The Celestron StarSense Explorer 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian combines a parabolic Newtonian reflector with Celestron’s StarSense Explorer smartphone navigation. Place a compatible phone in the supplied dock, select an object in the app and follow the on-screen arrows while moving the telescope by hand.
Its compact tabletop Dobsonian base provides smooth manual movement in altitude and azimuth. The complete kit weighs 8.71kg (19.2lb) and can be placed on a stable table or other firm platform at a comfortable observing height.
Smartphone-Guided Night-Sky Navigation
StarSense Explorer uses the phone camera and Celestron’s sky-recognition technology to analyse star patterns and determine where the telescope is pointing. After the phone and telescope are aligned, the app creates a list of suitable targets for the time and location.
Select an object and move the telescope in the direction shown by the arrows. The on-screen bullseye changes to green when the target is ready to view through the eyepiece. The telescope remains fully manual; it has no motors, GoTo drive or automatic tracking.
130mm Parabolic Newtonian Optics
The 130mm (5.12 inches) primary mirror has a focal length of 650mm (25.6 inches) and a focal ratio of f/5. Its aluminium coating has a silicon-dioxide overcoat, and the steel optical tube uses a 1.25-inch rack-and-pinion focuser.
The optical system is intended for visual observation of the Moon and planets, double stars, open clusters and brighter nebulae and galaxies. Fainter deep-sky objects become easier to see from darker observing locations.
Tabletop Dobsonian Base
The altazimuth tabletop base uses smooth bearings and an adjustable altitude-brake system. Tube rings and a dovetail bar allow the optical tube to be repositioned so the focuser can be placed at a comfortable angle. Integrated handles assist with carrying the assembled telescope.
An optional Celestron tripod is available separately for observers who want a free-standing setup. A tripod is not included with this telescope.
Two Eyepieces Included
The supplied 25mm Kellner eyepiece provides 26× magnification, while the supplied 10mm Kellner eyepiece provides 65×. Both fit the 1.25-inch focuser. A StarPointer red-dot finderscope is also included for direct manual aiming and initial alignment.
The base-mounted eyepiece rack keeps the second eyepiece close to hand. A collimation cap is supplied for checking and adjusting the Newtonian mirrors when necessary.
Smartphone Compatibility
Celestron currently states compatibility with Android 12 or later and iOS 18 or later, including iPhone XR and newer models. Compatibility can vary by individual handset, camera arrangement and operating-system version, so check Celestron’s current compatibility list before purchase.
The smartphone shown in product images is not included. The StarSense Explorer app and the supplied unlock code are required for guided navigation.
Portable Visual Telescope
The telescope is designed for straightforward visual observing at home or at a darker site. Its optical tube can be separated from the base for transport, and the base includes carry handles. Place the base only on a stable, level surface with enough room for the tube to move freely.
What Is Included?
- 130mm (5.12 inches) Newtonian reflector optical tube
- Manual altazimuth tabletop Dobsonian base
- 25mm Kellner eyepiece
- 10mm Kellner eyepiece
- StarPointer red-dot finderscope
- StarSense Explorer smartphone dock
- StarSense Explorer app unlock code
- Eyepiece rack
- Collimation cap
- Dust covers for the optical tube and focuser
- Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition software
Please note: A smartphone, free-standing tripod, power bank and additional eyepieces or filters are not stated as included.
Specifications
Optical Tube
| Optical design | Newtonian reflector with parabolic primary mirror |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 130mm (5.12 inches) |
| Focal length | 650mm (25.6 inches) |
| Focal ratio | f/5 |
| Eyepiece 1 | 25mm Kellner; 26× magnification |
| Eyepiece 2 | 10mm Kellner; 65× magnification |
| Highest useful magnification | 307× |
| Lowest useful magnification | 19× |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 13.1 |
| Light-gathering power | 345× compared with the human eye |
| Optical coatings | Aluminium with SiO₂ overcoat |
| Mirror material | Standard optical glass for primary and secondary mirrors |
| Secondary-mirror minor axis | 38mm (1.50 inches) |
| Tube material | Steel |
| Focuser | 1.25-inch rack-and-pinion |
| Finderscope | StarPointer red-dot finderscope |
| Rayleigh resolution | 1.06 arcseconds |
| Dawes resolution | 0.89 arcseconds |
| Optical-tube dimensions | 615.95mm long × 165.1mm diameter (24.25 × 6.5 inches) |
| Optical-tube weight | 3.72kg (8.2lb) |
Mount and Complete Kit
| Mount type | Manual altazimuth tabletop Dobsonian base |
|---|---|
| Base material | Particle board with melamine surfaces and edge trim; CARB compliant |
| Base dimensions | 482.6 × 482.6 × 419.1mm (19 × 19 × 16.5 inches) |
| Base weight | 4.99kg (11lb) |
| Slew speeds | Manual |
| Software | StarSense Explorer app and Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition |
| Complete telescope kit weight | 8.71kg (19.2lb) |
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 tabletop Dobsonian manual, quick setup guide and StarSense Explorer app guide cover English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.