Celestron CGX Equatorial 925 SCT

9.25" SCT Optics: 0.49 Arc Second Resolution with StarBright XLT Coatings

Many consider the 9.25" the Goldilocks of optical tubes: not too big, not too small. The limiting stellar magnitude is 14.4, the Dawes limit 0.49 arc seconds and the highest useful magnification 555x.

The patented StarBright XLT coatings visibly increase contrast and light transmission. They combine three parts:

• Enhanced Mirror Coatings: Precise layers of aluminum, SiO2 and TiO2, with reflectivity fairly flat across the spectrum for imaging and visual use.
• Anti-Reflective Coatings: Multi-layer coatings of MgF2 (magnesium fluoride) and HfO2 (hafnium dioxide) .
• High-Transmission Glass: The corrector lens is made from high-transmission water white glass, which transmits about 90.5% of light uncoated, 3.5% more than soda lime glass.

Optical Tube Engineering: 20 lb Weight and f/2 Fastar Versatility

The aluminum optical tube weighs 20 lbs and is 559mm (22") long. The focus knob on the rear cell moves the primary mirror along the baffle tube, and the tube attaches with a CGE dovetail bar.

A key feature for astrophotographers is the telescope's compatibility with the Fastar system. The secondary mirror can be removed and replaced with a lens assembly sold separately by third-party manufacturers, so a camera can work at the front of the telescope at f/2. Exposures are 25 times shorter than at f/10, and galaxies and nebulae can be captured in 30 seconds.

CGX Mount Mechanics: 55 lb Capacity with DC Servo Motors

The CGX has a 55 lb instrument load capacity, not counting the two included 11 lb counterweights. The 44 lb head sits on a 19.2 lb tripod with 2" steel legs with graduated markings.

DC servo motors drive both axes at 9 slew speeds up to 4° per second, with Sidereal, Solar and Lunar rates. The mount has Periodic Error Correction, an anti-backlash setting and a dedicated autoguide port.

CGX Mount Design: Stability, Ergonomics, and Cable Management

Celestron designed the CGX, successor to its CGEM line, with a lower profile EQ head, which provides a more compact and therefore more stable setup, a better drive system, home and limit optical sensors for remote operation, easier polar alignment adjustments and better cable management. Latitude adjusts from 3° to 65°.

The CGX uses internal cabling. Internal switches take it to its home position at power-on, software limit sensors stop it near the end of its range, and a mechanical hard stop on each axis helps prevent the telescope striking the mount or tripod; the R.A. limit lets you track 20° past the meridian. The dual saddle accepts CG-5 (Vixen style) and CGE (Losmandy D style) dovetail bars.

GoTo Navigation: 40,000+ Objects with NexStar+ and CPWI Control

The NexStar+ hand control holds over 40,000 objects and offers 2-Star, 1-Star, Solar System, Last and Quick Align. Its All-Star Polar Alignment polar aligns the mount on a convenient bright star without Polaris or a polar axis finder.

CPWI Telescope Control Software connects to the USB port on the mount; for ASCOM, use the hand control's mini USB port. Starry Night Special Edition and the SkyPortal app (with the optional SkyPortal WiFi module) are included, and the mount has two AUX ports.

Visual Use: 94x Out of the Box

The 25mm eyepiece gives 94x, with a 1.25" star diagonal and a 6x30 finderscope.

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.