Are you looking for a computerized telescope that’s designed for the more serious amateur astronomer? Then you need to take a look at the Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized Telescope. This reflector telescope is both advanced in size and in capabilities! Let’s take a look at what makes the NexStar 130 SLT tick…
Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope – Optical Tube Assembly – The popularity of the Celestron NexStar 114 models inspired Celestron to go bigger and they are proud to introduce NexStar 130 SLT. The 130 mm (5.12 in) aperture size has 30% more light-gathering power than the NexStar 114 SLT telescope and 345 times more light grasp than the human eye alone. This means an outstanding limiting stellar magnitude of 13.1! With a 650 mm (25.59 in) focal length, the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope operates at a focal ratio of f/5 – giving it a total useful magnification factor of 307X. The 130mm primary mirror is crafted from the finest optical glass and precision ground to exacting tolerances – then given durable aluminum coatings for years of care-free reflective performance. It has an outstanding resolution of 0.89 arc seconds and a photographic resolution of 400 line/mm. The Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope also has an upgraded 2″ rack and pinion focuser, too!
Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope – Mount – Driving the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT is a single arm fork mount with nine slew speeds: 4°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, .5°/sec, 32x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 2x. It works in both hemispheres and tracks in Sidereal, Solar and Lunar rates. A clamshell scope ring with a captive bolt holds the optical tube assembly securely and attaches to the sturdy stainless steel tripod via a captive, ergonomic center bolt. No worries about anything getting tangled during use… the battery compartment is internalized so there’s no “cord wrap” issues and it even includes an auxiliary port for additional accessories such as GPS. There’s no wingnuts to get lost in the dark on the tripod either… Just clamp the tublar legs at the desired height and add the accessory tray for additional stability. Now that’s a quick and easy no tool setup!
Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope – NexStar Hand Control – The brains behind the brawn is the patented Celestron NexStar system. The SkyAlign feature allows you to align on any three bright celestial objects, making for a fast and easy alignment process. Simply input the date, time and your location (the CPC models have built-in GPS that does this for you) and then align the telescope to three bright stars of your choosing. You do not need to know the names of the stars — you could even pick the moon or bright planets! The NexStar Computer telescope system will automatically figure out which stars were chosen and then align the telescope. There is no need to point the telescope North or to level the optical tube – the initial position of the telescope is irrelevant. The computerized hand control gives you the ability to automatically slew to any of its 4,000+ objects, including over 600 galaxies, 300 clusters and dozens of beautiful binary stars. But it doesn’t stop there… The Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope can also locate comets, geostationary satellites and asteroids, too! The flash upgradeable hand control software and motor control units are always ready for downloading product updates over the Internet and adding an optional GPS unit makes things even easier. The NexStar 130SLT includes NSOL telescope control software for basic control of your telescope via computer (with optional RS-232 cable) and it’s compatible with optional NexRemote telescope control software, for advanced control of your telescope via computer.
Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope – Accessories – The Celestron NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope is ready to go just as soon as you are. The package includes a StarPointer red dot reflex finderscope and two eyepieces: a 25 mm (0.98 in) that provides 26X magnification and a 9 mm (0.35 in) eyepiece that delivers 72X. You won’t be left “in the dark” either. The package also includes “The Sky” Level 1 planetarium software and the NexStar Observers List (v2.6.4c).
Weighing in at right around 18 lb (8.16 kg), Celestron’s most affordable NexStar 130 SLT Computerized Telescope turns starry nights into space odysseys. Set it up in your own backyard or travel to a dark sky location with ease. You can see breathtaking views of the lunar landscape, Venus and its phases, Mars resolved as an orange disc, Jupiter and its 4 moons, Saturn resolved as a disc, with its rings plainly visible at medium and high magnification. Add to that beautiful star clusters and distant galaxies and you have a tool you’ll use for many, many years to come!