How does the StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ work without a computerized mount?
The telescope is a manual "push-to" system. The intelligence comes from your smartphone. The StarSense Explorer app uses your phone's camera and a patented algorithm to determine where the telescope is pointing. It then provides on-screen arrows that guide you as you manually move the telescope to your desired object.
What can I realistically see with the StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ from a suburban backyard?
Thanks to its 80mm aperture, you can see a surprising amount even with moderate light pollution. You can easily identify:
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Planets: The cloud bands and four Galilean moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, the phases of Venus, and the reddish hue of Mars.
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The Moon: Countless craters, mountains, and seas in crisp detail.
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Deep Sky Objects: Bright targets like the Orion Nebula (M42), the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) (as a faint smudge), and the Hercules Cluster (M13).
What is the highest useful magnification for the LT 80AZ with the included accessories?
The highest magnification you can achieve with the included accessories is 180x. This is calculated by using the 10mm eyepiece (which provides 90x) in combination with the 2x Barlow lens (90x * 2 = 180x). This is just under the telescope's highest useful magnification of 189x.
Is the StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ good for viewing wildlife during the day?
Yes, absolutely. The telescope includes a 90° erect image diagonal, which corrects the image to be right-side-up and left-to-right correct, just as you see with your eyes. This makes it an excellent scope for long-distance terrestrial viewing of birds, ships, or landscapes.
Do I need to know the constellations to use this telescope?
No. That's the primary advantage of the StarSense Explorer technology. The app does all the work of identifying star patterns for you. You can simply choose an object from the "Tonight's Best" list, and the app will guide you to it without requiring any prior knowledge of the night sky.
What happens if my phone isn't compatible with the StarSense Explorer app?
You can still use the telescope as a traditional manual refractor. The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ comes with a StarPointer red dot finderscope that allows you to aim the telescope manually. While you won't have the app's guidance, the telescope's optical quality remains excellent for finding objects on your own using star charts or other apps.
