Celestron StarSense Explorer 80AZ Telescope- Everything You Need To Know

  • By: admin
  • Date: January 29, 2024
  • Time to read: 10 min.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ, a state-of-the-art telescope, offers an unparalleled opportunity for stargazers to dive into the mysteries of the cosmos. With cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features, this optical instrument serves as a gateway to explore the celestial wonders that have captivated humanity for centuries.

As such, it empowers individuals with a seemingly boundless sense of freedom to explore the night sky at their leisure. This review looks into the various aspects of this telescope, examining its optical performance, mount and tripod system, innovative StarSense Explorer App integration, viewing capabilities, available accessories and add-ons, as well as pricing and delivery information.

By providing an objective analysis of these elements in an academic manner, potential users can make informed decisions regarding whether this sophisticated device will suit their needs and facilitate their pursuit of cosmic knowledge.

Celestron – StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope
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Product Overview

Exploring the realms of astronomy becomes easy with the Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 80AZ, a groundbreaking telescope designed to provide users with a seamless celestial navigation experience.

This refractor telescope is equipped with advanced features and technology that cater to both beginners and seasoned stargazers. The key element of this device is its integration with the Starsense Explorer app, which allows users to identify celestial objects in real time using their smartphones.

By simply attaching their device to the telescope’s smartphone dock, users can embark on an immersive journey through the night sky. The Celestron Starsense Explorer telescope also boasts an 80mm aperture, providing users with bright, clear images of celestial objects such as planets, star clusters, and galaxies. Its lightweight design makes it easily transportable for those seeking adventure under the stars.

The accompanying Starsense Explorer app not only guides users toward specific celestial bodies such as the Orion Nebula but also offers detailed information about each object as they gaze upon them.

When considering accessibility and functionality for novice astronomers desiring freedom in their exploration endeavors, few telescopes compare to Celestron’s Starsense Explorer LT 80AZ.

Its powerful optics combined with innovative smartphone compatibility make it an ideal choice for individuals looking to delve deeper into astronomy without sacrificing portability or user-friendliness.

With this cutting-edge model from one of the industry’s leading manufacturers in optical devices, stargazing will never be quite the same again as it revolutionizes how people interact with and appreciate our awe-inspiring universe.


The Optical Performance

Examining the optical performance reveals an impressive quality for amateur astronomers, providing a clear and bright view of celestial objects. The StarSense Explorer telescope utilizes coated glass optics that enhance light transmission, reducing glare and reflections while increasing contrast and resolution. This results in a superior viewing experience when observing both faint deep-sky objects as well as brighter celestial bodies.

The magnification capabilities of this telescope are also noteworthy, with its 80mm aperture offering up to 189x magnification when combined with the appropriate eyepieces. This allows users to delve into detailed observations of planets such as Jupiter and Saturn or explore distant galaxies and nebulae.

Moreover, the StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ’s altazimuth mount enables smooth tracking of celestial objects across the sky, ensuring stability during extended observation sessions.

The combination of coated glass optics, powerful magnification potential, and sturdy mounting system positions the Celestron StarSense Explorer telescope as an excellent choice for those seeking an accessible yet high-quality telescope.

Its optical performance delivers captivating views that inspire a deeper connection to our universe’s wonders and instills within observers a sense of freedom as they explore the vast expanse of the cosmos from their own backyard.


What’s The Mount and Tripod Like?

A robust and reliable mount and tripod system is essential for any telescope, ensuring stability and ease of use during observation sessions. The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ incorporates a sturdy altazimuth mount, offering smooth motion in both altitudes (up and down) and azimuth (left to right) directions.

The tripod itself is made from lightweight yet durable aluminum, which provides a secure foundation while remaining portable enough for stargazing adventures away from home.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ’s tripod includes an accessory tray that serves multiple purposes: it not only offers convenient storage for eyepieces, red dot finderscope, and other accessories but also enhances the overall stability of the setup by connecting the tripod legs together.

In addition to these benefits, the accessory tray features built-in smartphone adapter brackets designed to hold your phone securely in place when using the StarSense app—a thoughtful design aspect that ensures comfortable hands-free operation during your astronomical explorations.

One should note that proper balancing of the optical tube on the mount is crucial for optimal performance. With Celestron’s thoughtful design approach, adjusting this balance can be done effortlessly by simply shifting the optical tube back or forth within its mounting rings until equilibrium is achieved—no tools are required.

