Smart guidance right out of the box
The Celestron StarSense Explorer Dobson 130 mm makes stargazing easier than ever. Place your smartphone in the StarSense cradle, launch the app and let arrows guide you step by step to planets, nebulae and star clusters.
No star charts, no complicated alignments, just the magic of the universe at your fingertips. Within minutes, you'll be navigating the night sky with confidence. The app acts as your personal guide, complete with explanations, images and even spoken descriptions of what you see.
The StarSense Explorer series is designed to make astronomy accessible to everyone. Ideal for families, schools or those looking for their first “real” telescope.
Portable, powerful and intuitive
The 130 mm parabolic primary mirror with a focal length of 650 mm (f/5) offers a bright and wide field of view, perfect for both lunar and deep-sky observations.
The mirrors feature aluminum coating with SiO₂ protective layer for maximum light output and contrast.
What to expect to see:
- Moon - razor-sharp craters and shadows
- Jupiter - cloud bands and four moons
- Saturn - rings well visible in clear sky
- Orion Nebula and Andromeda System - visible in dark sky
Despite its compact size, this telescope delivers a surprisingly clear image and can easily be taken on trips or used in the garden.
Stable table base, smoothly alignable
The sturdy tabletop Dobson base offers stable and smooth movement in height and direction.
The Teflon bearings provide smooth rotation, while the integrated height brake makes object tracking easy and stable.
The tube is attached via rings and can be easily rotated to adjust the eyepiece position. A panning button ensures accurate aiming without transferring heat to the optics.
The base has a eyepiece holder for quick access to accessories and can be mounted on a table, car hood or optional Celestron StarSense tabletop tripod be placed for more height.
Observatory technology in the palm of your hand
The StarSense Explorer app uses the advanced plate solving-technique to calculate exactly where your telescope is pointed.
Your smartphone camera recognizes star patterns and guides you directly to your chosen object. As soon as the green crosshairs appear, it's in perfect focus.
The function “Tonight's Best” shows an overview of the most beautiful objects visible at the time - from planets to galaxies.
The app works with most modern smartphones: iPhone 6 or higher and Android 7.1.2 or newer with camera, gyroscope and acceleration sensor.
Fully complete - ready to use
Everything you need is in the box:
- 130 mm optical tube (Newton reflector)
- Table-top Dobson mount
- 25 mm and 10 mm eyepieces (1.25″)
- Red Dot viewfinder
- StarSense Explorer dock + activation code
- Eyepiece holder (for base mounting)
- Collimation cap
- Starry Night Basic Edition software
Just add your smartphone and you are ready for your first journey through the universe.
Fully complete - ready to use
Everything you need is in the box:
- 130 mm optical tube (Newton reflector)
- Table-top Dobson mount
- 25 mm and 10 mm eyepieces (1.25″)
- Red Dot viewfinder
- StarSense Explorer dock + activation code
- Eyepiece holder (for base mounting)
- Collimation cap
- Starry Night Basic Edition software
Just add your smartphone and you are ready for your first journey through the universe.
What we recommend
- Moon: excellent
- Planets: well visible with fine detail
- Deep-sky objects: limited visibility in dark skies
- Astrophotography: not suitable
- Earth observation: not suitable
Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand & Series | Celestron StarSense Explorer |
| Item number (SKU) | CEL-22481 |
| Model number | 22481 |
| Optical design | Newton reflector (Dobson, tabletop) |
| Aperture (aperture) | 130 mm |
| Focal length | 650 mm |
| Focal ratio | f/5 |
| Mount type | Tabletop Dobson (alt-azimut) |
| Type of operation | Manually - with smartphone support via StarSense Explorer app |
| Optical coating | Aluminum with SiO₂ protective coating |
| Main & catch mirror | Standard optical glass |
| Limiting star magnitude | 13,1 |
| Resolution | Rayleigh: 1.06″ - Dawes: 0.89″ |
| Minimum usable magnification | 19× |
| Maximum usable magnification | 307× |
| Light output relative to human eye | 345× |
| Secondary mirror (minor axis) | 38 mm |
| Focuser | 1.25″ rack and pinion (Rack & Pinion) |
| Material optical tube | Steel |
| Optical tube length | 616 mm |
| Optical tube weight | 3.7 kg |
| Total weight (telescope + base) | 8.7 kg |
| Mounting dimensions (base) | 483 × 483 × 419 mm |
| Included accessories | 25 mm & 10 mm eyepiece, Red Dot finder, collimation cap, StarSense Explorer dock |
| Compatible app | Celestron StarSense Explorer (iOS & Android) |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer's warranty (Celestron) |
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Jelle (verified owner) -
The telescope has exceeded my expectations. I am super satisfied with it.