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Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope & SkyPortal WiFi Module - Control Your Celestron Computerized Telescope via Smartphone & SkySync Telescope GPS Accessory, Black (93969)

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Availability: In Stock.
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Arrives Thursday, May 8
Order within 17 hours and 33 minutes
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Style: NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope


Set: Telescope + Module + Accessory, Black


Features

  • Product 1: Nexstar computerized telescope: The NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope features Celestrons iconic orange tube design with updated technology and the latest features for amazing stargazing for beginners and experienced observers.
  • Product 1: 8-Inch aperture: The 8-inch primary mirror in this Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope for adults and kids to be used together packs enough light-gathering ability to observe the best that our Solar System has to offer, while retaining a compact form factor. Compatible with starsense technology, Wifi
  • Product 1: Fully-automated go to mount: Featuring a database of more than 40,000 celestial objects, the go to mount built into our telescopes for astronomy beginners automatically locates and tracks objects for you.
  • Product 2: WIRELESS TELESCOPE CONTROL: Align and control your telescope using your smartphone or tablet with Celestrons free SkyPortal app for iOS and Android.
  • Product 2: 100,000 plus CELESTIAL OBJECT DATABASE: Tap any celestial object you see in the sky to identify it instantly. Tap again and your telescope slews to that object, centering it perfectly in the eyepiece.
  • Product 2: SKY TOUR FEATURE: SkyPortal automatically generates a list of all the best stars, galaxies and nebulae currently visible based on your exact time and location.
  • Product 3: ADD GPS FOR THE MOST ACCURATE ALIGNMENT: Upgrade your Celestron computerized telescope with ultra-precise 16-channel GPS time, date, and location data.
  • Product 3: SAVE TIME ALIGNING YOUR SCOPE: Instead of entering the approximate time, date, and location into your hand control manually, SkySync obtains this information from orbiting global positioning satellites, saving you time in the field.
  • Product 3: GREAT FOR ASTROIMAGING: SkySync will improve your alignmenta difference you can see in your astroimages.

