The Celestron SkyProdigy 6 152mm f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain 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 Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube assembly (OTA) that draws in copious amounts of light to enable detailed observations of the Moon and planets with the ability to resolve dim deep-space objects while still maintaining a compact and portable form factor. The light-gathering capabilities are enhanced through the use of Celestron's proprietary StarBright XLT optical coating system to maximize light transmission, ensure accurate color rendition, and eliminate fringing and off-axis comas.
The OTA is attached to a fully motorized single-arm mount that is guided by the hand controller and supported by a sturdy stainless steel tripod. The entire system is powered by eight user-supplied D-cell batteries. To help new users start observing right out of the box, two eyepieces are included to produce moderate and high magnifications, plus a 90° star diagonal. The visual back and diagonal accept 1.25" eyepieces and accessories to allow the use of a wide variety of optional gear to be added later such as additional eyepieces, Barlow lenses, filters, and imaging systems.
- 152mm aperture
- f/10 focal ratio
- 1500mm focal length
- Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design
- StarBright XLT optical coatings: Multi-layer aluminum/SiO2 (quartz)/TiO2 (titanium dioxide) mirror coatings with flat reflectivity across the light spectrum for both astrophotography/astroimaging and visual observation
- Multi-layer MgF2 (magnesium fluoride) and HfO2 (hafnium dioxide) anti-reflective lens coatings
- High-transmission water white glass corrector lens with 97.4% light transmission
- Resolution: 0.92 arcsec (Rayleigh); 0.76 arcsec (Dawes)
- Secondary mirror obstruction: 2.2" (5.6cm); 37% in diameter; 14% by area
- Internal focusing mechanism
- 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 orients itself and automatically aligns the mount
- Alignment takes approximately 3 minutes
- 4000+ object database
- Identify button shows current object in center of eyepiece, plus nearby objects
- SkyTour Mode automatically shows users best objects overhead on any given night
- Tour, Catalog, and Identify filters allow 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
- Database Details:
- Solar system: seven planets, the Moon, the Sun, and Pluto
- Custom lists of the brightest stars, double stars, variable stars, and asterims
- Custom lists of galaxies, nebulae, and clusters
- Complete Messier catalog
- Select objects from NGC catalog
- Mount:
- Single-arm alt-az
- Dual-axis DC servo motors deliver smooth movement with reduced vibration
- Optical encoders on each axis improve tracking accuracy and maintain alignment if mount is moved manually
- 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 setup 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 20x
- 9mm yields 167x
- Diagonal:
- 1.25" snout and eyepiece holder
- 90° angle places head in a comfortable viewing position when aimed at or near the zenith
- Star configuration corrects view horizontally, but not vertically
- Finder:
- 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