Otis AstroImaging: hardware

Celestron Nexstar 6 SE Telescope Planet Tracking
The Celestron Nexstar 6 Inch SE will align on one solar system object such as the Moon or a planet. This is very helpful when your viewing sky is limited to only East for example and there may be a small roof obstruction overhead and wall obstructions to the left and right. This is often the case when observing from tall skyscrapers. There may be other large skyscrapers randomly blocking parts of the view. The skyscraper itself may block North and any alignment to the North Star. Aligning on a single solar system object will remedy this. The Celestron Nexstar 6 SE comes to the rescue with SkyAlign and the Solar System option. Photo Note: only a small finderscope is needed on the main telescope, and not the StarSense AutoAlign as shown.

Here are the details for a simple Solar System Align, and projects for experimenting with other techniques.

* Solar System Align

* One Star Align

* Sync

* (Sky Limits) Slew Limits

* (Sky Limits) Filter Limits

SOLAR SYSTEM ALIGN
Solar System Align is designed to provide excellent tracking and GoTo performance by using solar system objects (the Sun, Moon and planets) to align the telescope with the sky. Solar System Align is a great way to align your telescope for daytime viewing and a quick way to align the telescope for basic nighttime observing.

WARNING: Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with a telescope (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.

To perform a Solar System Align
1 - Once the telescope is powered on, use the SCROLL UP and SCROLL DOWN buttons to select Solar System. Align Press ENTER
The hand control will display the last time and location information that was entered into the hand control. Press ENTER to accept the current information or press BACK to manually edit the information (see SkyAlign section on page 10 for detailed instruction on entering time/site information).

2 - The SELECT OBJECT message will appear in the top row of the display. Use the SCROLL UP and SCROLL DOWN buttons to choose a Solar System object (a planet, the Moon, etc ) to use for alignment. Press ENTER

3 The hand control will then prompt you to use the direction arrow buttons to slew the telescope to the alignment object and carefully center it in the finderscope. Press ENTER when centered.

4 Then, center the object in the eyepiece. Press ALIGN

Once in position, the NexStar SE will model the sky based on this information and display “Align Successful”

EXPERIMENT WITH ONE STAR ALIGN

In case you have only one star and no solar system objects: One-Star Align requires you to input all the same information as you would for the Two-Star Align procedure. However, instead of slewing to two alignment stars for centering and alignment, the NexStar uses only one star to model the sky based on the information given. This will allow you to roughly slew to the coordinates of bright objects like the moon and planets and gives the NexStar SE the information it needs to track objects in altazimuth in any part of the sky. One-Star Align is not meant to accurately locate small or faint deep-sky objects or to track objects accurately for photography.

EXPERIMENT WITH SYNC
The Sync feature can improve your telescope’s pointing accuracy in a specific region of the sky. Sync is a very useful feature when used in conjunction with the Constellation Tour and Identify features, in which you will be exploring smaller areas of the sky. To Sync on an object:

1 - Select a desired star (or object) from the STARS or DEEP SKY database and slew to it.

2 - Once the object is centered in the eyepiece, press the BACK button until you arrive at the main menu

3 - When the display reads “NexStar SE,” press the ALIGN button on the hand control.

4 - Use the SCROLL UP and SCROLL DOWN buttons and select the Sync option. Press ENTER

5 - Align the Sync object in the center of the finderscope. Press ENTER

6 - Carefully center the object in the eyepiece. Press ALIGN

Your telescope’s pointing accuracy will now be improved in that area of the sky.

EXPERIMENT WITH SKY LIMITS

SLEW LIMITS This option allows you to define how far the telescope can slew in altitude without displaying a warning message. The slew limits prevent the telescope tube from slewing to an object below the horizon and can be customized to suit your equipment setup. If you are using a large eyepiece, 2” diagonal, or camera on the rear of the telescope, you may need to adjust the slew limits to prevent the rear accessories from striking the base of the telescope mount. For example, if you would like to slew to an object that is close to the zenith but you have a large camera attached that prevents the telescope from pointing straight up, you can set the maximum altitude to 80 or 85 degrees to prevent the tube from ever pointing straight up and the camera from striking your mount.

