A mobile Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with computerised alt-azimuth positioning, the Celestron Astro Fi 102 is ideal for observing the sky. The Astro Fi provides stunning nighttime views of the Moon's craters, Saturn's rings, Jupiter's Great Red Spot, the Orion Nebula, the Hercules Globular Cluster, and many more celestial objects. The star diagonal also offers right side up viewing, making it possible to use the telescope as a spotting scope during the day.
The telescope is simple to set up, and you can start observing right away. You can set up the telescope, its attachments, and download the SkyPortal software in only a few minutes, even if it's your first time. You may adjust the telescope's height to your preference with the tripod's movable legs. The entire telescope equipment weighs about 16 pounds, making it ideal for carrying wherever life's activities take you or for spontaneous observation sessions.
The lens cap for Astro Fi doubles as a smartphone adapter for further amusement.
To take pictures and videos of all your findings, place your smartphone inside the adapter and fasten it over the Astro Fi's eyepiece.
Optical Maksutov-Cassegrain Design
Since the MAK is a catadioptric telescope, both a lens and a mirror are used in the optical construction. Before reaching the eyepiece, light entering an MAK passes via the corrector lens, the primary mirror, and a secondary mirror that is spherical. Images are clear, bright, and almost chromatic aberration-free.
The optical layout of the Maksutov-Cassegrain has several distinctive advantages. The MAK has a "secondary spot" of reflective coating that is directly sprayed to the interior of the corrector plate in place of a secondary mirror. As a result, unlike a Schmidt-Cassegrain, the telescope does not require frequent collimation. Additionally, compared to a conventional Schmidt-Cassegrain secondary mirror, the secondary spot is considerably smaller, giving the MAK its distinctive high-contrast images.
A crucial point to remember regarding Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes is that, in comparison to a Schmidt-Cassegrain of the same aperture, the larger, heavier Maksutov corrector plate takes longer to cool down and adjust to ambient air temperature.
Telescope with computerised alt-azimuth
Utilize the computerised alt-azimuth telescope to see the sky. The telescope can travel in any direction thanks to its simple construction.
Wi-Fi built-in and the Celestron SkyPortal app
Utilize your mobile device to operate your telescope. To enable simple remote observing, the Astro Fi series emits its own wireless connection to Celestron's SkyPortal software. The typical telescope hand control is replaced by Celestron's SkyPortal software for a completely wireless experience. Find an object in the sky that you want to see, tap it on SkyPortal, and watch as your Astro Fi telescope automatically slews to the target. It's never been more enjoyable to explore the cosmos using SkyPortal's informational features while you observe!
NOTE: We advise installing the app before going outside to witness due to the wealth of information SkyPortal has to provide.
SkyAlign Technology
SkyAlign technology from Celestron, which has won numerous awards, makes the observation preparation process quick and pleasant. Any three bright objects can be centred in the eyepiece, and your telescope will determine their positions. Based on your precise time and location, you may even construct a Sky Tour of all the best celestial things to see.
Included Accessories
The Astro Fi 102 has a red dot finderscope, a star diagonal, two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), and an integrated smartphone adaptor.
Different magnifications are available to view your target object through the two eyepieces.
When staring up into the sky, the star diagonal offers a right-side-up perspective for a more comfortable viewing angle.
You can rapidly centre an object in your eyepiece with the red dot finderscope for simpler observation.
Smartphone/Lens Cap Adapter -
With the help of this smartphone adapter, you can photograph heavenly or earthly objects!
The inbuilt smartphone adapter on the Astro Fi lens cap makes it easy to take stunning pictures of the Moon, planets, and terrestrial subjects like birds and other wildlife. This accessory enables you to connect any smartphone to any telescope eyepiece with an outer diameter of 45mm or less thanks to its lightweight, robust chassis. Installing this smartphone adapter over the top of an eyepiece is simple, and bungee cords hold your phone firmly in place so you can take pictures or videos. Most smartphones can be used with their cases on, but some cases that are very large and/or bulky (such folio style cases) may need to be removed in order for the phone to fit in the adapter.
Starry Night Software
Learn about the night sky, celestial objects, and how to organise your next observing session by downloading Celestron's Starry Night Software. The best astronomy software package available today, Celestron Starry Night Software, offers tools and information for viewing our solar system and beyond.
Features
102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain with fully coated glass optics
Control your telescope via integrated Wi-Fi using the free Celestron SkyPortal app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices
Quick and easy, no-tool setup.
Two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), star diagonal, finderscope, and a NEW integrated smartphone adapter included.
Adjustable height tripod includes an accessory tray
Included Items:
Optical tube
Mount and tripod
Accessory tray
2x eyepieces
1.25" Star diagonal
1.25" visual back
StarPointer red dot finderscope
Battery pouch
Technical Specifications Optical Tube:
Optical Design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Aperture: 102mm (4.02")
Focal Length: 1325mm (52.17")
Focal Ratio: f/13
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 25mm (.98")
Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 53x
Focal Length of Eyepiece 2: 10mm (.39")
Magnification of Eyepiece 2: 132x
Finderscope: StarPointer red dot finderscope
Star Diagonal: 1.25" Star Diagonal
Optical Tube: Aluminium
Highest Useful Magnification: 241x
Lowest Useful Magnification: 15x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 12.5
Resolution (Rayleigh): 1.37 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes): 1.14 arc seconds
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): 212x
Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 35mm (1.38")
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: 34%
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: 12%
Optical Coatings: Fully Coated
Optical Tube Length: 381mm (15")
Optical Tube Diameter: 117mm (4.6")
Optical Tube Weight: 6 lbs (2.7 kg)
Dovetail: CG-5 Dovetail bar
Technical Specifications Mount:
Mount Type: Computerised Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Instrument load capacity: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): 863.6mm - 1371.6mm (34" - 54")
Tripod leg diameter: 31.75mm (1.25") aluminium
Mount Head Weight: 5 lbs (2.3 kg)
Accessory Tray: Yes. Includes rubberized smartphone or tablet holder
Tripod Weight: 5 lbs (2.3 kg)
Slew Speeds: Up to 3°/second
Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar, and Lunar
Tracking Modes: Alt-Az, EQ North and EQ South
GPS: N/A
Dovetail Compatibility: CG-5 dovetail
Number of Auxiliary Ports: 2x AUX Port for optional accessories
Autoguide Port: No
USB Port: No (only with optional Nexstar+ remote)
Power Requirements: 12V DC, 1A (Tip positive)
Motor Drive: DC servo motor
Alignment Procedures: SkyAlign, 3-Star Align, Solar System Align
Periodic Error Correction: No
Computerised Hand Control: Hand control not included (optional)
NexStar+ Database: Optional Nexstar+ hand remote provides over 40,000 objects in the computer's database
Software: Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App. Each provide over 100,00 objects in their database
Total Kit Weight: 16 lbs (7.25 kg)
Solar Warning
Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it.
Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.
