Technorati Tags: celestron, NexStar, Unboxing

Who says Astronomy has to be complicated? Let a NexStar SE help you find thousands of stars, planets galaxies and more at the touch of a button! The new NexStar SE Family combines unprecedented ease of use with advanced features and incredible value. Buyer’s remorse not included.

Technorati Tags: celestron, NexStar, Overview, telescope

• APERTURE 114MM (4.5″), FOCAL LENGTH, FOCAL RATIO: 1000M F/8.8, RACK & PINION FOCUSER, EQUATORIAL MOUNT WITH SLOW-MOTION CONTROLS, SETTING CIRCLES, LATITUDE CONTROL WITH SCALE, TWO 1.25″ EYEPIECES MA9MM, MA25MM, RED-DOT VIEWFINDER
• Autoalign – Coma-Free Optics – Ultra High Transmission Coatings!
• Ultra high transmission coating for 20% more image brightness!

Includes Meade cassegrain telescope LXD75 SC8AT UHTC optical tube German equatorial mount Autostar 497 hand controller 8×50 achromatic viewfinder heavy duty tripod Power supply 26mm Super Plossl 1.25 inch eyepiece.

Technorati Tags: Astronomy, astrophotography, celestron, eyepiece, Telescopes

• Star Pointer finderscope
• 25mm (40x) and 10mm (100x) 1.25-inch SMA eyepieces
• 114mm (4.5-inch) diameter Newtonian reflector
• Adjustable aluminum tripod
• Complete go-to computer hand control
• DO NOT view the sun directly with this telescope as it can cause serious eye damage
• Made in China
• 6-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope; StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard
• StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects
• Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube, and accessory tray for no-tool setup
• SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process
• Nearly 40,000 object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects
• Normal image (no up-side-down and reversed images) viewing for daytime observing with included 1.5x erecting lens.
• Enjoy multiple viewing magnifications from 22x to 150x with included accessories.
• Includes easy to use pre-assembled 10-inch metal tripod.
• Tripod comes with easy to use universal camera mount that allows use with the Cstar TT-150 telescope as well as other cameras, brands and spotting scope brands.
• Directional control handle included. Provides quick and easy way to change telescope viewing position.
• Great for active outdoor scopers
• Quick and easy no-tool setup
• Permanently mounted StarPointer
• Erect image optics – Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
• Quick release dovetail attachment – no tool setup
• German Equatorial mount with Setting circles – to accurately locate and track sky objects
• 5-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope; StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard
• StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects
• Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube, and accessory tray for no-tool setup
• SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process
• Nearly 40,000-object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects
• Ultraportable “day and night” telescope for folks on the go
• Includes telescope plus full-length aluminum tripod with retractable legs
• Rugged backpacks holds the telescope, tripod and all accessories
• Includes EZ Finder II red dot finder scope and two eyepieces for low-and high-power views
• Also includes Starry Night stargazing CD-ROM
• Telescopes 60-millimeter refractors feature a fully computerized hand control
• Includes database of over 4,000 celestial objects
• Pre-assembled, adjustable steel tripod makes set up quick and easy
• StarPointer Finderscope with a red LED makes aligning a breeze
• Weighs only 9.5 pounds

The Celestron NexStar 60 SLT Computerized Telescope is a highly affordable yet advanced telescope that can turn starry nights into space odysseys for aspiring astronomers. The telescope’s 60-millimeter refractors come with a fully computerized hand control with a database of over 4,000 celestial objects. With its pre-assembled, adjustable steel tripod, the NexStar 60 can be up and ready to use in a matter of minutes. Celestron’s SkyAlign alignment technology and the included StarPointer Finderscope with a red LED makes aligning a breeze. With the NexStar 60, you can see breathtaking views of the lunar landscape, Venus and its phases, Jupiter and its four moons, and much more. Weighing only 9.5 pounds, this telescope can be easily moved to your favorite observations point.

