The Celestron SkyProdigy 130mm f/5 Reflector GoTo Telescope is designed for people who want to spend more time observing, and less time setting up. In about three minutes, the StarSense system can automatically determine its position and align itself. Once this quick alignment is done, use the included hand controller to explore more than 4000 objects with full GoTo capabilities.
Optically, the telescope is outfitted with a large-aperture fully multi-coated primary mirror and a shorter focal length that produces a fast f/5 focal ratio. Having a fast optical tube improves resolution, resulting in the ability to split binary stars, separate clusters, and improve contrast on near objects such as the Moon. For astrophotography, fast focal ratios require shorter exposure times so more images can be captured for stacking and layering in post-production. The OTA is attached to a fully motorized single-arm mount that is controlled by the hand controller, and supported by a sturdy stainless steel tripod. The entire system is powered by eight user-supplied D-cell batteries.
- 130mm aperture
- f/5 focal ratio
- 650mm focal length
- Newtonian reflector optical design
- Aluminum-coated primary parabolic mirror over-coated with SiO2
- Resolution: 1.07 arcsec, Rayleigh; 0.89 arcsec, Dawes
- Secondary mirror obstruction: 1.5" (3.8cm); 29%, in diameter; 8.59%, by area
- 1.25" rack-and-pinion focuser
- StarSense System:
- Requires no interaction by user for alignment procedure
- Two-part system using an integrated digital camera and dedicated hand controller
- Camera takes a series of pictures and analyzes them against the controller's internal database
- When matched, the scope orientates itself and automatically aligns the mount
- Alignment takes approximately 3 minutes
- Hand Controller:
- 4000+ object database
- Identify button shows current object in center of eyepiece, plus nearby objects
- Sky Tour mode automatically shows users best objects overhead on any given night
- Tour, Catalog, and Identify filters allows for customization
- GoTo mode allows user to enter stellar coordinates and mount will go to that location
- Alternate alignment procedures: Solar System and Manual
- Backlash compensation enables users to train-out play in gears for more precise tracking and smoother movement
- Nine slew speeds: 2x, 4x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 0.3°/sec, 1°/sec, 2°/sec, 3.5°/sec
- Tracking rates: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar to accurately track near and deep-sky objects
- 4-line/18-character LCD display
- Simple menu-driven user interface
- Red backlit keys to preserve night adjusted vision
- Display and keys dimmable
- Mount:
- Single-arm alt-az
- Dual-axis motor drive delivers smooth movement with reduced vibration
- Runs on eight user-supplied D-cell batteries
- StarSense camera built into arm for seamless integration
- Dovetail saddle accepts plate on OTA for fast and easy set up and breakdown
- Tripod:
- 1.25" diameter Stainless steel legs
- Adjustable-height to accommodate a variety of users
- Tray keeps accessories like eyepieces, filters, and flashlights close
- Hand controller holder can be moved from leg to leg to avoid wrapping
- Spiked feet provide added stability on rough, soft, or uneven ground
- Eyepieces:
- 1.25" diameter barrel
- Accepts most 1.25" astronomical filters
- 25mm yields 26x
- 9mm yields 72x
- Finderscope:
- Aiming dot makes centering objects fast and easy
- Illuminated red dot is easy to see and preserves night-adjusted vision
- Unmagnified view ensures fast navigation