{"\/social\/blog\/askteamcelestron-the-experts-answer-your-questions-about-the-new-starsense-accessory":"
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Things have been busy here at Celestron HQ! In case you missed it, we debuted 50 new Celestron products<\/a> in the last week, including the revolutionary new StarSense Accessory<\/a>. Using a small camera and specialized hand controller, StarSense turns any current Celestron computerized telescope into a self-aligning tour guide of the universe.<\/p>\n

StarSense<\/a> has already received a great response from amateur astronomers around the world. But many of you wanted even more information on this nifty new accessory. So, we launched the hashtag #AskTeamCelestron on Twitter and put out a call on Facebook asking you to send us your questions!<\/p>\n

We enlisted the help of Bryan Cogdell, the Celestron Product Manager behind StarSense, to answer all your questions in detail. Check out his responses below!<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jeff B. asks, \u201cOnce the StarSense alignment is successful, can I switch to my CGE Pro\u2019s internal database and use the NexStar hand controller (HC) or ASCOM control from a planetarium program (i.e. Starry Night)? Or am I restricted to the StarSense hand controller\u2019s Sky Tour? This is not good if I have an imaging session set up in Starry Night or Astroart and I can't use them to control the mount.\u201d<\/strong>
<\/em>-Yes, you may use planetarium software and control the telescope with ASCOM, just as you would with a NexStar hand controller. \u00a0The StarSense controller will replace the existing NexStar controller for the CGE Pro, but functions the same way with an ASCOM connection to the PC. \u00a0Alignment must be completed through the hand controller first.<\/p>\n

To clarify, the StarSense controller replaces the NexStar controller. \u00a0It retains all of the same functions, but with the addition of StarSense Technology automatic alignment, as well as multi-star calibration mount modeling. \u00a0Just like the NexStar controller, the StarSense controller can search by object name or catalog number, and interface with a PC via ASCOM. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Jeff B. asks, \u201cIs there an internal GPS or is the Celestron GPS accessory needed?\u201d<\/strong>
-<\/em>StarSense does not contain an internal GPS, and does not rely on GPS to perform the alignment procedure. Therefore, there is no need for an external GPS accessory.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Paul asks, \u201cCan I use StarSense to align to the sun? I also do sun viewing and it's really hard to get aligned to the sun.\u201d<\/strong>
-<\/em>Yes. Note that as a safety precaution, the Sun must be enabled in the hand controller so it can be used as an alignment option.\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stephan G. asks, \u201cCan the StarSense Accessory help polar alignment in some way?\u201d<\/strong>
-<\/em>StarSense won\u2019t directly assist in polar alignment. \u00a0However, because the GoTo alignment is very accurate with StarSense, All Star Polar Alignment becomes more accurate. You\u2019ll be more closely polar aligned after just one iteration of the All Star alignment procedure. (This answer applies EQ mounts and CPC + Wedge mounts only.)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

James D. asks, \u201cMy question is, can StarSense be used as a guide scope for imaging?\u201d<\/strong>
-Not currently \u2013 the main reason is the 20mm f\/2 lens used in the camera does not have enough focal length to accurately guide longer focal length telescopes. \u00a0We acknowledge this feedback!<\/p>\n

William W. asks, \u201cWill the new StarSense Accessory guide me through a polar align on my CGEM DX? Does it replace my hand control?\u201d<\/strong>
-StarSense replaces the existing NexStar hand controller. \u00a0It does not assist polar alignment. \u00a0It automatically aligns the GoTo.
<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Many of you had specific questions about whether StarSense will work with your telescope. Here are Bryan\u2019s answers:<\/p>\n

Carlos L. asks, \u201cDoes the StarSense Accessory work with the CGEM? What about with telescopes from other brands?\u201d<\/strong>
Yes, it works with the CGEM, but it does not work with other brands.
<\/em><\/p>\n

Dirk L. asks, \u201cWill this work with the Gemini 2 mount?\u201d<\/strong>
-Sorry, the StarSense Accessory is only compatible with Celestron mounts.<\/p>\n