Technorati Tags: celestron

• Star Pointer finderscope
• 25mm (40x) and 10mm (100x) 1.25-inch SMA eyepieces
• 114mm (4.5-inch) diameter Newtonian reflector
• Adjustable aluminum tripod
• Complete go-to computer hand control

Amazon.com Product Description Celestron likes to say, “the only simple thing about NexStar is its operation,” and we have to agree. The sophisticated NexStar 114 GT is quite easy to assemble, even for a complete novice. Once you put the scope together and mount it on the sturdy aluminum tripod (also included), simply take the hand control with illuminated dual 16-character LCD display, and dial in the date, location, and position of north. Using its quiet, high-precision servo motor, the NexStar automatically aligns itself with the night sky.

From there it is a breeze to select what you want to see using the computerized hand control, which features automatic slewing to over 4,000 celestial objects, as well as manual high-speed slewing and fine-centering at the touch of a button. Even a beginner can master this telescope within just a few observing sessions. Also provided: a Star Pointer finderscope designed to help you point the telescope while scanning the sky with both eyes, the Sky Level I CD-ROM with a database of 10,000 celestial objects, and a sturdy, adjustable aluminum tripod with an accessory tray.

Featuring a 114mm (4.5-inch) diameter Newtonian reflector with a focal length of 1,000mm (focal ratio of f/9), this telescope affords approximately 265 times the light-gathering power of the naked eye. And, with the two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) included here, it offers maximum magnifications of 40x and 100x, making it capable of revealing fine detail within galaxies and nebulae. The NexStar 114 Newtonian reflector has 265 times the light gathering power of the average human eye, revealing fine detail within galaxies and nebulae. This compact design brings objects into view with a 114mm aperture, 1000mm focal length capable of achieving magnifications of 40x and 100x with the included eyepieces.

Its large 4.5″ diameter outshines smaller scopes. Polar caps on Mars become visible along with the cloud belts on Jupiter. The rings of Saturn are also clearly visible. Perhaps most exciting is the sheer variety of deep sky objects (stars, clusters, nebulae). Because of their optical design, reflectors are best suited for astronomical use.

Specifications summarized:

• 114mm (4.5″) diameter Newtonian Reflector
• Focal Length of 1000mm
• Focal Ratio of f/9
• Weight: 15.5 Lbs.

Standard accessories for the NexStar 114 GT:

• 25mm (40x) and 10mm (100x) 1.25″ SMA Eyepieces
• Star Pointer Finderscope
• The Sky Level I CD-ROM
• Sturdy, Adjustable Aluminum Tripod with Accessory Tray
• GT models come with the complete Go-To computer hand control

Moon viewing 101
The moon is often one of the first celestial objects a beginner will look at through his or her telescope. Here are a couple hints for you once you get your hands on your new NexStar 114.

Often, it is tempting to look at the Moon when it is full. At this time, the face we see is fully illuminated and its light can be overpowering. In addition, little or no contrast can be seen during this phase. One of the best times to observe the Moon is during its partial phases (around the time of first or third quarter). Long shadows reveal a great amount of detail on the lunar surface. At low power you will be able to see most of the lunar disk at one time. The optional Reducer/Corrector lens allows for breath-taking views of the entire lunar disk when used with a low power eyepiece. Change to higher power (magnification) to focus in on a smaller area. Choose the lunar tracking rate from the NexStar’s MENU tracking rate options to keep the moon centered in the eyepiece even at high magnifications.

Observing the Planets
Other fascinating targets include the five naked-eye planets. You can see Venus go through its lunar-like phases. Mars can reveal a host of surface detail and one, if not both, of its polar caps. You will be able to see the cloud belts of Jupiter and the great Red Spot (if it is visible at the time you are observing). In addition, you will also be able to see the moons of Jupiter as they orbit the giant planet. Saturn, with its beautiful rings, is easily visible at moderate power. Remember that atmospheric conditions are usually the limiting factor on how much planetary detail will be visible. So avoid observing the planets when they are low on the horizon or when they are directly over a source of radiating heat, such as a rooftop or chimney.

