Celestron StarSense Explorer 12" Dobson

Celestron StarSense Explorer 12" Dobsonian
Use your smartphone to explore the night sky with this Dobsonian telescope - you don't need any experience using a telescope
The large 12-inch parabolic primary mirror with XLT coating and the 2 Crayford focusers with 1.25" adapter help you make the most of the StarSense technology.
The sturdy, large diameter Dobsonian-style base with variable height adjustment makes it easy for you to track the movement of the stars as you pan it to your desired destination using the directional arrows in the app
Teflon bearings in azimuth and 15cm altitude bearings with adjustable resistance ensure smooth, smooth movements of the telescope, supported by the tracking handle at the front of the tube.
Collimation screws with pressure springs make it easier to adjust the primary mirror
The scope of delivery includes a 32mm Plössl eyepiece, a 2" Crayford focuser with 2" extension sleeve and 1¼" adapter, the StarSense dock, a StarPointer™ red dot finder, an eyepiece rest, dust caps and a collimation tool.

StarSense Explorer 12" Dobsonian
The StarSense Explorer Series Dobsonian telescopes are the first large aperture telescopes to use your smartphone camera to analyze the night sky and telescope alignment in real time. The StarSense Explorer telescopes are ideal for beginners thanks to the app's user-friendly interface and detailed tutorials. It's like having your own personal guide to the night sky.

The large aperture ensures that you won't reach the limits of your telescope on your astronomical adventures for many years to come. Experienced observers will appreciate the ease of use and spectacular sights offered by the StarSense Explorer 12" Dobsonian.

Dock, launch, explore
Forget small star charts, complex planetarium programs and computer-controlled mounts. Finding objects has never been easier, faster and more accurate than with a StarSense Explorer. Within minutes of setting up the telescope, you'll be able to confidently find your way around the sky. Simply place your smartphone camera in the unique StarSense dock and launch the StarSense Explorer app.

After aligning your phone with the telescope's optics (which takes two minutes), the StarSense Explorer app generates a list of currently visible celestial objects. Make your selection and directional arrows will appear on the screen to help you align the telescope. As soon as the object is visible in the eyepiece, the crosshairs turn green. During observation night, you can listen to hundreds of audio descriptions or access thousands of object descriptions in the app.

Smartphone compatibility
Celestron StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone 6 and later, as well as most devices running Android 7.1.2 or later manufactured since 2016. For a complete compatibility list click here.


Patented StarSense Sky Recognition Technology
StarSense Explorer uses patented technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A LISA algorithm (Lost in Space Algorithm), like the one satellites in orbit use to orient themselves correctly, helps the app compare the star patterns it detects across the sky with its internal database.

While other astronomy apps claim they can help you find objects, they rely solely on the phone's gyroscopes and accelerometers, which aren't as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can tell you exactly when your target will be visible in the eyepiece.

High quality Dobsonian mount
An ultra-stable Dobsonian mount provides a robust base for the telescope. It features large-diameter elevation bearings with adjustable clamping force, Teflon azimuth bearings, and sidewall bracing for added stability (unlike most 12" Dobsonian bases). The elevation bearings provide smooth up and down movement, while the integrated " Height brake system" allows you to adjust the tension along the height axis to ensure the most even movement possible, even with slight imbalances. The pan knob on the telescope tube provides an ergonomic handle so you can precisely align the telescope without reaching into the tube. As celestial objects move across the night sky, you can easily track them with minor adjustments to the telescope position

Stunning sights with high-quality optics

The 12” Newtonian mirror has enough light-gathering capacity to show impressive details of celestial objects, while still being transportable.