Celestron's NexStar 8SE: A Revolution in Amateur Astronomy

Celestron's NexStar 8SE telescope, with its iconic “orange tube” design, represents a significant evolution in amateur astronomy. This 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain model, a favorite since the 1970s, is now enhanced with modern features to enrich the stargazing experience for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.

The telescope's large 8-inch aperture excels in light-gathering, offering magnificent views of celestial bodies like the Moon, planets, the Whirlpool Galaxy, and the Hercules Globular Cluster. Its fully automated GoTo mount, containing over 40,000 celestial objects in its database, effortlessly locates and tracks objects for you.

SkyAlign technology ensures that the telescope is aligned and observation-ready in just a few minutes. This user-friendly system allows easy alignment using any three bright objects, making it accessible even to those new to stargazing.

The NexStar 8SE is noted for its unique single fork arm design and a durable steel tripod, which can be disassembled for easy transport and quick assembly. This telescope, embodying Celestron’s hallmark of quality and ease of use, is an ideal choice for anyone looking to start their journey in serious astronomy, offering top-notch views at a competitive price.

Preserving the Vision of Our Founder The original Celestron 8, introduced in the 1970s, democratized the field of astronomy, establishing Celestron as a leading telescope manufacturer. Tom Johnson, Celestron's founder, was instrumental in developing the proprietary method for producing Schmidt corrector plates, ensuring superb views and portability. His commitment to crafting high-quality, affordable optical instruments galvanized a whole generation of amateur astronomers.

Decades on, the NexStar 8SE continues to embody Johnson's vision, incorporating state-of-the-art features while remaining true to the company's founding principles.

Exceptional Viewing Experience The 8SE's impressive 8-inch aperture allows detailed observations of the solar system's marvels, including the rings of Saturn, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and the Great Red Spot. It also excels in deep-sky viewing, bringing distant objects like the Hercules Globular Cluster and the Whirlpool Galaxy into sharp focus. Lunar observations reveal craters and geographical features in unprecedented detail.

Innovative Mount for Optimal Usability The NexStar SE series features a patented single fork arm mount, designed by Celestron's engineers for maximum portability and ease of setup. This innovative mount and the telescope's compact components make transportation straightforward, even in smaller vehicles, ensuring that you can easily take the NexStar SE to your preferred observation location or set it up quickly in your backyard.

The mount's solid construction from premium materials provides the accuracy needed for precise pointing and tracking. The included NexStar+ hand control lets you explore over 40,000 celestial objects, or you can embark on a Sky Tour to discover the best currently visible objects.

SkyAlign simplifies the alignment process, and with the addition of the StarSense AutoAlign, alignment becomes even more effortless.

Expanding with Advanced Technology The NexStar SE is designed to grow with your astronomical interests. It is compatible with an array of high-tech accessories, like SkyQ Link for control via iPhone or iPad and SkySync for GPS functionality.

For those keen on astroimaging, the NexStar SE is Fastar-compatible, allowing ultra-fast, wide-field imaging. The NexStar 8SE, paired with a NexImage camera, is an excellent choice for planetary imaging. As your passion for astronomy develops, the NexStar SE remains a reliable and evolving astronomical companion.

Specifications

OPTICAL TUBE INFO:
Optical Design:	Schmidt-Cassegrain
Aperture:	203.2mm (8")
Focal Length:	2032mm (80")
Focal Ratio:	f/10
Focal Length of Eyepiece 1:	25mm (.98")
Magnification of Eyepiece 1:	81x
Finderscope:	StarPointer™ red dot finderscope
Star Diagonal:	1.25" Star Diagonal
Highest Useful Magnification:	480x
Lowest Useful Magnification:	29x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude:	14
Resolution (Rayleigh):	0.69 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes):	0.57 arc seconds
Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye):	843x
Secondary Mirror Obstruction:	64mm (2.5")
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter:	31%
Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area:	9.77%
Optical Coatings:	Starbright XLT
Optical Tube Length:	432mm (17")
Optical Tube Diameter:	232mm (9.1")
Optical Tube Weight:	12 lbs (5.4 kg)
Dovetail:	CG-5 Dovetail bar
MOUNT INFO:
Mount Type:	Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Instrument load capacity:	12 lbs (5.44 kg)
Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod):	965.2mm - 1422.4mm (38" - 56")
Tripod leg diameter:	38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel
Mount Head Weight:	11 lbs (5 kg)
Accessory Tray:	Yes
Tripod Weight:	9 lbs (4.08 kg)
Slew Speeds:	9 slew speeds - max speed 5°/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:	1x AUX Port
Autoguide Port:	Yes
USB Port:	Yes, Hand Control input
Power Requirements:	8-AA batteries (not included) and 12 VDC-750 mA (Tip positive)
Motor Drive:	DC servo motors
Alignment Procedures:	SkyAlign, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, Auto 2-Star Align, Solar System Align, EQ North / EQ South Alignment (EQ align requires an equatorial wedge)
Periodic Error Correction:	No
Computerized Hand Control:	Double line, 18 character Liquid Crystal Display with 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons
NexStar+ Database:	40,000 objects, 200 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects
Software:	Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App
Total Kit Weight:	24 lbs (10.88 kg)
Included Items:	Optical tube Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod Accessory Tray Star Pointer Finderscope NexStar+ Hand Control 25mm eyepiece Star Diagonal
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.
California Residents	WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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