Equipment Library
The Seattle Astronomical Society maintains a library of small and medium size telescopes that may be checked out by members in good standing. If you are new to astronomy, this is an excellent way to learn how to use a telescope and to begin viewing the wonders of the night sky, without having to invest immediately in a telescope of your own. To check out a telescope, please check out our equipment available for loan.
If you have any questions about borrowing equipment, or do not see a specific piece of equipment please reach out to our Equipment Manager.
See the complete equipment list in alphabetical order.
Keywords
You can narrow your search of our equipment library by selecting any one of the below keywords.
Astrophotography Beginner Binoculars Camera Imaging Intermediate Maksutov Newtonian Refractor Schmidt Cassegrain Visual
Search
All our equipment is currently on loan to other members.
Available Eventually
The following list of equipment is currently loaned out to a member, and may include other members waiting to also borrow.
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Celestron NexStar 6 SE (#1)
Currently there are 4 requests to borrow this.
Six Inch Computer Controlled (GoTo) Schmidt-Cass Telescope (SCT)
The Celestron 6 SE is a current model computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. The 6 SE features a relatively long 1500mm focal length (f/10) and a total weight of 30 lbs including the tripod.
The Planetary Imaging Kit works well with this scope..Contact the Equipment Manager (equipment@seattleastro.com) if you whish to borrow this 6 SE telescope and the Planetary Imaging Kit at the same time.
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Celestron NexStar 6SE (#2)
Currently there are 4 requests to borrow this.
Six Inch Computer Controlled (GoTo) Schmidt-Cass Telescope (SCT)
The Celestron 6 SE is a current model computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. The 6 SE features a relatively long 1500mm focal length (f/10) and a total weight of 30 lbs including the tripod.
The Planetary Imaging Kit works well with this scope..Contact the Equipment Manager (equipment@seattleastro.com) if you whish to borrow this 6 SE telescope and the Planetary Imaging Kit at the same time.
Restricted Equipment
Contact the Equipment Manager for more information on the following equipment.
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Celestron NexStar Evolution 6 (#1)
Six Inch GoTo Schmidt-Cass Telescope (SCT)
Contact the Equipment Manager to borrow this telescope
This telescope is a premium model 6 inch NexStar telescope. The loaner kit includes eyepieces, a "Red Dot" finderscope for initial alignment, and a good quality 1.25” star diagonal.
The Planetary Imaging Kit works well with this scope..Contact the Equipment Manager (equipment@seattleastro.com) if you whish to borrow this 6 SE telescope and the Planetary Imaging Kit at the same time.
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Celestron NexStar Evolution 6 (#2)
Assigned to the SAS Outreach Team
Six Inch GoTo Schmidt-Cass Telescope (SCT)
This is a premium model Celestron 6 inch NexStar telescope. The loaner kit includes a "Red Dot" finderscope for initial alignment, eyepieces, and a good quality 1.25” star diagonal.
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Meade 8" LX200 Schmidt Cassegrain
8 Inch GoTo Schmidt-Cass Telescope (SCT)
No Longer Available for Loans
This is a heavy, bulky telescope . The optical tube assembly includes the fork mount and weighs 43 lbs. It is stored in a plastic tub that is 30" x 20" x 16" (L,W,H).
Contact the Equipment Manager (equipment@seattleastro.org) for more information.
This is a Meade eight Inch aperture, fork mounted, f/10 GoTo Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. The GoTo pointing accuracy is very good but the setup and alignment directions contained in the Quick Start guide must be carefully followed. Note that this kit does not include an optional equatorial wedge, since this is not required for visual observing.
Telescope Types
What are those numbers?
The f-ratio is the focal length divided by the diameter of the telescope. Magnification is the focal length of the telescope divided by the focal length of the eyepiece.
Example
To find the f-ratio of a telescope 10 " in diameter with a 45" focal length:
Divide 45 " F.L. by10" D. to get an f-ratio of 4.5.
Compute Magnification
First, convert focal length to mm: 45" = 1146 mm, then:
1146 mm focal length divided by 35 mm eyepiece equals 33 magnification.
More Information
If you are interested in learning more about telescopes, we recommend:
- SAS member Sorin (aka Soggy Astronomer ) has written an article, The Agony of Buying Your First Telescope and also presented at our May 15, 2013 general meeting, which includes additional information and links.
- Sky & Telescope's excellent article on equipment basics
- North Ireland's Choosing A Telescope by Andrew Johnston