George B. asks, \u201cAre there any telescopes in your current range (and old) GoTos that the StarSense Accessory will not work with?<\/strong>\"
-All current mounts are compatible with StarSense, although some require the Aux Port Splitter accessory. The older NexStar i series (not the SE series), Ultima 2000, and early generation GoTos like the Compustar are not compatible. For more information, consult the complete compatibility list<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Malcolm S. asks, \u201cI own a NexStar 127 SLT and a Celestron C9.25-SGT XLT GOTO. Can you tell me if these two scopes are compatible with the newly released StarSense Accessory? Also, what is going to be the price in the UK?\u201d<\/strong>
-Yes, compatible with both. For pricing information in the UK, contact David Hinds, Ltd<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Jarmo S. asks, \u201cAccording to the StarSense chart of compatible mounts I can't find the CG5 GT GOTO mount there. So it's not compatible?\u201d<\/strong>
-CG-5 is compatible with the StarSense Accessory, but requires the Aux Port Splitter accessory. We initially neglected to add CG-5 to the list of compatible mounts. Thanks for pointing this out! CG-5 has now been added to the chart.
<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Finally, we received one question from Alan K. on our new Off-Axis Guider<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Alan K. asks, \u201cWill the new guide product work on my NexStar 6SE? Will it track well enough for photos?\u201d<\/strong>
<\/em>- Yes, it will attach to the NexStar 6SE, and it provides the most accurate method of guiding. \u00a0Autoguider not included.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Thanks to all who sent in their questions, and thanks to Bryan for answering them! Still have more questions on StarSense? Leave them in the comments below!<\/p>\n

-Andrea Tabor
Social Media Coordinator<\/p>\r\n\t<\/div>","\/social\/blog\/celestronbirding-big-year":{"documentID":"dbf955575e402ceb2088bd513b1efd07","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"dbf955575e402ceb2088bd513b1efd07","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/12-viewing-tips-for-your-new-telescope":{"documentID":"6320b65406bbeae60e368959bb724cce","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"6320b65406bbeae60e368959bb724cce","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/2011-ces":{"documentID":"f422251cf831696009878d44d5159a85","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"f422251cf831696009878d44d5159a85","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/2011-innovations-award":{"documentID":"c3014335adbfc1332979f1ace0aa83f0","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"c3014335adbfc1332979f1ace0aa83f0","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/2011-neaf":{"documentID":"527f6eb0abde8ee16a0d858f355c1811","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"527f6eb0abde8ee16a0d858f355c1811","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/2015-nsta-national-conference-chicago":{"documentID":"b169a0a6a6c4aeb0ffea8c61baebfe05","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"b169a0a6a6c4aeb0ffea8c61baebfe05","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/2016-celestial-events":{"documentID":"a8a676bddbe762f0ca8a9c194a0165e4","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"a8a676bddbe762f0ca8a9c194a0165e4","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/4-strategies-for-urban-astronomers":{"documentID":"f35603e51d1eb9375f1ce2178d19a410","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"f35603e51d1eb9375f1ce2178d19a410","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/a-bird-in-the-hand-a-fall-bird-survey-with-the-osu-bird-nerds":{"documentID":"d184a914ad772a7f9d8f4a1197b71bef","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"d184a914ad772a7f9d8f4a1197b71bef","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/a-house-guest":{"documentID":"b99d500e5ce17c26509c91451a03421f","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"b99d500e5ce17c26509c91451a03421f","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/a-mite-y-discovery!":{"documentID":"60db3629f1a58e04f216d5f2e7a7bb26","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{}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Thanks to everyone who participated in the CometWatch Challenge Giveaway, hosted by Celestron and Eureka Tent<\/a>! We received almost 9,000 entries. Our lucky winner was Laura D., who entered via Twitter. Laura hails from Sagniaw, MI. She's and an outdoor enthusiast and avid fisher. She'll certainly get some good use out of the tent, camping chairs, backpacks and lantern provided by Eureka. Laura is also excited to put the Cometron prizes to work viewing Comet ISON in just a few weeks. Finally, she'll learn about comets with her autographed copy of David Eicher's new book Comets! Visitors from Deep Space<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"CometWatch<\/p>\n

For those who didn't win, there's still time to pick up one of our affordable telescopes or binoculars from the Cometron<\/a> line before ISON reaches perihelion later this month!<\/p>\n

-Andrea Tabor
Online Marketing Coordinator\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\t<\/div>","\/social\/blog\/approach-of-asteroid-4179-toutatis":"

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This article is the first in a series by Prafull Sharma, a student and amateur astronomer based in Delhi, India. He recently discovered a new comet, SOHO 2333,<\/a> which is a fragment of 96P\/Machholz. In addition to the comet, Sharma has discovered 13 asteroids, 87 supernovas, and 55 variable stars. He uses a SkyMaster 25x70 binocular<\/a> to aid him in his work. Celestron is thrilled to feature Prafull's articles here on our blog!
<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>On 12th December 2012 at 06:40 UTC, Asteroid 4179 Toutatis made a close pass by the Earth, coming within 6.9 million kilometers (4.3 million miles) of our home. It was shining at magnitude 10.9 that night. Toutatis passed through the constellation Cetus, into constellation Pisces, and then back into constellation Cetus.<\/p>\n


