HAS Loaner Telescope Program

One of the benefits of Houston Astronomical Society membership is access to the HAS Loaner Scope Program. This program allows members—especially those without their own equipment—to borrow telescopes or binoculars for exploring the night sky.

The program is ideal for beginners who want to learn the sky, practice observing skills, and compare different types and sizes of amateur telescopes before deciding what to purchase. Equipment is typically picked up from and returned to a designated member location (currently near the 610 Loop).

Requirements & Policies

• Borrowers must be HAS members in good standing for at least 2 months.
• The standard loan period is 30 days, renewable once if available.
• Novices are encouraged to learn basic star hopping and star chart use before borrowing equipment. NightWatch by Dickinson is a recommended resource and is available through the HAS Loan Library.
• Loaned equipment must be stored in a clean, sheltered environment, kept capped, and never left in a hot car.
• Never point loaner binoculars or telescopes at the Sun. Use only after sunset or in full shade.
• Equipment must be handled carefully. Do not disassemble or clean optics; contact the Loaner Telescope Chairperson if maintenance is needed.
• There is no rental fee, but borrowers are responsible for replacing any lost or damaged items.
• Borrowers must allow a copy of a Texas driver’s license (or guardian’s license) to be kept on file during the loan period.
• Checking out equipment constitutes agreement to these terms.

For more information, please email [email protected]. Be sure to put the name of the telescope you wish to borrow in the header.

Loaner Telescope Inventory