Celestron NexStar SE Quick Setup Guide

Getting Started

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up your Celestron NexStar SE telescope. Ensure all parts are present before beginning: fork arm, optical tube, tripod, accessory tray, computerized hand control, 25mm eyepiece, Star Pointer™ red-dot finderscope, and star diagonal.

Step 1: Assemble the Tripod

Spread the tripod's legs out until they are fully extended. Place the tripod on the ground.

Step 2: Attach the Accessory Tray

Remove the leg brace locking knob. Slide the accessory tray onto the central support rod. Ensure each arm of the tray braces against each tripod leg. Replace and tighten the leg brace locking knob to secure the tray.

Step 3: Extend Tripod Legs

To extend each tripod leg to the desired height, loosen the locking knob, pull the leg section out, and re-tighten the knob.

Step 4: Level the Tripod

Place the bubble level on top of the tripod head. Carefully adjust the height of each leg as needed until the tripod is level. Remove the level when done.

Step 5: Mount the Telescope

Set the base of the telescope on the tripod head, aligning the center hole with the positioning pin. Rotate the mount so the three rubber feet align with the three recesses on the tripod mounting plate.

Step 6: Secure the Mount

Tighten the captive mounting bolts under the tripod head to secure the mount. Ensure the bolts are fully seated and the mount is firmly attached.

Step 7: Adjust Balance and Remove Tube

To adjust balance or remove the tube, loosen the quick-release clamp knob and slide the tube towards the rear cell. Hold the tube firmly when mounting or dismounting. Ensure the dovetail clamp is tight before releasing the tube.

Step 8: Attach the Star Pointer Finderscope

Slide the Star Pointer™ red-dot finderscope onto its mounting bracket. Tighten the screws on the side to secure it. Pull the small plastic tab from under the battery cover to allow the battery to make contact.

Step 9: Attach the Star Diagonal and Eyepiece

Remove the cap from the rear of the telescope. Insert the silver barrel of the star diagonal into the visual back and tighten the set screw. Insert the silver barrel of the 25mm eyepiece into the star diagonal and tighten the screw.

Step 10: Install Batteries

Remove the battery cover from the center of the base. Insert 8 AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity, and reattach the cover.

Step 11: Power On

Turn on the power switch located at the base of the fork arm.

Step 12: Remove Lens Cap

Before viewing, remember to remove the lens cap from the optical tube.

Moving the Telescope

With the telescope powered on, use the directional slew buttons on the NexStar+ hand control (arrow keys) to move the telescope up, down, left, or right. The altitude axis (up-and-down) has a slip clutch that can be moved by hand. The azimuth axis (left-and-right) does not. CAUTION: Do not force the scope left or right without using the hand control, as this can permanently damage the gears.

Aligning the Finderscope

The finderscope is crucial for locating and centering objects. Initial alignment is best done during the day.

SOLAR WARNING: Never attempt to view the Sun without a proper solar filter!

Step 1: Choose a Target

During the day, find a distant, easily recognizable object (e.g., streetlight, sign) at least a quarter mile away.

Step 2: Center the Target in the Eyepiece

Look through the telescope with your lowest powered eyepiece. Use the hand control to center the target. Adjust focus using the focus knob until the image is sharp. Note that the image may appear inverted, which is normal.

Step 3: Look Through the Finderscope

Once the object is centered in the 25mm eyepiece, look through the finderscope and locate the red dot.

Step 4: Adjust the Finderscope

Without moving the telescope, use the two adjustment knobs on the finderscope to move it until the red dot aligns with the same object you see in the telescope's eyepiece.

Step 5: Finderscope Alignment Complete

Your finderscope is now aligned. It should not require realignment unless bumped or dropped.

Hand Control Guide

Before using your NexStar SE, you need to set up the computerized hand control and complete the SkyAlign procedure. This allows the telescope to align with three celestial objects, enabling accurate location and tracking of objects in its database.

Step 1: Select Language

When you turn on the scope for the first time, select your preferred language by pressing the corresponding number button and then ENTER.

