Telescope Loan

The Durham Public Library has partnered with the Astronomical Society of New Haven  to provide an Orion StarBlast 4.5” Reflector Telescope for patrons of all ages to borrow from Durham Public Library and use at home.

The telescope circulates for one week, and comes with a pad and carrying case, plus an instruction booklet and a map of the night sky. You will receive a brief orientation to the telescope at checkout. The telescope must be checked out and returned at the library’s circulation desk. For more information, please contact the library at 860-349-9544.

Loan Period, Fines, and Fees

    • You may place a hold on the telescope, but you must pick it up and return it to Durham Public Library.
    • The telescope may be borrowed for one week.
    • The telescope may not be renewed.
    • A fee of $1 per day will be charged for each day the telescope is overdue.
  • Fees will be assessed in the case of loss, damage or theft (up to $220).
  • Patrons must have a Connecticut library card with their account in good standing (not blocked by fines of $25 or more.)
  • Patron accepts full financial liability for the telescope and agrees to pay all costs associated with the damage to, loss of, or theft of the telescope (up to $220).
  • Patron agrees to inform library staff regarding any issues with items (broken pieces, dead batteries, cosmetic damage, lost items, etc.).
  • Patron will not attempt to alter the structure or any of the equipment of the telescope or any of the contents within the container.
  • Patron will not attempt to clean any part of the telescope. If any part seems dusty or dirty, please return the telescope to the library and we will handle cleaning.
  • Patron will take responsibility for reading instruction manual and guide for how to properly use telescope.
  • Patron will be sure to power down any battery power source prior to returning the telescope.

Resources

You can view a monthly chart of the night sky here!

For instructions on how to use the Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope, click here!

Watch this short video for an overview of the Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope

The Great Courses Understanding the Universe: An introduction to astronomy on DVD.

See it With a Small Telescope: 101 cosmic wonders inlcuding planets, moons, comets, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and more by Will Kalif available through the Durham Library.

Since Summer 1996, public astronomical observation events have welcomed all to view the night sky at Young’s Pond Park in Branford. Members of the Society set up their telescopes for people to look through and learn about  the moon, planets, stars, double stars, star clusters, nebulas, galaxies, and whatever else can be seen through scopes or your eyes including the constellations and flyovers by iridium-flare satellites and the International Space Station. Special observing sessions were held to view a Lunar eclipse and an all-night meteor shower.

Observing sessions are on a Saturday night each month during the Spring and Fall. Anyone is welcome to attend, no telescope needed. The Society’s general meetings are on the last Tuesday of the month from October through May at the Yale Leitner Family Observatory, New Haven. All interested in learning more about astronomy are welcome. For more information and a schedule of club events, visit the Society’s Website at www.asnh.org.