The Astro Fi 102 is a portable computerized alt-azimuth Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope, designed for both terrestrial and celestial observation. It offers impressive views of celestial objects such as lunar craters, Saturn's rings, Jupiter's Great Red Spot, the Orion Nebula, the Hercules Globular Cluster, and more during nighttime observations. Moreover, the star diagonal allows for right-side-up viewing, making it suitable for daytime use as a spotting scope.

Setting up the telescope is a straightforward process, allowing you to start observing quickly. Even if it's your first time, you can assemble the telescope, its accessories, and download the SkyPortal app within just a few minutes. The adjustable tripod legs provide the flexibility to customize the telescope's height according to your preference. With a total weight of only 16 pounds, it's an ideal choice for impromptu observation sessions or for taking it along on your adventures.

For added versatility and enjoyment, the Astro Fi's lens cap serves as a smartphone adapter. By positioning your smartphone inside the adapter and securing it over the Astro Fi's eyepiece, you can capture images and videos of your celestial discoveries.

Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design:

The MAK design incorporates both a lens and a mirror, creating a catadioptric telescope. Light enters the telescope and passes through the corrector lens, then reflects off the primary mirror before reaching a spherical secondary mirror and finally the eyepiece. This optical configuration delivers bright, sharp, and virtually chromatic aberration-free images.

The Maksutov-Cassegrain design offers several advantages. Unlike Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, it features a "secondary spot" of reflective coating directly applied to the inner surface of the corrector plate, eliminating the need for frequent collimation. Additionally, the secondary spot is notably smaller than a traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain secondary mirror, contributing to the high-contrast views characteristic of MAK telescopes. It's important to note that due to the larger and heavier Maksutov corrector plate, it may take longer to cool down and adjust to the surrounding air temperature compared to a Schmidt-Cassegrain of the same aperture.

Computerized Alt-Azimuth Telescope:

The telescope employs a computerized alt-azimuth mount, allowing it to move in all directions for versatile observation.

Integrated WiFi & Celestron's SkyPortal App:

Control the telescope using your smartphone or tablet through Celestron's SkyPortal app. The Astro Fi series generates its wireless connection to the SkyPortal app, enabling convenient remote observation. This app replaces the traditional telescope hand control, offering a completely wireless experience. You can scan the sky for desired celestial objects, tap on them within SkyPortal, and watch as your Astro Fi telescope automatically slews to the selected object. While observing, SkyPortal provides valuable information about the object, enhancing your exploration of the universe. It's recommended to download the app before your observing sessions due to the wealth of information it provides.

SkyAlign Technology:

Getting ready for observation is quick and easy thanks to Celestron's SkyAlign technology. Simply center three bright objects in the eyepiece, and the telescope will calculate its position accurately. You can even generate a Sky Tour of the best celestial objects to view based on your specific time and location.

Included Accessories:

The Astro Fi 102 telescope kit includes two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a star diagonal, an integrated smartphone adapter, and a red dot finderscope. The two eyepieces offer different magnification options for observing various objects. The star diagonal provides a comfortable right-side-up viewing angle when observing celestial objects above. The red dot finderscope facilitates easy centering of objects in the eyepiece, making observations more convenient.

Lens Cap/Smartphone Adapter:

The Astro Fi lens cap also serves as a smartphone adapter, allowing you to capture images and videos of celestial or terrestrial subjects. This adapter is compatible with most smartphones and fits over telescope eyepieces with an outside diameter of 45mm or smaller. It securely holds your phone in place while providing the flexibility to use it with or without a phone case, although very large or bulky cases may need to be removed for a proper fit.

Starry Night Software:

You can enhance your astronomical knowledge by downloading Celestron's Starry Night Software. This comprehensive astronomy software package offers valuable insights into the night sky, celestial objects, and assists in planning your future observing sessions, making it an excellent resource for astronomers of all levels.

Specifications

Software and Documentation