Limited Edition NexStar Evolution 8 HD Telescope with StarSense 60th Anniversary Edition
Item #: 12098- 60th ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION - Only 600 units will be produced, each with a unique serial number and certificate of authenticity signed by Celestron pioneer Alan Hale and CEO Corey Lee
- CARBON FIBER 8” EDGEHD OPTICAL TUBE - Carbon fiber minimizes thermal expansion with ambient temperature changes while EdgeHD optics provide superb visual and astroimaging performance free of coma and field curvature
- Retro details and all-new look with vintage-style badging and logos and a set of 3 interchangeable commemorative “spinner” emblems
- Rechargeable lithium-iron phosphate battery with enough power for 10 hours of continuous observing
- Built-in WiFi - no hand control required! Use your smartphone or tablet to control the telescope via WiFi
- StarSense AutoAlign automatically aligns your telescope in about 3 minutes
- Fastar compatible so you can image deep sky objects at f/2, often eliminating the need to autoguide or track on a wedge
- NexStar Evolution mount packed with convenient features including a USB charge port, adjustable lighting, precision machined worm gears for both axes, and more
- Accessories included: three quality eyepieces - 32mm (2"), 9mm and 15mm (1.25"), StarPointer Pro™ finderscope, StarSense AutoAlign, 2" Star Diagonal w/1.25" adapter, spinner emblems, and a certificate of authenticity individually numbered and signed by Celestron pioneer Alan Hale and CEO Corey Lee
Overview
- 60th ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION - Only 600 units will be produced, each with a unique serial number and certificate of authenticity signed by Celestron pioneer Alan Hale and CEO Corey Lee
- CARBON FIBER 8” EDGEHD OPTICAL TUBE - Carbon fiber minimizes thermal expansion with ambient temperature changes while EdgeHD optics provide superb visual and astroimaging performance free of coma and field curvature
- Retro details and all-new look with vintage-style badging and logos and a set of 3 interchangeable commemorative “spinner” emblems
- Rechargeable lithium-iron phosphate battery with enough power for 10 hours of continuous observing
- Built-in WiFi - no hand control required! Use your smartphone or tablet to control the telescope via WiFi
- StarSense AutoAlign automatically aligns your telescope in about 3 minutes
- Fastar compatible so you can image deep sky objects at f/2, often eliminating the need to autoguide or track on a wedge
- NexStar Evolution mount packed with convenient features including a USB charge port, adjustable lighting, precision machined worm gears for both axes, and more
- Accessories included: three quality eyepieces - 32mm (2"), 9mm and 15mm (1.25"), StarPointer Pro™ finderscope, StarSense AutoAlign, 2" Star Diagonal w/1.25" adapter, spinner emblems, and a certificate of authenticity individually numbered and signed by Celestron pioneer Alan Hale and CEO Corey Lee
Includes These Celestron Technologies
Also Includes
Description
Celestron's NexStar Evolution 8 HD 60th Anniversary Edition telescope celebrates the best of Celestron’s past and present. We’re producing only 600 units to commemorate 60 years. Each telescope includes an individually numbered certificate of authenticity signed by CEO Corey Lee and Celestron pioneer Alan Hale. This limited-edition scope is sure to become a valuable addition to your astronomy collection and a treasured part of Celestron history.
60th Anniversary Highlights
The NexStar Evolution mount stays true to its name and keeps evolving; it’s been updated with unique features for this limited edition. The Evolution mount is paired with 8” EdgeHD optics—inside a carbon fiber tube for the first time ever. You also receive the StarSense AutoAlign accessory, three eyepieces (including one 2” eyepiece), and lots of other upgrades that make this a versatile and portable telescope system.
The twill weave carbon fiber optical tube evokes Celestron’s iconic carbon fiber tubes of decades past. But it’s not just for looks—carbon fiber is resistant to thermal expansion, which helps the optical system maintain focus as the ambient temperature changes.
You’ll find a vintage nameplate on the mount’s base with the telescope’s individual serial number. You’ll also find retro style labeling and nameplates on the optical tube. The fork arm features a slot to accommodate a magnetic, interchangeable ‘spinner’ emblem. You’ll receive a total of 3 emblems to swap out depending on the night or your mood. Designs include: Celestron’s current logo, the 60th anniversary logo, and the vintage ‘hamburger’ logo.
NexStar Evolution 8HD Highlights
The innovative NexStar Evolution is a compact, portable, and mechanically solid telescope made for hours of serious visual observing and certain types of astroimaging. The NexStar Evolution HD package stands out due to its unique features, including: StarSense AutoAlign, EdgeHD optics, integrated WiFi, and its internal LiFePO4 battery.
