Highlights The world's most beloved telescope! The classic, 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain revolutionized amateur astronomy in the 1970s. Now, the iconic orange tube design is updated with all the latest features to provide the best stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike. Large, 8-inch aperture with excellent light-gathering ability provides spectacular views of the Moon and planets, along with deep sky objects like the Whirlpool Galaxy and Hercules Globular Cluster. Fully automated, GoTo mount with database of 40,000+ celestial objects automatically locates and tracks objects for you. SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready to observe in minutes. Even if you're unfamiliar with the night sky, you can easily align your telescope on any three bright objects. Unique single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all break down into separate components for easy transport and quick assembly. Celestron's signature orange-tube telescope combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system, the NexStar 8SE. It's the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering impressive views at an economical price. Our Founder's Vision, Re-imagined for the 21st CenturyIn the 1970s, the classic Celestron 8 brought the hobby of astronomy to the masses and established Celestron as the world's premier telescope maker. Our founder, Tom Johnson, invented Celestron's proprietary method of producing Schmidt corrector plates for superior views and maximum portability. Johnson believed in creating high-quality optical instruments at an affordable price, and inspired a generation of amateur astronomers. Four decades later, we've improved upon this design by adding cutting-edge features, while staying true to our founder's intent. Big Mirror, Small PriceWith a full 8 inches of aperture, the 8SE reveals details in even the faintest celestial objects. With this much light-gathering ability, you'll clearly observe Cassini's Division in Saturn's rings, the cloud bands on Jupiter, and the Great Red Spot. Beyond the solar system, your 8SE will show you hundreds of pinpoint stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster, the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy, and more. And don't forget the Moon-you'll see craters and geographic features like never before. Revolutionary Single Fork Arm MountWe know the best telescope is the one you will use most often. That's why Celestron's engineers created NexStar SE's unique, patented single fork arm mount. It's perfectly portable and makes setup quick and easy. What's more, the NexStar SE breaks down into several lightweight and compact pieces, making it easy to transport, even in small vehicles. You'll have no problem getting the NexStar SE to your favorite observing site, or setting it up quickly in your backyard. Of course, it's what's inside the mount that really counts. Sturdy construction from high-quality components give NexStar SE the pointing and tracking accuracy needed to observe and follow your favorite targets with push-button ease. Use the included NexStar+ hand control to locate over 40,000 celestial objects, or take a Sky Tour and let your telescope show you the best objects currently visible. Aligning your telescope is simple and painless, too, thanks to SkyAlign. This process makes alignment as easy as 1-2-3: just center three bright objects in your eyepiece and press ALIGN. For even easier alignment, attach our StarSense AutoAlign and your NexStar SE aligns itself! Advanced Features Let the NexStar SE Grow with YouThe NexStar SE is compatible with all the high-tech accessories advanced users love. Control your telescope using your iPhone or iPad with our SkyQ Link, or add GPS functionality with SkySync. If you're interested in astro imaging, the NexStar SE is Fastar-compatible for ultra-fast, wide field imaging. For planetary imaging, there's no better choice than a NexStar 8SE paired with one of our Skyris cameras. From your first observing session and for years to come, the NexStar SE is your trusted companion. Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics Manual NexStar 6SE and 8SE Manual NexStar 6 SE and 8 SE Quick Setup Guide NexStar Plus Hand Control Manual Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software Manual SOFTWARE & FIRMWARE: NexRemote Telescope Control Software Celestron Firmware Manager (CFM) Software CPWI Software OTHER PRODUCT FILES: NexStar SE Telescope Basic Solar Safety Warning How to Align a Red Dot Finder to Your Telescope Video NexStar SE Additional Specifications SCT & EdgeHD Collimation Guide How to Determine Which Eyepieces to Use with Your Telescope NexStar Communication Protocol v 1.2 Astronomy Basics Telescope Maintenance Celestial Observing 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 Finder scope StarPointer red dot finder scope 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 50.8mm (2") 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 & 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) | 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's Starry Night Special Edition Software, SkyPortal App Total Kit Weight 24 lbs (10.88 kg) Included Items NexStar SE OTA | Single Fork Arm Mount | Tripod | Accessory Tray | Star Pointer Finder scope | NexStar+ Hand Control | 25mm eyepiece | Star Diagonal
