Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ App-Enabled Telescope

Product Overview

Celestron’s StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is the first telescope that uses your smartphone to analyze the night sky and calculate its position in real time, making stargazing easier than ever. Perfect for beginners, this app-enabled telescope lets you dock your phone, launch the app, and follow on-screen arrows to planets, stars, galaxies, and more. Unlike other astronomy apps that rely solely on gyroscopes, StarSense uses patented sky recognition technology and a Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA)—like the sophisticated location systems used by satellites—to deliver accurate, real-time guidance. Simply align your phone with the telescope optics, and within minutes, you’ll be exploring with confidence.

Key Features

• SMARTPHONE-POWERED SKY TOUR: No experience needed! Just dock your phone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and follow the on-screen arrows to locate stars, planets, nebulae, and more.
• PATENTED STARSENSE TECHNOLOGY: Unlike other astronomy apps, StarSense Explorer uses sky recognition technology to turn your phone into a celestial navigation system, analyzing star patterns overhead to pinpoint your telescope’s position.
• TONIGHT’S BEST TARGETS, INSTANTLY: The app generates a curated list of the top objects to see based on your time and location. See planets, bright nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters from the city—and even more from dark skies.
• SIMPLE SETUP, SMOOTH TRACKING: Features a manual altazimuth mount with dual-axis slow-motion controls. Follow the on-screen arrows to your target; when the bullseye turns green, you can view it clearly through the eyepiece.
• 130MM REFLECTOR WITH IMPRESSIVE VIEWS: The 5" Newtonian reflector with high-reflectivity coatings delivers sharp, vivid views of the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and deep-sky favorites like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.

What's Included

Your Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ package includes the following components:

• Optical tube
• Mount and tripod (preassembled)
• 25mm eyepiece
• 10mm eyepiece
• StarPointer finderscope
• Accessory tray

All components included with your StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope.

Setup Guide

1. Assembly

Follow these steps to assemble your telescope:

1. Unpack all components from the box.
2. Set up the preassembled mount and tripod on a stable, level surface. Extend the tripod legs to a comfortable height and secure them.
3. Attach the accessory tray to the tripod's cross braces.
4. Mount the optical tube onto the altazimuth mount, ensuring it is securely fastened.
5. Install the StarPointer red dot finderscope onto its designated bracket on the optical tube.
6. Insert the desired eyepiece (e.g., 25mm for lower magnification, 10mm for higher magnification) into the focuser.

The fully assembled StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope.

2. Smartphone Integration and App Alignment

The StarSense Explorer app is crucial for navigating the night sky. Follow these steps to integrate your smartphone and align the system:

1. Download the Celestron StarSense Explorer app from your smartphone's app store (compatible with iPhone 6 and up, and most Android phones from 2016 or later running Android 7.1.2 or newer).
2. Dock your smartphone securely into the StarSense smartphone dock on the telescope. Ensure the phone's camera is unobstructed and properly positioned.
3. Launch the StarSense Explorer app. The app will guide you through an initial alignment process, using its patented sky recognition technology to pinpoint the telescope's exact position in the night sky. This process does not require cell signal or Wi-Fi.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the alignment. This typically involves pointing the telescope at a bright star and confirming its position within the app.

The simple 1-2-3 process for setting up and using the StarSense Explorer.

Detailed view of the smartphone dock, where your device securely attaches to the telescope.

Operating Your Telescope

1. Finding Celestial Objects

Once aligned, the StarSense Explorer app becomes your personal sky guide:

1. The app automatically generates a list of the best objects to view based on your exact time and location. This includes planets, nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
2. Select an object from the "Tonight's Best Objects" list within the app.
3. Follow the on-screen arrows displayed on your smartphone. These arrows will guide you to manually move the telescope towards your chosen target.
4. When the bullseye on the app screen turns green, your target is centered and ready to be viewed through the eyepiece.

The StarSense Explorer app provides a curated list of celestial objects visible from your location.

Follow the on-screen arrows to precisely center your desired celestial object.

2. Viewing Objects

Once the object is centered, look through the telescope's eyepiece. You can switch between the 25mm eyepiece (26x magnification) for wider views and the 10mm eyepiece (65x magnification) for more detailed observations.

Illustrates the difference in magnification between the 25mm (26x) and 10mm (65x) eyepieces.

3. Starry Night Educational Software

Your telescope includes access to Starry Night Educational Software, a valuable resource for learning more about the night sky and planning your observations. Details for accessing this software are typically provided with your product registration or within the StarSense Explorer app.

Starry Night Educational Software provides a comprehensive platform to explore and learn about the cosmos.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope:

• Cleaning Optics: Use only specialized optical cleaning solutions and cloths. Avoid touching the optical surfaces with bare hands. Dust can be gently removed with a soft brush or compressed air designed for optics.
• Storage: Store the telescope in a dry, dust-free environment. Keep the dust caps on the optical tube and eyepieces when not in use.
• Handling: Always handle the telescope with care. Avoid sudden impacts or dropping the unit.
• Collimation: As a Newtonian reflector, the telescope's mirrors may occasionally require collimation (alignment). Refer to the detailed user manual (PDF) for instructions on how to perform this procedure.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your telescope, consider the following common solutions:

• App Alignment Issues: Ensure your smartphone is securely docked and its camera lens is clean. Verify that you are following the app's alignment instructions precisely, especially when confirming star positions. Try aligning with a different bright star if the first attempt fails.
• Blurry or Unclear Views: Adjust the focuser slowly until the image is sharp. Ensure you are using the correct eyepiece for the object you are viewing. Atmospheric conditions (e.g., heat haze, light pollution) can significantly affect viewing quality. Try observing on a clear night away from city lights.
• Shaky Image: Ensure the tripod legs are fully extended and securely locked. The accessory tray, when properly installed, can add stability. Avoid touching the telescope tube unnecessarily during observation. Use the slow-motion controls for fine adjustments rather than pushing the tube directly.
• No Cell Signal Required: Remember that the StarSense Explorer app uses sky recognition technology and does not require a cellular or Wi-Fi connection to function once downloaded.

For more detailed troubleshooting, please refer to the official User Manual PDF linked in the Warranty and Support section.

Technical Specifications

Warranty and Support

Your Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ telescope comes with comprehensive support:

• Warranty: Your purchase includes a 2-Year US Warranty from Celestron, a leading telescope brand.
• Support: Unlimited support is available from Celestron's team of US-based experts.
• Documentation: Access official documentation for your product:
• User Guide (PDF)
• User Manual (PDF)
• Warranty (PDF)