The Workshop, the creative technologies hub on the lower level of Cabell Library, is expanding its collection with three new telescopes designed to give students hands-on ways to explore the night sky. The telescopes will debut at a free skywatch event Oct. 26. 

Whether students are seeing the stars for the first time, want to experience traditional telescope viewing or are interested in more advanced astrophotography, the new collection offers a way to get started. The Seestar S50 uses an app to automatically locate and track objects while capturing images of faint galaxies and nebulae. The Explore Scientific FirstLight 80mm refractor offers a more hands-on observing experience, allowing users to view the moon, planets and sun through an eyepiece with a safe solar filter. The RedCat 61 is a travel-friendly option built for detailed astrophotography, giving more experienced users the ability to capture large nebular and star fields with a separate camera and tracking mount.

The Workshop staff is trained to assist with all telescopes so that patrons get started and make the most of the new equipment. After the October 26 launch event, these telescopes will be available for students to borrow.

The new collection will make its debut on Monday, Oct. 26, during The Workshop’s Telescope Launch: Full Moon Viewing. From 7:30 to 9 p.m., students can gather on the terrace of Cabell Library to celebrate the Hunter’s Moon, try the new telescopes and capture photos of the moon with smartphone and digital cameras. Register to attend the event through The Workshop’s event calendar.

The event is presented in partnership with the Society of Physics Students and made possible with funding from the VCU Foundation.