Origin Mark II Smart Telescope

If you want quality images, you need quality optics. With the Origin platform, Celestron wasn’t content to just tick this box - they needed to “go big”. With their RASA optical system and custom-made optical tube, the Origin Mark II certainly sets itself apart. Patented by Celestron, the Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) was purpose built for astrophotography and speed. It is hard to overstate just how fast this optical design is; as a point of reference this system is just under 2 “stops” faster than other f/4 smart telescopes on the market, where 1 stop is equivalent to a doubling of the light captured in an image. In fact, the RASA design is so fast that these systems require specially designed filters to keep up with its speed. With these quick 6” f/2.2 optics, the Origin Mark II can capture significantly brighter images than the competition can in the same amount of time. The faster your optics go, the more crucial it is to nail your focus, something Celestron has made easy with the autofocus feature on the Origin Mark II. More conventional telescopes can accomplish a similar feat with external accessories and software, but the Origin platform continues to push the envelope by building all of this inside the optical tube and Origin’s software. Say goodbye to focus knobs and Bahtinov masks! The Celestron Origin Mark II has several main features to ensure the clarity of its optics. An integrated dew heater ring prevents condensation from forming on the RASA corrector plate, by heating it just above the dew point. This is done automatically by using an integrated thermistor and environmental sensor. A cooling fan ensures thermal equilibrium inside the optical tube. To top it off the RASA has a dew shield integrated up front to minimize stray light, improving contrast and additionally providing passive dew prevention.

If the optics are the heart of a smart telescope and the computer is the brain, then the app is the voice that not only controls but dictates the celestial discoveries that are viewed by astronomers. Developed in partnership with Simulation Curriculum, known for world renowned Sky-Atlas software, the Celestron Origin app takes user experience to the next level.

The Celestron Origin app, compatible with iOS and Android devices, simplifies smart telescope control by providing the easiest platform across all smart telescopes that is intuitive for those new to the hobby yet powerful enough to satisfy veterans in astrophotography. The Origin app intelligently selects settings for you; but you can also fine tune settings to your liking and add your own finishing touches to images. Included is a planetarium interface, live view option, compass mode and even a “tonight’s best” list of objects for those unsure of what to view. Yet again, Celestron has thought of everything— with additional camera ISO and manual image processing controls that make this intelligent observatory shine even brighter.

Taking less than 2 minutes to align thanks to the integrated StarSense technology, simply select your desired object and switch to Live Image View mode. Within a matter of seconds, you will see your favorite object begin to appear. Even in this initial few exposures the details you’ll be able to see will be significantly better than what is visible through larger traditional telescopes under darker skies, and can adjust the composition as desired with the handy re-centering tool. Now sit back, and enjoy as each subsequent exposure will allow you to see, in real time, the live stacking progression made possible by artificial intelligence algorithms from a cutting-edge AI firm in the United States.

Please Note: The Celestron Origin app requires your smartphone or tablet is running at least iOS 16.6 or Android 12.

The increased stability of the Celestron Origin Mark II Home Observatory does not mean Celestron has sacrificed portability. The portability of your smart telescope can enhance your viewing and imaging experience, as some celestial objects are only visible in certain locations. Celestron has made sure that you are able to transport your entire Origin Mark II Intelligent Home Observatory with no hassle! Your Celestron smart telescope gear can be broken down into three separate components: the OTA, the mount head, and the tripod. None of the three components weighs over 17 lbs, and they fit easily into the trunk of most vehicles.