Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Smartphone App-Enabled Dobsonian Telescope (#22470)
Celestron has taken the timeless simplicity of the Dobsonian telescope and brought it into the modern era with the innovative StarSense Explorer 8". This isn't just another 8-inch reflector—it’s your own guided tour of the universe, powered by your smartphone. Whether you’re a serious beginner ready to explore deep space for the first time or a longtime visual observer looking for an ultra-portable, user-friendly upgrade, the StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian is the perfect balance of classic design and cutting-edge tech.
This scope’s generous aperture, smart navigation system, and rock-solid mechanical design make it a telescope you’ll enjoy for years—no matter how far your observing journey takes you.
A Classic Dobsonian, Reinvented
At its core, this is the Dobsonian telescope we all know and love: a large, parabolic primary mirror riding on an intuitive, manual alt-azimuth base. But what sets the StarSense Explorer apart is Celestron’s patented sky-recognition technology, which transforms your smartphone into a plate-solving powerhouse.
Unlike traditional apps that rely on your phone’s gyroscope and compass—often leading to frustration and drift—StarSense uses a Lost-in-Space Algorithm (LISA), the same kind used by satellites to find their position in orbit. The app compares star patterns captured through your phone’s camera to a database of known celestial coordinates, precisely calculating where the telescope is pointed.
That means no need to polar align, no leveling, and no inputting date or time. Just dock your phone, launch the app, and start exploring.
Dock, Launch, Explore
Once you’ve aligned your phone to the telescope—a simple, one-time process—the StarSense Explorer app displays a real-time view of the night sky, complete with annotated object labels. Choose a target, follow the on-screen arrows, and when the bullseye turns green, your object is ready and waiting in the eyepiece.
It’s a truly intuitive system that encourages exploration and learning. As you observe, you can read detailed object info and even listen to audio tours that bring each celestial target to life. It’s like having a knowledgeable astronomy educator by your side, 24/7.
Sharp Optics, Deep Views
The 8" (203mm) parabolic primary mirror offers a significant step up from smaller beginner scopes, gathering over 800 times more light than the human eye. That extra light makes a world of difference—literally. You’ll easily see the moons and cloud bands of Jupiter, the shadowed ring structure of Saturn, the sprawling wings of the Orion Nebula, and the smudge of light that is our neighboring Andromeda Galaxy.
The f/5.9 focal ratio provides a great balance between wide-field viewing and magnified detail, making this a true all-around performer. Whether you’re studying lunar terrain or chasing faint fuzzies from a dark site, the views will not disappoint.
All mirrors are coated with Celestron’s proprietary StarBright XLT coatings to enhance contrast, brightness, and color fidelity. The optical glass used is thermally stable, helping the scope hold focus as the air cools during evening observing sessions.
Smooth and Steady Mounting
The Dobsonian base has been upgraded from the usual budget fare with thoughtful engineering: large altitude bearings for better balance, adjustable tensioning for optimal resistance, Teflon azimuth pads for silky motion, and internal braces for extra structural rigidity.
A panning knob on the front of the tube helps you move the telescope without touching the metal body—minimizing heat transfer and preserving image quality on high-magnification targets.
Precision Focus, Flexible Eyepiece Options
A dual-speed 2” Crayford-style focuser comes standard, offering smooth, backlash-free focus for visual use. The included 2” extension tube and 2" to 1.25" adapter allow you to use virtually any eyepiece in your collection, whether you're chasing wide fields or punching in tight on planets.
A single 25mm eyepiece is included to get you started at a moderate 48x magnification, but the telescope is capable of much more. With additional eyepieces and filters, you’ll easily scale up to the telescope’s theoretical max of 480x under the right conditions.
Made for the Backyard or the Backroads
At just under 44 lbs fully assembled, this 8" Dobsonian is easy to set up and transport. Ergonomic handles on the base and optical tube help you carry the scope in manageable pieces. Whether you’re setting up in the driveway or heading out to a darker rural site, you won’t dread the setup process.
Dust covers for both the front of the tube and the focuser are included to protect your optics in between sessions.
Smartphone Compatibility
The StarSense Explorer app supports most modern iOS and Android phones—including iPhone 6 and later, and Android devices running version 7.1.2 or newer (released since 2016). The dock is spring-loaded and designed to accommodate a wide range of phone sizes and cases.
Included Accessories
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8" Newtonian reflector OTA with StarBright XLT coatings
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Sturdy particle board Dobsonian base with Teflon bearings
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25mm 1.25” Plössl eyepiece
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2" Crayford focuser with adapter and extension tube
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StarPointer™ red dot finder
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StarSense smartphone dock and unlock code
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Collimation cap and dust covers
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Eyepiece rack
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Celestron Starry Night Basic Edition astronomy software (downloadable)
Observing Tip
This telescope is excellent out of the box, but collimation (mirror alignment) is key to getting the sharpest views. Luckily, the included collimation cap makes the process easy. Spend a few minutes before each session checking alignment and you’ll be rewarded with crisp, contrast-rich views all night long.
Final Thoughts
The Celestron StarSense Explorer 8" Dobsonian redefines what a beginner telescope can be. It delivers on aperture, optical quality, and mechanical smoothness, while offering an innovative tech experience that takes the frustration out of finding objects. This is a telescope that will grow with you—capable enough to keep you inspired for years, yet easy enough to enjoy on night one. Whether you're under city lights or rural stars, the sky is waiting—and this scope is ready.
