
( Brand: Celestron ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 130GT ), ( Model: CELESTRON NEXSTAR 130GT ), ( Type: Newtonian ), ( Lens Coating: Coated ), ( Mount Type: Altazimuth ), ( Aperture: 130 Mm )
The Celestron NexStar 130GT Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is an excellent option for both novice and intermediate astronomers seeking an easy-to-use and powerful tool to explore the wonders of the night sky. This telescope is renowned for its exceptional optical performance, user-friendly functionality, and versatility, making it a popular choice among stargazers. In this product description, we will delve deeper into the features, specifications, and benefits of this remarkable Celestron telescope.
Optical Design and Performance
The Celestron NexStar 130GT employs a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, which combines the benefits of both reflecting and refracting telescopes into one compact system. The telescope comes with a 130mm (5.1 inches) primary mirror and a secondary mirror, and it features a parabolic primary mirror that helps to correct spherical aberrations and coma, ensuring sharp images and accurate focusing. The telescope boasts a high-transmission mirror coatings that increases light throughput and improves contrast, providing exceptional image clarity and detail.
Imaging Capabilities and Versatility
With its 130mm aperture and 650mm focal length, this telescope delivers stunning wide-field views and remarkable resolution. It is suitable for observing various types of celestial objects such as planets, stars, galaxies, and nebulae. The telescope comes equipped with a 20mm eyepiece, which provides a considerable max magnification of 325x, while the 10mm eyepiece can achieve a maximum magnification of 650x. These various magnification options allow users to observe a wide range of celestial objects in various degrees of detail.
AutoStar GPS Hand Control and Computerized Operation
The NexStar 130GT telescope is renowned for its advanced computerized operation system, perfect for both beginner and seasoned astronomers. The included NexStar hand control system features a built-in database of over 40,000 celestial objects, making target acquisition quick and effortless. This GPS-enabled hand controller can also sync with your silver-label StarPointer finderscope, allowing you to easily locate objects in the night sky. The computerized operation system enables both basic and advanced observing features, including altitude and azimuth adjustments and numerous built-in alignment options.
Mount and Accessories
This telescope boasts an advancedNP111eq5 computerized altazimuth mount that provides a solid, accurate foundation for their telescope. The mount is compatible with a variety of Celestron accessories, including StarSense AutoAlign, telescope wedges, and motorized accessories. The NexStar 130GT comes bundled with several essential accessories such as a 20mm eyepiece, 10mm eyepiece, StarPointer finderscope, 3x Barlow lens, and a 5x24 finderscope. These accessories are designed to enhance the overall observing experience by providing various magnification options and additional aid in target acquisition.
Portability and Durability
The compact and lightweight design of the Celestron NexStar 130GT Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope makes it an ideal choice for those astronomy enthusiasts who enjoy observing the night sky from various locations. Weighing only 31 pounds, its size allows it to be easily transported for use at dark sky locations, star parties, or backyard astronomy sessions. Despite its compact design, the telescope is constructed with robust materials, featuring a rugged, aluminum tubing mount and weather-resistant components, ensuring durability and longevity.
Additional Features and Benefits
Several user-friendly features make this telescope stand out from competitors, including a StarPointer finderscope with a illuminated reticle, making it easy to locate and align your telescope, even in the dark. The NexStar hand controller includes R.A (Right Ascension) and Declination (DEC) guides, ensuring accurate target location. Furthermore, this telescope is backed by a 2-year warranty and is supported by Celestron's exceptional customer service.
Conclusion
The Celestron NexStar 130GT Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is an impressive, versatile, and feature-rich astronomical instrument that offers both novice and experienced stargazers breathtaking views of the night sky. With its advanced computerized operation system, powerful 130mm optical system, and compact, portable design, this telescope offers exceptional value and versatility for the price. If you're in search of a reliable, powerful telescope, the Celestron NexStar 130GT is an excellent option.
The Celestron NexStar 130GT is a popular Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope known for its versatility and ease of use. For those considering this model, it's crucial to evaluate its features, benefits, and potential downsides before making a purchasing decision. Here's a detailed analysis:
Features:1. Size and portability: The 130GT is a compact, easy-to-transport telescope with a total length of 17 inches. It is an excellent choice for stargazers who want a decent-sized telescope without the bulk.
2. Optical design: The telescope features a 130mm (5.1-inch) parabolic primary mirror and a 650mm focal length. With a focal ratio of f/5, the optics allow for a wide field of view and a good balance between light gathering capacity and portability.
3. GoTo technology: The NexStar 130GT boasts Celestron's unique GoTo technology that automatically locates over 12,000 celestial objects. The telescope has a database of stars, planets, and other deep-sky targets, making navigating the night sky much more convenient.
4. Alt-Azimuth mount: The telescope comes with an Alt-Azimuth mount, which is more user-friendly for beginners as it allows for tracking of celestial objects that move across the sky without the need for periodic adjustments (like in an equatorial mount).
5. Computerized tracking and alignment: The GoTo mount consists of a database-driven computer that assists in locating objects and tracking their movement through the sky. The system also includes a permanent motorized alignment, which simplifies the telescope setup process.
Benefits:1. Versatile: The Celestron NexStar 130GT is suitable for various types of astroimaging, visual observations, and deep-sky photography.
2. User-friendly: With the built-in database, motorized tracking system, and computerized alignment, the telescope is suitable for beginners, as it removes the need for manual alignment processes.
3. Durable: The telescope is built with quality materials, making it a long-lasting investment for stargazing and space exploration interests.
4. Affordable: Compared to more advanced and larger telescopes, the Celestron 130GT provides a more reasonable investment for those just starting in the hobby.
Downsides:1. Limited Aperture: The 130mm aperture has its limitations, like limited spectacular views or deep-sky observations with higher magnification.
2. The GoTo system might require periodic recalibration: While the GoTo system simplifies navigating the night sky, it may require occasional calibration adjustments for best performance.
3. Limited carrying capacity: The telescope's compact design makes it portable but also means there is limited storage capacity for accessories, especially when traveling.
4. Limited mount: The Alt-Azimuth mount may not provide the best tracking for long exposure astrophotography, especially when dealing with longer focal lengths.
Conclusion:Despite its downsides, the Celestron NexStar 130GT remains a solid choice for various types of stargazing and astronomical pursuits due to its affordability, ease of use, and versatility features. Its compact design, computerized tracking, and large database of celestial objects add to its appeal as a beginner's telescope. Interested buyers should carefully consider their specific observing goals and budget to determine if the Celestron NexStar 130GT is the right telescope for them.
Recommendation:If the Celestron NexStar 130GT meets your observing goals, AstroNet, a popular online astronomical community, recommends supplementing the purchase with a good quality tripod, star Khansen extension tubes, a solar filter, a moon filter, and a StarChart software. With these additions, your NexStar 130GT setup will perform optimally and expand your observing capabilities.
The telescope is equipped with a compact design that makes it easy to transport and set up, making perfect for beginners experienced astronomers alike. With its Celestron brand and Nexstar 130GT model, this telescope is a reliable high-quality option for anyone looking to explore the stars. So, whether you're a seasoned stargazer or beginner, this telescope is the perfect addition to your collection. Explore the wonders of universe with this Celestron Nexstar 130GT computerized telescope.