The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Newtonian Reflector Telescope combines a 130mm parabolic Newtonian reflector with Celestron’s StarSense Explorer smartphone navigation. Dock a compatible phone, choose a target in the app and follow the on-screen arrows while moving the telescope manually.
The complete observing package includes a full-height tripod, dual-axis slow-motion controls, two eyepieces and a StarPointer red-dot finderscope. The complete assembled kit weight is 8.16kg (18lb).
StarSense Explorer Smartphone Navigation
StarSense Explorer uses the smartphone camera and Celestron’s sky-recognition technology to analyse star patterns and determine where the telescope is pointing. After a short alignment, the app generates a list of objects suitable for the current time and location.
Select an object and follow the arrows as you move the telescope. When the on-screen bullseye turns green, the target is ready to view through the eyepiece. The mount is manual and has no motors, GoTo slewing or automatic tracking.
130Mm Parabolic Newtonian Reflector Optics
The optical tube has an aperture of 130mm (5.11 inches), a focal length of 650mm (25.59 inches) and a focal ratio of f/5. Its aluminium and SiO₂ mirror coatings are designed to provide bright visual views of the Moon, planets, double stars, star clusters and brighter deep-sky objects.
The optical tube connects to the mount through a CG-5-compatible dovetail bar.
Manual Altazimuth Mount
The StarSense Explorer DX mount uses slip clutches for broad manual movements and geared slow-motion controls on both axes for fine positioning and following objects as they drift. No external power is required for the telescope or mount.
Full-height aluminium tripod; 1244.6mm (49 inches) maximum assembled height. The centre accessory tray braces the tripod and provides convenient storage for accessories while observing.
Two Eyepieces Included
The supplied 25mm eyepiece gives 26× magnification, while the supplied 10mm eyepiece gives 65×. A StarPointer red-dot finderscope is included for direct aiming and initial alignment.
A Barlow lens is not included. Additional compatible 1.25-inch eyepieces can be used to provide other magnifications within the practical limits of the telescope and observing conditions.
Smartphone Compatibility
StarSense Explorer works with many modern Android and Apple smartphones, but compatibility depends on the handset, camera layout and operating-system version. Check Celestron’s current compatibility list before purchase.
The smartphone shown in the product images is not included. The supplied StarSense Explorer activation code is required to enable the app for this telescope.
Portable Complete Observing System
The optical tube detaches from the mount using the dovetail clamp, allowing the system to be separated for transport. The tripod legs collapse and the accessory tray can be removed when packing the telescope away.
What Is Included?
- Optical tube
- Preassembled manual altazimuth mount and full-height tripod
- 25mm and 10mm eyepieces
- StarPointer red-dot finderscope
- Accessory tray
- Two slow-motion control knobs
- StarSense Explorer smartphone dock
- StarSense Explorer app activation code
- Hex key
- Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition software
Please note: A smartphone, Barlow lens, additional filters, carrying case and power bank are not stated as included.
Specifications
Optical Tube
| Optical design | Newtonian reflector with parabolic primary mirror |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 130mm (5.11 inches) |
| Focal length | 650mm (25.59 inches) |
| Focal ratio | f/5 |
| Eyepiece 1 | 25mm; 26× magnification |
| Eyepiece 2 | 10mm; 65× magnification |
| Barlow lens | Not included |
| Finderscope | StarPointer red-dot finderscope |
| Star diagonal | Not required for the Newtonian optical layout |
| Highest useful magnification | 307× |
| Lowest useful magnification | 19× |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 13.1 |
| Rayleigh resolution | 1.07 arcseconds |
| Dawes resolution | 0.89 arcseconds |
| Light-gathering power | 345× compared with the human eye |
| Optical coatings | Glass mirrors coated with aluminium and SiO₂ |
| Optical-tube material | Steel |
| Optical-tube length | 635mm (25 inches) |
| Optical-tube diameter | 165mm (6.49 inches) |
| Optical-tube weight | 3.99kg (8.8lb) |
| Dovetail | CG-5 dovetail bar |
Mount and Tripod
| Mount type | Manual altazimuth |
|---|---|
| Movement | Manual slip clutches with dual-axis geared slow-motion controls |
| Tripod | Full-height aluminium tripod; 1244.6mm (49 inches) maximum assembled height |
| Accessory tray | Included |
| Tripod weight | 4.17kg (9.2lb) |
| Power requirement | None; smartphone power is separate |
| Navigation | StarSense Explorer app using the phone camera and GPS |
| Software | StarSense Explorer app, SkyPortal app and Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition |
| Complete telescope kit weight | 8.16kg (18lb) |
Solar Safety
Warning: Never look directly at the Sun through this telescope without a correctly fitted, certified full-aperture solar filter.
Permanent and irreversible eye damage can occur. Never use an eyepiece-type solar filter and never project an image of the Sun through the telescope. Unfiltered sunlight can damage the optics and accessories.
Never leave the telescope unattended, especially when children are present.
Instruction Manuals
The official quick setup guide and StarSense Explorer app guide are supplied in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.