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Celestron

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope – 8-Inch Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Tube – Fully Automated GoTo Mount with SkyAlign – Ideal for Beginners and Advanced Users – 40,000+ Object Database

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Availability: In Stock.
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Style: NexStar 8SE


Features

  • ADVANCED TECH MEETS ICONIC DESIGN: The NexStar 8SE pairs Celestrons legendary orange tube with a fully computerized GoTo systemideal for those ready to step up from manual scopes and explore more of the night sky with precision and ease.
  • 8-INCH SCHMIDT-CASSEGRAIN OPTICS: The large 8" aperture gathers enough light to reveal fine lunar details, cloud bands on Jupiter, and deep-sky objects like galaxies and globular clustersall in a compact, portable form factor.
  • FULLY AUTOMATED GoTo MOUNT WITH NEXSTAR+ HAND CONTROL: Use the NexStar+ hand control to select from a 40,000+ object database. The computerized mount then automatically slews to your target and tracks itno star charts or manual alignment needed.
  • FAST & EASY ALIGNMENT WITH SKYALIGN TECHNOLOGY: SkyAlign gets you observing fastjust center any three bright stars or planets, even if you dont know their names. The system then calculates your position and aligns the mount in minutes.
  • COMPATIBLE WITH CELESTRON ACCESSORIES: Easily upgrade your setup with all our latest accessories to enhance automation, wireless control, or location accuracy as your skills grow.
  • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from the telescope brand, based in California since 1960. Youll also receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from our team of US-based experts.
  • UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts.

Description

The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a powerful, feature-rich telescope designed for intermediate users ready to take the next step in their astronomy journey. With its iconic orange tube and advanced Schmidt-Cassegrain optics, the 8SE offers impressive light-gathering ability in a compact, portable form—perfect for detailed views of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies. The fully automated GoTo mount makes finding objects effortless. Use the included NexStar+ hand control to choose from a database of over 40,000 celestial objects, and the mount will automatically locate and track your target with precision. Getting started is easy with SkyAlign technology: simply center any three bright stars or planets in the eyepiece—even if you don’t know their names—and the system calculates your position and aligns the telescope in minutes. The NexStar 8SE is also compatible with a wide range of Celestron accessories, including StarSense AutoAlign for hands-free setup, SkyPortal WiFi for wireless control, and SkySync GPS for enhanced accuracy. With its combination of optical performance, smart technology, and upgrade potential, the NexStar 8SE is built to grow with you. Backed by Celestron’s 2-Year Warranty and US-based technical support. Review Celestron's Nexstar 8 SE telescope combines excellent optics and computerized "GoTo" tracking in a package that's light, portable and affordable. The legendary performance of Celestron's orange tube C8 telescope has been updated with high performance Starbright XLT coatings, and the single arm Nexstar mount now includes Celestron's easy to use "SkyAlign" technology. The Nexstar 8 SE upholds Celestron's reputation for quality optics. When I use an 11mm Plossl eyepiece (almost 200x magnification) for example, I can easily see the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings. When I look at Jupiter, the pale orange color of Jupiter's famous Great Red Spot is visible, and I've even been able to identify the polar caps and spot dust storms on the planet Mars. A 20mm Plossl eyepiece (about 100x magnification) is a good choice for viewing galaxies and star clusters. When I look at globular cluster M13 in the constellation Hercules the high contrast XLT optics show me a glowing snowflake made of hundreds of tiny pin-point stars! And a low power 32mm Plossl eyepiece is a good choice for views of larger deep space highlights like the Andromeda Galaxy and the Orion Nebula. Celestron's patented "SkyAlign" system makes the Nexstar 8 SE very easy to use. I just pick the nearest town from the built-in list, enter the date and time, and point the telescope at three bright stars. I don't need a star chart because "SkyAlign" identifies the stars for me. When I just want a quick look at the moon or a planet, I like to use the "Solar System Align" option. After entering the date and time, I just point the telescope at the moon and press the "Align" key. That's all it takes, the computer takes over and the telescope begins tracking quietly and accurately. At star parties I often have my Nexstar up and running while older computerized telescopes are still waiting for their alignment stars to appear in the twilight. The Nexstar 8 SE comes with a simple red-dot finder scope and a basic 25mm eyepiece. You'll want to add a few good eyepieces to take full advantage of the Nexstar 8 SE's excellent optics. At the very least get Celestron's bargain priced Accessory Kit which includes high and low power plossl eyepieces, or treat yourself to some top rated Tele Vue eyepieces. At twenty-four pounds total weight, the Nexstar 8 SE is unusually light and portable for an eight-inch telescope. The drawback of course is that some people will find it too light. Like other Schmidt Cassegrain (SCT) telescopes there are plenty of optional accessories to upgrade this telescope with, such as heavy duty tripods and an optical finder scope. If you want to try astro-photography, however, check out Celestron's CPC 800 Telescope which features a heavy duty mount and tripod and an 8x50 optical finder scope right out of the box. --Jeff PhillipsPros:Excellent optics Easy computerized GoTo tracking Light, portable and affordable Cons:Plastic accessories Short battery life Too light for astro-photography P.when('A').execute(function(A) { A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse', function(data) { window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100); }); }); From the Manufacturer 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) See more