FILTER LIMITS When an alignment is complete, the hand controller automatically knows which celestial objects are above the horizon. As a result, when scrolling through the database lists (or selecting the Tour function), the NexStar hand control will display only those objects that are known to be above the horizon when you are observing. You can customize the object database by selecting altitude limits that are appropriate for your location and situation. For example, if you are observing from a mountainous location where the horizon is partially obscured, you can set your minimum altitude limit to +20 degrees. This will ensure that the hand control only displays objects that are higher in altitude than 20 degrees.

Reference: Nexstar SE Instruction Manual

https://celestron-site-support-files.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/support_files/11068-11069_6SE-8SE_Telescope_Manual_5lang_Interactive%20Web.pdf

Celestron Nexstar 6 SE - Celestron Data
What does the Celestron website say about their own Nexstar 6 SE? Let's review the data before it disappears.

https://www.celestron.com/products/nexstar-6se-computerized-telescope

NEXSTAR 6SE COMPUTERIZED TELESCOPE Item #: 11068
Celestron’s iconic “orange tube” design is updated with all the latest features to provide the best stargazing experience for beginners and experienced observers alike.

6-inch aperture with excellent light-gathering ability provides impressive views of the Moon and planets, along with deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula, while retaining a compact form factor.

Fully automated GoTo mount with database of 40,000+ celestial objects automatically locates and tracks objects for you.

SkyAlign technology gets your telescope aligned and ready to observe in minutes. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the night sky, you can easily align your telescope on any three bright objects.

Unique single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod all break down into separate components for easy transport and quick assembly.

Celestron’s signature orange-tube telescope combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system, the NexStar 6SE. It’s the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering striking views at an economical price.

Our Founder’s Vision, Reimagined for the 21st Century
In the 1970s, Celestron’s Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes brought the hobby of astronomy to the masses and established Celestron as the world’s premier telescope maker. Our founder, Tom Johnson, invented Celestron’s proprietary method of producing Schmidt corrector plates for superior views and maximum portability. Johnson believed in creating high-quality optical instruments at an affordable price, and inspired a generation of amateur astronomers. Four decades later, we’ve improved upon this design by adding cutting-edge features, while staying true to our founder’s intent.

View the Universe’s Most Impressive Celestial Objects
The 6SE’s six-inch primary mirror packs enough light-gathering ability to observe the best that the solar system has to offer: Cassini’s Division in Saturn’s rings, the cloud bands on Jupiter, and geographic features on the surface of the Moon. When it comes to deep sky objects, take your 6SE to a dark-sky site and you’ll see hundreds of pinpoint stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster, the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy, and more.

Revolutionary Single Fork Arm Mount
We know the best telescope is the one you will use most often. That’s why Celestron’s engineers created NexStar SE’s unique, patented single fork arm mount. It’s perfectly portable and makes setup quick and easy. What’s more, the NexStar SE breaks down into several lightweight and compact pieces, making it easy to transport, even in small vehicles. You’ll have no problem getting the NexStar SE to your favorite observing site, or setting it up quickly in your backyard.

Of course, it’s what’s inside the mount that really counts. Sturdy construction from high-quality components give NexStar SE the pointing and tracking accuracy needed to observe and follow your favorite targets with push-button ease. Use the included NexStar+ hand control to locate over 40,000 celestial objects, or take a Sky Tour and let your telescope show you the best objects currently visible.

Aligning your telescope is simple and painless, too, thanks to SkyAlign. This process makes alignment as easy as 1-2-3: just center three bright objects in your eyepiece and press ALIGN. For even easier alignment, attach our StarSense AutoAlign and your NexStar SE aligns itself!

Advanced Features Let the NexStar SE Grow with You
The NexStar SE is compatible with all the high-tech accessories advanced users love. Provide GPS coordinates to your telescope with SkySync, or add automatic alignment functionality with StarSense AutoAlign.

