The entire telescope kit weighs just 10.4 pounds, so its perfectly portable and easy to bring on your next camping trip or to a remote observing site. Unfortunately, theres not much that can be done about this beyond waiting for a clearer night to observe. nleash the full pointing accuracy of your Celestron computerized telescope with a specialized telescope control software suite. Stray light near the observing site reflects off the back of the phone, into the mirror, and then into the camera. Whats going on? When I press Celestron Audio on the Object Info page, I dont hear anything, even if I turn my volume all the way up. If this occurs, try placing the phone in a non-reflective case and be sure there are no nearby light sources that can reflect off the back of the smartphone. Take note of the set times for the objects in the list; this information can be found to the right of the object listing on the Tonights Best page. When used with a computerized telescope, a device running the SkyPortal app replaces the telescopes hand control. In general, Android devices running Android 7.1.2 and higher that were manufactured in 2016 or later are usually compatible. When I stop moving the telescope and wait several seconds, the bullseye is not consistently changing from red to either yellow or green OR when I first start the app, the bullseye remains red and the pointing arrows do not appear. The images captured by your smartphone that StarSense Explorer uses to determine its current pointing position are not astroimages in the traditional sense. If you are proficient at pointing the telescope without use of a finderscope, then you may find that you do not need to use the StarPointer during camera alignment. If it is still too bright, turn on Night Vision mode, which is accessed from the Menu icon. It walks you through each step of the smartphone camera alignment process and describes with text, images, and videos what needs to be done for each step. One of my favorite products that I cam across today [CES Show Stopper] uses some of the simplest tech to achieve its purpose. Here are some examples:
Under heavy dew conditions, you may need to do this several times during an observing session. control and Sky Viewer display makes selecting your target easy. The app automatically obtains the current date and time information from your smartphone.SkyPortal, the free planetarium app from Celestron, does have the ability to change the date and time to display how the sky would look in the past or in the future. Read our guide! or a soft cleaning cloth until the mirror is dry and free of dew. There is a bright object to observe in the sky close to zenith (straight overhead), but it does not appear in the Tonights Best list. When using StarSense Explorer in the Southern Hemisphere, do you have to manually set the app for Southern Hemisphere operation? What does this do? - There may be something in the cameras field of view that is affecting the phones ability to sense stars, such as power lines, trees, or the edge of a building. Id like to use the StarSense Explorer app with more than one smartphone. I moved the telescope so that the bullseye was on top of the selected object and the bullseye turned green. Next, drag the crosshairs that appear in the cameras field of view onto the precise spot that the telescope is currently centered on. If you answer yes, then the smartphone will automatically use your current location whenever it is used. Also, keep in mind that any deep-sky objects will appear washed out when the Moon is bright in the night sky. Note that if you choose not to realign, objects may not be well-centered in the telescopes field of view. 3) Click the smartphone icon on the upper left side of screen. Use a light touch to prevent the phone platform from moving. In the main menu, I see there is a Location option that allows me to choose my current location. Can I change the date or time to see the sky for a different time other than now? How do I zoom in or out using StarSense Explorer? Youll need to turn the X-axis adjustment knob clockwise as far as it will go to move the smartphone holder all the way to the left to access all three of the adjustment screws. Why doesnt the object stay centered in the eyepiece? To retrieve the image and log files, follow the steps below. If this is a feature you would like to use for planning or exploration purposes, we recommend downloading SkyPortal. Tighten these screws with a small Phillips screwdriver until the holder does not slip. Enter it during checkout! 4. The camera alignment process requires aligning the smartphones camera to the center of the telescopes field of view. If it is not properly centered, the dock will block the cameras view, preventing StarSense Explorer from sensing enough stars. The screw is captured and will not fall out when you open the battery door. Learn more about extra solar planets imagery, 3D Star rendering, observation planning, telescope control, multiple-panel printing, and much more. StarSense Explorer 10" Smartphone App-Enabled Dobsonian Telescope Try moving to an area with a clearer view of the night sky, without interference from anything on land. I looked at Tonights Best list of objects earlier in the day to plan my observing session and some of the objects highlighted earlier are no longer visible. What do the astroimages captured by StarSense Explorer look like? Its like having your own personal tour guide of the night sky. Note that the StarSense dock holds the smartphone while still providing access to the smartphones charging port, so you can use a smartphone charger while StarSense Explorer is in use. If you are having problems finding astronomical objects in the night sky using StarSense Explorer, these image and log files can help the Celestron Tech Support Team diagnose the issue. I see Advanced Camera Settings as an option when I press the Menu icon. Style: Why doesnt my red dot finderscope match the image on the box/website? Download the Celestron PWI Telescope Control Software. When I select the Search icon, then select one of the object lists (Messier Objects, for example), why are some objects grayed out while others are in white? If the platform moves during an observing session, you will need to recalibrate the camera before proceeding. - The smartphones camera may be picking up getting stray reflections off the back of your phone. One of two things could potentially be happening here: 1) Your smartphones camera may not be well aligned to the telescope. Celestrons patented StarSense Technology makes it easier than ever to locate objects in the night sky, even if youve never used a telescope before. The easiest way is to visit Celestron.com/sse with your smartphones web browser and run a compatibility check. Use the X-Y knobs on the StarSense dock to precisely center the smartphone camera over the docks mirror. The StarSense Explorer app will show the bullseye slowly drifting over time, until the bullseye is no longer on the object and is no longer color green. Avoid snapping the cover on and off the dock mirror to prevent accidental nudging of the phone platform. 2022 Celestron, LLC. - Building in field of view:
The Tonights Best list highlights the objects that are visible now. When would I need to use that? If you answer no, then the location must be manually set using one of the Location options. This award-winning optical system reduces visual defects like field curvature and coma, creating an ultra-flat field for pinpoint stars all the way to the edge of todays largest imaging sensors. black). Consult the rise and set times listed under the object name to find out when it will be above the horizon. Slightly Used - StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Newtonian Reflector Telescope, Slightly Used - StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Newtonian Reflector Telescope, We process your personal data as stated in our. Just point the telescope at any three bright objectsstars, bright planets, or even the Moonand your telescope can orient itself with the night sky. Lift the battery door open to expose the CR-2032 button battery. However, if the smartphone is properly seated in the StarSense dock, it likely will not absolutely require re-alignment to find objects. The reflective surface is on the underside of the mirror glass, so you cannot damage the reflective coatings from wiping or cleaning the mirror. Should I replace the cover over the mirror between searching for targets? This can occur with smartphones or smartphone cases with reflective, shiny metallic, or mirrored backings. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece. Celestron has reinvented the manual telescope with StarSense Explorerthe first telescope that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real time. Otherwise, you can go to the same webpage on your computer and view a list of tested Android smartphones. Press the orange rectangle with the selected objects name in it at the bottom of the screen. The main difference is the location of the battery compartment and, therefore, the battery installation instructions.If your red dot finderscope looks like the unit pictured here, you can ignore this message. WiFi technology encircles the globe in a web of connectivity, knowledge, and information. While other astronomy apps may claim that they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phones gyros and accelerometers, which arent as accurate as LISA technology. How can I prevent the holder from slipping on the dock? Should you purchase the dock separately from a third party or make your own modifications to install a dock on another telescope, neither the dock nor the telescope will be covered by the standard Celestron warranty, as the product will have been modified. For the most accurate telescope pointing, it is a good idea to align the smartphone camera and telescope every time the smartphone is removed and replaced in the StarSense dock. StarSense Explorer 8" Smartphone App-Enabled Dobsonian Telescope This will allow you to use the StarSense Explorer app on several smartphones and unlock the app if you upgrade to a new smartphone. The StarSense Dock mirrors reflective coating is on the underside of the glass. To combat this, move to an area that is shielded from nearby lighting sources. -Moon and Haze in field of view:
I have an iPhone 6 or an Android device. Go behind the scenes with Celestrons product development team and learn more about our award-winning and patented innovations. After you use StarSense Explorer at night, there will be images and log files stored on your phone. 3. If you are still unsure, download the StarSense Explorer app from Google Play. StarSense Explorer cannot find astronomical objects during the day. We recommend turning on Save Images & Logs only if you are having problems with StarSense Explorer and need to troubleshoot. Then press the StarSense icon again to re-enter StarSense mode. Analtitude slow motion adjustment with a sliding rodhelps you fine tune the telescopes pointing position and follow targets as they appear to drift across the night sky. Whats going on? With a large 114mm (4.5) objective lens, this telescope has enough light gathering ability to bring out detail in celestial objects. How can I determine if it is compatible with StarSense Explorer? Our proprietary StarBright XLT optical coatings dramatically increase transmission, up to 97.4% on our Schmidt corrector lenses. From the SkyProdigy, a telescope so smart it can align itself, to our high-performance EdgeHD optical system, weve revolutionized the hobby of astronomy for beginners and advanced amateurs alike. The objects that are grayed out are not currently above the horizon at your location. StarSense Explorer is ideal for beginners thanks to the apps user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials. If you are unsure how to align the camera, tap the Menu icon button and turn on the Camera Setup Assistant. Now, Celestron is using that same technology to allow star gazers to connect to the night sky and enhance their experience of the cosmos in fun and unique ways. The same method will work on the StarSense Dock mirror. Take control of your telescope! Can StarSense Explorer find astronomical objects to view, such as the Moon or Venus, during the day? A tablet is too big to fit into the StarSense dock. To retrieve the files:
Celestron Solar Safe filter technology is GUARANTEED SAFE for direct solar observation and has been independently tested by SAI Global Assurance Services. Im using an iPhone. For the best performance, our engineers have designed the dock as an integrated part of the telescope optical tube and/or mount. Celestrons award-winning Nature DX binocular gets a major upgrade with the addition of ED objective lenses. Objects less than 20 degrees from the horizon are not shown on the Tonights Best list because they typically dont look as good as they do when theyre higher in the sky due to atmospheric refraction and haze. You can use just about any distant object: a house light or streetlight on the horizon, a treetop, or a bright sky object, like Venus. This moves the holder to the far right and better exposes the three screws needing adjustment. Yes, this is OK. Be sure that whatever object you choose for alignment is centered in the telescopes eyepiece. Some of todays smartphone cameras have exceptionally wide fields that will not fit entirely within the StarSense docks mirror. Simply place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app. So, if you look at the list during the day, some of the objects listed may move below the horizon later in the evening. Why is this object not on the list? The app is intended to curate and guide your astronomical observing experience with StarSense Explorer telescopes, which includes using StarSense technology to sense the stars and guide you to selected objects.SkyPortal is a general-purpose astronomy app for observers of all skill levels, with or without a telescope. First, it helps facilitate camera alignment. The bullseye will correct its position onscreen after the next successful plate solve, so the drifting should not prevent the app from successfully locating objects. - To adjust the X-axis tensioning, adjust the three X-axis tensioning screws shown in the images below. StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Newtonian Reflector Telescope, StarSense Explorer 8" Smartphone App-Enabled Dobsonian Telescope, StarSense Explorer 10" Smartphone App-Enabled Dobsonian Telescope, StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Newtonian Reflector Telescope, StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Refractor Telescope, StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Refractor Telescope, Popular Science by Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 100AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Refractor Telescope. Planetarium software package which provides easy-to-understand explanations and impressive visuals of all kinds. No. Why is that? Once StarSense Explorer finds an object and I am observing it in the telescope eyepiece, the object appears to slowly drift out of the field of view over time. You can select these objects to peruse the Object Info, but you will not be able to locate them in your telescope right now. How is this done? This is to avoid any confusion when using the app to find objects in the night sky, as the date and time needs to be current for StarSense Explorer to work. The objects listed in Tonights Best under the Star icon button will all be marked as either CITY VIEWABLE or DARK SKY VIEWABLE. Do not expect to be able to see any objects labeled DARK SKY VIEWABLE from light polluted or moonlit skies. 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. 2. Award-winning and patented StarSense sky recognition technology uses your smartphone to analyze star patterns overhead and calculate its position in real time. 114mm (4.5) Newtonian reflector with highly reflective coatings and enough light gathering ability to view all the best celestial objects. -Clouds in field of view:
Why is this object not on the list? Do not overtighten these screws or the adjustment knobs will become difficult to turn. You can do this indoors, during the day, or at night. Patented StarSense Sky Recognition Technology. This innovative software solves the time-consuming problem of trying to pinpoint the North Celestial Pole. Celestron took gold! If you cant see many stars with your eyes, it is not dark enough yet. - The Moon may be very bright in the night sky. CPWI has an extensive object database, employs PointXP mount modeling, and more. Manual altazimuth mount with altitude slow motion adjustment with a sliding rod makes it easy to follow the on-screen arrows to your desired target. - To adjust the Y-axis tensioning, first turn the X-axis adjustment knob counterclockwise as far as it will go. Today, our world-class team of optical and electronic engineers continues to push the boundaries of technology. Celestrons aplanatic EdgeHD optics revolutionized astroimaging. -Power Lines in field of view:
EclipSmart solar products feature Solar Safe filter technology providing the ultimate protection from harmful solar radiation, including both IR and UV light, and filters 99.999% of visible light. Even so, StarSense Explorer can pull out enough astrometric data from the image to determine where the telescope is pointing. If your model is listed, your smartphone is compatible. This telescope control software replaces the hand control and allows the user to remotely control their Celestron computerized telescope from their personal PC or laptop. With this 4.5 Newtonian and relatively dark skies, the Andromeda Galaxy, Hercules Open Star Cluster, and so many more are easily within your reach. We have seen this gyro drift issue sporadically in some Android smartphones, too. Celestrons FREE planetarium app is an astronomy suite that redefines how you experience the night sky. Pinch in to zoom out, and pinch out to zoom in. This can occur with smartphones or smartphone cases with reflective, shiny metallic, or mirrored backings. Is there a way to access the Object Info pages from the planetarium view? 3) Select the device, then select Phone, then select Pictures, then StarSense Explorer
1) Connect your Android smartphone to a computer with the appropriate USB cable. In the 1960s, Celestrons founder, Tom Johnson, created groundbreaking new telescopes never before seen on the consumer market. - It may not be dark enough out. The StarSense docks spring-loaded clamp holds my smartphone OK, but the holder itself is slipping relative to the rest of the dock. The battery compartment on this finderscope is located on top of the unit. For example, here is a typical image from StarSense Explorer when used with an iPhone X: It is possible to access these images by selecting Save Images & Logs from the Menu icon at the bottom left of the main screen before using StarSense Explorer. SkyPortal can also be used to control Celestron computerized telescopes with Celestrons SkyPortal WiFi module, or built-in WiFi functionality. Or take your telescope to darker skies to view faint, deep sky objects. StarSense Explorer app automatically generates a list of objects currently visible. It is reporting slight motion of the telescope when, in fact, the telescope is not moving. Fix this by exiting StarSense mode and pressing the StarSense icon button.