Brand: Celestron


Model Name: NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope


Optical Tube Length: 432 Millimeters


Eye Piece Lens Description: 25mm eyepiece


Objective Lens Diameter: 203 Millimeters


Telescope Mount Description: Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm Mount


Product Dimensions: 32"D x 34"W x 52"H


Focus Type: Manual Focus


Power Source: 8-AA batteries, 12v AC adapter, or any of Celestron’s PowerTank external power sources – none of which are included. See more


Finderscope: StarPointer™ red dot finderscope (includes 51632 with CR2032 battery)


Eye Piece Lens Description: 25mm eyepiece


Mount: Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm Mount


Focus Type: Manual Focus


Power Source: 8-AA batteries, 12v AC adapter, or any of Celestron’s PowerTank external power sources – none of which are included.


Finderscope: StarPointer™ red dot finderscope (includes 51632 with CR2032 battery)


Compatible Devices: Laptop, Desktop, Smartphone, GPS Device


Number of Batteries: 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)


Coating: StarBright XLT


Focal Length Description: 2032 millimeters


Field Of View: 0.75 Degrees


Dawes Limit: 0.57 Arc Sec


Zoom Ratio: 16


Additional Features: Fully Automated GoTo Mount with 40,000+ Object Database


Optical-Tube Length: 432 Millimeters


Objective Lens Diameter: 203 Millimeters


Item Dimensions D x W x H: 32"D x 34"W x 52"H


Item Weight: 10.88 Kilograms


Exit Pupil Diameter: 4.06 Millimeters


Brand: Celestron


Model Name: NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope


Global Trade Identification Number: 93


Manufacturer: Celestron


UPC: 050234110693


Manufacturer Part Number: 11069


Model Number: 11069


Warranty Description: 2 Years


Built-In Media: 25mm eyepiece, Accessory Tray, NexStar+ Hand Control, Optical tube, Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod, Star Diagonal, Star Pointer Finderscope


