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Designed as an entry- to mid-level astronomical observation platform, the Celestron NexStar 127SLT 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope gives users the ability to make detailed observations of the Moon, with the ability to easily see planets and reach outside the solar system to resolve distant objects like galaxies, nebulae, and binary or variable stars. The compact and powerful Maksutov-Cassegrain design corrects off-axis aberrations like comas and chromatic aberrations to produce images with true color rendition through the use of a front corrector plate with a convex meniscus lens, which not only eliminates the need for periodic collimation, but by the nature of the lens requires a smaller secondary mirror to limit obstruction and increase contrast.
The brain of the NexStar SLT is the venerable NexStar computer controller. Equipped with a database of over 4000 objects, including the planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the complete Messier catalog, it can also be programmed with up to 99 custom user-defined objects and filters for custom object lists. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface provides the power to observe the heavens with nine slew speeds and three tracking rates, plus anti-backlash compensation. Features such as guided tours, extended information on 200 popular objects, and multiple alignment options make the NexStar controller easy to use and invaluable to new users and experienced stargazers alike.
- 127mm aperture
- f/12 focal ratio
- 1500mm focal length
- Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design
- Front convex meniscus lens corrects spherical and chromatic aberrations and comas (off-axis aberration) across the entire field of view
- Compared to Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, a smaller secondary mirror reduces obstructions and increases contrast
- Fully coated optics improve light transmission, color rendition, and contrast
- Resolution: 1.1 arcsec (Rayleigh); 0.91 (Dawes)
- Internal focusing system
- Vixen-style dovetail plate
- 4000+ object database
- 99 customizable user-defined objects
- Expanded information on over 200 most popular objects including history, facts, and mythology
- Tracking rates: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
- Nine slew speeds: 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 1°/sec, 2°/sec, 3°/sec
- Anti-backlash compensation trains out the intrinsic play between gears to improve GoTo and tracking accuracy
- Alignment procedures: SkyAlign, Auto 2-star, 1-star, 2-star, solar system
- SkyAlign allows fast and easy alignment without having to polar align or even know the names of stars
- Tour mode: Seeks out the best objects and automatically slews to them
- Constellation Tour: Tour of the best objects within a specific constellation
- Identify mode: Searches the database catalogs or lists and displays the name and offset distances to the nearest matching object
- Flash upgradable via Internet
- 2-line/16-character LCD display with 19 backlit LED buttons
- RS-232 communication port for updating or computer control
Database:
- Solar system: Includes planets, Moon, and Sun
- Constellations
- Named Objects
- Asterisms
- Variable stars
- Double stars
- Abell catalog
- IC catalog
- Caldwell catalog
- Messier catalog
- NGC catalog
- SAO catalog
- Single-arm fork design
- Dual-axis DC servo motors
- Optical encoders on motors improve GoTo and tracking accuracy; up to 0.26 arcsec accuracy
- Internal battery compartment to prevent cord wrap during use
- Hand control and motors are powered by eight user-supplied AA batteries or optional 12 VAC adapter
- No-tool setup, complete quick release setup and breakdown
- Stainless steel legs improve stability and vibration reduction
- Adjustable height accommodates a variety of users and viewing positions
- Center tray holds accessories like eyepieces, filters, and smartphones
- Movable NexStar controller helps to prevent cord wrap
- 1.25"-diameter barrel
- Accepts most 1.25" astronomical filters
- 9mm focal length produces 167x power
- 25mm focal length yields 60x power
- 90° angle places head at a comfortable viewing angle
- Star diagonal corrects image horizontally, but not vertically
- 1x power ensures wide field of view for finding alignment stars easily
- Dual-circle reticle won't obstruct small objects
- Variable-intensity LED protects night-adjusted vision
- NSOL Telescope Control Software: Provides basic telescope control via computer with optional RS-232 cable