SUMMARY
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.
HIGHLIGHTS
Optical Tube
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 Technology
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 and Tripod
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
Included Accessories
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