Celestron NexStar 8SE SCT Computerized Telescope

Take your first serious step into astronomy with the Celestron NexStar 8SE, combining Celestron’s iconic orange-tube design with advanced features, excellent optics, and an easy-to-use computerized system. Designed to deliver impressive astronomical views without an overly complicated setup, the NexStar 8SE provides an excellent balance of performance, versatility, and value. At the heart of the NexStar 8SE is its 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system, providing substantial light-gathering capability and resolution for exploring a wide range of celestial targets. The larger aperture allows you to observe detailed lunar and planetary features while also revealing impressive views of star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and other deep-sky objects. The computerized telescope system makes it easier to locate and track celestial targets, allowing you to spend more time observing and less time manually searching the sky. This combination of capable optics and convenient computerized operation makes the NexStar 8SE suitable for beginners who want a telescope that can support their growing interest in astronomy. Featuring Celestron’s distinctive orange-tube design, advanced features, and powerful 8-inch aperture, the NexStar 8SE offers impressive observing performance at an economical price, making it an excellent choice for anyone ready to take astronomy more seriously.

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.

Features

• 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.