Celestron Nexstar 8 SE telescope

Celestron Nexstar 8 SE astronomical telescope with 8-inch primary mirror

The Celestron NexStar is the perfect choice as a first telescope for a serious enthusiast

Like all manufacturers of stargazing telescopes, Celestron has a wide range of telescope models to choose from. The strength of the Celestron NexStar series is that the telescopes are computerized and use GOTO technology. One of the biggest obstacles to starting serious stargazing is the difficulty of finding celestial objects in the night sky. Observing the moon and nearby planets usually keeps your interest up for only a few nights, and then you miss other objects outside our solar system. Star maps are available, but they have a steep learning curve. For this reason, the computerized telescope and extensive database of stargazing and space objects in the NexStar series is an attractive option.

The Celestron Nextar 8SE is the largest telescope in the Nexstar SE range. It has a light-gathering capacity of 78% more than the smaller Nexstar 6SE model, allowing you to see deeper into space.

The NexStar SE series reveals even the faintest secrets of the sky. With such powerful light-gathering power, you can easily distinguish Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud spirals and the Great Red Spot. Beyond the limits of the solar system, your 8SE telescope can see the Hercules globular cluster, the spiral arms of galaxies and much more. And don't forget the moon - you'll see lunar objects and craters clearer than ever!

Our founder's vision, remastered for the 21st century
In the 1970s, Celestron's classic model, the Celestron 8, brought astronomy to the masses and established Celestron's leadership as the world's leading telescope manufacturer. Our founder, Tom Johnson, developed Celestron's proprietary Schmidt correction plate technology to achieve improved image quality and easy portability. Johnson was a firm believer in producing high-quality optical instruments and inspired a generation of amateur astronomers.

Four decades later, we have improved on the original by adding features enabled by the latest technology, but without losing sight of our founder's purpose.

• NexStar's primary mirror has enough light-gathering power to clearly see the best objects in our solar system: Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud spirals, and lunar objects.
• The fully automatic GoTo tripod with a database of 40,000 celestial objects automatically finds and tracks the selected object.
• SkyAlign technology automatically aligns the telescope and speeds up setup. Alignment is easy, even if you're unfamiliar with the night sky - finding three bright objects will easily calibrate the tripod.
• The convenient single-arm tripod conveniently disassembles into lightweight and compact parts, making it easy to transport even in small vehicles. Transporting the telescope to your favorite observing spot is easy and setting up is quick, even in your own backyard.
• Alignment methods: SkyAlign, Auto 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, Solar System Align.

View the most impressive sights of the Universe

The 8SE's large eight-inch primary mirror has enough light-gathering power to clearly see the best objects in our solar system: Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud spirals, and lunar objects. In deep-sky objects, you can distinguish the Hercules cluster and spiral arms of galaxies, and much more.

Revolutionary single-arm tripod solution

The best telescope is the one that collects the least dust in your closet. The single-arm tripod makes the telescope easy to carry around, and setup is quick and easy. In addition, the NexStar SE conveniently disassembles into lightweight and compact parts, making it easy to transport even in small vehicles. Access to your favorite observing spot is easy and setup is quick, even in your own backyard.

The contents of the tripod are what really make this package great. A sturdy construction of high-quality components gives the NexStar SE the pointing and tracking accuracy that makes tracking your favorite celestial objects easy with the press of a button. Use the included NexStar+ remote to point the telescope at over 40,000 celestial objects, and the Sky Tour feature showcases the best of what's in sight.

Aligning the telescope is also a simple and painless process, thanks to the SkyAlign feature. It makes alignment and calibration easy: just point the telescope at three bright objects in the sky and press the 'ALIGN' button. Alignment is even easier with the StarSense AutoAlign accessory, which allows the NexStar SE to align itself!

Advanced features keep pace with the evolving enthusiast

The NexStar SE is compatible with all the advanced accessories that advanced users love. SkySync provides GPS positioning for your telescope, and StarSense AutoAlign provides automatic alignment for easy setup.

For those who are passionate about astrophotography, the 8SE is an excellent choice. Its built-in angle wedge allows you to track your subject for long exposures. By removing the secondary mirror, it is possible to attach a DSLR or astronomical CCD camera for f/2 wide-angle images with a Fastar/Hyperstar lens. Or, if you want to photograph the moon and planets in our solar system, combining the NexStar 8SE with Skyris cameras is the best solution. From your first viewing to years of enjoyment, the NexStar SE is a reliable partner.

The fully automatic GoTo mount with a database of 40,000 celestial objects automatically finds and tracks the selected object. SkyAlign technology automatically aligns the telescope and speeds up setup. Even without knowing the night sky in advance, alignment is easy – by finding three bright objects, the mount is easily calibrated.
The unique single-arm structure and sturdy tripod disassemble into separate parts for easy portability and quick assembly.

Specifications:

• Optical structure: Schmidt-Cassegrain
• Aperture size (mm): 203.2mm (8in)
• Focal length: 2032mm (80in)
• Focal length factor: 10
• Eyepiece 1 focal length (mm): 25mm (0.98in)
• Eyepiece 1 magnification: 81x
• Search: StarPointer
• Corner mirror: 1.25”
• Chassis type: Single Fork Arm Altazimuth
• Tripod: Steel (sku 93593)
• Power requirement: 8 AA batteries (Not included)
• Highest usable magnification: 480x
• Minimum usable 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
• Field of view: 0.63°
• Linear Field of View (@1000 yds): 10m
• Secondary mirror coverage area: 2.5in (64mm)
• Secondary mirror coverage area (relative to primary mirror diameter): 31%
• Secondary mirror coverage area (relative to primary mirror area): 9.77%
• Optical Coatings: Starbright XLT
• Tube length: 17in (432mm)
• Total weight of telescope system: 11kg
• Tripod weight: 4.08kg
• Turning speed: Nine turning speed settings
• Tracking Paces: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
• Tracking modes: Alt-Az, EQ North & EQ South
• Alignment methods: SkyAlign, Auto 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, Solar System Align
• Communication Ports: RS-232 Remote Controller Communication Port, Autoguider Controller Port, Aux Port
• Computer remote control: Two-line, 16-character LCD display and 19 backlit LED buttons)
• Database: Library of 40,000 celestial objects, 200 user-definable target locations. Additional information on over 200 objects.

NOTE: Telescopes with GoTO mounts drain batteries quickly. For this reason, we recommend using GoTo telescopes from a mains power source or using a separate Powerbank.