The Nuts and Bolts of the NexStar 114 GT

Lens Cover Optical Tube Fork Arm Tripod Accessory Tray w/ hand control holder Hand Control Collimation Adjustment Knobs Tube Ring Eyepiece Star Pointer Finderscope

Technorati Tags: celestron, telescope

• Collects 60% more light than a typical 60mm beginner’s telescope
• Red-dot finder makes it easy to find things in the night sky
• Observe the Moon, planets, star clusters, even some nebulae and galaxies
• Table-top base can be easily mounted on a tripod with a 3/8″ screw
• Lightweight, compact design lets you take FunScope anywhere
• 12.5mm and 6mm eyepieces provide a variety of magnifications
• Moon filter increases contrast of Earth’s natural satellite for detailed views
• 5×24 finderscope makes it easy to aim the FirstScope
• Included CD-Rom gives you all the resources you need for a well-prepared stargazing session
• Pack everything up in the Nylon Carrying Bag for convenient transport
• Optical Design: Achromatic Refractor Optical Diameter: 60mm Focal Length: 350mm Focal Ratio: f/5 Maximum Useful Magnification: 200x
• Features of Meade ETX-60 AT Go To Computerized Telescopes: Internal flip-in Barlow lens 12V DC servo motors w/encoders Electric Slow Motion controls, 9-speed, both axes Bubble level/ compas
• Free Planetarium Software Includes Meade #494 Autostar with 9-speed controller and automatic GO TO capability to any of over 1400 celestial objects
• Meade ETX60 Telescope Package Contents: Meade ETX-60-AT Achromatic Refractor 494 Autostar Computer Controller Three Eyepieces 45 degree erecting prism Aluminum Tripod Back pack
• 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard
• StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects
• Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube and accessory tray for no-tool setup
• SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process
• Nearly 40,000-object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects

Amazon.com Review Celestron’s Nexstar 8 SE telescope combines excellent optics and computerized “GoTo” tracking in a package that’s light, portable and affordable. The legendary performance of Celestron’s orange tube C8 telescope has been updated with high performance Starbright XLT coatings, and the single arm Nexstar mount now includes Celestron’s easy to use “SkyAlign” technology.

Jupiter as seen through the Celestron NexStar 8SE special-edition computerized telescope.

The Nexstar 8 SE upholds Celestron’s reputation for quality optics. When I use an 11mm Plossl eyepiece (almost 200x magnification) for example, I can easily see the Cassini Division in Saturn’s rings. When I look at Jupiter, the pale orange color of Jupiter’s famous Great Red Spot is visible, and I’ve even been able to identify the polar caps and spot dust storms on the planet Mars. A 20mm Plossl eyepiece (about 100x magnification) is a good choice for viewing galaxies and star clusters. When I look at globular cluster M13 in the constellation Hercules the high contrast XLT optics show me a glowing snowflake made of hundreds of tiny pin-point stars! And a low power 32mm Plossl eyepiece is a good choice for views of larger deep space highlights like the Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula.

The moon seen through the Celestron NexStar 8SE telescope. (See larger image.)

Celestron’s patented “SkyAlign” system makes the Nexstar 8 SE very easy to use. I just pick the nearest town from the built-in list, enter the date and time, and point the telescope at three bright stars. I don’t need a star chart because “SkyAlign” identifies the stars for me. When I just want a quick look at the moon or a planet, I like to use the “Solar System Align” option. After entering the date and time, I just point the telescope at the moon and press the “Align” key. That’s all it takes, the computer takes over and the telescope begins tracking quietly and accurately. At star parties I often have my Nexstar up and running while older computerized telescopes are still waiting for their alignment stars to appear in the twilight.