Once properly balanced, users can enjoy smooth tracking with minimal vibration or movement disruptions while observing celestial objects through their StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ telescope.

This combination of a purposeful mount system and stable tripod ultimately contributes to an enjoyable experience in pursuit of cosmic freedom from Earth-bound constraints.


StarSense Explorer App

Navigating the night sky becomes a captivating experience with the innovative StarSense Explorer app, transforming novice stargazers into seasoned astronomers as they effortlessly uncover the hidden wonders of the cosmos.

This revolutionary smartphone application, designed by Celestron specifically for their StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ telescope, utilizes cutting-edge technology to guide users through an astronomical journey filled with breathtaking celestial sights.

By simply mounting a smartphone on the telescope and aligning it with specific celestial objects, users are granted access to an immersive and interactive astronomy experience that transcends traditional stargazing methods.

The StarSense Explorer app offers an intuitive interface that simplifies complex astronomical concepts, making it accessible for individuals of all skill levels. With its extensive database of thousands of celestial objects, users can easily locate planets, stars, galaxies and other deep-sky treasures within moments.

Moreover, the real-time tracking feature allows amateur astronomers to follow their desired target as it moves across the sky seamlessly.

The app also provides detailed information about each object in view – including historical context and scientific data – further enriching one’s understanding of astronomy while satisfying their subconscious desire for freedom through exploration.

The seamless integration between smartphone technology and telescopes like Celestron’s StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ has revolutionized modern astronomy by providing users with unprecedented control over their cosmic adventures.

By leveraging advanced algorithms that analyze star patterns captured by a smartphone camera, users can quickly identify celestial targets in real time without needing prior knowledge or expertise in navigating constellations or star charts.

The marriage between these two technologies opens up a world of limitless possibilities – enabling novices and experts alike to explore distant galaxies at will while simultaneously broadening their understanding of our universe’s boundless beauty.


What Are The Viewing Capabilities Like?

Delving into the viewing capabilities of modern telescopes, one can appreciate the remarkable advancements in astronomical observation that have made it possible for both novices and experts to explore the cosmos with ease and precision.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ offers its users an outstanding combination of simplicity and functionality, providing ample opportunities for celestial observations.

With a user-friendly design and cutting-edge technology, this telescope ensures a rewarding experience for those who seek to delve into the wonders of the universe.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ is equipped with an 80mm refractor optical tube assembly which allows for impressive light-gathering capabilities, resulting in bright and detailed images of celestial objects.

The telescope comes with two eyepieces: a 25mm eyepiece offering 16x magnification, ideal for wide-field views of star clusters or nebulae; and a 10mm eyepiece providing 40x magnification, suitable for observing lunar craters or planetary details.

Additionally, it features an integrated red dot finderscope that aids in locating objects quickly and accurately while minimizing eye strain.

One essential aspect that sets this telescope apart from others is its compatibility with the innovative StarSense Explorer app. By utilizing smartphone technology paired with precise sky mapping software, users are guided through the night sky to pinpoint specific celestial targets effortlessly.

This advanced feature expands upon traditional viewing capabilities by eliminating guesswork involved in identifying stars or planets manually – making it simple even for beginners to navigate their way through various constellations seamlessly.

Thus, the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ serves as a gateway to unlocking countless astronomical discoveries while fostering an innate desire to explore beyond earthly constraints.


Accessories and Add-Ons

To further enhance the astronomical experience and get the most from the Starsense Explorer technology, various accessories, and add-ons are available for users seeking to optimize their telescope’s performance and versatility.

The Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 80AZ comes with a refractor that provides crisp and bright images of celestial objects while minimizing chromatic aberration.

The adjustable tripod enables users to set up the telescope in different locations with ease and achieve stability on various terrains.

A smooth alt-azimuth mount offers precise control when adjusting the telescope’s position, allowing users to effortlessly move the telescope while tracking objects across the night sky.

Among the numerous accessories and add-ons compatible with this telescope model, a Barlow lens effectively increases magnification options by doubling or tripling its focal length, providing more detailed views of planets, lunar features, and other captivating sights.

Furthermore, utilizing a star diagonal enhances comfort during extended observation sessions by enabling ergonomic viewing angles through an eyepiece positioned at a convenient 90 degrees from the main optical tube.

Incorporating these additional components into one’s setup not only maximizes visual capabilities but also enriches overall stargazing experiences.

By investing in suitable accessories such as Barlow lenses, star diagonals, or even upgrading eyepieces tailored to specific targets or observing preferences, astronomers can unlock new possibilities in exploration while maintaining compatibility with their Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 80AZ refractor telescope.

