Thanks to New Hampshire Astronomical Society (NHAS), the Library has a high-powered Orion Starblast #9814 4.5” Altazimuth Reflector tabletop telescope available to lend! NHAS provides telescopes prepared for public use at no cost to public libraries in New Hampshire. The telescope is ready to use and is mounted on a sturdy rotating base. The telescope has a large field of view, allowing the object being viewed to stay within the telescope's sight for longer. The optical tube is larger than most standard telescopes, allowing deeper viewing of the night sky and the moon. The telescope comes equipped with a pouch to hold instructions, an astronomical guide, and a headlamp for use in the outside setup.
The telescope is available for reserve or to be checked out for a 1-week period to Laconia Library cardholders that are 18 years of age or older and have a current library card in good standing.
The telescope must be transported by car and secured with a shoulder and lap belt and a release form must be signed by the Library cardholder that will be checking out the telescope.
More information about the Library Telescope Program funded by New Hampshire Astronomical Society can be found here: http://nhastro.com/ltp.php