Loaner Scopes

NOVAC provides astronomy gear for club members to check out, free of charge, to use for a limited time. Our motto is try before you buy. 

To borrow a telescope, you will need to sign up for the item on the website, fill out a loaner agreement, leave a security deposit in the form of a check made out to NOVAC. When you sign up you will be able to see the queue for it. If there are other members already in the queue you will have to wait to check out the item and will be automatically contacted when it becomes available. When you return the scope your check is returned also. If the scope you borrowed was not in good working order, please let the custodian know so that it can be fixed before the next member picks it up.

NOVAC strives to maintain a quality loaner scope program with a variety of equipment and telescopes including items of premium value. As a way to give back to NOVAC, please volunteer to help at one of our outreach events or for another more specific NOVAC opportunity that may arise. All of our programs, including the loaner scope program, are sustained through dedicated volunteers and we can use your help too! You can also help support the program directly through an additional donation as part of your next membership renewal.

Please note: lost or damaged equipment and accessories (eyepieces, finders, hardware) will require a deduction from your deposit to replace.

Please be courteous to the host of the equipment. While this is a great member service to you, please remember that hosts are NOVAC volunteers. Schedule to return the equipment on time without waiting for the host to contact you. It is your responsibility to contact the host 4-5 days before the equipment is due back to arrange a time to meet. Be punctual when you make an appointment to pickup or return the item.

Enjoy!

Click pictures for more information.

If you have any trouble with the loaner scopes process, please send an email to loanerscope@novac.com.