Useful Documents:Download the most recent guides to get the most out of your ASEM Library Telescope Program: How to use your library telescope:Quick Start Guide: Download
Observing Guide: Skymaps.com | About The Program
ASEM uses the Orion StarBlast 4.5" telescope for its program. Each telescope is modified by ASEM to be more durable and patron friendly and is equipped with accessories to help library patrons explore the night sky, including a user’s manual, constellation guide, Moon map, and night light. ASEM also provides the libraries with ongoing educational support and telescope maintenance. Throughout the year, libraries host star parties – telescope viewing sessions where the public can gather to view the night skies through a number of telescopes operated by ASEM members. ASEM modeled it's program based on a design by Marc Stowbridge and the New Hampshire Astronomical Society. The New Hampshire program was launched in 2008 and has proven highly successful with over 100 participating libraries and waiting lists for patrons to “checkout” the telescope. We (ASEM) collaborate with the St Louis Astronomical Society ("SLAS") to market and care for the program in the exact same fashion in the metropolitan St Louis area.The following St Charles Libraries have Library Telescopes to borrow: (Total : 19 telescopes!!)
How to care for this telescope:
====================== In conjunction with the 2017 total solar eclipse, ASEM and SLAS assisted the libraries in obtaining 12 Galileo Solar Scopes, for use by Library personnel (riding piggyback on the LIBRARY SCOPE) or by educational professionals (teachers). These are not available for general public check-out. FOR TEACHERS ONLY: ASEM has provided ONE SUNSPOTTER solar telescope that is very easy and safe to use and share views with students. This can be used for solar eclipses as well as for viewing LARGE sunspots (Earth-sized or greater). Contrast is even sharper if skies are truly clear and bright. For current sunspots, check with www.spaceweather.com (see "Daily Sun", shown on left margin of that web page). Teachers can check this small scope out at the SPENCER ROAD library only. Training/Instruction manual: http://www.slasonline.org/sunspotter.pdf and / or by watching our YouTube Video located at https://youtu.be/wvCWBJMufiw |
Many other resources on our other ASEM web pages!