StarSense automatic alignment module (Celestron or Sky-Watcher)

Celestron StarSense AutoAlign

The Celestron StarSense AutoAlign is an accessory that fully automates the alignment of your Celestron GoTo telescope. You no longer need to know the reference stars, nor go through a long and tedious alignment procedure: simply install the StarSense camera, start alignment on the racket, and in just a few minutes your telescope is ready to point accurately at thousands of deep-sky objects, planets and bright stars.

StarSense AutoAlign highlights

• Fully automatic alignment of your computerized Celestron telescope.
• No need to identify stars: the camera recognizes stellar fields on its own.
• Complete alignment in less than 3 minutes under normal conditions.
• Database of over 45,000 celestial objects accessible via StarSense.
• Advanced mount modeling for very high GoTo pointing accuracy.
• Compatible with many current Celestron frames and some older models.

How does StarSense AutoAlign work?

The StarSense AutoAlign takes the technology of the SkyProdigy range and makes it available for the majority of Celestron computerized mounts. The StarSense camera replaces the optical finder: it is attached to the telescope using the
brackets supplied. The StarSense racquet replaces the classic NexStar racquet.

After entering the time, date and place of observation, you simply start the alignment procedure. The camera automatically captures a series of images of the sky at different points. For each image, StarSense identifies the stars and compares them with an internal database. Once the matches have been validated, the system calculates the exact position of the mount and builds a model of the sky.

In just a few minutes, the telescope is aligned: all that's left is to use the snowshoe's «Sky Tour» function to discover the most beautiful objects visible at the time, or directly enter the target of your choice.

Advanced frame modeling

StarSense AutoAlign does more than simply align two or three stars. It incorporates advanced mount modeling, which significantly improves pointing accuracy over the entire sky,
from horizon to zenith.

For demanding users, up to 10 additional calibration stars can be added. This approach makes it possible to finely correct minor mechanical imperfections and optimize the model, which is particularly useful for placing objects in the camera's field of view when shooting.

StarSense camera field : 6,88° x 5,16°.

StarSense camera technical specifications

StarSense racquet features

Box contents

• StarSense camera with integrated lens.
• StarSense racket with database of over 45,000 objects.
• Mounting brackets for compatible Celestron telescopes.
• Connection cables required for use.
• Documentation and installation instructions.

Compatible Celestron frames

Any mount with firmware version 5.x or higher is compatible with StarSense AutoAlign.

• Advanced VX
• CGX
• CGX-L
• CGEM
• CGEM DX
• CGEM II
• CGE
• CGE Pro
• CG-5 (with Aux. CG-5 distributor)
• CPC and CPC Deluxe
• Astro Fi
• NexStar Evolution
• NexStar SE (all SE series)
• NexStar SLT
• NexStar GT (2015 and newer models, with Aux. distributor)
• SkyProdigy

Non-compatible frames

• NexStar i Series
• NexStar GPS
• Ultima 2000
• LCM series
• Older generations of GoTo frames (e.g. Compustar)

Who is StarSense AutoAlign designed for?

The StarSense AutoAlign is designed for people new to GoTo telescopes, as well as for experienced amateurs who want to save time and improve the precision of their mount. For beginners, it simplifies access to the sky: alignment becomes almost immediate and observation much more intuitive. For users accustomed to long sessions, it offers a highly precise pointing model, ideal for comfortable observing and shooting.

If you own a compatible Celestron mount and want to turn the installation and alignment of your telescope into a quick and reliable operation, the StarSense AutoAlign is an excellent investment to make the most of your nights under the stars.