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.

Use Smartphone App for Star Navigation    Follow Directions to Find Great Objects    Advanced Precise Alignment Algorithm    102mm f/6.5 Refractor Optical Tube    Single Fork-Arm Manual Alt-Azimuth Mount    Dual Axis Slow-Motion Control Arms    Includes 26x & 66x 1.25" Eyepieces    90° Erect-Image Diagonal    Adjustable-Height Aluminum Tripod

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can this also function as a regular telescope (without the phone) if you sometimes want to use the telescope without the phone?

A: Of course you can. The Phone app is there to help you guide the telescope to specific objects quickly and accurately.

Q: 2. What type of eyepieces are included? What are their apparent field of view?

A: The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ 102mm f/6.5 AZ Refractor Telescope BH #CESSEDX102R • MFR #22460 comes with (2) eyepieces. A wide angle 25mm eyepiece and a maximum magnification eyepiece of 10mm

Q: 3. Can the phone take pictures of the objects ?

A: No, the phone on the side is only for alignment. You can attach a 2nd camera or phone to the eyepiece using this adapter: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1435002-REG/celestron_81035_basic_smartphone_adapter_1_25.html

Q: 4. I see there is a recommendation for a carry case for the tripod (Ruggard Deluxe Padded 42" Tripod Case). What would the recommendation be for a carry case for the OTA? Or does the OTA come in a case?

A: The Ruggard Deluxe Padded 42" Tripod Case (Black) should work with the OTA, as well as Mount/Tripod.

Q: 5. Can you see saturns rings with this? Is it clear? Also what would I need to buy to attach my Nikon d7500 to take photos?

A: Yes, you can view Saturn very clearly through the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ. We recommend that you purchase a T-Ring for Nikon Camera #93402 and a Universal Barlow and T-Adapter 1.25" #93640 to take short exposure of the moon or bright planets. Because the telescope does not come with an equatorial tracking mount, you will not be able to take long exposure images. A Smartphone Adapter such as the Basic Smartphone Adapter, 1.25” #81035 is also available to help align your smartphone's camera lens with the telescope's eyepiece for short exposures.The Universal Barlow lens will also double the power of the eyepieces that came with the telescope.

Q: 6. Is there a bag or case for the Celestron Omin 102 Az, with tripod? Will the Meade bag you have for a 102 scope? If not, you you have a suggestion?

A: First it is not recommend that a telescope OTA and tripod be placed in the same carry bag. Unless the bag is big enough to provide ample protection between the OTA and tripod. If you are looking foe a carry bag for the OTA only I would recommend the Ruggard Deluxe Padded 42" Tripod Case (Black) BH #RUBD3042 • MFR #BD-3042 Ruggard Deluxe Padded 42" Tripod Case (Black) BH #RUBD3042 • MFR #BD-3042

Q: 7. Is this easy to disassemble/reassemble to move and transport?

A: Seems so, see the Manual https://celestron-site-support-files.s3.amazonaws.com/support_files/22461_StarSense_Explorer%20DX_130AZ_QSG_06092020.pdf

Q: 8. Hi, do you have to plug this in the wall socket ? If yes then can it be used overseas with 220 volt or only 110

A: The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ 130mm f/5 AZ Reflector Telescope BH #CESSEDX130R • MFR #22461 has no motor or power movements, stickily manual. Check out some of the YouTube videos on the product.

Q: 9. Can you use a nikon dslr to take images? the iphone itself?

A: One needs 2 adapters to mount a Nikon camera on the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ 102mm f/6.5 AZ Refractor Telescope. On the telescope end, the Celestron SLR (35mm OR Digital) Camera Adapter for All Refractor and Reflector Telescopes which Accept 1.25" Eyepieces - Requires Camera-Specific T-Mount Adapter, BH #CETA1.25 (https://bhpho.to/3N8FQzy). And on the camera end, the Celestron T-Ring for Nikon F-Mount Cameras, BH #CETRN (https://bhpho.to/3n3FeAH). The smartphone mount that comes with the telescope is for alignment and such, it is not for imaging.

Q: 10. Where was this made? Country of Origin?

A: The StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ is manufactured in China.