible children to visit the center at no cost.

Faces: Michelle Bandoian, Doug Williams, Gene and Lynn Hartline, Billur Wallerich, Jennifer von Bergh, Sharon Devaney, Robert Smith, Dee Higby, David and Shari Brown; Therese Duggan-Trevitt; Joey Evans; Roslynn Fey; Anne Loomis, Janet Ray, Jerry and Maralou Harrington, Joyce Reaume, and Analisa Ocana.

Mark your calendar: “An Astronomical Affair, the Celestial Circus,� will take place Oct. 2, at the Discovery Science Center. Tickets are $250 per person. (714) 913-5015.