Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 12" Telescope (22472)

Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 12" Dobsonian Telescope (22472)

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 12" is an advanced Dobsonian reflector that combines a large 305 mm Newtonian optical system with the innovative StarSense Explorer smartphone technology. Designed for beginners and experienced observers alike, it makes finding celestial objects fast, intuitive, and highly accurate without requiring prior knowledge of the night sky.

Using the StarSense Explorer app and your smartphone, the telescope analyzes the visible star patterns in real time and guides you directly to thousands of celestial objects. It functions like a personal guide to the night sky, making astronomy more accessible than ever.

With its large 12-inch aperture, the telescope provides impressive views of the Moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies, star clusters, and countless deep-sky objects.

Key features

• 12-inch (305 mm) Newtonian reflector.

• StarSense Explorer smartphone navigation system.

• Real-time sky recognition technology.

• Large Dobsonian mount with smooth manual operation.

• Stable, reinforced mount construction.

• StarBright XLT optical coatings.

• Low thermal expansion optical mirrors.

• 2-inch Crayford focuser.

• Compatible with both 2-inch and 1.25-inch eyepieces.

• 32 mm Plössl eyepiece included.

• StarPointer finder included.

StarSense Explorer smartphone navigation

The StarSense Explorer system transforms a compatible smartphone into an intelligent telescope navigation tool.

After placing the phone into the dedicated StarSense dock and performing a simple alignment procedure, the StarSense Explorer application continuously analyzes the visible star field using the phone's camera.

The system creates a list of observable celestial objects and displays directional arrows that guide the user to the selected target.

When the object is correctly positioned within the telescope's field of view, the on-screen target indicator changes to green, confirming that the object is ready for observation.

Unlike conventional astronomy applications that rely only on a phone's internal sensors, StarSense uses advanced sky-recognition technology for significantly greater pointing accuracy.

LISA sky recognition technology

StarSense Explorer incorporates Celestron's LISA (Lost In Space Algorithm), a technology similar to that used by satellites for orientation in space.

The software compares the observed star patterns captured by the smartphone camera with an internal database, allowing it to determine the telescope's pointing direction with exceptional precision.

This approach provides considerably greater accuracy than applications relying solely on gyroscopes and accelerometers.

Stable Dobsonian mount

The telescope is mounted on a robust Dobsonian base designed for smooth manual tracking.

Key mechanical features include:

• Large altitude bearings for smooth vertical movement.

• Teflon azimuth bearings for effortless horizontal rotation.

• Adjustable altitude tension.

• Reinforced side panels for increased rigidity.

• Comfortable carrying handle integrated into the optical tube.

The carrying handle allows precise telescope movement without touching the front of the optical tube, helping minimize heat transfer that could affect image quality.

Large-aperture Newtonian optics

The 305 mm primary mirror gathers a tremendous amount of light, making the telescope ideal for both planetary observation and deep-sky exploration.

Users can observe:

• The Moon in remarkable detail.

• Jupiter's cloud belts, Great Red Spot, and Galilean moons.

• Saturn's ring system.

• Mars during favorable oppositions.

• Bright nebulae such as Orion and Lagoon.

• The Andromeda Galaxy.

• Numerous globular clusters, galaxies, and nebulae.

Under dark skies, hundreds of faint deep-sky objects become visible.

Premium optical coatings

All mirror surfaces feature Celestron's StarBright XLT optical coatings.

These coatings improve:

• Light transmission.

• Image brightness.

• Contrast.

• Visibility of faint astronomical objects.

The mirrors are manufactured from low thermal expansion optical glass, helping maintain image quality as ambient temperatures change.

2-inch Crayford focuser

The telescope is equipped with a precision 2-inch Crayford focuser that provides smooth focusing and supports both visual observation and astrophotography accessories.

Included accessories allow compatibility with both 2-inch and 1.25-inch eyepieces.

A 32 mm Plössl eyepiece is included, allowing observations immediately after setup.

Included accessories

• 2-inch to 1.25-inch eyepiece adapter.

• StarPointer finder scope.

• 32 mm Plössl eyepiece.

Technical specifications

General

• Catalog number:

  • 22472.

• Product series:

  • Celestron StarSense Explorer DX.

• Optical design:

  • Newtonian reflector.

• Mount type:

  • Dobsonian.

• Mount operation:

  • Manual.

Optical specifications

• Aperture:

  • 305 mm.

• Focal length:

  • 1500 mm.

• Focal ratio:

  • f/4.9.

• Limiting stellar magnitude:

  • 15.0.

• Maximum useful magnification:

  • 610×.

• Rayleigh resolution:

  • 0.47 arcseconds.

• Dawes resolution:

  • 0.38 arcseconds.

• Light-gathering power:

  • 1898×.

Optical tube

• Tube weight:

  • 22.6 kg.

• Tube length:

  • 1422 mm.

• Tube diameter:

  • 355 mm.

Mount

• Mount weight:

  • 15.3 kg.

• Total system weight:

  • 38 kg.

Focuser

• Type:

  • Crayford.

• Diameter:

  • 2 inches.

• Fine-focus reduction:

  • No.

Mirror specifications

• Secondary mirror diameter:

  • 70 mm.

• Central obstruction:

  • 23%.

• Optical coatings:

  • StarBright XLT.

Warranty

• Manufacturer's warranty:

  • 36 months.