Start Exploring Astronomy
Borrow a telescope, learn astronomy basics, and discover beginner-friendly resources designed to help you explore the night sky with confidence.
Image Courtesy of St. Louis County Library, St. Louis, MO
Beginner Friendly by Design
Community telescope programs are designed for first-time users, families, and curious learners. Videos, observing guides, and astronomy resources help make getting started simple and approachable.
Telescope
A beginner-friendly telescope selected for public lending and easy night-sky exploration.
Accessories
An accessory bag with helpful items such as an instruction manual, red-light headlamp, and other basic tools.
Get Started Resources
Short videos and practical guides covering setup, finder alignment, aiming, and basic telescope use.
Continue Exploring
Beginner-friendly resources to help you plan future observing sessions and keep exploring the night sky.
What Can You See?
Start with bright, easy-to-find objects, then continue exploring as your confidence grows. What you can see will depend on the time of year, sky conditions, and your observing location.
The Moon
The Moon's craters
Planets
Saturn's Rings
Stars
Beehive Cluster (M44)
Deep Sky
Orion Nebula (M42)
Recommended First Steps
New to astronomy? This guided pathway helps beginners move from curiosity to confident night sky exploration without feeling overwhelmed.
Find A Program
Locate a participating library or astronomy access program near you.
Borrow a Telescope
Learn how telescope borrowing works and what to expect.
Learn the Basics
Explore simple telescope guidance and astronomy learning resources.
Explore the Sky
Begin observing the Moon, planets, constellations, and night sky objects.
Continue Exploring
Astronomy access is supported by libraries, volunteers, and communities
working together to help more people explore the night sky.
Libraries
Learn how libraries create sustainable astronomy lending programs.
Volunteers
Discover how volunteers help communities explore astronomy.
Get Involved
Support public astronomy access and community engagement.
Ready to Explore the Night Sky?
Borrow a telescope, learn the basics, and discover astronomy in your community.
Our Goal
The Library Telescope Program™ empowers libraries to spark curiosity, expand access to astronomy, and foster community engagement through hands-on telescope lending – putting the stars within reach for all.