Celestron NexStar 127SLT Maksutov-Cassegrain

The innovative NexStar Star Location Telescope is popular due to its unique combination of high-quality optics, user-friendly computer interface and robust single fork arm mount. This telescope comes with a pre-assembled, adjustable stainless steel tripod, quick-release fork arm, NexStar+ computerized manual controls, 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optics, and lots of bonus accessories. The entire telescope kit is simple, tool-free, and the quick SkyAlign adjustment procedure gets you ready to observe in minutes. This makes the NexStar 127SLT your perfect companion for impromptu observations and all-night stargazing marathons. It can also be used as a ground-based observing telescope for daytime and wildlife viewing.

Maksutov-Cassegrain optical construction

The MAK is a catadioptric telescope, which means that the optical design includes both a lens and a mirror. The light passing through the MAK passes through the correction lens into the primary mirror and back into the spherical secondary mirror before hitting the eyepiece. Images are clear, sharp and virtually free of chromatic aberration. The Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design offers several unique advantages. Instead of a secondary mirror, the MAK features a "secondary point" reflective coating applied directly to the inside of the correction plate. As a result, the telescope does not require frequent collimation like the Schmidt-Cassegrain. The secondary point is also significantly smaller than the traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain secondary mirror, giving MAK its characteristic high-contrast view. One important thing to note about the telescope is that the larger and heavier Maksutov correction plate takes longer to cool and adjust to the ambient air temperature.

Holder and technology

AltAzimuth computer holder:The NexStar SLT telescope is equipped with a single altazimuth mount that allows the telescope to track desired objects as they appear to move across the night sky. The holder is mounted on a pre-assembled steel tripod.
NexStar+ hand controller:This computerised hand controller allows you to automatically navigate to any of the 40,000 celestial objects at the touch of a button. The NexStar+ database contains more than 600 galaxies, 300 clusters and dozens of beautiful binaries. Select the Sky Tour function and the NexStar+ handheld controller will automatically generate a list of all the most visible celestial objects based on your exact time and position.

SkyAlign Technology:SkyAlign's patented alignment procedure makes setting up and using a computer-controlled telescope faster and easier than ever before. Point the telescope at three bright objects in the sky and the telescope can triangulate its position and automatically locate any other object in the sky.
Output power: Feel free to enjoy your NexStar SLT in remote dark sky locations - it is powered by 8 AA batteries (not included) or a portable PowerTank battery. An internal battery compartment provides power to the high-precision servo motors for stiff, low-vibration performance while eliminating the cable-wrapping problems associated with external battery packs. You can also power the telescope with a 12V AC adapter.