General Features

• 8″ Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope
• CGEM Computerized Equatorial Mount
• Schmidt-Cassegrain mechanism that moves the primary mirror to adjust focus is supported by two pre-loaded ball bearings, minimizing the “mirror flop” typical of bushing focus mechanisms
• Celestron’s premium StarBright XLT coatings
• 6×30 finderscope to help accurately find objects
• Ultra Sturdy 2″ steel tripod with Accessory Tray
• Star diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the sky

Computerized Mount Features

• 40,000 object database with over 100 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects
• Proven NexStar computer control technology
• Redesigned electronics deliver constant regulated power to the motors making them capable of driving the telescope even when not perfectly balanced
• New “All-star” Polar alignment uses any bright star for a quick and accurate Polar alignment
• Software Features include: Mount Calibration, Database Filter Limits, Hibernate, five Alignment Procedures, and user-defined slew limits
• Flash upgradeable hand control software and motor control units for downloading product updates over the Internet
• Meridian preference for slewing – allows you to approach an object from the side of the Meridian that maximizes tracking (and imaging) time
• Solar System alignment method – allows you to align your telescope and view the moon and planets during the day
• Custom Rate 9 feature allows you set maximum slew rate
• Tandem mode allows you to star align the mount even when positioned for tandem scope use
• Custom database lists of all the most famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number; the most beautiful double, triple and quadruple stars; variable stars; solar system objects and asterisms
• Permanent Programmable Periodic Error Correction (PEC) – corrects for periodic tracking errors inherent to all worm drives
• Steel worm gear and 90 mm pitch diameter brass worm wheel
• Drive Motors – Low Cog DC Servo motor with integrated optical encoders offer smooth, quiet operation and long life. The motor armatures are skewed to minimize cogging which is required for low speed tracking
• Internal Cable wiring for trouble-free setup and transportation
• Designated six-pin RJ-12 modular jack, ST-4 compatible guide port
• Autoguide port and Auxiliary ports located on the electronic plate for long exposure astrophotography
• Double line, 16-character Liquid Crystal Display Hand Control with backlit LED buttons for easy operation of goto features
• RS-232 communication port on hand control to control the telescope via a personal computer
• Includes NexRemote telescope control software, for advanced control of your telescope via computer
• Precision machined 40 mm diameter steel Polar shafts supported by multiple tapered roller bearings and ball bearings.
• GPS Compatible with optional SkySync GPS Accessory
• Secure power plug ensures that the mount’s power source is not accidentally disconnected