Description

Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope for Beginners and Advanced Users - Fully-Automated GoTo Mount - SkyAlign Technology - 40,000+ Celestial Objects - 8-Inch Primary Mirror Manufacturer Description The largest of the NexStar SE family with 78% more light gathering than a 6-inch model, the NexStar 8 SE will enable you to see deep into the Universe. The distinctive patented fork arm with ergonomically designed integrated hand control cradle gives solid support to Celestron's classic 8-inch optics. The NexStar 8 SE features Schmidt-Cassegrain 8-inch aperture optics with our premium StarBright XLT coatings and a powerful 2,032mm focal length and f10 focal ratio. About the NexStar SE Series : NexStar 8 SE Features : The NexStar 8 SE has all the same features as Celestron's most advanced computerized GoTo telescopes, including our revolutionary SkyAlign alignment technology, a sky tour feature, a database of over 40,000 celestial objects, and easy-to-use hand control. Plug the optional CN-16 GPS accessory into NexStar's auxiliary port and download data from orbiting GPS satellites for truly quick and easy alignments. The universe may be full of mysteries, but using the NexStar 8 SE isn't one of them. In the tradition of Celestron's famous orange optical tubes, the NexStar SE Family combines the classic heritage of the original orange tube telescopes with state-of-the-art features including a fully computerized operating system, flash upgradeable hand control, our superior StarBright XLT coatings, our revolutionary SkyAlign telescope alignment software, and much more. Whether you are a seasoned astronomer looking for a portable scope with advanced features, or just starting your astronomy adventure and looking for an easy way to enjoy the night sky, a NexStar SE will help you take a closer look. Every NexStar SE includes a version of The Sky software Level 1 Planetarium software for exploring the Universe on your PC and printing out custom star charts of the sky. In addition, you receive our NexRemote software that allows you to operate your telescope via your PC. This software package, valued at over $100, is included free with your NexStar SE! General Features: 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope SE combines the classic heritage of the original orange tube telescopes with the latest state- of-the-art features StarBright XLT high transmission coatings come standard Quick release fork arm mount, optical tube, and accessory tray for no-tool setup Celestron's unique patented single fork arm with integral hand control design provides a rigid and smooth operating structure for the optical tube StarPointer finderscope to help with alignment and accurately locating objects Sturdy computerized altazimuth mount Ultra sturdy steel tripod with accessory tray Star diagonal provides more comfortable viewing position when observing objects that are high in the sky Computerized Features: Proven NexStar computer control technology 40,000 object database with 200 user-definable objects and expanded information on over 200 objects SkyAlign allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process Flash upgradeable hand control software and motor control units for downloading product updates over the Internet Custom database lists of all the most famous deep-sky objects by name and catalog number; the most beautiful double, triple, and quadruple stars; variable star; solar systems; objects and asterisms DC Servo motors with encoders on both axes Autoguider port for long exposure astrophotography Double line, 16-character liquid crystal display hand control with backlit LED buttons for easy operation of go-to features NexRemote telescope control software and RS-232 cable included for advanced control of your telescope via computer GPS-compatible with optional CN16 GPS accessory (93963) The best telescope is the one used often to enjoy the beauty and intrigue of the night sky. For those searching for telescopes for astronomy beginners that are infused with the latest computer technology, Celestron’s NexStar 8SE Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope fits the bill perfectly. The NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope features Celestron’s iconic “orange tube” design and updated technology with the latest features for amazing stargazing for beginners and experienced observers. Celestron’s signature telescope combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system, the NexStar 8SE. It’s the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering striking views at an economical price. The eight- inch primary mirror in this computerized telescope packs enough light- gathering ability to observe the best that our Solar System has to offer, from Saturn’s rings to the cloud bands on Jupiter and geographic features on the surface of the Moon. When it comes to deep sky objects, take your 8SE to a dark-sky site and you’ll see hundreds of pinpoint stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster, the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy, and more. Featuring a database of more than 40,000 celestial objects, the 8SE’s GoTo mount automatically locates and tracks objects for you. You can also take a Sky Tour and let your telescope show you the best objects currently visible. The single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all assemble and break down from separate components for easy transportation. SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready to observe in minutes. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the night sky, you can easily align your telescope on any 3 bright objects. The NexStar 8SE is a telescope that will grow with you as you advance in the hobby of astronomy. It’s compatible with all the high-tech accessories advanced users love. Provide GPS coordinates to your telescope with SkySync, or add automatic alignment functionality with StarSense AutoAlign. Buy with confidence from the world’s 1 telescope brand, based in California since 1960. You’ll also receive a two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts. Celestron - SkyPortal WiFi Module - Control Your Celestron Computerized Telescope via Smartphone - Telescope Wi-Fi Accessory Celestron's SkyPortal WiFi Module turns your smartphone or tablet into your own personal planetarium and observatory. Simply plug the WiFi module into your telescope’s hand control or AUX port and connect to its wireless signal with your device. Instantly, your device becomes a wireless hand control for your telescope, guiding you through the alignment process and slewing to any celestial object with a simple tap. As SkyPortal WiFi Module slews your telescope to an object, you can listen to hundreds of included audio descriptions on your device, which explain the history, mythology, and key features of the most popular celestial objects. Not sure what to observe? Select Tonight’s Best in the search menu and the SkyPortal app will display a list of the best objects to view based on your exact time and location. There’s no need to input GPS coordinates or set the time and date—SkyPortal WiFi takes this information directly from your device. SkyPortal WiFi Module makes a great gift for telescope users of all ages and skill levels, from kids to advanced users. Take your family on a guided tour of the universe with SkyPortal WiFi! Abou the Celestron SkyPortal App Celestron’s SkyPortal WiFi Module works with our full featured planetarium app, SkyPortal. Available free on the Apple App Store and Google Play, SkyPortal is your key to the universe—with or without SkyPortal WiFi Module. Developed in collaboration with the experts at SkySafari, SkyPortal offers an intuitive user interface with a robust database of more than 100,000 celestial objects. You can even plan your observing session before you set up your telescope. Find out when transits and other notable celestial events will occur—up to 100 years into the future. Compatibility Information SkyPortal WiFi Module is compatible with the following Celestron mounts: Advanced VX | Astro Fi | CG-5 (with CG-5 Aux. splitter) | CGE | CGE Pro | CGEM | CGEM DX | CGEM II | CGX | CGX-L | CPC | CPC Deluxe HD | LCM | NexStar Evolution | NexStar GT (2015 models and newer with Aux. splitter) | NexStar SE Series | NexStar SLT | SkyProdigy SkyPortal WiFi Module is NOT compatible with the following Celestron mounts: NexStar i Series | NexStar GPS | Ultima 2000 | Early generation GoTo mounts (such as Compustar).

