Celestron NexStar Evolution 8" EdgeHD with StarSense

The Celestron NexStar Evolution HD combines advanced optical performance, intelligent automation, and portable convenience in a compact telescope designed for extended visual observing and select astrophotography applications. Built with a mechanically robust design, the NexStar Evolution HD provides a stable and dependable platform for hours of exploration under the night sky. What sets this package apart is its combination of advanced features designed to simplify setup while enhancing your observing experience. StarSense AutoAlign automatically aligns the telescope, reducing setup time and making it easier to get started. The integrated EdgeHD optical system delivers high-quality views with advanced optical performance, while built-in WiFi provides convenient wireless telescope control from compatible mobile devices. Powering the system is an integrated LiFePO4 rechargeable battery, eliminating the need to rely on external batteries or constant power connections during observing sessions. This internal power solution contributes to the telescope's clean, portable design and makes it easier to set up in different observing locations. Whether you're spending an evening observing from your backyard or traveling to a darker location for a dedicated astronomy session, the NexStar Evolution HD brings together portability, advanced optics, automated alignment, wireless control, and integrated power in one highly capable telescope system.

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. 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.

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. Of course, the EdgeHD optical system offers bright, sharp views with StarBright XLT™ optical coatings—a great choice for visual observers and budding astro-imagers alike. NexStar Evolution is equipped with 4 auxiliary ports—two on top of the fork and two on the bottom. A StarSense hand control is still included, but is not necessary when using NexStar Evolution with the app.

Features

• 8” EdgeHD optical tube provides superb visual and astro-imaging performance, free of coma and field curvature.
• 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 connect to the telescope via WiFi.
• StarSense AutoAlign aligns your telescope automatically and works with the SkyPortal Powered by SkySafari™ app for complete wireless control.
• Fastar/HyperStar compatible so you can image deep sky objects in seconds at f/2, often eliminating the need to autoguide or track on a wedge.
• NexStar Evolution mount is packed with convenient features like manual release clutches and precision machined worm gears for both axes, a USB charge port, tray lighting for your accessories, and more.
• Accessories included: 40mm & 13mm Plössl (1.25"), Visual back (1.25”), StarPointer ProTM finderscope, StarSense AutoAlign, and a 1.25" star diagonal.