The Nexstar 8 SE comes with a simple red-dot finder scope and a basic 25mm eyepiece. You’ll want to add a few good eyepieces to take full advantage of the Nexstar 8 SE’s excellent optics. At the very least get Celestron’s bargain priced Accessory Kit which includes high and low power plossl eyepieces, or treat yourself to some top rated Tele Vue eyepieces. At twenty-four pounds total weight, the Nexstar 8 SE is unusually light and portable for an eight-inch telescope. The drawback of course is that some people will find it too light. Like other Schmidt Cassegrain (SCT) telescopes there are plenty of optional accessories to upgrade this telescope with, such as heavy duty tripods and an optical finder scope. If you want to try astro-photography, however, check out Celestron’s CPC 800 Telescope which features a heavy duty mount and tripod and an 8×50 optical finder scope right out of the box. –Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Excellent optics
• Easy computerized GoTo tracking
• Light, portable and affordable

Cons:

• Plastic accessories
• Short battery life
• Too light for astro-photography

Technorati Tags: Astronomy, astrophotography, celestron, telescope, Telescopes

•  Aperture 60Mm (2.8)
•  Focal Length, Focal Ratio 700Mm F/11.7
•  Altazimuth Mount With Slow-Motion Controls
• Astronomical Software & Instructional Dvd
• Aluminum Tripod With Accessory Tray
• Magnification: 25x
• Telescope Type: Hand-held
• Length: 5.25-14in.
• Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm
• Weight: 1 lbs
• Optical Design – Refractor
• Aperture – 50mm
• Focal Length – 600mm
• F-Number – 12
• Finderscope – 5×24
• Computerized hand control with 4,000-object database
• SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects
• Motorized Altazimuth mount
• f9 focal ratio
• 1000mm focal length
• Quick and easy no-tool setup
• Permanently mounted StarPointer
• Erect image optics , Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
• Quick release dovetail attachment, no tool setup
• Pan handle Alt-Az control with clutch, for smooth and accurate pointing (21061, 21063 & 31043)
• Quick and easy no-tool setup
• Permanently mounted StarPointer
• Erect image optics – Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
• Quick release dovetail attachment – no tool setup
• German Equatorial mount with Setting circles – to accurately locate and track sky objects
• Aperture 90mm (3.5 inches)
• 900mm Focal Length F/10
• Rack & Pinion Focuser
• Alt-Azimuth Mount With Slow Motion Controls
• Two 1.25 Premium Eyepieces
• 4-inch Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope; StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard
• StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects
• Quick-release fork arm mount, optical tube, and accessory tray for no-tool setup
• SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process
• Nearly 40,000-bject database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects

Amazon.com Review Celestron’s NexStar 4 SE is the smallest and most portable telescope in Celestron’s NexStar SE series. Using a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, the NexStar 4 SE puts the magnifying power of a four foot long telescope into an optical tube only 13 inches long.

Moon

The NexStar 4 SE features computerized finding and tracking of nearly 40,000 celestial objects, no-tool setup is easy, and planetarium software for your PC is included.

Jupiter

The NexStar 4 SE delivers great views of the Moon, the planets, and bright deep space objects. The standard equipment 25mm E-Lux plossl eyepiece gives a magnification of 53X, enough to see the Lunar disk, Saturn’s rings and the major cloud bands on Jupiter. It’s easy to add optional eyepieces to zoom in for more detail. Using a 12.5mm X-Cel eyepiece for 106X magnification I can see several cloud bands on Jupiter and I can even pick out the small dark shadow as one of Jupiter’s moons passes in front of the planet. On a good night I can push the magnification up to 230X with a 6mm plossl eyepiece while viewing the Moon and planets.

