With this special edition Celestron Royal Observatory Greenwich StarSense Explorer DX 100AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Refractor Telescope, locating objects has never been easier, faster, or more accurate and is the latest collaboration between Celestron and the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you can be navigating the sky with confidence. Place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app. After aligning your phone to the telescope's optics (a quick, 2-minute procedure), the StarSense Explorer generates a list of celestial objects currently visible. Make your selection, and arrows appear onscreen, guiding you as you move the telescope. When the object is ready to view, the bullseye turns green.
The StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone 6 and up and most devices running Android 7.1.2 or later manufactured since 2016.
StarSense Explorer uses patent-pending technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly reorient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database.
An ultra-stable altazimuth mount provides a sturdy foundation for StarSense Explorer DX. Slip clutches and geared slow motion controls in both axes help you move the telescope smoothly and zero in your target. As celestial objects appear to drift across the night sky, you’ll be able to follow them with just a turn of the knobs. It’s all anchored by an adjustable, full-height tripod.
With a large 100mm objective lens, this telescope has enough light gathering ability to bring out detail in celestial objects. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter's four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the trapezium in the Orion Nebula, and the beautiful Pleiades Open Star Cluster. Celestron's XLT optical coatings improve light transmission, enhancing the views even more. The telescope also includes a 90-degree erect image diagonal, so you can use it during the day to view birds, wildlife, landscapes, and more.
Even if you live in a light polluted city location, StarSense Explorer is advanced enough to be able to pick out Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, the Orion Nebula, double stars, and a few more of the most famous celestial objects.
But if you can take the telescope to an even slightly darker location, more objects will become visible. With this 4" Refractor and relatively dark skies, the Andromeda Galaxy, Hercules Open Star Cluster, and so many more are easily within your reach.
The entire telescope kit weighs just 6.44 kg, so it's perfectly portable and easy to bring on your next camping trip or to a remote observing site.
Greenwich's Royal Observatory: A Brief Overview
King Charles II granted the Royal Observatory's charter in 1675, and it is now housed in London's Greenwich Park. In the history of astronomy and navigation, the observatory has been crucial. The observatory's current focus is on enhancing people's knowledge of the sea, space exploration, and Britain's place in world history.
Features:
- 100mm Refractor optical tube
- StarSense dock for your smartphone
- Low powered (25mm) and high powered (10mm) eyepiece
- 90-degree erect image diagonal
- StarPointer red dot finderscope, perfect for using the telescope during the day or without the StarSense Explorer app
- Altazimuth mount with slow motion controls
- Full-height tripod with an accessory tray to keep you organised
Technical Specifications:
Optical Design: Refractor
Aperture: 100mm
Focal Length: 660mm
Focal Ratio: f/6.5
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 25mm
Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 26x
Focal Length of Eyepiece 2: 10mm
Magnification of Eyepiece 2: 66x
Barlow Lens: None
Finderscope: StarPointer red dot finderscope
Optical Tube: Aluminium
Highest Useful Magnification: 240x
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
Optical Coatings: Fully XLT Coated glass optics
Optical Tube Length: 812.8mm
Optical Tube Diameter: 118mm
Mount Type: Manual Alt-Azimuth
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): Aluminium, 1244.6mm max height
Tripod Leg Diameter: N/A
Accessory Tray: Yes
Slew Speeds: Manual
GPS: Uses phone's GPS
Dovetail Compatibility: CG-5 Dovetail bar
Power Requirements: None (Recommend PowerTank Glow to keep phone charged while using app)
Alignment Procedures: Use StarSense Explorer app
Software: StarSense Explorer app | SkyPortal app | Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition Software
Total Kit Weight: 6.44 kg
Note: Smartphone shown in images is not included.
