Celestron NexStar 8 SE Telescope

The largest of the NexStar SE family with 78% more light gathering than a 6-inch model the NexStar 8 SE will enable you to see deep into the universe. The distinctive patented fork arm with ergonomically designed integrated hand control cradle gives solid support to Celestron’s classic 8-inch optics. The NexStar 8 SE features Schmidt-Cassegrain 8-inch aperture optics with our premium StarBright XLT coatings and a powerful 2032mm focal length and f/10 focal ratio.The NexStar 8 SE has all the same features as Celestron’s most advanced computerized GoTo telescopes including our revolutionary SkyAlign™ alignment technology a sky tour feature a database of over 40000 celestial objects and easy to use hand control.Plug the optional CN-16 GPS Accessory into NexStar’s auxiliary port and download data from orbiting GPS satellites for truly quick and easy alignments. The universe may be full of mysteries but using the NexStar 8 SE isn’t one of them.In the tradition of Celestron's famous orange optical tubes the new NexStar SE family combines the classic heritage of the original orange tube telescopes with state-of-the-art features including a fully computerized operating system flash-upgradable hand control our superior StarBright XLT coatings our revolutionary SkyAlign™ telescope-alignment software and much more.Whether you are a seasoned astronomer looking for a portable scope with advanced features or just starting your astronomy adventure and looking for an easy way to enjoy the night sky a NexStar SE will help you take a closer look.Every NexStar SE includes a version of The Sky® software Level 1 Planetarium software for exploring the Universe on your PC and printing out custom star charts of the sky. In addition you receive our NexRemote software that allows you to operate your telescope via your PC. Software package valued at over $100 included free with your NexStar SE!Celestron's Revolutionary SkyAlignThe days of complicated telescope assembly and setup are over. NexStar SE telescopes can be set up in a matter of minutes with no tools required!Using Celestron's patented SkyAlign simply input the date time and location into the hand control then point the telescope at any three bright celestial objects and the telescope does the rest. You do not need to know the names of the stars; you can pick the moon or bright planets.General8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopeSE combines the classic heritage of the original orange tube telescopes with the latest state-of-the-art featuresStarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standardQuick-release fork arm mount optical tube and accessory tray for no-tool setupCelestron's unique patented single fork arm with integral hand control design provides a rigid and smooth operating structure for the optical tubeStarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objectsSturdy computerized altazimuth mountUltra-sturdy steel tripod with accessory trayStar diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the skyComputerizedProven NexStar computer control technology40000 object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objectsSkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects making for a fast and easy alignment processFlash-upgradable hand control software and motor control units for downloading product updates over the InternetCustom database lists of all the most famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number; the most beautiful double triple and quadruple stars; variable star; solar systems; objects and asterismsDC Servo motors with encoders on both axesAutoguider port for long exposure astrophotographyDouble line 16-character Liquid Crystal Display Hand Control with backlit LED buttons for easy operation of goto featuresNexRemote telescope control software and RS-232 cable included for advanced control of your telescope via computerGPS-compatible with optional CN16 GPS Accessory