Unit Count: 1.0 Count


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Thursday, Mar 26

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

    • Wonderful scope for the amateur astronomer that requires portability
Style: NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope
I have owned several scopes over the years: a Meade ETX-90, an Orion 6" DOB, and a Zhumell 10" DOB (which I returned - read on). When I recently renewed my passion for astronomy earlier this year (2010), I started pulling out my little ETX-90 on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the aperture size and long focal length really limited my viewing to Saturn. I decided it was time to go for something with a bit more power. I bought the 10" DOB I mentioned above. It wasn't passed than the third trip outside, precariously carrying the OTA (Optical Tube Assembly) while "butting" the door open and avoiding hitting my dining room table, that I decided I needed to return that monstrosity for something more portable (by the way, it was a wonderful scope! If you can store it where moving it isn't a problem, it'll do the job!). Enter the Celestron NexStar 6SE. When the scope arrived, I opened the box and pulled out the parts. Having watched the instructional video on how to assemble the item earlier in the day, I didn't even need to look at the directions to get it put together. The tripod was solid and had little play. The OTA was easy to "drop" onto the pins on the tripod, and then I only needed to lock down the three knobbed screws to mount the scope completely. I did need to align the viewfinder, which was easy enough by lining up on Venus. I had forgotten how much I liked the GOTO system (my old ETX-90's mount had long ago stopped functioning). For the 6SE, I used the NexStar alignment method on my first attempt, which simply required 3 bright objects in the sky - I did not need to know what the objects were (you will, however, have to enter some other info like your latitude and longitude, time zone, date and time. Your latitude and longitude is easily found online). It was now time for the first viewing. I selected my old standby, Saturn. The scope slewed very quickly to the object, even going back and forth a bit to account for any play in the gears. When I looked through the low powered eye piece (25mm), Saturn was just left of center (likely my fault on the initial alignment). I then manually centered the planet and replaced my eye piece with a higher powered piece - a 9mm lens. All I can say is wow. I live a few miles from the Pittsburgh International Airport, so light pollution is a real problem for me. But, Saturn came in as crisp as I have ever seen it, and 4 of her moons were very easily discernible. However, planetary viewing isn't so difficult with even the most basic scope. I decided to try a few more difficult targets. I could see that The Big Dipper was out, so I typed in M51 - The Whirlpool Galaxy. After a few quick moments of slewing, I took to the eyepiece again (back to the 25mm, btw), and there were two "eyes" looking at me (M51 is actually two galaxies). Of course with bad seeing conditions and a 6" scope, I could not make out any of the "arms" of the galaxy, but I could easily see the telltale fuzzy eyes. I was quite surprised I was able to resolve them that easily with the smaller aperture on this scope! I don't remember my old 6" DOB having that easy of a time, but maybe that was due to the GOTO capability of this item. Next, I turned my attention to M81 and M82, two other galaxies very close to The Dipper. They came in great, with M82 showing off its profile nicely even with my (relatively) bad seeing conditions. Finally, I hit M3, which is a brilliant globular star cluster. The cluster was a wonderful view in this scope. Switching to a higher power eye piece caused many stars to shimmer in and out of view - it was jaw dropping. Anyway, I wanted to point out that, if you need a portable scope that is capable of showing you some wonderful astronomical sights, this scope fits the bill. Although another reviewer is right in that the stock eye pieces aren't incredible (nor are any other stock pieces!), you would certainly be happy with this scope for the occasional "quick" viewing session. Heck, put a few additional dollars (well, a few hundred!) down for some better eye pieces, and you'll be thrilled for years to come! One final note: due to the design of the Schmidt Cassegrain scope, you are almost required to buy a dew shield, unless you live in Phoenix or some other really dry area. Here in the northeast, my scope fogged up very quickly. I was able to build a temporary dew shield with some black construction paper that worked fine, but that's no long term solution. Astronomy is certainly not a cheap hobby! Overall, I am very pleased with this scope. And, unless you are more than casually into this hobby, I think you will be, too. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2010 by J. Neill
    • A very nice scope
Style: NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope
I bought the 6SE through Amazon and also bought the Celestron lense/filter collection and the AC adapter. Everything arrived on time and intact, despite UPS's best attempts to damage the telescope box. Kudos to Celestron for their packaging. Collimation was perfect right out of the box and didn't need adjustment. I've used the scope on virtually every clear night for the last month and am very impressed. Sky Align is a breeze. The only times it has failed I either forgot to enter the correct date or time. After that it is a matter of finding 3 bright objects in the night sky and centering them in your eyepiece. HINT: I use the 27mm eyepiece to initially find each object (after using the finder scope) and then add the 2X Barlow to more accurately center the object. I usually pick some star in the Big Dipper, Capella, and for the time being Jupiter as my alignment objects. Works every time I input the right info. There is a bit of a learning curve so don't expect the unit to bend to your will until you've learned the system. The 'Identify' feature is great for a newbie astronomer like me: Point at the object and NextStar tells you what it is. I've spent a lot of time viewing Jupiter and images of it and the 4 visible moons are clear and crisp using the provided 27mm eyepiece as well as the 9mm and 15mm eyepieces I purchased separately, all 3 alone and with the 2X Barlow. Tracking is not all that accurate unless you sync to the object (in the 'Align' menu. Then it is much better. A list of Strengths and Weaknesses as I see it: Strengths: 1. The price and low cost of accessories. 2. The clear images. 3. Ease of setup and alignment. 4. Portability of the SC design. Weakness: 1. The provided level is junk. I use a 4" builders bull's eye level for much better accuracy. 2. You must remove the telescope from the tripod for leveling. Leveling with the scope attached to the tripod produces an error of approximately 1.5 degrees. In that respect it would have been nice if Celestron built an accurate level rather than the logo into the base. 3. The AC adapter turns with the scope so it is possible to unplug it or entwine your tripod during a night's viewing. If you unplug you lose your alignment, so always have batteries installed even if you use the AC adapter. A nice future upgrade would be to install the plug for the adapter in the non moving part of the base. It merely requires 2 contacts on 2 spiral tracks between the movable and stationary parts of the base. 4. Unless you use the Sync option, alignment seems to deteriorate over the course of a couple of hours. I am careful with the initial alignment as detailed above so I do not think that is the problem, rather something in the software. This is evidenced over the course of an evening by slewing back to an object (Jupiter in my case) using the GOTO Planet on the keypad. Over a period of time each return is farther to the left of center and lower in the field of view. 5. Keeps me outside on cold nights exploring the skies rather than inside by the fire. Still a 5-star product I am very happy with. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2010 by chibear

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