Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope SC 127/1250 NexStar 5 SE GoTo (25105)

The Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system by Celestron combines a long focal length with a compact optical tube assembly (OTA), making it portable and easy to transport. Light passes through an aspherically figured Schmidt corrector plate, reflects off a spherical primary mirror, and is directed to a secondary mirror. The secondary mirror reflects the light back through a central hole in the primary mirror to the focuser at the bottom of the OTA. This closed system prevents air turbulence, ensuring stable imaging, and protects the optics from dust. The Schmidt corrector plate is multi-coated to produce bright, high-contrast images with minimal stray light reflections.

This telescope delivers sharp, high-contrast images, making it ideal for planetary observation. Its Schmidt-Cassegrain design is versatile and suitable for both visual observation and astrophotography, with a wide range of optional accessories available. The system also supports occasional terrestrial use, such as birdwatching at close range. With an aperture ratio of f/10, it is well-suited for astrophotography.

The primary mirror focusing mechanism provides a large focus range, allowing compatibility with most common accessories. To reduce "mirror shift," two pre-loaded ball bearings are used in the focusing mechanism. High-quality materials like CNC-milled aluminum components, 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 short OTA

• Lightweight aluminum construction

• High-quality StarBright XLT multi-coating

• Closed system for dust protection

• Pre-loaded ball bearings to reduce mirror shift

Celestron NexStar Mount

The NexStar mount features the innovative "Travel Pro," Celestron's first variable-use fork mount with a built-in stand that can also be used without a tripod. The OTA can be detached from the mount using a simple knob, allowing easy transport as hand luggage while the mount fits in standard luggage. This flexibility enables users to attach other telescopes (e.g., solar telescopes) or cameras with various lenses to the same mount.

GoTo Control with SkyAlign

SkyAlign technology makes alignment simple and intuitive. No spirit levels, compass alignment, or knowledge of Polaris is required. Input your location coordinates and time, point at any three stars (no need to know their names), and press 'Enter.' The telescope automatically calculates its orientation and can locate up to 40,000 pre-programmed celestial objects.

The hand controller is updateable via flash EPROM technology, allowing software updates through an internet connection to ensure future compatibility. An optional GPS module further simplifies setup by automatically retrieving location coordinates and time from GPS satellites.

For remote operation, the included NexRemote software allows users to control the telescope via a laptop or PC.

Specifications

Optics:

• Type: Reflector (Schmidt-Cassegrain)

• Aperture: 125mm

• Focal Length: 1250mm (f/10)

• Resolving Capacity: 0.92 arcseconds

• Limiting Magnitude: 12.3 mag

• Light Gathering Power: 320x compared to the human eye

• Maximum Useful Magnification: 250x

• Tube Length: 330mm; Material: Aluminum; Construction: Full tube

• Coating: StarBright XLT

Reflector Details:

• Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 34.4%

Mount:

• Type: Azimuthal mount with GoTo control

• Alignment Method: SkyAlign technology

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

• Tracking Modes: Altazimuth and equatorial North-South modes

• Database: 38,181 objects in NexStar hand controller

• Interfaces: Aux and RS232 ports

Tripod:

• Material: Steel; Weight: 4.5kg

Included Accessories:

• Eyepiece (1.25"): 25mm eyepiece

• Finder Scope: Red dot finder

• Diagonal Mirror: 1.25", 90° star diagonal

General Information:

• Series: NexStar SE

• Total Weight (with tripod): 12.5kg

Recommended Use

This telescope is ideal for beginners due to its user-friendly features but is not recommended for advanced users or permanent observatory setups. It excels in planetary and lunar observation as well as general stargazing but is not designed for observatory-level applications.