The Warren County Astronomical Society has partnered with Cincinnati astronomer Dean Regas to donate telescopes to the Franklin-Springboro Public Library and the Mason Public Library.
The easy-to-use telescopes are available free of charge for library patrons to check out, just like they borrow books, videos, and other materials. Included with the telescopes are instructions, astronomy books, and a sky map to help people navigate the night sky.
“We want to bring the awe and wonderment of the night sky to our neighbors throughout Warren County,” said Marge Batten, membership director and a member of the Board of Directors of the Warren County Astronomical Society. “These telescopes are the perfect size for families and individuals of all ages to explore the planets and stars from their back yards.”
“What better way to spike the interest in the universe that surrounds us than to make telescopes available to our community,” Regas said. He’s the former astronomer at the Cincinnati Observatory who writes books, speaks across the country, and hosts a popular podcast about astronomy.
Regas recorded how-to-use instructions for telescope borrowers, and volunteer members of the Warren County Astronomical Society offer additional help at their monthly public events.
As part of its community outreach program, the Warren County Astronomical Society also donated a telescope to the Lebanon Public Library last year.
The Warren County Astronomical Society members offer night sky tours for the public each month at the Fred Bay Observatory at Hisey Park near Waynesville and the Rachel A. Hutzel Observatory at Camp Joy near Clarksville. Our astronomy event calendar is available online at https://wcas-oh.org/upcoming-events/