For planetary imaging, pair your NexStar 6SE with one of our Skyris cameras. Or, experiment with wide-field deep sky astroimaging by replacing the telescope’s secondary mirror with a DSLR or astronomical CCD camera with a Fastar/HyperStar lens assembly. From your first observing session and for years to come, the NexStar SE is your trusted companion.

Specifications

OPTICAL TUBE INFO

Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain

Aperture: 150mm (5.91")

Focal Length: 1500mm (59")

Focal Ratio: f/10

Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: 25mm (.98")

Magnification of Eyepiece 1: 60x

Finderscope: StarPointer™ red dot finderscope

Star Diagonal: 1.25" Star Diagonal

Optical Tube: Aluminum

Highest Useful Magnification: 354x

Lowest Useful Magnification: 21x

Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 13.4

Resolution (Rayleigh): 0.93 arc seconds

Resolution (Dawes): 0.77 arc seconds

Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): 459x

Secondary Mirror Obstruction: 56mm (2.2")

Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: 37%

Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: 14%

Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT

Optical Tube Length: 406mm (16")

Optical Tube Diameter: 181mm (7.1")

Optical Tube Weight: 8 lbs (3.6 kg)

MOUNT INFO

Mount Type: Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm

Instrument load capacity: 12 lbs (5.44 kg)

Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): 965.2mm - 1422.4mm (38" - 56")

Tripod leg diameter: 38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel

Mount Head Weight: 11 lbs (5 kg)

Accessory Tray: Yes

Tripod Weight: 9 lbs (4.08 kg)

Slew Speeds: 9 slew speeds - max speed 5°/second

Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar

Tracking Modes: Alt-Az, EQ North and EQ South

GPS: N/A

Dovetail Compatibility: CG-5 dovetail

Number of Auxiliary Ports: 1x AUX Port

Autoguide Port: Yes

USB Port: Yes, Hand Control input

Power Requirements: 8-AA batteries (not included) and 12 VDC-750 mA (Tip positive)

Motor Drive: DC servo motors

Alignment Procedures: SkyAlign, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, Auto 2-Star Align, Solar System Align, EQ North / EQ South Alignment (EQ align requires an equatorial wedge)

Periodic Error Correction: No

Computerized Hand Control: Double line, 18 character Liquid Crystal Display with 19 fiber optic backlit LED buttons

NexStar+ Database: 40,000 objects, 200 user defined programmable objects. Enhanced information on over 200 objects

Software: Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software and SkyPortal App

Total Kit Weight: 21 lbs (9.5 kg)

Included Items: Optical tube

Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod

Accessory Tray

Star Pointer Finderscope

NexStar+ Hand Control

25mm eyepiece

Star Diagonal

Solar Warning

Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.

Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it. Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.

Finderscope
Celestron is making a change to the finderscope shipped with some Celestron telescopes. In some cases, you may receive a finderscope that is different in appearance than the one pictured on the gift box, manual, Quick Setup Guide, or website. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Rest assured that the finders are identical in performance and features. The main difference is the location of the battery compartment and, therefore, the battery installation instructions.

If your red dot finderscope looks like the unit pictured here, you can ignore this message.

If you received a red dot finderscope that looks like the unit pictured here, follow the instructions below to replace the battery:

1. The battery compartment on this finderscope is located on top of the unit. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the screw holding the battery door closed. The screw is captured and will not fall out when you open the battery door.

2. Lift the battery door open to expose the CR-2032 button battery.

3. With your fingernail on either side of the battery, pry the battery up and out of the battery compartment.

4. Place the new CR-2032 battery, positive (+) side up, under the two copper battery clips at the front of the battery compartment.

5. Press the battery down to snap it into the plastic battery clips on the opposite side of the battery.

6. Close the battery door and tighten the Phillips-head screw to secure the door in place.

Aligning your telescope is simple and painless, too, thanks to SkyAlign. This process makes alignment as easy as 1-2-3: just center three bright objects in your eyepiece and press ALIGN. For even easier alignment, attach our StarSense AutoAlign and your NexStar SE aligns itself!

Support & Downloads
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