Are you curious about constellations, mystified by the Moon, or spellbound by stars? You can pursue or spark a love of astronomy at home with an Orion AstroBlast telescope.
Borrowing
A telescope may be checked out for 3 weeks by anyone who:
- Is 18 years of age or older
- Has a valid, full-service library card
- Has $5 or less in library fees
- Shows picture ID at checkout
Telescopes cannot be reserved or renewed.
Before coming to the Library, you can download, print, read and sign the Telescope Lending Program Terms and Acknowledgement Form (PDF). If you don't have a printer, we can print a copy for you when you arrive.
Use of the telescope
- TO AVOID SERIOUS EYE INJURY OR BLINDNESS, DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN WITH THE TELESCOPE. THE LIBRARY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURY CAUSED BY IMPROPER TELESCOPE USE.
- When you check the telescope out you are responsible for the proper transportation, use, and care of the telescope at all times. The telescope must be treated with care and handled as instructed by library staff.
- DO NOT TOUCH, WIPE OR CLEAN THE LENS. This will damage the protective lens coating.
Returning the telescope to the library
The telescope, including all parts and books, must be:
- Returned directly to the Library where it was checked out.
- Handed to a staff member, not placed in a drop box or left outside the door.
Fees and Fines
There is no fee for checking out a telescope. If a telescope is not returned within two (2) weeks of the due date, the PCPL customer will be charged current replacement costs. Replacement costs can be several hundred dollars. Actual replacement costs will be assessed for any part that is not returned with the telescope. If the telescope, or any part, is damaged, either from improper care or improper return, the actual cost of repair or replacement, whichever is less, will be charged.
These libraries currently have a telescope to loan:
The telescopes were a generous gift from the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA). The 4.5-inch Orion StarBlast is well-known for its easy operation and compact design. The telescope is a great introductory-level instrument capable of imaging the moon, planets, and distant celestial objects, including the Andromeda Galaxy, located 2.5 million light years away!