Celestron Origin Mark II Intelligent Home Observatory

The Celestron Origin Mark II combines a fast 152mm Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph, an integrated colour astronomy camera, automatic StarSense alignment and intelligent image processing in one complete, app-controlled observing system.

Designed around Celestron’s ultra-fast 6-inch f/2.2 RASA optics, Origin gathers light rapidly and builds detailed colour images of galaxies, nebulae and star clusters on a compatible smartphone or tablet. There is no eyepiece: the integrated camera captures the incoming light while the Origin app stacks and processes the images as you watch.

Key features

• 152mm aperture Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph optical system
• Ultra-fast f/2.2 focal ratio and 335mm focal length
• Origin 678C colour camera with Sony IMX678 STARVIS 2 back-illuminated CMOS sensor
• 8.3 million effective pixels with a 3856 × 2180 resolution
• Automatic focusing and StarSense sky alignment
• Computerised GoTo altazimuth mount
• Real-time frame stacking and intelligent image processing
• Celestron Origin Powered by SkySafari app for compatible iOS and Android devices
• Integrated automated dew-prevention system
• Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi and approximately 50GB of storage for raw files
• Integrated filter drawer for compatible 1.25-inch and 2-inch imaging filters
• Integrated 97.9Wh LiFePO4 battery providing more than six hours of typical operation
• Raw FITS image files available for advanced processing

Fast 6-Inch RASA Optical System

At the heart of Origin Mark II is a purpose-designed 152mm Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph. Unlike a conventional telescope that places the camera behind the optical tube, the RASA design positions the image sensor at the front of the optical system.

This arrangement produces a very fast f/2.2 focal ratio. The practical advantage is speed: Origin can collect useful deep-sky image data with short sub-exposures, allowing galaxies, emission nebulae and star clusters to develop on screen without the lengthy acquisition times associated with slower optical systems.

The 335mm focal length and 1.32° × 0.75° camera field of view are particularly well suited to many larger deep-sky targets. StarBright XLT coatings are applied throughout the optical system to support efficient light transmission.

Origin 678C Camera with Sony IMX678 Sensor

Origin Mark II is supplied with the newer Origin 678C colour camera. Its Sony IMX678-AAQR1 back-illuminated STARVIS 2 CMOS sensor provides 8.3 million effective pixels and a 3856 × 2180 output resolution.

Fine 2.0μm pixels are closely matched to the 335mm f/2.2 optical system, delivering an image scale of 1.23 arcseconds per pixel. The modern 16:9 format provides a useful field for viewing and sharing images on phones, tablets and televisions.

The camera’s optical window incorporates IR-cut coatings that transmit visible light between approximately 400nm and 740nm while reducing unfocused infrared light. This helps Origin produce tighter, clearer stellar images without requiring a separate IR-cut filter for normal operation.

Example Lagoon Nebula image presented by Celestron as captured with Origin. Results depend on sky conditions, total integration time and image settings.

Automated Astrophotography Without the Traditional Complexity

Place Origin outside with a clear view of the sky, switch it on and connect through the app. Celestron’s StarSense technology examines the stars overhead, determines the telescope’s position, aligns the mount and focuses the camera automatically.

Once initialization is complete, select an object from the interactive planetarium or the Tonight’s Best recommendations. Origin slews to the target, centres it and begins acquiring short exposures.

Each accepted frame is aligned and stacked with the previous data. As the integration grows, faint structure and colour become progressively more visible. The app can apply deconvolution, gradient removal and noise reduction while retaining the image data captured by your telescope. This processing is not generative AI and does not insert external astronomical data into the image.

Celestron Origin Powered by SkySafari App

The free Origin app provides the telescope’s main control and viewing interface. Its planetarium display lets you explore the sky, choose suitable targets and start an imaging session without needing a separate hand controller.

The app can recommend galaxies, nebulae and star clusters according to the observing location and time. During imaging, controls are available for adjustments including brightness, contrast, colour saturation and the strength of the final image stretch.

A compatible smart device is required and is not included. The current minimum operating-system requirements are:

• Apple: iOS 16 or later
• Android: Android 12 or later

Share the View

More than one person can connect to Origin and watch the developing live image on their own device. Images can be saved to individual phones or tablets, making Origin particularly useful for family observing sessions, astronomy clubs, outreach and group events.

The live view can also be cast to a compatible television, allowing everyone to follow the imaging session without queueing at an eyepiece.

Integrated Dew Prevention and Automatic Focusing

Changing temperature and humidity can quickly affect an imaging session. Origin incorporates an environmental sensor, an automated heating element around the front optics and a removable dew shield. The system regulates the heater automatically to help keep the optical surface clear while imaging.

An integrated focus motor handles automatic focusing during initialization. Manual focus control remains available through the app when required.

Filters and Raw Image Processing

The built-in filter drawer accepts compatible 1.25-inch and 2-inch astronomical imaging filters. The maximum supported shoulder height for a 1.25-inch filter is 8mm.

Optional filters can be useful when imaging emission nebulae from light-polluted locations. Filter performance and suitability will depend on the target, local conditions and the transmission characteristics of the individual filter.

No optional astronomy filter is stated as included.

For more advanced processing, Origin can retain the individual raw sub-exposures in FITS format. Files can be transferred to a USB drive using either USB-A port on the optical tube or downloaded wirelessly to a computer. They can then be calibrated, stacked and processed with suitable third-party astronomy software.

The USB port on the mount is for charging a mobile device only; it is not the port used for downloading image files.

Scheduled Imaging and Advanced Operation

Origin supports scheduled observations, allowing a sequence of selected objects to be captured automatically. This can be used to collect images over an evening without manually starting each target.

For specialised imaging, Origin Mark II also supports equatorial operation with the optional Wedge for NexStar Evolution. The wedge is not required for normal Origin imaging, but it can eliminate field rotation, permit access closer to the zenith and support longer manual sub-exposures after polar alignment.

Celestron recommends adding the optional StarSense Autoguider when attempting sub-exposures longer than 30 seconds. The wedge and StarSense Autoguider are both sold separately.

Portable Three-Part Observatory

The optical tube, single-arm mount and full-height tripod separate without tools for transportation. The individual component weights are 4.8kg for the optical tube, 7.7kg for the mount and 6.35kg for the tripod.

Origin generates its own Wi-Fi network, so an external internet connection is not required when operating at a remote observing location.

What Is Included?

• 152mm f/2.2 RASA optical tube assembly
• Origin 678C colour camera
• Origin single fork-arm computerised GoTo mount
• Integrated Raspberry Pi 4 Model B computer and Wi-Fi
• Integrated 97.9Wh LiFePO4 battery
• Automatic focus motor
• Environmental sensor, dew-heater ring and removable dew shield
• Integrated 1.25-inch and 2-inch filter drawer
• Full-height adjustable tripod
• Lens cap
• AUX connection cable
• Camera cable
• AC adapter/charger with international plug fittings, including a UK plug

Please note: A smartphone or tablet, optional astronomy filters, carrying cases, equatorial wedge and StarSense Autoguider are not stated as included.

Specifications

Optics

Imaging Camera

Mount and Integrated Electronics

Connectivity and App Requirements

Power

Dimensions and Weight

Solar Safety

Instruction Manuals

The official October 2025 documents cover the Celestron Origin Mark II, item 12100, and are provided in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.