Step 2: Begin Alignment

The display will read "NexStar SE Ready." Press ENTER to begin the alignment procedure.

Step 3: Select SkyAlign

Use the SCROLL UP and SCROLL DOWN buttons (keys 6 and 9) to select "SkyAlign." Press ENTER.

Step 4: Enter Observing Site Location

The hand control will prompt you for your observing site. Select "City Database" using the SCROLL buttons and press ENTER. Choose your continent, country, state, and nearest city from the lists provided, using the SCROLL buttons to navigate and ENTER to confirm selections.

Step 5: Enter Current Time

Use the numeric keypad to enter the current time. Press ENTER to continue. Use UNDO to backspace. Select AM or PM if using 12-hour format.

Step 6: Select Time Standard

Choose between Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time based on your location and time of year.

Step 7: Enter Date

Use the numeric keypad to enter the date in MM/DD/YYYY format. Press ENTER to continue.

Step 8: Mount Ready for Alignment

The mount is now ready for alignment. Do not move the telescope by hand; use only the directional slew buttons on the hand control.

Step 9: Aim at a Bright Object

Use the buttons to move the telescope toward any bright celestial object. You do not need to know its name. Once centered in the finderscope, press ENTER.

Step 10: Center Object 1

The hand control will prompt you to center the bright object in the eyepiece. Motors will slow for fine adjustments. Once centered, press ALIGN to accept it as the first alignment point.

Step 11: Center Object 2

For the second alignment object, choose a bright star or planet as far as possible from the first. Use the directional arrow buttons to center it in the finderscope, press ENTER, then center it in the eyepiece and press ALIGN.

Step 12: Confirm Alignment

Repeat the process for the third alignment star. When aligned to the final star, the display will read "Match Confirmed." Press UNDO to see the names of the three objects or ENTER to accept them.

Step 13: Find Your First Object

Now that your telescope is aligned, press the SKY TOUR button (key 5) on the hand control. This will display a list of visible objects above the horizon for the entered date and location.

Step 14: Object Information and Slew

Press OBJECT INFO (key 0) to read about an object. Use the SCROLL DOWN button to view the next object. Press ENTER to automatically slew the telescope to the selected target.

Starry Night Bonus Software

Your purchase includes Celestron Starry Night Astronomy Software, which can enhance your experience. It provides a guided tour of the solar system and helps plan observing sessions.

Minimum System Requirements

Windows: Windows 7 or higher, 500MHz processor, 128 MB RAM, 850 MB hard disk space, 32 MB OpenGL-capable graphics card, 1024x768 monitor resolution.

Mac: Universal binary, OS X 10.4 or higher, G3 450 MHz processor, 128 MB RAM, 850 MB hard disk space, 32 MB OpenGL-capable graphics card, 1024x768 monitor resolution.

Safety Instructions

• Risk of explosion if battery is replaced with an incorrect type.
• The included battery is not rechargeable.
• Do not short-circuit the battery.
• Do not use a damaged battery.
• Avoid extreme temperatures for battery storage.
• Remove batteries if the product will be unused for a long time.
• Ensure correct battery polarity when replacing.
• Do not dispose of batteries in fire.
• Dispose of batteries according to local regulations.
• SOLAR WARNING: Never attempt to view the sun without a proper solar filter.

FCC Notice

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Battery Warning

• INGESTION HAZARD: Keep batteries out of reach of children. Seek immediate medical attention if a battery is swallowed.

Warranty

2-Year Limited Warranty. Visit celestron.com/pages/warranty for details.

Assistance

For assistance, contact Celestron Technical Support at celestron.com/pages/technical-support.

Product Information

Product design and specifications are subject to change without prior notification. This product is designed and intended for use by those 14 years of age and older.

©2025 Celestron. Celestron and Symbol are trademarks of Celestron, LLC. All rights reserved. Celestron.com

US: Celestron, 2835 Columbia Street, Torrance, CA 90503 USA

UK: Celestron Global Ltd., Unit 2 Transigo, Gables Way, Thatcham RG19 4JZ, United Kingdom

Made in China | 05-25