Celestron Astro Fi 102mm f/13 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Free yourself and your astronomy sessions from cords with the Celestron Astro Fi 102mm f/13 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope. It utilizes an integrated antenna to emit a local Wi-Fi signal so you can control the mount via direct wireless connection with Android and iOS smartphones and tablets running the free SkyPortal app.
Optically, the scope sports a design similar to the more common Schmidt configuration, but this Maksutov variation exchanges the front corrector plate for a convex meniscus lens, which eliminates the need for periodic collimation. Additionally, the nature of the lens requires a smaller secondary mirror that limits obstruction and increases contrast. This optical path results in a slower focal ratio and narrower field of view versus a similar Schmidt-Cassegrain, but the optical benefits makes this an ideal scope for lunar and planetary observation, with the resolution required for splitting binary stars and separating star clusters. This complete observation rig includes the optical tube assembly (OTA), a motorized mount controlled by the app, an aluminum tripod, two eyepieces, a 90° diagonal, and a red dot finder.
The OTA is mounted on a single-arm motorized alt-az mount. Guiding the mount is the SkyPortal app. Packed with over 120,000 objects, it is designed to help users set up quickly and start observing faster. The app offers multiple alignment procedures, it can automatically find objects in the night sky, and it offers guided tours of the most interesting objects overhead on any given night with select audio commentary including histories, mythologies, and NASA images. The mount runs on eight user-supplied AA batteries, and the entire rig assembles and breaks down without the need for tools so you spend less time setting up and more time observing.
Celestron Astro Fi 102 Optical Tube
- 102mm aperture
- f/13 focal ratio
- 1325mm focal length
- Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design
- Front convex meniscus lens corrects spherical and chromatic aberrations and comas (off-axis aberration) across the entire field of view
- Smaller secondary mirror versus Schmidt-Cassegrains reduces obstructions and increases contrast
- Fully coated optics reduce light loss for increased image brightness and improved color fidelity and contrast
- Resolution: 1.37 arcsec, Rayleigh; 1.14 arcsec, Dawes Limit
- Internal focusing mechanism
Computer Control
Integrated Wi-Fi:
Directly connects to tablet or smartphone
Control mount via free SkyPortal app for Android 4.0 and higher and iOS 6 or later
SkyPortal App:
120,000+ object database
Includes: Sun, Moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, asteroids and comets, satellites, and the International Space Station
Custom SkyTour of all the best celestial objects to view based on the time, date, and location
Simulate the night sky up to 100 years in the past or future to plan an upcoming observing session
Compass Mode: Hold device up to the night sky and identify objects such as stars, planets, and galaxies; zoom in to view fainter objects not visible to the naked eye
Night Vision Mode: Preserves night-adjusted vision
Alignment Procedures: SkyAlign, 3-Star, Solar System
Tracking Rates: Sidereal, solar, and lunar; automatic tracking for near- and deep-sky objects
Multiple slew speeds: 3°/sec maximum
View hundreds of astronomical photographs and NASA spacecraft images
Listen to more than four hours of audio narration to learn the history, mythology, and science of astronomy and the night sky
Works as a stand-alone planetarium app
Mount & Tripod
Mount:
Motorized single-arm alt-az
Runs on eight user-supplied AA batteries
Quick release base, OTA, and accessory tray with rapid no-tool setup
Tripod:
Adjustable height
Lightweight and durable two-section aluminum legs
Spiked feet for steady footing on soft ground
Center tray holds accessories such as eyepieces and filters while adding stability and reducing vibrations
Included Accessories
- Eyepieces:
1.25″ barrel diameter
25mm produces 53x magnification
10mm produces 132x magnification - Diagonal:
90° angle places head at a comfortable viewing position when OTA is pointed at or near the zenith
Star diagonal vertically corrects image for terrestrial viewing - StarPointer Finderscope:
1x magnification
Red dot reticle
Variable intensity
Unmagnified wide field of view to make alignment faster and easier