Loaner Telescopes

RAC Loaner Scope Program

The Raleigh Astronomy Club owns several telescopes that are available for use by club members. Information about each of these loaner telescopes is shown below. Club members in good standing can borrow one of these loaner telescopes for a period of 3 months. To borrow a telescope, please complete and submit a Telescope Loaner Request form.

If you have any questions please contact the Loaner Telescope Coordinator at [email protected].

Loaner telescopes are limited to club members residing within Wake County


Cassegrains:

Use the scroll bar to view all the Cassegrain Loaner Scopes, for more details on each scope, click on that scope’s card.

Dobsonians:

Use the scroll bar to view all the Dobsonian Loaner Scopes, for more details on each scope, click on that scope’s card.

Maksutovs:

Use the scroll bar to view all the Maksutov Loaner Scopes, for more details on each scope, click on that scope’s card.

Refractors:

Use the scroll bar to view all the Refractor Loaner Scopes, for more details on each scope, click on that scope’s card.

Reflectors:

Use the scroll bar to view all the Reflector Loaner Scopes, for more details on each scope, click on that scope’s card.

Terms of Loan, updated April 17, 2021

  • Equipment can be checked out only by RAC members in good standing.
  • Loaner telescopes are limited to Wake County (home address). Due to past difficulties in retrieving loaner scopes from members outside the local area, RAC will only loan out scopes to members residing in Wake County.
  • The check out or loan period is 3 months, however the RAC member (current on dues) in possession of the loaner equipment may choose to continue to use the equipment after the 3 month period until another member wishes to check out the equipment.
  • Loaner equipment may be checked out at RAC monthly indoor meetings, RACOBS or by appointment with a Telescope Loaner Committee member.
  • RAC members with equipment on loan should be prepared for prompt return (within a week of being notified) of the equipment once contacted after the initial 3 month period has expired.
  • While in the care of a RAC member, the equipment on loan must be stored in a clean, sheltered environment with all dust caps, covers, etc. in place.
  • No fee is charged to check out equipment; however, the RAC member agrees to replace any missing or damaged equipment.
  • By checking out any equipment listed on this page, the RAC member agrees to these terms.

To borrow a telescope, please complete and submit a Telescope Loaner Request form.

Additional Links:

Choosing a Telescope

Buying a Telescope

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Please send general inquiries to [email protected]

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