NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Item #: 11069 / 11069-CGL- The world’s most beloved telescope! The classic, 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain revolutionized amateur astronomy in the 1970s. Now, the iconic “orange tube” design is updated with all the latest features to provide the best stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike.
- Large, 8-inch aperture with excellent light-gathering ability provides spectacular views of the Moon and planets, along with deep sky objects like the Whirlpool Galaxy and Hercules Globular Cluster.
- Fully automated, GoTo mount with database of 40,000+ celestial objects automatically locates and tracks objects for you.
- SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready to observe in minutes. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the night sky, you can easily align your telescope on any three bright objects.
- Unique single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all break down into separate components for easy transport and quick assembly.
Overview
- The world’s most beloved telescope! The classic, 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain revolutionized amateur astronomy in the 1970s. Now, the iconic “orange tube” design is updated with all the latest features to provide the best stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike.
- Large, 8-inch aperture with excellent light-gathering ability provides spectacular views of the Moon and planets, along with deep sky objects like the Whirlpool Galaxy and Hercules Globular Cluster.
- Fully automated, GoTo mount with database of 40,000+ celestial objects automatically locates and tracks objects for you.
- SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready to observe in minutes. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the night sky, you can easily align your telescope on any three bright objects.
- Unique single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all break down into separate components for easy transport and quick assembly.
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Description
Celestron’s signature orange-tube telescope combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system, the NexStar 8SE. It’s the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering impressive views at an economical price.
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 NexImage cameras. From your first observing session and for years to come, the NexStar SE is your trusted companion.
Specifications
| 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 |
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FAQ
Why doesn’t my red dot finderscope match the image on the box/website?
Celestron is making a change to the finderscope shipped with some Celestron telescopes. In some cases, you may receive a finderscope that is different in appearance than the one pictured on the gift box, manual, Quick Setup Guide, or website. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Rest assured that the finders are identical in performance and features. The main difference is the location of the battery compartment and, therefore, the battery installation instructions.
If your red dot finderscope looks like the unit pictured here, you can ignore this message. 
If you received a red dot finderscope that looks like the unit pictured here, follow the instructions below to replace the battery: 
1. The battery compartment on this finderscope is located on top of the unit. Use a Philips-head screwdriver to loosen the screw holding the battery door closed. The screw is captured and will not fall out when you open the battery door. 
2. Lift the battery door open to expose the CR-2032 button battery.
3. With your fingernail on either side of the battery, pry the battery up and out of the battery compartment.
4. Place the new CR-2032 battery, positive (+) side up, under the two copper battery clips at the front of the battery compartment. 
5. Press the battery down to snap it into the plastic battery clips on the opposite side of the battery.
6. Close the battery door and tighten the Phillips-head screw to secure the door in place.
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