Sky-Watcher Star Discovery MAK 102 Telescope (SW-4018)

Sky-Watcher Star Discovery MAK 102 Go-To Telescope (SW-4018)

The Sky-Watcher Star Discovery MAK 102 is a compact, fully computerized Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope designed to make astronomy simple, intuitive, and accessible for beginners while offering enough capability to satisfy experienced observers. Combining a portable optical tube with the advanced SynScan Go-To system, integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, and dual-axis encoders, it provides fast setup and effortless navigation of the night sky.

The Star Discovery series was created for users looking for a telescope that is:

• Lightweight and portable.

• Quick to assemble.

• Easy to operate.

• Equipped with modern technology.

• Ideal for learning astronomy.

The telescope is mounted on a stable alt-azimuth Go-To mount supported by a sturdy steel tripod. Using the built-in Wi-Fi module and the SynScan mobile app, users can automatically locate and track celestial objects directly from a smartphone or tablet.

For those who prefer traditional operation, the package also includes the SynScan V5 hand controller with a comprehensive built-in object database.

Key features

• Compact 102 mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope.

• Fully computerized SynScan Go-To mount.

• Integrated Wi-Fi control.

• Dual-axis encoder technology.

• Automatic object locating and tracking.

• Portable steel tripod.

• Battery-powered operation.

• Lightweight travel-friendly design.

• Suitable for visual astronomy and introductory astrophotography.

• Compatible with DSLR cameras via optional T-ring.

Portable computerized Go-To mount

The Star Discovery mount combines ease of use with advanced computerized functionality.

Features include:

• SynScan Go-To system.

• Built-in Wi-Fi module.

• Smartphone and tablet control.

• SynScan V5 hand controller.

• Automatic tracking in both axes.

• Dual-axis encoders.

The dual-encoder system allows the telescope to be moved manually without losing alignment or Go-To accuracy.

The mount head includes a battery compartment for eight AA batteries or rechargeable cells, enabling completely wireless operation in remote observing locations.

The telescope can be assembled or disassembled in approximately three minutes, making it ideal for travel, outreach events, schools, and educational demonstrations.

The adjustable altitude clutch provides smooth manual movement even when observing near the zenith.

The mount can also be used independently for lightweight DSLR photography, time-lapse imaging, and video recording, offering functionality similar to the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso mount.

Star Discovery telescope series

The Star Discovery family includes several optical configurations:

• 102/500 mm achromatic refractor.

• 102/1250 mm Maksutov-Cassegrain.

• 127/1500 mm Maksutov-Cassegrain.

• 130/650 mm Newtonian reflector.

• 150/750 mm Newtonian reflector.

Maksutov-Cassegrain optical system

The telescope features a 102 mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design consisting of:

• Meniscus corrector lens.

• Primary mirror.

• Secondary mirror mounted on the corrector.

This optical configuration minimizes:

• Coma.

• Astigmatism.

• Chromatic aberration.

The result is exceptionally sharp, high-contrast images that are particularly well suited to observing the Moon and planets.

With its long focal length and relatively slow focal ratio, the telescope excels at high-magnification observation.

The optical system gathers approximately 212 times more light than the unaided human eye, allowing observation of celestial objects down to approximately magnitude 12.6 under dark skies.

Its resolving power enables separation of double stars with angular distances greater than approximately 1.14 arcseconds (Dawes criterion).

Focusing system

The telescope accepts standard 1.25-inch eyepieces.

Included are two eyepieces providing different magnifications for a wide range of observing situations.

A 90° star diagonal is supplied for comfortable viewing near the zenith and for terrestrial observation with correct vertical image orientation.

Astrophotography

The Star Discovery MAK 102 is an excellent introductory platform for lunar, solar, and planetary astrophotography.

Its computerized dual-axis tracking mount provides sufficient stability to support the optical tube together with a DSLR camera.

The rear visual back incorporates a T2 thread, allowing a DSLR camera to be connected using an optional T-ring.

Astronomical observing capabilities

Solar System

The telescope allows observation of:

• Lunar surface features approximately 2–3 km across.

• Sunspots and solar surface detail (only with an appropriate certified solar filter).

• All planets of the Solar System.

• Phases of Mercury and Venus.

• The disk of Mars.

• Jupiter's equatorial cloud belts and Galilean moons.

• Saturn's rings and several of its moons.

• Uranus and Neptune.

• Asteroid motion against background stars.

• Bright comets.

Stars

The telescope is capable of observing:

• Approximately 1.3 million stars down to magnitude 11.7.

• Double and multiple stars separated by more than approximately 1.4 arcseconds.

• The colors of bright stars.

Deep-sky objects

The telescope reveals:

• Nearly all Messier catalog objects.

• Hundreds of globular clusters.

• Hundreds of open star clusters.

• Bright nebulae.

• Bright galaxies.

Terrestrial observation

The supplied mirror diagonal reverses the image from left to right.

For correctly oriented terrestrial viewing, an optional erect-image prism diagonal is recommended.

With the appropriate diagonal and mount, the telescope can also serve as an excellent spotting scope for daytime observation.

Power supply

To maximize portability, the telescope is powered by eight AA batteries or rechargeable batteries housed inside the mount.

An external 12 V / 3 A AC power supply may be purchased separately for mains operation.

Included accessories

• Star Discovery Go-To mount head.

• SynScan V5 hand controller.

• Integrated Wi-Fi module.

• Steel tripod.

• Accessory tray/spreader.

• 20 mm eyepiece.

• 10 mm eyepiece.

• 6×30 finder scope.

Technical specifications

General

• Catalog number:

  • SW-4018.

• Product series:

  • Sky-Watcher Star Discovery.

• Optical design:

  • Maksutov-Cassegrain.

• Mount type:

  • Computerized alt-azimuth.

Optical specifications

• Aperture:

  • 102 mm.

• Focal length:

  • 1300 mm.

• Focal ratio:

  • f/12.7.

• Limiting stellar magnitude:

  • 12.6.

• Maximum useful magnification:

  • 204×.

• Rayleigh resolution:

  • 1.40 arcseconds.

• Dawes resolution:

  • 1.14 arcseconds.

• Light-gathering power:

  • 212×.

Optical tube

• Tube weight:

  • 1.9 kg.

• Tube length:

  • 280 mm.

• Tube diameter:

  • 120 mm.

Mount

• Tripod:

  • Steel.

• Mount control:

  • SynScan Go-To.

Focuser

• Type:

  • SCT/MAK rear focusing system.

• Eyepiece connection:

  • 1.25 inches.

• Fine-focus reduction:

  • No.

Mounting

• Dovetail standard:

  • Vixen.

Warranty

• Electronics warranty:

  • 24 months.

• Manufacturer's warranty:

  • 60 months.