Brand: Celestron


Model Name: NexStar 8SE Telescope


Eye Piece Lens Description: Plossl


Objective Lens Diameter: 7.96 Inches


Telescope Mount Description: Altazimuth Mount


Focus Type: Auto Focus


Power Source: Solar Powered, Battery Powered


Finderscope: Reflex


Compatible Devices: Tablet, Smartphone


Lens Coating Description: StarBright XLT


Date First Available: April 23, 2023


Manufacturer: Celestron


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Thursday, May 8

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Telescope
Style: NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope Set: Telescope + Module + Accessory Kit
Best money can buy.
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2024 by Clint Frank

  • Amazing, but buy the AC converter.
Style: NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope Set: W/ NexYZ adapter
I purchased this for my Fiancé. She loves astronomy and has never had a telescope. I took the plunge and figured this would be a good investment for her happiness. She is amazed every single time she looks through this scope. It really is amazing! I almost cried seeing planets so close. And, I’m not into it like she is. The one downfall is the batteries. Just purchase the AC converter. Why it doesn’t just come with one makes me roll my eyes at the price. Anyway, amazing purchase!! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2023 by JRobert JRobert

  • Celestron telescope
Style: NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope Set: W/ NexYZ adapter
Came beautiful wrapped. No damages. So excited to get started with it.
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2019 by M Sammis