StarSense AutoAlign in the SkyPortal App
StarSense AutoAlign helps you optimize your time outdoors, giving you back time you would have spent aligning your telescope and allowing you more time to observe. It scans the night sky and analyzes the star patterns overhead, automatically calculating the telescope’s precise location, the date, and the current time. What’s more, you can add up to 10 additional alignment stars for the most accurate alignment possible. This sought-after add-on accessory is included in the 60th anniversary telescope kit.
Because StarSense AutoAlign is paired with the Evolution mount, you get even more functionality and ease of use. Connect to the mount via the SkyPortal Powered by SkySafari™ mobile app and you can perform the automatic alignment directly from your smart device, then instantly command the telescope to slew to your first celestial object.
8” EdgeHD Optical Tube
EdgeHD is an aplanatic, flat-field Schmidt optical system that produces aberration-free images across a wide visual and photographic field of view. The optical system reduces more than just off-axis star coma; it provides an astrograph-quality flat focal plane all the way to the edge of the field of view.
EdgeHD optics produce a focal plane more than three times flatter than a standard Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and dramatically flatter than competing coma-free designs. This guarantees you visibly sharp stars across full frame sensors.
The 8” EdgeHD flat-field and coma-free optical tube was made to accommodate modern imaging with cameras of all types, especially larger format CCD and DSLR cameras. The EdgeHD optical tube is Fastar-compatible for ultra-fast f/2 wide field imaging with an optional, third party lens assembly.
Learn more about EdgeHD technology.
Perfect for Visual Use or Beginning Astroimaging
This telescope is an excellent instrument for those looking to explore astroimaging. It’s the only fork-mounted telescope in its price range that offers brass worm gears along with improved motors, which provide great tracking accuracy. Capture images of the Moon and planets by attaching any planetary imaging camera. You can even experiment with imaging brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula with your DSLR camera.
As you progress in the hobby of astroimaging, turn your alt-azimuth mount into equatorial setup by adding the Wedge for NexStar Evolution. This accessory will enable you to achieve longer exposures for more detailed astrophotos. The NexStar Evolution mount also features a built-in lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery with enough power for 10-hour astroimaging sessions.
Accessories Included
The NexStar Evolution 60th Anniversary Edition is unique among Celestron computerized telescopes because it includes more than one eyepiece. You receive 3 high quality eyepieces—a 2” E-lux 32mm, a 1.25” Omni 15mm, and a 1.25” Omni 9mm. This eyepiece collection is robust enough to view most any celestial object right out of the box. What’s more, your telescope includes a 2” Star Diagonal with 1.25” adapter, the StarSense AutoAlign accessory, and a StarPointer Pro finderscope. The StarSense AutoAlign comes with a hand control, but thanks to the internal WiFi and SkyPortal app, use of the hand control is completely optional.
An optional Barlow lens can provide additional magnification for high-resolution planetary, lunar, and solar imaging. To increase your field of view without sacrificing performance, add the optional EdgeHD reducer lens, bringing your focal ratio down to f/7.
Software that Comes FREE with your Purchase
Celestron PWI Telescope Control: Your Ultimate Astronomy Software
All current Celestron computerized telescopes include Celestron PWI (CPWI), the most advanced astronomy software provided with any consumer-grade telescope. Celestron’s experts co-developed CPWI with the engineers at PlaneWave Instruments. The result is an all-in-one solution offering you many of the same features used on PlaneWave’s observatory-class telescopes.
- Graphical planetarium interface with PointXP advanced mount modelling allows you to add 100+ points to your alignment model for the most accurate pointing and tracking possible
- Ideal for remote observatory setups: save and re-load your alignment and park your scope
- Provides a complete ASCOM telescope interface to allow control of the telescope from third party software applications
For more information on CPWI and to see the user interface, click here.
Starry Night Software
Also included with your purchase is a free download of Celestron’s Starry Night Special Edition Software. This advanced software by Simulation Curriculum offers detailed information about celestial objects and helps you plan your next observing or imaging session. The Special Edition software also includes telescope control via your PC. For more information, click here.
