Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope SC 150/1500 NexStar Evolution 6 (44972)

The NexStar Evolution includes a built-in WLAN module, allowing you to wirelessly control the telescope using your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. Simply use the free Celestron SkyPortal app, which features planetarium software and SkyAlign technology. For those who prefer traditional controls, the classic NexStar hand controller is also included.

Lithium-Ion Battery
Say goodbye to cable clutter and external power supplies. The built-in, replaceable lithium-ion battery powers the telescope for up to 10 hours, making it perfect for a full night of observation. It even includes a USB port for charging your smartphone. A power pack is provided to recharge the battery easily.

Ergonomic Design
Celestron’s innovative design, first introduced with CPC telescopes, has been refined for the NexStar Evolution series. This includes a more powerful drive and user-friendly features:

• A stable tripod with an accessory tray that remains attached when folding the tripod.

• A flat mount surface with rubber armoring, ideal for keeping eyepieces handy.

• A discreet red light to help locate accessories in the dark.

• Convenient handles on the fork arm and base for easy transport and setup.

Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics by Celestron
Despite its long focal length, the optical tube assembly (OTA) is compact and easy to transport. Light enters through an aspherically figured Schmidt corrector plate and is directed onto a spherical primary mirror. The light is then reflected to a secondary mirror and back through a central hole in the primary mirror to the focuser at the bottom of the OTA. This closed system prevents air turbulence and protects against dust, ensuring stable performance and bright, high-contrast images with minimal stray light reflections due to multi-coating on the Schmidt plate.

The telescope delivers excellent image quality with high contrast and sharp definition, making it ideal for planetary observation as well as astrophotography. The Schmidt-Cassegrain design is versatile, suitable for observing celestial objects and occasional terrestrial use (e.g., birdwatching). With an aperture ratio of f/10, it is well-suited for astrophotography.

The main mirror focusing mechanism provides a wide range of focus options, accommodating virtually any common accessory. Pre-loaded ball bearings minimize "mirror shift," ensuring smooth operation. High-quality materials like CNC-milled aluminum, cast steel, and stainless steel ensure durability while keeping weight low, eliminating the need for heavy mounts often required by other designs.

Key Features of the Optics:

• Long focal length with a compact OTA

• Lightweight aluminum construction

• High-quality StarBright XLT multi-coating

• Closed system for dust protection

• Pre-loaded ball bearings to reduce mirror shift

Specifications

Optics:

• Type: Reflector (Schmidt-Cassegrain)

• Coating: StarBright XLT

• Aperture: 150mm

• Focal Length: 1500mm (f/10)

• Resolving Capacity: 0.77 arcseconds

• Limiting Magnitude: 12.7 mag

• Light Gathering Power: 460x compared to the human eye

• Maximum Useful Magnification: 300x

• Tube Length: 406mm; Diameter: 184mm; Weight: 4.5kg

Reflector Details:

• Main Mirror Design: Spherical

• Secondary Mirror Design: Spherical

• Corrector Plate Coatings: StarBright XLT

• Ventilation for Central Mirror: No

• Adjustable Mirrors: Yes

• Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 37%

Focuser:

• Type: Primary mirror focusing (motorized optional)

• Eyepiece Connection: 1.25"

Mount:

• Mount Type: Single tine azimuthal mount with internal cable guide

• Mounting Saddle: Vixen-style saddle plate

• Load Capacity: 11kg; Weight: 7kg; Battery Life: 10 hours

GoTo Control:

• Tracking Speeds: Sidereal, solar, and lunar tracking modes

• Database: 120,000 objects with SkyAlign alignment method

• Software: NexStar (Languages supported: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian)

Tripod:

• Material: Steel with accessory plate included

• Leg Diameter: 32mm; Weight: 5.4kg

Included Accessories:

• Eyepieces (1.25"): 13mm and 40mm eyepieces

• Finder Scope: Red dot finder

• Diagonal Mirror: 1.25", 90° star diagonal

General Information:

• Series: NexStar Evolution

• Shipping Weight: 25kg

Applications
This telescope is ideal for beginners due to its ease of use and advanced features but is not recommended for advanced users or permanent observatory setups. It is suitable for observing planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and other celestial objects but is not designed for solar observation unless used with an appropriate solar filter.