  • Nope - couldn't get the scope to sight, couldn't get the wifi to work
Style: NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope Set: Telescope + Module + Accessory Kit
I got my first telescope - a 2.4" Tasco - when I was thirteen years old (late 1960s) and it stayed with me through college. Life and work got in the way so it stayed in its case until the early 1990s when I upgraded to a 10" Meade Cassegrain with equatorial mount. Got the full package and managed to place some photographs with magazines (back in the days of print). I share this up front so you'll know I've been around and used scopes for quite a while. I received a Celestron NexStar 8se package with 14 piece accessory kit and SkyPortal Wifi Adapter for Christmas less than a month ago, and the only way to do this review justice is to provide a play by play. Day 1: It arrives. I'm not sure why delivery drivers leave 2oz packages by the garage door and place packages you need a derrick to lift blocking the front door so you can't get out to get the package. The 8se comes in a BIG, HEAVY box (SENIORS PAY ATTENTION!). Unpacking. Open the outer box, open the inner box, and you're presented with four more boxes, some of which have even smaller boxes inside. There are instructions (not completely useless, not really helpful) which provide clues regarding which box to open first. If you love mysteries, you're going to love this. Quick Set-up Guide First, have the Instruction Manual handy and refer to it often. If nothing else, the pictures in the Quick Set-up Guide and Instruction Manual provide clues as to how things are suppose to work. When in doubt with the Set-up Guide, check with the Instruction Manual and vice-versa. Neither tells the complete story and each have different errors. Steps 1-5 Good Step 6 - First thing, our tripod didn't have a bubble. Looked and looked and looked and no bubble, no bubble, no bubble. Finally used the one from the Meade. Second, The tripod bubble level's only useful if you never plan on moving the telescope-tripod assembly from wherever you do your initial assembly. Move it outside, front yard to backyard, beach to desert, field to forest, and you need to take the mounting platform off the tripod to level it all over again. Note this: If you take off the mounting platform, the telescope comes with it unless you separate the scope from the mounting platform. Steps 14-15 - Yes, we're skipping. Steps 14-15 is where you put eight AA batteries in the mounting platform. Videos indicate this is easy. (SENIORS PAY ATTENTION) It isn't. You'll need strong fingers, strong nails, or a screwdriver to pop it off. Put these batteries in now because you'll have to work under or around the telescope if you wait until Steps 14-15 is suppose to occur. Further note - a fresh pack of batteries gives good use for ~30m then fades rapidly, especially if you're using the scope in winter (15-30ºF). We planned on getting the rechargeable power supply and ended up returning the entire unit and all accessories because, personally, I don't need the headaches. Step 7 - Notice in the picture the demonstrator's holding the scope and mounting platform together? The hitch here is they didn't include the step where you attach the scope to the mounting platform. The hitch with that missing step is you can't attach the scope to the mounting platform as the platform is configured coming out of the box The hitch there is you need to turn the mounting platform part that the scope slides into so you can slide the scope into it. The hitch there is it doesn't turn easy and, if you're like me, you're leery of turning something with a relatively precision motor attached. We called tech support. Turns out the mounting platform part is on a friction clutch and can be turned by hand. Really? (SENIORS PAY ATTENTION) This doesn't turn easy for people with a good grip, and next to impossibly if you have arthritis. Not to mention turning a precision gearing mechanism with a friction clutch by hand. Nobody told the engineers that's a perfect way to ruin the clutch assembly? Steps 8-13 - Good Steps 16-18 - Only useful if you plan on terrestrial viewing or know astrogation well enough to "point-and-shoot." Now we get to "Before you can begin observing, you must setup your hand control, align your finderscope and align your telescope. Step by step instructions are included in the following Hand Control Setup section." I'd already spent 2+ hours going through the various documentation (the Instruction Manual is a must), so figuring out the Hand Control Guide is the next day's job. Day 2: Aligning the finderscope and telescope. Before anything else, remember you have to mount the finderscope to the telescope to align them. Does anybody writing documentation know how to explain something step by step and explicitly? Remember those college science texts which showed step 1 and 2 then the solution and in between had "The derivation is left as an exercise for the student"? They may as well have had "And then a miracle happened!" Anyway, the people who wrote "The derivation is left as an exercise" also wrote the Celestron documentation. Got the finderscope attached. Now I had to find something ~1/4 mile away to properly align the finderscope to the telescope. Which meant taking the telescope, the mount, and tripod somewhere where I could clearly see a steady, non-moving terrestrial object which was ~1/4 mile away. Do you live in a suburban neighborhood? I ended up using a neighbor's window casing two streets away. Fair enough, but your suppose to get your target in the center of the finderscope which has no crosshairs so you have to be looking through the finderscope dead on while you make adjustments. (SENIORS TAKE NOTE) This can be straining if you have back problems and are 6' tall or more as you have to bend over to see dead on, and the moment to touch the adjustments the entire assembly jiggles so you have to wait for it to quell before making your next adjustment. Once you've got it in the finderscope, move on to the main scope, again with the "center," which again means you have to be viewing dead on. Yeah, I wasn't having fun yet. Hand Control Guide: First, does it work? Yes. Second, could it work better? Definitely. Third, does it work as simply and as easily as the documentation and videos indicate? No way, period! The menu system is extensive. It's also ONE LINE at a time on a horizontally scrolling LED display. Really? In 2025? Okay, chock this up to not getting the flying car I was promised, too. I had to work through the menus four times before I worked it properly. Now onto finding a bright sky object, center it in your finderscope, center it in your main scope, press this, press that, lather-rinse-repeat three times. The first night out I went through that menu system and found three objects three times over and each time got an alignment failed message. Okay, enough for one night. Bring everything inside and start again tomorrow. Day 3: I downloaded two pieces of software available from Celestron, CPWI and Starry Night. I installed and uninstalled Starry Night five or so times. Each time, despite reporting a successful install, Starry Night threw errors faster than I could dismiss them during loading. CPWI installed and loaded, and that leads us to the SkyPortal WiFi adapter module. It worked fine in "direct" mode, meaning it connected to the laptop and I could communicate with the telescope provided laptop and 'scope where within 5-15' of each other. However, it never worked with in wifi network mode, meaning I couldn't sit in my backroom, indicate what I wanted to view, and have that info sent to the 'scope in my driveway about 30' away even though the distance from each point to the router was less than 15'. The CPWI software lets you align your scope. Okay, and mine didn't. It couldn't find anything it suggested as an alignment point. The suggested points where in the sky, simply not where the CPWI software indicated they should be. The Hand Control alignment needs to be repeated each time you set up the scope. Say what? I have to go through a 15-20m procedure each time I want to look at something? The CPWI lets you save an alignment setting. Trouble there is it never aligned my 'scope properly. Days 3-15: I took the 'scope out nightly for about two weeks and repeatedly failed. I contacted Celestron for guidance and was on hold long enough for the sun to go nova. I emailed with my concerns. They sent me pages from the manuals. Day 16: I packed up the 'scope and returned it. By the way, during the repacking process I found the bubble level. About the size of a dime, and stuck in some bubble wrap. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2025 by Joseph Carrabis

  • Hard to use
Style: NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope Set: W/ NexYZ adapter
This was so hard to use and was really hard to get focused, so I would not give high praise on functionality. Would say image quality was good when we could make it work. Build quality was also good and the value for the money would have been good if it worked as we had hoped. Fit was good for any age. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2024 by Steviemoto

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