My Current Telescopes

The NexStar 114 GT is my primary scope. if you have never tried a quality computerized telescope you owe it to yourself to try one. I have had several other scopes such as the Astroscan and larger equatorials but nothing gets you around the sky, especially finding galaxies, like this scope.

Celestron NexStar 114GT
4.5" F8.77 Telescope Specifications

Max. Height Overall:
80 inches

Max. Height to The Eyepiece:
72 inches

Reflector Mirror:
114 mm (4.5 in) F8.77

Length of Optical Tube Assembly:
19 inches

Total Weight:
15 lbs.

Effective Light Gathering Power:
Approx. 265x that of the human eye

Magnitude Limit Visual:
Est. Approx. 12.8

Computer Control System:
4,000 Object Database - Computer Hand Control

Nine slew speeds: 4°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, .5°/sec, 32x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 2x
Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar and Lunar Tracking Modes
Alt-Az, EQ North & EQ South

Alignment Procedures:
SkyAlign, Auto 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, Solar System Align


 

 

The Orion XT8 is my secondary telescope. This Dobsonian's larger mirror is helpful for many objects.

Orion XT8
8" F6 Telescope Specifications

Max. Height Overall:
50 inches

Max. Height to The Eyepiece:
45 inches

Length of Optical Tube Assembly:
46 inches

O.A. Diameter of Optical Tube Assembly:
9.22 inches (234mm)

Total Weight: 41.5 lbs.
Optical Tube Assembly Weight: 20.5 lbs.
Dobsonian Base Weight of: 21.5 lbs

Effective Light Gathering Power:
Approx. 590X that of the human eye

Magnitude Limit Visual:
Est. Approx. 13.8

Computer Control System:
None

 

 

 

Astronomy Software

 

For the iPad, iPhone, & Android

StarWalk is an amazing app. If you have one of these devices, especially an iPad, check this out:

StarWalk Website

 

 

Astronomy on the Web

Orion Telescopes
One of the largest dealer of telescopes with a nice selection of telescopes and accessories.