Welcome To The Libraryscope Program!
The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association has partnered with local Libraries to provide functional easy-to-use telescopes for community residents to borrow. These have been donated through the Astronomical League Horkheimer Charitable Fund (Joel D. Valdez Main library & Miller-Golf Links library) and generous TAAA members in honor of their loved ones. TAAA will provide the library with ongoing educational support and telescope maintenance.
These are 4.5″ reflecting telescopes that sit on a tabletop. We hope that people who have never looked through a telescope will now have the chance to experience the excitement that comes from discovery.
The telescopes are equipped with accessories to help library patrons explore the night sky, including a user’s manual, constellation guide, and Moon map. The telescope can be used for night sky observing of bright objects like the Moon and the Planets. (It is NOT for viewing the sun!)
Telescopes are currently located at 12 Pima County and Cochise County Libraries (see list below). Additional locations will be added as more scopes are made available to us. Just like checking out a library book, you’ll need a library card to borrow the telescope. You must be 18 years and show your photo ID. Reservations and a wait list are not allowed, so you will need to call the Library listed below that is closest to you to see if one is available.
Current list of Telescope Locations.
This program is modeled after the New Hampshire Astronomical Society Library Telescope Program. Launched in 2008, the New Hampshire program has proven highly successful with over 100 participating libraries and waiting lists for patrons to checkout the telescope. Thanks to our own city’s dark skies, we look forward to Tucson’s program growing in popularity.
Useful Links
YouTube video: How to Use the Library Telescope
Email TAAA for a question or help using the telescope: librarytelescope[at]tucsonastronomy.org
You Tube video: Aligning the Orion EZ Finder II finderscope with the main telescope
https://youtu.be/_N3jAw30Ns8?t=44s
The ABCs of Star Gazing:
https://www.astroleague.org/files/library_telescope/ABCs%20of%20Stargazing%2C%208%201_2x11.pdf
Finding objects on the Moon: https://www.astroleague.org/files/library_telescope/Users%20Guide%2C%203_4%2C%20Moon.pdf
Is it a Star or Planet:
https://www.astroleague.org/files/library_telescope/Planet%20or%20Star.pdf
The Evening Sky Map
http://www.skymaps.com/downloads.html
Recommended Night Sky Apps for Smartphones (free from your device store)
Android: Sky Map (formerly Google Sky Map)
iPhones: Star Chart
Pima County Library Dedication Ceremonies
Hi, there!
I want to let you know that the Pima County Public Library now has 4 locations for checking out a telescope with your library card. Here’s the link https://www.library.pima.gov/blogs/post/telescope/