Smithsonian by Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Refractor Telescope

Celestron has reinvented the beginner telescope with StarSense Explorer, and now it's available as part of the Smithsonian by Celestron collection. Created in collaboration with the Smithsonian, the Smithsonian by Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real time. This 80mm refractor is ideal for beginners, thanks to the app's user-friendly interface, detailed tutorials, and patented sky recognition technology. It's like having your own personal tour guide to the night sky. This special Smithsonian edition telescope also includes access to bonus educational content by the Smithsonian and Celestron to help you continue exploring. Dock, Launch, Explore Leave complicated star charts, imprecise planetarium apps, and computerized mounts behind. With StarSense Explorer, locating objects has never been easier, faster, or more accurate. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you'll be navigating the sky with confidence. Simply place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer Powered by SkySafari™ app. After aligning your phone to the telescope's optics (a quick and easy procedure), StarSense Explorer generates a list of celestial objects currently visible. Make your selection and arrows appear on-screen to guide you as you move the telescope. When the object is ready to view in the eyepiece, the bullseye turns green. As you observe, listen to hundreds of audio descriptions and view detailed information about thousands of objects within the app's robust database. Sturdy Altazimuth Mount StarSense Explorer LT’s simple altazimuth mount makes it easy to move the telescope to find your target. An altitude slow motion adjustment with a sliding rod helps you fine tune the telescope’s pointing position and follow targets as they appear to drift across the night sky. It’s all anchored by an adjustable, full-height tripod. Bright, Detailed Views with 80mm Optics The 80mm fully coated refractor delivers crisp, high-contrast views of the Moon, planets, and many of the brightest deep-sky objects. Observe the rugged lunar surface in stunning detail, Jupiter's cloud bands and four Galilean moons, Saturn's rings, the Orion Nebula, the Pleiades, and much more. The refractor design requires very little maintenance and never needs collimation, making it an excellent choice for first-time telescope owners. Perfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites Even if you observe from a light-polluted neighborhood, the Smithsonian by Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ easily reveals many of the night sky's brightest celestial objects, including Jupiter, Saturn, the Moon, bright star clusters, double stars, and the Orion Nebula. Take it to a darker location, and even more celestial treasures become visible. The lightweight optical tube and tripod make transporting the telescope easy, whether you're observing in your backyard, at a campsite, or under dark country skies. Continue Your Exploration with Smithsonian by Celestron For nearly 180 years, the Smithsonian has inspired curiosity through scientific discovery, research, education, and exploration. Celestron is proud to collaborate with the Smithsonian to create products that encourage a lifelong passion for astronomy and make the wonders of the night sky more accessible to everyone. Your StarSense Explorer comes with special resources from Smithsonian and Celestron to help you discover more. Explore the lunar surface with the included special-edition Smithsonian Moon Map poster, featuring detailed imagery, labeled landmarks, and observing tips. Learn more about the universe with the Exploring the Universe booklet, featuring astronomy facts and insights from Smithsonian and Celestron experts. Then, continue your journey online with access to the Smithsonian by Celestron Explorer Hub, featuring astronomy guides, activities, educational articles, observing tips, and more. Smartphone Compatibility StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones; it is compatible with Android 12 and later, as well as iOS 18 and newer, including iPhone XR and newer models. For a complete compatibility list, click here. Patented StarSense Sky Recognition Technology StarSense Explorer uses patented technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly orient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database. While other astronomy apps may claim they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phone's gyros and accelerometers, which aren't as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece. Observe Longer with the PowerTank Glow 5000 Keep your phone charged all night while exploring with your StarSense Explorer by adding the PowerTank Glow 5000 (sold separately). This 2-in-1 accessory combines a red flashlight with a USB power bank, making it the perfect companion for extended observing sessions.