Celestron NEXSTAR 8SE Computerised Telescope

Our Founder’s Vision, Reimagined for the 21st Century
In 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 Price
With 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 Mount
We 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 pushbutton 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 You
The 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 astroimaging, 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.

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.