{"product_id":"celestron-starsense-explorer-8-dobsonian","title":"StarSense Explorer 8\" Dobsonian","description":"\u003cp\u003eCelestron has reinvented the Dobsonian telescope with StarSense Explorer—the first Dobsonian that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real-time. This large-aperture Celestron StarSense Explorer is ideal for serious beginners, thanks to the app's user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials. It's like having your own personal tour guide of the night sky. The large aperture will ensure that you won’t outgrow the telescope as you continue on in your astronomical adventures.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDock, Launch, Explore\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eLeave complicated star charts, imprecise planetarium apps, and computerized mounts behind. With StarSense Explorer, locating objects has never been easier, faster, or more accurate. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you'll be navigating the sky with confidence. Simply place your phone in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter aligning your phone to the telescope's optics (a quick and easy procedure), StarSense Explorer generates a list of celestial objects currently visible. Make your selection and arrows appear on-screen, guiding you as you move the telescope. When the object is ready to view in the eyepiece, the bullseye turns green. As you observe, listen to hundreds of audio descriptions and view detailed information about thousands of objects within the app’s robust database.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-Quality Altazimuth Base\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAn ultra-stable Dobsonian base provides a sturdy foundation for StarSense Explorer. It features large diameter altitude bearings with variable tensioning, Teflon azimuth bearings, and braces on the side panels for extra stability (unlike most 8” Dobsonian bases). The altitude bearings provide a smooth up-and-down motion while the integrated altitude \"brake\" system allows you to adjust the tension along the altitude axis for smoothest motion even with slight imbalances. The panning knob on the telescope tube provides an ergonomic grip so you can precisely point the telescope without introducing heat from your hands into the optical system. As celestial objects appear to drift across the night sky, you'll be able to easily follow them with minor adjustments to the telescope’s position.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDazzling Views with High-Quality Optics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith a large 8\" Newtonian reflector optical tube, this telescope has enough light-gathering ability to bring out impressive detail in celestial objects while remaining remarkably portable. You can expect sharp, bright views of Jupiter's four Galilean moons, its cloud bands and Great Red Spot, the rings of Saturn, the gaseous glow of the Orion Nebula, dust lanes in the Lagoon Nebula, and our neighbor galaxy, Andromeda. Compared to the StarSense Explorer DX 130 AZ, the 8\" Dobsonian has 240+% more light gathering area, providing better views of faint objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAll mirror surfaces are coated with our XLT optical coatings to visibly increase contrast and light throughput for brighter views. With XLT, you'll be able to discern subtle details while viewing the Moon and planets, as well as faint galaxies and nebulae. The mirrors are made of low-expansion optical glass, which helps ensure the best images under changing environmental conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis telescope also comes with a high-quality 2” Crayford focuser. The Crayford design provides precise and smooth movements without focus shifting. It also includes a 2” to 1.25” adapter and a 2” extension tube, so you can use virtually any 1.25” or 2” telescope eyepiece with your StarSense Explorer Dobsonian. The focuser also features a thumbscrew so you can lock in the sharpest focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect for the City or Dark Sky Sites\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEven if you live in a light-polluted city location, the Celestron StarSense Explorer 8” Dobsonian is advanced enough to easily pick out Jupiter, Saturn, open star clusters like the Pleiades, double stars like Alberio, the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, and more of the best and brightest celestial objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut if you can take the telescope to an even slightly darker location, more objects will become visible. With this 8\" Dobsonian and relatively dark skies, hundreds of fascinating objects are well within your reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTransporting your StarSense Explorer Dobsonian is easy thanks to the ergonomic carry handles located at the balance point of the tube and base. Dust covers are also included for the front of the tube and the focuser.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmartphone Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eStarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones; it is compatible with Android 12 and later, as well as iOS 18 and newer, including iPhone XR and newer models.  Users with older phones can still use this app, but will not be able to reinstall the app if they uninstall it. For a complete compatibility list,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/starsenseexplorer.simcur.com\/\"\u003eclick here\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatented StarSense Sky Recognition Technology\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eStarSense Explorer uses patented technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly orient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhile other astronomy apps may claim that they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phone's gyros and accelerometers, which aren't as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnhance Your Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eKeep your phone charged all night while exploring with your StarSense Explorer by adding the PowerTank Glow 5000 to your must-have accessories (sold separately). This 2-in-1 accessory was made with the StarSense Explorer Dobs in mind, it has a red flashlight PLUS a USB power bank for charging mobile devices in the field. Connect the PowerTank Glow 5000 to the two posts at the front of the StarSense Explorer dock with the included bands so it is held in a convenient location for charging your smartphone while in use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOptical Tube Info:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ctable class=\"table-open\" id=\"product-specs-list\" role=\"table\" aria-label=\"Product Specifications\"\u003e\r\n\u003ctbody role=\"rowgroup\"\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eOptical Design:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003eNewtonian Reflector\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eAperture:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e203mm (8\")\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eFocal