Specifications
| Optical Tube Info: | |
|---|---|
| Optical Design: | EdgeHD |
| Aperture: | 203.2mm (8") |
| Focal Length: | 2032mm (80") |
| Focal Ratio: | f/10 |
| Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: | 32mm (1.26") |
| Magnification of Eyepiece 1: | 64x |
| Focal Length of Eyepiece 2: | 15mm (.59") |
| Magnification of Eyepiece 2: | 135x |
| Focal Length of Eyepiece 3: | 9mm (.34") |
| Magnification of Eyepiece 3: | 226x |
| Finderscope: | StarPointer Pro™ finderscope |
| Star Diagonal: | 2" Star Diagonal w/ 1.25" adapter |
| Optical Tube: | Carbon Fiber |
| Highest Useful Magnification: | 480x |
| Lowest Useful Magnification: | 29x |
| Limiting Stellar Magnitude: | 14 |
| Resolution (Rayleigh)v | 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: | 238mm (9.37") |
| Optical Tube Weight: | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) |
| Dovetail: | CG-5 Dovetail bar |
| Mount Info: | |
| Mount Type: | Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm |
| Instrument load capacity: | 25 lbs (11 kg) |
| Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): | 1193.8mm - 1752.6mm (47" – 69") |
| Tripod Leg Diameter: | 38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel |
| Mount Head Weight: | 16 lbs (7 kg) |
| Accessory Tray: | Yes |
| Tripod Weight: | 12 lbs (5.44 kg) |
| Slew Speeds: | 9 slew speeds - max speed 4°/second |
| Tracking Rates: | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar |
| Tracking Modes: | Alt-Az, EQ North and EQ South |
| GPS: | N/A |
| Dovetail Compatibility: | CG-5 saddle plate |
| Number of Auxiliary Ports: | 4 AUX Ports (Hand Control can use any of the AUX Ports) |
| Autoguide Port: | No |
| USB Port: | Yes, Hand Control input and Mount output |
| Power Requirements: | Internal 9 6V, 4 5Ah lithium-iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4) |
| Motor Drive: | DC servo motors |
| Alignment Procedures: | SkyAlign, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, Auto 2-Star Align, Solar System Align, Quick-Align, Last Alignment, EQ North / EQ South Alignment (EQ align requires an equatorial wedge) |
| Periodic Error Correction: | No |
| Computerized Hand Control: | 2 line x 18 character backlit Liquid Crystal Display, 19 LED backlit buttons, USB 2.0 Port for PC connection |
| NexStar+ Database: | Over 40,000 including 220 of the best deep sky and solar system objects |
| Software: | Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App |
| Total Kit Weight: | 42 lbs (19.05 kg) |
| Included Items: |
Optical tube Single Fork Arm Mount and tripod Accessory Tray Built-in Wifi Integrated Lithium-iron battery StarSense Hand Control 32mm, 9mm, and 15mm eyepieces StarPointer Pro™ finderscope 2" Star Diagonal 3 Spinner emblems Certificate of authenticity 4 plug AC adapter |
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FAQ
How can I check the status of the battery on my 60th Anniversary Evolution 8 EdgeHD Telescope
You can check the status of the battery by referring to the telescope’s companion app, SkyPortal. Simply connect the app to the Evolution mount and access the Telescope Setup and Control menu. The battery status will be listed at the top of the screen. You will see the current battery voltage, whether the battery is charging or discharging, and a scaled status (High, Medium, or Low).
You can also use the hand control’s Peripherals Menu to check battery status. If your hand control does not display this menu, please use Celestron’s Firmware Manager (CFM) to update the hand control to the latest version.
When I plug in the telescope to charge, the battery indicator light does not blink. Is there something wrong?
We have identified an error in the Quick Setup Guide for the NexStar Evolution 8HD 60th Anniversary Edition (#12098). The error occurs in the section titled “Charging Your Telescope Mount.” It incorrectly states:
“The logo light on the mount will slowly pulse to show that the battery is charging. When the light remains steadily lit, the battery is fully charged and you are ready to observe.”
While this is accurate for other NexStar Evolution telescope models, our engineers updated the industrial design for the 60th Anniversary Edition and eliminated the indicator light. To check the battery status, refer to the telescope’s companion app, SkyPortal. Simply connect the app to the Evolution mount and access the Telescope Setup and Control menu. The battery status is listed at the top of the screen. You will see the current battery voltage, whether the battery is charging or discharging, and a scaled status (High, Medium, or Low). 
The StarSense hand control supplied with this telescope does not currently display the battery status, but we are working on adding this feature. It will be included in a future hand control firmware upgrade. To check for the latest updates, please visit Firmware Update History and refer to the section for NexStar Evolution.
What is the heaviest recommended load for mounting a camera in the Fastar configuration?
We recommend a load of no more than 20 lbs. at 4.5 inches away from the 8" Schmidt corrector.
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