The NexStar 4 SE package also includes a sturdy adjustable tripod, a motorized alt-azimuth mount, and the NexStar hand held computer controller. I don’t need star charts or a GPS reciever to operate this telescope. Celestron’s patented SkyAlign procedure is easy to use, and experienced users will like the two-star align and solar-system align options because they are even quicker to set up. The steel tripod and alt-azimuth mount provide a solid base for the NexStar 4 SE. Vibration is not a problem, even while focusing at high power. The computerized tracking is also very good, easily keeping planets in the field of a high power eyepiece. The disadvantage of a computerized scope, of course, is battery consumption. I find that rechargeable NiMH batteries work very well in the NexStar 4SE; a set of batteries lasts all evening and I don’t need to worry about electrical cords getting tangled in the dark.

The NexStar 4 SE is a great portable telescope, just right for visual observing or for taking short exposure pictures of the Moon and planets. It’s only fair to warn you that a small telescope has its drawbacks, however; there are thousands of objects in the NexStar database that are simply too dim to see with a four inch telescope. –Jeff Phillips

Venus

Pros:

• Small, portable and affordable
• Very good optics
• Easy computerized tracking

Cons:

• Rechargeable batteries not included
• Small size limits deep space viewing

Technorati Tags: Astronomy, astrophotography, celestron, telescope, Telescopes

•  Aperture 60Mm (2.8)
•  Focal Length, Focal Ratio 700Mm F/11.7
•  Altazimuth Mount With Slow-Motion Controls
• Astronomical Software & Instructional Dvd
• Aluminum Tripod With Accessory Tray
• Magnification: 25x
• Telescope Type: Hand-held
• Length: 5.25-14in.
• Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm
• Weight: 1 lbs
• Optical Design – Refractor
• Aperture – 50mm
• Focal Length – 600mm
• F-Number – 12
• Finderscope – 5×24

PowerSeeker 50mm Diameter Refractor Telescope

Technorati Tags: Astronomy, binocular, celestron, telescope, Telescopes

•  Aperture 60Mm (2.8)
•  Focal Length, Focal Ratio 700Mm F/11.7
•  Altazimuth Mount With Slow-Motion Controls
• Astronomical Software & Instructional Dvd
• Aluminum Tripod With Accessory Tray
• Magnification: 25x
• Telescope Type: Hand-held
• Length: 5.25-14in.
• Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm
• Weight: 1 lbs
• Optical Design – Refractor
• Aperture – 50mm
• Focal Length – 600mm
• F-Number – 12
• Finderscope – 5×24
• Computerized hand control with 4,000-object database
• SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects
• Motorized Altazimuth mount
• f9 focal ratio
• 1000mm focal length

Celestron’s computerized NexStar 114 SLT adds affordable GoTo technology to a compact Newtonian reflector telescope. The complete package has everything you need to get started except the batteries. The box contains high and low power eyepieces (9mm and 25mm), the computer controller, an adjustable tripod, a red dot finder, and even a planetarium program for your personal computer.

The NexStar 114 SLT’s compact Newtonian optics produce images that are three times brighter than 60mm beginner scopes. With this telescope it’s easy to see Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s cloud belts. When the night air is still and clear I’ve been able to see the Cassini division in Saturn’s rings and even spot the shadow of Jupiter’s moons crossing the planets cloud tops! Deep space objects like star clusters and galaxies also show up nicely. The Ring Nebula M57, for instance, shows up as a pale smoke ring, and globular cluster M13 begins to reveal its individual stars.

Celestron’s computerized SkyAlign system is remarkably quick and easy to use. If you can see the moon, you can align this telescope! When you turn on the telescope, select “Solar System Align” on the hand control, enter the date and time, point the telescope at the moon, and press the “Align” button. That’s all it takes; the computerized tracking system takes over and begins tracking, quietly, and accurately. Experienced users will love the “Auto Two-Star Align” and “SkyAlign” modes because they allow the telescope to point accurately at over 4,000 objects in the NexStar database. The accurate tracking allowed me to use a Celestron NexImage to take some nice close-up pictures of the moon and planets.