Length:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e1200mm (47.24\")\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eFocal Ratio:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003ef\/5.9\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eFocal Length of Eyepiece 1:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e25mm (0.98\")\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eMagnification of Eyepiece 1:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e48x\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eHighest Useful Magnification:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e480x\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eLowest Useful Magnification:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e29x\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eLimiting Stellar Magnitude:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e14.2\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eLight Gathering Power:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e841x as compared to the human eye\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eOptical Coatings:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003eXLT reflective coatings with silicon dioxide and tantalum pentoxide protective overcoatings for primary and secondary mirrors\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eMirror Material:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003ePyrex equivalent for primary and secondary mirrors\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003ePrimary Mirror Thickness:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e25mm (0.98\") (approx. 1:8 thickness ratio)\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eSecondary Mirror Thickness:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e8.5mm (0.33\")\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eMinor Axis of Secondary Mirror:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e47mm (1.85\")\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eTube Material:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003eSteel\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eFocuser:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e2\" Crayford focuser, includes 2\" extension tube and 2\"-to-1.25\" adapter\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eFinderscope:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003eStarPointer™ red-dot finderscope\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eResolution Rayleigh:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e0.68 arcseconds\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eResolution Dawes:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e0.57 arcseconds\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eOptical Tube Dimensions:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e1117.6mm x 241.3mm diameter (44\" x 9.5\" diameter)\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eOptical Tube Weight:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e20.6 lbs (9.34 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\r\n\u003c\/table\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMount Info:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ctable class=\"table-open\" id=\"product-specs-list\" role=\"table\" aria-label=\"Product Specifications\"\u003e\r\n\u003ctbody role=\"rowgroup\"\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eMount Type:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003eAltazimuth Dobsonian base\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eBase Material:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003eParticle board with melamine surfaces and edge trim, CARB compliant\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eBase Dimensions:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e685.8mm x 482.6mm x 482.6mm (27\" x 19\" x 19\")\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eBase Weight:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e22.8 lbs (10.3 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eSlew Speeds:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003eManual\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eSoftware:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003eCelestron Starry Night Basic Edition Software and StarSense Explorer App\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eTotal Telescope Kit Weight:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e43.4 lbs (19.68 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eIncluded Items:\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003eOptical tube\u003cbr\u003eDobsonian Base\u003cbr\u003e25mm eyepiece\u003cbr\u003e2\" Crayford focuser\u003cbr\u003eStarPointer™ red-dot finderscope\u003cbr\u003eStarSense Explorer dock\u003cbr\u003eStarSense Explorer unlock code\u003cbr\u003eEyepiece rack\u003cbr\u003eCollimation cap\u003cbr\u003eCelestron Starry Night Basic Edition Software\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\r\n\u003c\/table\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional Info:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ctable class=\"table-open\" id=\"product-specs-list\" role=\"table\" aria-label=\"Product Specifications\"\u003e\r\n\u003ctbody role=\"rowgroup\"\u003e\r\n\u003ctr role=\"row\"\u003e\r\n\u003cth role=\"rowheader\" scope=\"row\"\u003eSolar Warning\u003c\/th\u003e\r\n\u003ctd role=\"cell\"\u003e\r\n\u003cul class=\"solar-warning-text\"\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eNever look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eNever use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eNever leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003c\/td\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\r\n\u003c\/table\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eManuals \u0026amp; Documents\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eManual\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/9575\/6487\/files\/StarSense_Explorer_App_Manual_3ed36d83-8ac4-4385-9e1f-2236d76d4d8b.pdf?v=1771785538\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"doc-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e📘\u003c\/span\u003e StarSense Explorer 8\" Dobsonian\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/9575\/6487\/files\/StarSense_Explorer_Dobsonian_Quick_Setup_Guide.pdf?v=1771785562\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"doc-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e📘\u003c\/span\u003e StarSense Explorer 8\" Dobsonian (1-03-001-0089-02)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/9575\/6487\/files\/StarSense_Explorer_Dobsonian_Instruction_Manual.pdf?v=1771785580\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"doc-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e📘\u003c\/span\u003e StarSense Explorer 8\" Dobsonian (1-03-001-0089-03)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46213607653575,"sku":"1-03-001-0089","price":879.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/9575\/6487\/files\/1-03-001-0089-01.jpg?v=1771785586","url":"https:\/\/snowflakeskies.com\/products\/celestron-starsense-explorer-8-dobsonian","provider":"Snowflake Skies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}