Exploring the universe with the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ 130mm f/5 Reflector Telescope is as straightforward as 1-2-3: dock your smartphone, launch the StarSense Explorer app, and observe the moon, planets, stars, and more. This innovative combination of smartphone and telescope provides beginner astronomers with a quick and easy way to discover the night sky and locate celestial objects. The StarSense Explorer app uses your phone’s camera to continuously capture images, comparing them to an internal database to identify the starfield and determine its location. This “Lost in Space Algorithm” is more accurate than typical astronomy apps and doesn’t require a cell signal, allowing use even in remote areas. A holder on the mount aligns the phone with the telescope, ensuring that when you follow on-screen directions to find an object and look through the eyepiece, it will be there.
Features
- Aperture: 130mm (5.11 inches), providing ample light gathering capability for clear views of celestial objects.
- Focal Length: 650mm (25.59 inches) with a focal ratio of f/5, ideal for observing planets, nebulae, and galaxies.
- Eyepieces: Includes 25mm and 10mm eyepieces for magnifications of 26x and 65x, respectively.
- Highest Useful Magnification: Up to 307x for detailed observations.
- Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 13.1, allowing for the observation of faint stars.
Innovative Technology
- StarSense Explorer App: Utilizes your smartphone to analyze star patterns, providing pinpoint accuracy in locating celestial objects. No prior knowledge of the night sky is required.
- Sky Recognition Technology: Automatically identifies visible objects and guides you to position the telescope for optimal viewing.
- Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA): Similar to satellite technology, this algorithm ensures precise alignment without needing a cell signal.
Design and Durability
- Newtonian Reflector Design: Offers a large aperture at an affordable price, with a sturdy steel optical tube.
- Altazimuth Mount: Features slow motion controls for smooth adjustments and an ultra-stable base.
- Tripod: Includes a full-height tripod with an accessory tray for organized storage.
- Weight: The entire kit weighs just 18 pounds, making it portable for camping trips or remote observing sites.
User Convenience
- Smartphone Compatibility: Works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone 6 and up, and Android devices running 7.1.2 or later.
- User-Friendly Interface: The StarSense Explorer app provides a planetarium interface to scan the sky and search for objects.
- Automatic Object List: Generates a list of currently visible celestial objects, making it easy to choose what to observe.
Specification
| Optical Tube Info: | |
| Optical Design: | Newtonian Reflector |
| Aperture: | 130mm (5.11″) |
| Focal Length: | 650mm (25.59″) |
| Focal Ratio: | f/5 |
| Focal Length of Eyepiece 1: | 25mm (0.98″) |
| Magnification of Eyepiece 1: | 26x |
| Focal Length of Eyepiece 2: | 10mm (0.39″) |
| Magnification of Eyepiece 2: | 65x |
| Barlow Lens: | Not Included |
| Finderscope: | StarPointerâ„¢ red dot finderscope |
| Optical Tube: | Steel |
| Highest Useful Magnification: | 307x |
| Lowest Useful Magnification: | 19x |
| Limiting Stellar Magnitude: | 13.1 |
| Resolution (Rayleigh): | 1.07 arc seconds |
| Resolution (Dawes): | .89 arc seconds |
| Light Gathering Power (Compared to human eye): | 345x |
| Secondary Mirror Obstruction: | 45mm (1.73″) |
| Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Diameter: | 34% |
| Secondary Mirror Obstruction by Area: | 11% |
| Optical Coatings: | Glass mirrors coated with aluminum and SiOâ‚‚ |
| Optical Tube Length: | 635mm (25″) |
| Optical Tube Diameter: | 165mm (6.49″) |
| Optical Tube Weight: | 8.8 lbs (3.99 kg) |
| Dovetail: | CG-5 Dovetail Bar |
| Mount Info: | |
| Mount Type: | Manual Alt-Azimuth |
| Height adjustment range (includes mount and tripod): | Aluminum, 1244.6mm (49″) max height |
| Tripod Leg Diameter: | N/A |
| Accessory Tray: | Yes |
| Tripod Weight: | 9.2 lbs (4.17 kg) |
| Slew Speeds: | Manual |
| GPS: | Uses phone’s GPS |
| Dovetail Compatibility: | CG-5 Dovetail bar |
| Power Requirements: | None (Recommend PowerTank Glow to keep phone charged while using App) |
| Alignment Procedures: | Use StarSense Explorer App |
| Software: | StarSense Explorer App, SkyPortal App, and Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition Software |
| Total Kit Weight: | 18 lbs (8.16 kg) |
| Included Items: | Optical tube |
| Mount and tripod (preassembled) | |
| 25mm and 10mm eyepieces | |
| StarPointer finderscope | |
| Accessory tray | |
| StarSense Explorer phone dock | |
| Solar Warning | 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. |
Package Includes
- 1 x Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Newtonian Reflector Telescope
- 1 x Mount & Tripod Assembly
- 1 x StarSense Explorer Phone Dock
- 1 x 25mm Eyepiece (1.25″)
- 1 x 10mm Eyepiece (1.25″)
- 1 x StarPointer Finderscope









































Ronny Acosta –
The starSense explorer DX 130AZ is awesome for stargazing! The app makes finding stars and planets super easy, even for beginners like me. The telescope is solid, portable, and gives clear views. Definitely a great experience!
McDarris.J –
Stargazing with the Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is seriously a breeze. The app shows you exactly where to look, and everything looks super sharp. It’s light, quick to set up, and great for hanging out in the backyard or bringing along for camping. Totally recommend!