The biggest drawback to a computerized telescope is its battery consumption. The standard AA batteries only last a few hours, but the NexStar 114 SLT works very well with an external 12-volt battery such as Celestron’s Power Tank. The other drawback comes from the NexStar 114 SLT’s compact optical design. This telescope uses a short-focal-length mirror combined with a corrector lens to simulate a traditional long tube reflector. This works pretty well at moderate magnification levels, but the mirrors may need to be fine-tuned, or “collimated,” to get the best high power images. I find Celestron’s Collimation Eyepiece helps me get this fine tuning just right, but the reward is sharp images, even when I use the high power 9mm eyepiece with a barlow lens for a magnification over 200x. –Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Easy computerized GoTo system
• Good (but not great) optics
• Includes everything but the batteries

Cons:

• Short battery life
• Optics may need occasional fine tuning

Technorati Tags: celestron, nexstar telescope, scope, telescope

• Affordable telescope for beginning astronomer; portable yet powerful
• All-glass optical components with high transmission coatings for enhanced image brightness and clarity
• Refractor optical design with a 60mm aperture and 700mm focal length
• Altazimuth mount suitable for terrestial viewing as well as astronomical use
• Includes 3x Barlow Lens (1.25″), 20mm eyepiece, 4mm eyepiece, aluminum tripod with accessory tray
• FirstScope Telescope
• 76mm aperture reflector optical tube
• Moveable tube for ease of navigation for viewing
• Lightweight, portable
• Two eyepieces included
• Quick and easy no-tool setup
• Permanently mounted StarPointer
• Erect image optics – Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
• “The Sky®” Level 1 planetarium software with 10,000 object database and enhanced images
• Rugged pre-assembled tripod with 1.25″ steel tube legs – Provides a rigid and stable platform
• 3x Barlow Lens
• German Equatorial Mount
• 127mm Aperture
• 1000mm Focal Length
• Comes with aluminum tripod and accessory tray
• Yoke Mounted 800mm x 80mm Reflector Telescope w/ Altitude Slow Motion Control Rod
• Pre-assembled metal tripod with accessory tray and retractable rubber feet.
• Unique Features: 1.25″ Format
• Included Accessories: Mars-Eye Finder, 2 1.25″ Eyepieces(6mm & 20mm)
• Galileo trilogy software set – Planetarium progam, instructional telescope videos, Britannica educational program and 1 Year Warranty
• 50×50mm table telescope & 900x microscope
• Refractor telescope ideal for land or skyviewing for the young observer
• 19-piece microscope kit includes assorted examination slides, preparation tools & sample slides
• Computerized hand control with 4,000-object database
• SkyAlign allows you to align on any 3 bright celestial objects
• Motorized Altazimuth mount
• Focal ratio: f5
• Focal length: 650mm
• Affordable telescope for beginning astronomer; portable yet powerful
• All-glass optical components with high transmission coatings for enhanced image brighness and clarity
• Newtonian optical design with a 114mm aperture and 900mm focal length
• Equatorial mount for tracking the sky
• Includes 3x Barlow Lens (1.25″), 20mm eyepiece, 4mm eyepiece, aluminum tripod with accessory tray
• Quick and easy no-tool setup
• Permanently mounted StarPointer
• Erect image optics – Ideal for terrestrial and astronomical use
• Quick release dovetail attachment – no tool setup
• German Equatorial mount with Setting circles – to accurately locate and track sky objects

If you’re looking for a dual-purpose telescope appropriate for both terrestrial and celestial viewing, then the AstroMaster Series is for you. Each AstroMaster model is capable of giving correct views of land and sky. The AstroMaster Series produce bright, clear images of the Moon and planets. It is easy to see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn with every one of these fine instruments. For views of the brighter deep space objects like galaxies and nebulae, we recommend the larger aperture and light gathering ability of the Newtonian reflectors.

Technorati Tags: astromaster, celestron, celestron astromaster 130 eq, reflector, telescope