Celestron NexStar Evolution 8" SCT Telescope

Celestron’s landmark telescopes reach a new level with the NexStar Evolution 8, the first of a series of Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes with integrated WiFi standard. Forget the (included) hand control and slew to all the best celestial objects with a touch of a smartphone or tablet. Simply connect the device to NexStar Evolution’s built-in wireless network, and enjoy viewing the universe with the Celestron mobile app for iOS and Android. Plus, Celestron's standard Planetarium Interface allows viewers to scan the night sky in real time or display a list of celestial objects currently visible based on the time and location of the scope. Celestron's proprietary SkyAlign alignment procedure is built into the Celestron mobile app, so users are ready to observe within minutes.

Celestron engineers designed the NexStar Evolution series based on years of customer feedback. It offers many thoughtful design features that combine to provide the best possible experience under the stars.

No longer will batteries or external power supply be necessary for a computerized viewing session. For the first time ever on a consumer telescope, Celestron's NexStar Evolution 8" includes its own Built-in Lithium-ion Battery. Stargazing marathons lasting up to 10 hours are now possible on a single charge. And the NexStar Evolution’s USB charge port is available to top off the other devices that need to stay powered-on during an observing session.

Setting up the new NexStar Evolution is quick and painless with large, ergonomic handles. The steel tripod features leg etchings to help achieve a level, uniform height for the telescope. Manual clutches in both Altitude and Azimuth offer greater flexibility to manually point the telescope when powered off. Store up to 7 eyepieces in 2 accessory trays, including one with an adjustable red LED illuminator.

For astronomers interested in astro-imaging, the Celestron NexStar Evolution 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is an excellent, affordable way to get started. It’s the only fork-mounted telescope in its price range that offers worm gears and greatly improved motors standard. NexStar Evolution’s tracking accuracy is so impressive, capturing images of deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula can be achieved by simply attaching most any DSLR camera. As users progress in expertise in astro-imaging, Celestron's Pro HD Wedge can be added to facilitate longer exposures for more detailed astrophotos. Of course, the Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system offers bright, sharp views with StarBright XLT™ optical coatings—a great choice for visual observers and budding astro-imagers alike.

NexStar Evolution includes a StarPointer finderscope, two 1.25” Plossl eyepieces (13mm and 40mm), a 1.25” star diagonal, AC adapter, and NexStar+ hand control (not necessary when using the mobile app).

The revolutionary technology in the award-winning SkyProdigy telescope is now available for almost every Celestron computerized telescope.

Celestron StarSense AutoAlign for Celestron Mounts

Before StarSense, using a computerized telescope required a lengthy alignment process of finding and centering at least two bright stars in the telescope’s eyepiece. But StarSense automatically aligns itself, no user input needed. With Celestron StarSense AutoAlign, you become an instant astronomer—even if you’ve never used a telescope before.

StarSense is not only compatible with all of Celestron’s current computerized telescope models, but backwards compatible with many older models as well. (See compatibility list below.)

The StarSense Accessory includes a small digital camera that attaches to the telescope’s optical tube, along with a specialized hand controller. Just set up the accessory, push the Align button on the hand controller, and StarSense starts capturing and comparing images of the night sky against its internal database of 40,000 celestial objects. In about three minutes, StarSense will gather enough information to triangulate its position and align itself. Then, press the Sky Tour button: StarSense will automatically slew to all the best stars, planets, galaxies, and more based on your exact time and location.

Even the most advanced telescope users will love using the affordable Celestron StarSense AutoAlign. StarSense replaces expensive software used for Advanced Mount Modeling, providing superior pointing accuracy from horizon to horizon. Users can add as many calibration stars as desired to give their Celestron telescope mount a new level of accuracy.