The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Refractor Telescope combines a 80mm refractor 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, altitude slow-motion control, two eyepieces, a 2× Barlow lens and a StarPointer red-dot finderscope. The complete assembled kit weight is 4.17kg (9.2lb).
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.
80Mm Refractor Optics
The optical tube has an aperture of 80mm (3.1 inches), a focal length of 900mm (35.43 inches) and a focal ratio of f/11. Its fully coated glass optics are designed for visual views of the Moon, planets, double stars, star clusters and brighter deep-sky objects.
The included 1.25-inch 90° erect-image diagonal gives a comfortable viewing angle and a correctly orientated image for daytime terrestrial use. Never aim the telescope at or near the Sun without a suitable certified full-aperture solar filter.
Manual Altazimuth Mount
The StarSense Explorer LT uses a manual altazimuth yoke mount. Broad left-right and up-down movements position the telescope, while the sliding altitude slow-motion rod provides fine vertical adjustment for centring and following targets.
Full-height aluminium tripod; 1320.8mm (52 inches) maximum assembled height; 31.75mm (1.25-inch) steel legs. The centre accessory tray braces the tripod and provides storage for accessories while observing. The telescope and mount require no external power; only the smartphone needs to be charged.
Eyepieces and 2× Barlow Lens Included
The supplied 25mm eyepiece gives 36× magnification, while the supplied 10mm eyepiece gives 90×. The included 1.25-inch 2× Barlow lens doubles the magnification of either eyepiece when correctly installed, subject to atmospheric conditions and the telescope’s practical optical limits.
A StarPointer red-dot finderscope is also included for direct aiming and initial alignment.
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 information 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 tripod legs collapse for transport and the accessory tray can be removed when packing the telescope away. At 4.17kg (9.2lb) complete, the kit can be carried to a garden, campsite or darker observing location.
What Is Included?
- 80mm refractor optical tube with lens cap
- Preassembled manual altazimuth yoke mount and full-height tripod
- 25mm and 10mm eyepieces
- 1.25-inch 90° erect-image diagonal
- 1.25-inch 2× Barlow lens
- StarPointer red-dot finderscope
- Eyepiece accessory tray
- StarSense Explorer smartphone dock
- StarSense Explorer app activation-code card
- Accessory bag
- Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition software
Please note: A smartphone, solar filter, additional eyepieces or filters, carrying case and power bank are not stated as included.
Specifications
Optical Tube
| Optical design | Refractor |
|---|---|
| Aperture | 80mm (3.1 inches) |
| Focal length | 900mm (35.43 inches) |
| Focal ratio | f/11 |
| Eyepiece 1 | 25mm; 36× magnification |
| Eyepiece 2 | 10mm; 90× magnification |
| Barlow lens | 1.25-inch 2× Barlow lens included |
| Finderscope | StarPointer red-dot finderscope |
| Star diagonal | 1.25-inch 90° erect-image diagonal |
| Highest useful magnification | 189× |
| Lowest useful magnification | 11× |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 12.0 |
| Rayleigh resolution | 1.74 arcseconds |
| Dawes resolution | 1.45 arcseconds |
| Light-gathering power | 131× compared with the human eye |
| Optical coatings | Fully coated glass optics |
| Optical-tube material | Aluminium |
| Optical-tube length | 965mm (38 inches) |
| Optical-tube diameter | 90mm (3.54 inches) |
| Optical-tube weight | 2.45kg (5.4lb) |
| Dovetail | None; tube attaches directly to the yoke mount |
Mount and Tripod
| Mount type | Manual altazimuth yoke mount |
|---|---|
| Fine adjustment | Sliding altitude slow-motion control rod |
| Tripod | Full-height aluminium tripod; 1320.8mm (52 inches) maximum assembled height; 31.75mm (1.25-inch) steel legs |
| Accessory tray | Included |
| Tripod weight | 1.72kg (3.8lb) |
| 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 | 4.17kg (9.2lb) |
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 quick setup guide and StarSense Explorer app guide are supplied in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
