Celestron NexStar 4SE -102mm Computerised Go-To Telescope

Telescope Description

Celestron's NexStar 4 SE 102mm f/13 Maksutov-Cassegrain Go-To Telescope is a powerful, versatile and user-friendly Maksutov-Cassegrain style telescope that can be used for observing everything from the Moon and planets to deep sky objects like galaxies and nebulae. Using Celestron's proprietary StarBright XLT multi-coating system, light transmission is increased throughout the entire optical path with anti-reflection multi-coated lenses, highly reflective multi-coated mirrors, and BK7 optical glass.

The scope's Maksutov variation of the Cassegrain optical system exchanges the front corrector plate of the more common Schmidt design with a convex meniscus lens which not only eliminates the need for periodic collimation, but the nature of the lens requires a smaller secondary mirror which limits obstruction and increases contrast. This optical system, coupled with its precision tracking, allows it to be a competent astrophotography/astroimaging platform for the Moon and planets - despite its relatively slow f/13 focal ratio

Driving the dual servo motors on the mount is the brains of the NexStar 4SE: the iconic NexStar computer hand controller. Packed with almost 40,000 celestial objects, it can hold up to 25 additional user-defined destinations and is updateable via the Celestron website. It has multiple alignment procedures to get you observing fast - including the super-easy SkyAlign system. Capable of being used in the northern or southern hemispheres, the NexStar has sidereal, lunar and solar tracking speeds to accurately follow near and deep-sky objects, plus nine slew speeds.

Performance

• 4" / 102mm aperture
• f/13 focal ratio
• 1325mm focal length
• BK7 optical glass primary mirror
• StarBright XLT optical coatings: Multi-layer aluminum/SiO2 (quartz)/TiO2 (titanium dioxide)/Si02 (silicon 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
• Resolution: Rayleigh: 1.36 arcsec / Dawes: 1.14 arcsec
• Secondary mirror obstruction: 1.25", 34.4% by diameter / 11% by area

NexStar Computer Controller

• Two-line, 16-character LCD display
• 19 fiber optic backlit red LED buttons
• Database of over 38,000 celestial objects plus 25 user-defined
• Automatically slew to planets, objects, constellations plus a variety of catalogs, including the Messier, NGC, Caldwell, and SAO brightest stars
• 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
• Pre-programmed alignment systems including SkyAlign, Auto 2-Star, 1-Star, 2-Star, and Solar System for fast and easy set up
• 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
• Pre-set sidereal, solar, and lunar slew speeds for observing the fast-moving Moon, to slower-moving deep space subjects
• Nine slew speeds: 4°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, 0.5°/sec, 2x, 4x, 8x,16x, and 32x
• RS-232 communication port allows for computer control
• Flash updateable via the Celestron website

Mount

• Single fork alt-az
• Dual-axis servo motors with optical encoders allow for precise tracking with virtually no vibration
• Motor resolution: 0.26 arcsec
• Communication ports: Autoguider port, Aux port, hand-controller
• Runs on eight user-supplied AA batteries or optional 12VDC power supply

Viewing Options

• Integrated internal 90° flip mirror
• With mirror flipped up the 90° angle puts head in a comfortable viewing position when scope is pointed at or near the zenith
• Lay mirror down to direct light to the visual back for astrophotography/imaging

Eyepiece

• 1.25" diameter barrel
• 25mm focal length produces 53x magnification
• Anti-reflection multi-coated glass improves color rendition and contrast
• Threaded barrel accepts most 1.25" astronomical filters
• Fold down rubber eyecups for use with or without eyeglasses

Starpointer

• Projects a single red dot in line of sight
• Un-magnified to make finding objects faster and easier
• Used primarily for alignment process

Recommended Usage  Astronomy

Download Telescope Manual 
 

Specifications