Borrow a Scope

Want to Observe But No Telescope?

You don’t need to own a telescope to enjoy astronomy with CCAS.

One of the biggest barriers to getting started in astronomy is equipment — what to buy, how to use it, and whether it’s even right for you. That’s exactly why CCAS offers a telescope loan program for members.

Whether you’re brand new or ready to get hands-on, we’re here to help.

Try Before You Buy (and Learn Along the Way)

At our star parties, you’re always welcome to look through telescopes set up by our members — just ask questions and enjoy the view.

If you’d like a more hands-on experience, CCAS members can borrow a club telescope at no charge. These scopes are:

  • Easy to transport
  • Straightforward to set up
  • Well-suited for beginners and intermediate observers

Each time a telescope is checked out, you’ll receive personal, face-to-face instruction on setup, operation, and care. You’re never sent home guessing.

Learn With Confidence

Telescopes are precision instruments, and we treat them with care — but don’t let that intimidate you. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable, confident, and capable using real astronomical equipment.

Borrowing a telescope is one of the best ways to:

  • Learn how telescopes actually work
  • Discover what type of observing you enjoy
  • Decide what equipment (if any) you may want to purchase later

Many members start here — and that’s exactly how it’s meant to work.

Telescopes Available for Loan

CCAS maintains a small fleet of quality telescopes for member use, including:

  • 6-inch Newtonian reflectors (f/4 and f/5) on clock-driven equatorial mounts
  • 10-inch f/4 Dobsonian reflector
  • 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes (Meade and Celestron) on clock-driven equatorial mounts

Availability varies, and we’re happy to help you choose a scope that fits your experience level and interests.

Supporting Outreach & the Next Generation

Our telescope loan program supports more than individual learning — it also strengthens our public outreach.

Loaner telescopes allow CCAS to:

  • Support community star parties
  • Help students and beginners gain experience
  • Reduce barriers to entering astronomy
  • Share the night sky more widely

We gratefully welcome donations of telescopes and related equipment. These donations directly help budding astronomers take their first steps under the stars.

New to Astronomy?

If you’re just getting started and not sure where to begin, we recommend visiting New to Astronomy? Start Here. You don’t have to figure this out alone — CCAS is here for the journey.