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Reminder: The Library Has Solar Telescopes (Sunspotters) for Check Out

The Fargo Public Library has been generously gifted three telescopes from the MSUM Dept. of Physics and Astronomy through a grant from the American Astronomical Society.

07/16/2018


  • Sunspotter telescope
    Sunspotter telescope

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is due to launch this fall, but you can safely take a look at the Sun right now with the Fargo Public Library’s Sunspotter Solar Telescopes. The Fargo Public Library has been generously gifted three telescopes from the MSUM Dept. of Physics and Astronomy through a grant from the American Astronomical Society. The Sunspotter is a Keplerian telescope that projects an image of the sun through a series of mirrors onto a white surface, providing observers with a safe way to view sunspots, solar eclipses and other solar activity. It’s easy to set up and allows for group viewing. A copy of Solar Science: Exploring Sunspots, Seasons, Eclipses, and More by Dennis Schatz and Andrew Fraknoi is included with each telescope kit, providing a great starting point for instruction on the Sun. Telescopes check out for three weeks and are available at each Fargo Public Library location. Checkout is limited to one per card. A valid Fargo Public Library card is required to check out the telescopes.

The solar telescopes are available at all three library locations. Library patrons can place holds on the telescopes via the library’s catalog and they can be sent to the selected branch library for pick-up.

For information about the Sunspotter telescopes and other technology resources for children at the Fargo Public Library, contact Children’s Services Dept. at 701.241.1495.

For more information regarding the Fargo Public Library, its resources, and a calendar of upcoming events, call the Main Library Information Desk at 701.241.1492.