Members of Austin Astronomical Society have access to AAS’s Loaner Scope program. AAS – through its Equipment Chair and team – keeps a limited number of telescopes available for members who may not have invested yet in a telescope, or who are trying out different telescopes and optics before settling on their own.

The loan period will be two months. However, if there is no outstanding request from another member to borrow the equipment after two months, the original member may continue to use the equipment until a request comes in or for a maximum of 6 months. After 6 months, the equipment must be returned to AAS for inspection and maintenance.

No fee or deposit is required to check out equipment however the borrowing AAS member agrees to replace any missing or damaged equipment (normal wear and tear excluded).

The borrower agrees to allow the Loaner Program Chairman to make a copy of their Texas Driver’s License (or the legal guardian’s driver’s license) to keep on file while the loaner scope is in your possession. This information will only be used, if necessary, to help us locate you and recover AAS property.

If you have questions, please contact equipment@austinastro.org

Checkout Process

The checkout process is simple:

Find the telescope you want to borrow in the list below (make sure it is available). Click the link in each row for more details.
Submit a Check-Out request, providing the information listed on the form in the next tab.
Complete the loan agreement.
If the package will be used by a younger AAS member, adult supervision is required.
Upon return to the Loaner Program contact, AAS will inspect the package.
If any damage or loss has occurred to the hardware, beyond normal wear & tear, you may lose your security deposit. You may be subject to repair or replacement expenses.

Loaner Telescopes

Checkout Process

Checkout Request Form

Check-Out Request Form

Telescopes for Loan