Celestron StarSense Explorer
Aligning Your Phone to Your Telescope
In just a few minutes, you'll be able to locate all the best objects in the night sky with the help of your StarSense Explorer telescope and smartphone. This tutorial walks you through setting up StarSense Explorer and using the app to navigate the sky.
First, you'll need to set up your phone and StarSense Explorer. We recommend practicing these next few steps during the day. To begin, set up your telescope according to the instructions in the Quick Setup Guide that came in the box.
Step 1: Insert Eyepiece
Insert the low powered eyepiece.
[Image: A close-up of a telescope eyepiece labeled '25 mm'.]Step 2: Place Phone in Dock
Then place your phone in the StarSense Dock.
[Image: A smartphone is mounted in a black bracket, the StarSense Dock, which attaches to a telescope.]Step 3: Center Phone in Mirror
Next, you'll center your phone over the StarSense Dock's mirror. Turn the knobs at the bottom of the bracket until your phone's camera view is centered, unobstructed, in the mirror.
[Image: A view from the phone's camera showing the StarSense Dock's mirror. Knobs are visible at the bottom of the bracket.]Step 4: Point Telescope at Distant Object
Next, we need to align the phone's view to the telescope's view. To do this, start by pointing your telescope at a very distant object. It's best to choose an object that's at least a quarter-mile away.
We recommend:
- A streetlight
- A stop sign
- A car license plate
- The top of a tree
Step 5: Center Object in Eyepiece
Center the object in your telescope's eyepiece.
[Image: The view through a telescope eyepiece, showing a distant tree centered.]Step 6: Align Camera View
Slide the camera view until the same object is centered in the crosshairs.
[Image: A smartphone screen showing the camera view with crosshairs. The user is adjusting the phone's position.]Now we're ready for stargazing! You'll need to wait for the sky to get dark enough that stars are visible.
Using the StarSense Explorer App
Step 1: Launch and Align
First, tap the StarSense icon. The app will ask you if your telescope is aligned. If you removed your phone from the Dock since the last time you aligned, it's probably a good idea to complete the process again. Press Needs Alignment to begin. It will only take a minute.
[Image: The StarSense Explorer app's planetarium view showing Saturn and other celestial objects. A StarSense icon is highlighted.]Step 2: Select Celestial Object
Tap any celestial object in the planetarium view to select it.
[Image: The app's planetarium view with several celestial objects selected, showing names like 'Double Cluster' and 'Capella'.]Step 3: Find Objects to Observe
Not sure what you want to observe? Tap the Star icon to view a list of Tonight's Best objects. Tap any object in the list.
[Image: The app's planetarium view with a 'Star' icon highlighted, indicating a list of recommended objects.]Step 4: Object Name Display
Once you select an object, its name will appear on the bottom of the planetarium view.
[Image: The app's planetarium view showing Saturn selected, with its name displayed at the bottom.]Step 5: Telescope Pointing Indicator
The bullseye indicates where the telescope is pointing.
[Image: The app's planetarium view showing a bullseye indicator over a celestial object.]Step 6: Move Telescope
Using the telescope's slow-motion controls, follow the arrows to move the telescope towards the object.
[Image: A close-up of telescope slow-motion control knobs and cables.]Step 7: Wait for Star Detection
As you get closer to the object, stop and wait several seconds so that the telescope can sense the stars in your new location.
[Image: The app's planetarium view showing an object (Saturn) and directional arrows guiding the user.]Step 8: Target Not Centered
If the telescope has detected stars, but is still not over your intended target, the bullseye will turn yellow. Continue to follow the arrows closer to the target.
[Image: The app's view showing a yellow bullseye, indicating the telescope is close but not perfectly aligned with the target.]Step 9: Target Centered
If you stop and wait for a few seconds and the bullseye turns green, you have successfully located your object! It's now ready to view in your low powered eyepiece.
[Image: The app's view showing a green bullseye, indicating successful alignment with the target.]
