Telescope KIT InstructionS and guide
If you have received this Telescope in one of our Technology Loaner Kits, please watch the videos below to see how to use the device and set it up. Once you have completed the videos, please also follow the written instructions further down this page.
How to setup and use the Celestron NexStar 8se
Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope review and a list of some of the top astronomy apps for the tablet
Features
8" (203.2mm) aperture
f/10 focal ratio
2032mm focal length
Crown optical glass primary mirror
StarBright XLT optical coatings: Multi-layer aluminum/SiO2 (quartz)/TiO2 (titanium dioxide) mirror coatings with flat reflectivity across the light spectrum for both astrophotography/astroimaging and visual observation
Multi-layer MgF2 (magnesium fluoride) and HfO2 (hafnium dioxide) anti-reflective lens coatings
High-transmission water white glass corrector lens with 97.4% light transmission
Internal focusing mechanism
Resolution: 0.69 arcsec (Rayleigh); 0.57 arcsec (Dawes)
Secondary mirror obstruction: 2.5"; 31% by diameter; 9.77% by area
Fastar capability: Secondary mirror can be removed and a DSLR or imaging rig mounted in its place for fast wide-field astrophotography
NexStar+ Computer Controller
2-line, 16-character LCD display
19 fiber optic backlit red LED buttons
Database of over 40,000 celestial objects plus 100 user defined
Automatically slew to planets, stars, constellations, and a variety of catalogs
Camera control: For piggyback wide-field or conventional astrophotography through the optical tube assembly, the controller can automatically trigger the shutter release to capture the image
Anti-backlash compensation programs out play between gears for more precise tracking
Tour Mode: Shows a selection of the most popular objects for the time and date you are observing
Constellation Tour: Allows you to take a tour of all the best objects within a particular constellation
Alignment procedures: SkyAlign, Auto 2-Star, 1-Star, 2-Star, and Solar System
SkyAlign alignment: Takes minutes, with minimal effort or experience—point the telescope at three bright objects in the sky, and the telescope does the rest
Nine slew speeds: 5°/sec, 3°/sec, 1°/sec, 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 32x, and 64x
Sidereal, Solar, and Lunar tracking rates for observing the fast-moving Moon, to slower-moving deep-space subjects
Tracking modes: Alt-Az, EQ North, EQ South, Off (no tracking when using as a terrestrial spotting scope)
RS-232 communication port allows for computer control
Flash updatable via the Celestron website
Database Details:
Solar system objects including the Sun, Moon, and planets
Named objects
Stars: Asterims, variable stars, double stars, named stars
Caldwell catalog
Messier catalog
NGC catalog
SAO catalog
Constellations
Mount & Tripod
Mount:
Single-fork alt-az
Dual-axis servo motors allow for precise tracking with virtually no vibration
Motor resolution: 0.26 arcsec
Optical encoders track mount movement to improve tracking and GoTo accuracy while allowing the mount to maintain alignment when moved manually
Communication ports: Autoguider port, Aux port, hand controller
Runs on eight user-supplied AA batteries or optional 12 VDC power supply
Tripod:
Stainless steel legs
Adjustable height accommodates a variety of observation positions or users
Tray holds accessories such as eyepieces and filters and adds stability and vibration reduction
Weight: 10 pounds
Included Accessories
Eyepiece:
1.25"-diameter barrel
25mm focal length produces 81x magnification
Anti-reflection multi-coated glass improves color rendition and contrast
Threaded barrel accepts most 1.25" astronomical filters
Fold-down rubber eyecup for use with or without eyeglasses
33' field of view at 1000 yards
Diagonal:
1.25" input and output accepts most 1.25" astronomical eyepieces and accessories
90° angle puts head in a comfortable position when observing at or near the zenith
Corrects view horizontally, but not vertically
StarPointer Finder:
Projects a single red dot in line of sight
Unmagnified view ensures a wide field of view to make finding objects faster and star-hopping navigation easier