With the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ 102mm f/6.5 AZ Refractor Telescope, exploring the wonders of the universe is as simple as 1-2-3:
1. Dock your smartphone
2. Launch the StarSense Explorer smartphone app
3. Observe the moon, planets, stars, and more
This innovative integration of smartphone and telescope offers beginner astronomers a fast and (more importantly) easy way to discover what’s up in the night sky and where to view it. Utilizing similar alignment technology that satellites use when they move out of position, the StarSense Explorer app uses your phone’s camera to stream a constant series of images and compare them to an internal database to identify the starfield and determine its location. This “Lost in Space Algorithm” is more precise than typical astronomy apps and does not require a cell signal to work—so you can use it even when you’re far off the grid. A holder on the mount, aligned with the telescope, ensures that where the phone is pointed is the same as where the scope is, so that when you follow the onscreen directions to find the object of interest and you look through the eyepiece, it will be there.
Optically, the 102mm objective lens offers clear views of the lunar surface and planetary features with the ability to reach out beyond our solar system to view bright deep-sky objects—producing accurate color representation and little field curvature at the edges of the view. Supporting the telescope and StarSense holder is a basic manual single-arm alt-azimuth mount outfitted with dual-axis slow-motion control cables that let you move the telescope quickly and easily according to the app’s direction to find your object of interest, with the ability to precisely track the object when you want to view it for extended periods. A two-section aluminum tripod provides a wide adjustable height to accommodate a variety of viewing positions and users, while being highly portable for when you have to carry it to remote viewing locations.
Designed as a complete observation rig, Celestron includes a variety of accessories to get you viewing right out of the box. In addition to the telescope, mount, and tripod, you also get two eyepieces that provide you with high and low magnifications, plus a 90° diagonal that not only places your head in a comfortable viewing position when the scope is pointed directly overhead but also corrects the view so you can use the telescope as a conventional spotting scope.
StarSense System
- Download StarSense Explorer app from the Google Play (Android) store or App Store (iPhone)
- Place an Android smartphone or iPhone in the included StarSense Explorer dock attached to, and aligned with, the optical tube
- 2-minute procedure to align the phone with the telescope
- App generates a list of celestial objects currently visible
- Select the object to view and arrows appear onscreen, guiding the user as they move the telescope
- When the object is ready to view, the bullseye turns green
- The StarSense app utilizes a “Lost in Space Algorithm” (LISA) to accurately calculate the current location and orientation by using the phone’s GPS data, gyroscopic input, and camera to map the night sky and compare it to the app’s database to accurately align and orient the scope and determine what is visible overhead
- App is self-contained; no cell signal required for use far off the grid
Compatible Smartphones:
- Android 7.1.2 and higher manufactured in 2016 and later, with camera, gyro, and accelerometer
- iPhone 6 and newer
Optical Tube Assembly
- 102mm f/6.5 aperture to view the moon, planets, constellations, and bright deep-sky objects like clusters and galaxies
- 650mm focal length produces a moderate magnification potential with a highly portable length and weight
- Refractor design requires very little maintenance by the user or collimation over time
- Anti-reflection fully coated glass optics maximize light transmission through the light path to ensure bright and clear views with improved resolution
- Resolution: 1.37 arcsec, Rayleigh; 1.14 arcsec, Dawes
- Reliable single-speed rack-and-pinion focuser
- Standard 1.25″ holder accepts the most common size eyepieces and accessories, including the two eyepieces in this kit
Mount and Tripod
- Manual alt-azimuth mount design is simple to set up and move
- Single fork-arm design reduces weight without sacrificing stability
- Dual axis slow-motion control cables provide an easy way to move and precisely track objects with reduced vibration
- Simple setup and breakdown with dovetail saddle
- Adjustable-height aluminum tripod accommodates a variety of users and observing positions
- Maximum height of 49″ (124cm) including mount
- Center tray holds accessories such as eyepieces and filters
Included Accessories
- 90° erect-image diagonal corrects view to use the telescope as a conventional spotting scope while providing a comfortable viewing angle, especially when the scope is aimed overhead
- 25mm eyepiece produces a low 26x power for observing the moon, planets, deep-sky objects, and constellations
- 10mm high-magnification eyepiece yields 66x power for detailed views of the lunar surface and planetary features
- Unmagnified StarPointer finderscope places a simple red dot in the field of view to make alignment and star hopping navigation faster and easier
Celestron DX 102AZ Specs
| Optical Design | Refractor |
| Aperture | 102 mm / 4″ |
| Focal Length | 660 mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/6.5 |
| Resolution | 1.37 Arcsec (Rayleigh) 1.14 Arcsec (Dawes) |
| Focuser | Single-Speed Rack-and-Pinion |
| Eyepiece Barrel Diameter | 1.25″ |
| Diagonal | 90° Erecting |
| Finderscope | Yes |
| Optical Tube Dimensions | 32 x 4.6″ / 81.3 x 11.7 cm |
| Type | Manual; Alt-Azimuth |
| GoTo Capability | No |
| Type | Adjustable, 2-Section |
| Material of Tripod | Aluminum |
| Batteries | None |
| Adapter | None |
| GPS | No |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Weight | 5 lb / 2.3 kg (OTA) 9.2 lb / 4.2 kg (Mount/Tripod) 14.2 lb / 6.4 kg (Fully Assembled) |
| Package Weight | 22.7 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 39.38 x 16.8 x 8.8″ |