In essence, it is through meticulous customization that amateur astronomers can attain an unparalleled sense of freedom when delving into deep space observations or simply enjoying spectacular views of nearby celestial wonders.


Is It Value For Money?

The Celestron Starsense Explorer LT 80AZ offers an affordable yet feature-rich choice for both beginner and intermediate stargazers, making it a popular option in today’s market.

It is competitively priced within the entry-level telescope segment, typically ranging from $200 to $300 depending on the retailer. Various online platforms such as Amazon, offer diverse deals and discounts throughout the year.

While price undeniably plays a crucial role when selecting a suitable telescope option, buyers should also be mindful of any additional costs incurred through necessary or optional accessories that may enhance their overall experience.


Pros & Cons Of The Celestron Starsense Explorer

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly: Easy setup and operation.
  • Portable: Compact and lightweight.
  • Smartphone compatible: Works with Starsense Explorer app.
  • Affordable: Great value for the price.

Cons

  • Limited aperture: Restricts faint detail and long-distance viewing.
  • Stability: Prone to vibrations and movement.
  • Limited accessories: Additional purchases may be necessary.

Video On The Celestron StarSense


Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ offers an innovative approach to amateur astronomy by integrating smartphone technology with a high-quality telescope. This combination of features enables users to easily locate celestial objects and enhances their stargazing experience.

Moreover, the telescope’s optical performance, sturdy mount, and tripod, extensive viewing capabilities, and range of accessories make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced astronomers seeking a versatile and user-friendly tool for exploring the night sky.

Celestron - Star Sense Explore LT80AZ​
  • UNLEASH THE POWER OF YOUR SMARTPHONE: Let your iPhone or Android phone take you on a guided tour of the night sky—no telescope experience required. Just follow the arrows to locate stars, planets & more!
  • APP GENERATES A LIST OF TONIGHT’S BEST OBJECTS TO VIEW: The app tells you what’s in the sky based on your exact time & location. View planets, brighter nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city PLUS fainter, deep sky objects from darker sites.
  • EASY TO SET UP AND USE: Manual altazimuth mount with smooth, dual-axis slow-motion controls makes it easy to follow the on-screen arrows to your desired target. When the bullseye turns green, it’s ready to view in the telescope’s eyepiece.
  • International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Celestron Starsense Explorer Lt 80az?

The Celestron Starsense Explorer Lt 80az is a refractor telescope that comes with the Starsense Explorer app and allows beginners to learn about astronomy and observe the night sky in a whole new way. It is an 80mm refractor telescope  ( check out the Orion GoScope 80mm Tabletop Refractor Telescope) with a smartphone dock that allows you to use your phone to locate and identify celestial objects.

2. What is the Starsense Explorer app?

The Starsense Explorer app is a free smartphone app that comes with the telescope and uses augmented reality technology to guide users through the night sky. The app uses your phone’s camera and sensors to determine your exact location and orientation and then shows you a live image of the night sky with overlays of constellations, planets, stars, and other celestial objects.

3. What is a refractor telescope?

A refractor telescope is a type of telescope that uses lenses to bend and focus light to create an image. They are typically better for observing the moon and planets than for observing deep space objects like galaxies and nebulae.

4. What is an eyepiece?

An eyepiece is the lens that you look through to observe the image created by the telescope. The Celestron Starsense Explorer Lt 80az comes with 2 Barlow lens. These are 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, which provide magnifications of 32x and 80x, respectively.

5. What is the smartphone dock for?

The smartphone dock allows you to attach your phone to the telescope to use the Starsense Explorer app. The app uses your phone’s camera and sensors to determine your exact location and orientation and then shows you a live image of the night sky with overlays of constellations, planets, stars, and other celestial objects.

6. What is a tripod?

A tripod is a three-legged stand that the telescope is mounted on to keep it steady and stable. The Celestron Starsense Explorer Lt 80az comes with a sturdy tripod that is adjustable to different heights.

7. How do you move the telescope?

The Celestron Starsense Explorer Lt 80az has a smooth and precise micro-adjustment knob that allows you to move the telescope to different positions easily. You can also use the red dot finderscope to locate objects in the sky and then use the slow-motion control knobs to track them as they move.

8. What can I observe with the Celestron Starsense Explorer Lt 80az?

You can observe planets, stars, and deep-space objects like galaxies and nebulae with the Celestron Starsense