\"Asteroid
A computer-generated view of Toutatis<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Toutatis is 2.7 miles (4.46 kilometers) long and 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) wide with mass of 5.0\u00d71013<\/sup>\u00a0kg. It is one of the largest asteroids that comes near our planet and approaches Earth every four years. Although it is half of the size of the asteroid thought to have wiped out the dinosaurs,\u00a0Toutatis poses no immediate danger to us. Astronomers have projected its orbit hundreds of years into the future and concluded that there is no risk of Toutatis colliding with Earth. In fact, astronomers believe Toutatis has been passing Earth\u2019s orbit every four years for billions of years. It will likely continue to do so, harmlessly, for billions of years to come.<\/p>\n

Toutatis is a well-known asteroid; it has been studied extensively and its orbit has been fully determined. That\u2019s why it has a proper name, instead of just a numerical designation. Toutatis was first observed and cataloged on February 10, 1934, as 1934 CT, but was lost after a short duration in which it couldn\u2019t be observed. The asteroid remained lost for several decades even though it approached Earth every 4 years. Then, on January 4, 1989, Christian Pollas spotted it. Its orbit was then calculated enough that there was no danger of losing sight of it again and finally the International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially named this object after the Celtic god Toutatis (Teutates).<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"PathToutatis' orbital path. Credit: NASA\/JPL<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Now, Toutatis is known as one of the largest of the Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs). Despite this menacing name, the term PHA simply refers to any asteroid that approaches within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometers) of Earth. That\u2019s approximately 19.5 lunar distances, about the distance of Toutatis at this 2012 passage.<\/p>\n

Next time Toutatis will approach at least this close to Earth is in November of 2069 when the asteroid will fly by at a distance of only 0.0198 AU (7.7 lunar distances). We\u2019ll be waiting for it!<\/p>\n

- Prafull Sharma
Celestron Contributing Blogger<\/p>\r\n\t<\/div>","\/social\/blog\/astronomical-community-observes-the-historic-transit-of-venus-2012":{"documentID":"cd178595d4b7cb3c3bfc29764457de3b","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"cd178595d4b7cb3c3bfc29764457de3b","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/astronomy-day-2011":{"documentID":"bcf0710029dde70fa18aca1bd4bf5229","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"bcf0710029dde70fa18aca1bd4bf5229","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/badlands-astronomy-festival":{"documentID":"8662116e5158119b4b0004d5f5960247","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"8662116e5158119b4b0004d5f5960247","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/bareket-observatory-webcast":{"documentID":"aa7ae8266fcedc00a4bbe7a54e9c796a","document":{},"charset":"utf-8","documentWrapper":{"document":{},"id":"aa7ae8266fcedc00a4bbe7a54e9c796a","contentType":"text\/html","xpath":{},"uuid":0,"data":[],"dataNodes":[],"events":[],"eventsNodes":[],"eventsGlobal":[],"frames":[],"root":{},"isDocumentFragment":true,"isXML":false,"isXHTML":false,"isHTML":true,"charset":"utf-8"},"xpath":{},"elements":[{}],"documentFragment":true},"\/social\/blog\/best-microscope-shots":"

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I\u2019m spending this week focusing on creating curricula for the big NSTA (National Science Teachers Association<\/a>) conference in March. I\u2019m going to be representing The Bug Chicks at the\u00a0Celestron<\/a>\u00a0booth and leading two professional development workshops for teachers. \u00a0I\u2019m so excited! Bugs, scopes, teaching\u2013 it is going to be SO. MUCH. FUN.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been reviewing techniques that work and others that are not as successful while using the handheld and stationary digital microscopes. Since it is still so early in the year, I thought it would be a good idea to review my best shots of 2015. I\u2019m getting better and better with the scopes and learning which one to use in each situation. In today\u2019s post I will highlight the two scopes I\u2019m going to use in the teacher training.<\/p>\n

Best\u00a0MicroFi<\/a>\u00a0Shots<\/p>\n

The MicroFi is a handheld microscope that works in tandem with an app for the iPad.<\/p>\n

Why I like it:<\/p>\n