{"product_id":"celestron-starsense-autoalign-v2-94034","title":"Celestron StarSense AutoAlign V2 94034","description":"\u003cp\u003eStar alignment isn't the most exciting part of owning a computerized telescope. It's simply the job that has to be done before the telescope can start doing what you bought it for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Celestron StarSense AutoAlign V2 takes care of that job for you. Attach it to a compatible Celestron computerized telescope, connect it to the mount's AUX system, power everything up, and select Auto Align. StarSense photographs several areas of the sky, recognizes the star patterns it sees, and builds the pointing model your mount needs for accurate GoTo operation. In roughly three minutes, you're ready to observe — without identifying alignment stars or carefully centering them in an eyepiece yourself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe basic idea made the original StarSense one of Celestron's most useful accessories. V2 keeps that simplicity but updates almost everything behind it. A more sensitive Sony back-illuminated monochrome sensor replaces the original 1.2-megapixel camera, a considerably more capable onboard computer handles the plate solving, USB-C adds direct computer access, and you no longer need the dedicated StarSense hand controller that came with the original version.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the NexStar+ hand control already supplied with your compatible Celestron mount, control the system from Celestron's free CPWI software on a Windows PC, or use the SkyPortal app with a compatible Wi-Fi telescope or SkyPortal WiFi Module. The result is a cleaner, more flexible StarSense than the original — and one less hand controller to keep track of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutomatic alignment in about three minutes.\u003c\/strong\u003e StarSense photographs the sky, plate-solves the images, and builds the telescope's pointing model automatically. You don't need to know which stars you're looking at before you begin.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNew Sony IMX462LLR-C monochrome sensor.\u003c\/strong\u003e The V2 moves from the original StarSense's 1.2MP Aptina sensor to a 2.13MP back-illuminated Sony CMOS sensor with 2.9-micron pixels, improving sensitivity and star-field recognition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast 20mm f\/2 optics.\u003c\/strong\u003e The fully multi-coated, air-spaced doublet gives the camera a fast, wide view of the sky so it can identify star patterns quickly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMore capable onboard processing.\u003c\/strong\u003e StarSense V2 carries its own integrated computer module, allowing alignment calculations and much of the system intelligence to live inside the accessory itself.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo dedicated StarSense hand controller required.\u003c\/strong\u003e V2 works with a compatible NexStar+ hand control, Celestron CPWI software, or the SkyPortal app. The older StarSense hand controller is not compatible with V2.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSB-C connection.\u003c\/strong\u003e Connect StarSense V2 directly to a PC for Live View focusing, diagnostic-log access, and direct firmware updates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePolar alignment assistance.\u003c\/strong\u003e On compatible equatorial mounts — or compatible alt-azimuth mounts used on a wedge — StarSense can assist with polar alignment without requiring a direct view of Polaris.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImproved GoTo pointing.\u003c\/strong\u003e Once aligned, StarSense creates the sky model your mount uses to place selected objects near the center of the eyepiece or imaging sensor. CPWI and SkyPortal also support multi-point mount modeling for additional refinement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge and small mounting brackets included.\u003c\/strong\u003e The supplied brackets allow the camera to fit a broad range of compatible Celestron optical tubes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow StarSense AutoAlign Works\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA computerized telescope knows where it wants to point, but before it can accurately find anything, it has to understand how the mount is positioned relative to the real sky. Traditionally, you provide that information by identifying known stars and manually centering them one after another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarSense replaces that process with plate solving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe camera takes an image of the stars above it and the onboard computer compares the pattern in that image with its internal sky model. From that pattern it can determine exactly where the telescope is pointing. StarSense repeats the process in several parts of the sky and uses those measurements to build the mount's alignment model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou don't have to recognize Vega from Arcturus. You don't have to wonder whether you centered the correct star. The camera handles the recognition and the computer does the geometry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf a tree, roofline, or other obstruction blocks one part of the sky during the automatic routine, StarSense can move elsewhere and try another field rather than requiring you to start the entire process over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a one-time calibration step after initial installation so StarSense knows the exact relationship between its own field of view and the center of your telescope's field. As long as the StarSense camera remains mounted in the same position, that calibration normally does not need to be repeated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's Different About V2?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've used the original StarSense, the observing experience will feel familiar. Push a button, let the telescope look around the sky, and begin observing a few minutes later. The important changes are underneath that familiar workflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original StarSense used a 1.2-megapixel Aptina MT9M034 CMOS sensor and relied on a dedicated StarSense hand controller. V2 uses a 2.13-megapixel Sony IMX462LLR-C back-illuminated monochrome sensor together with a substantially more capable computer built into the camera assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat change is what allows V2 to work with the standard NexStar+ hand control and makes USB-C functions such as Live View, diagnostics, and direct firmware updating possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLive View is particularly useful if the StarSense camera ever needs its own focus checked or adjusted. On the original system, camera-focus problems were not something the owner could easily diagnose and correct. V2 lets you view the camera image from a connected PC and deal with the issue directly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe new version also expands the polar-alignment workflow. With a compatible equatorial mount, StarSense can help establish accurate polar alignment even when Polaris itself is hidden by a house, tree, or other obstruction — a useful feature for imagers working from the same imperfect backyard most of us actually have.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarSense AutoAlign V2 is designed for compatible Celestron computerized mounts. According to Celestron's current compatibility list, supported systems include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdvanced VX\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCGX\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCGX-L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCGEM\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCGEM II\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCGEM DX\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCGE Pro\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNexStar 6SE and 8SE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNexStar Evolution\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCPC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCPC DX\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStarSense AutoAlign V2 is not compatible with:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNexStar SLT\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAstro Fi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSkyProdigy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLCM series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNexStar 4SE and 5SE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdvanced CG-5 GT\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is worth checking carefully if you're replacing an original StarSense. Compatibility is not identical between the first-generation product and V2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarSense V2 connects to the mount's \u003cstrong\u003eAUX\u003c\/strong\u003e system. Do not connect it to an ST-4 autoguider port. If your mount needs an additional AUX connection, Celestron's AUX Port Splitter #93919 can be used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you plan to operate V2 through a NexStar+ hand control, make sure the controller is running compatible current firmware. Celestron specifies NexStar+ firmware version 5.35.5340 or later for StarSense AutoAlign V2 operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes StarSense AutoAlign V2 guide my telescope for astrophotography?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e No. StarSense AutoAlign V2 automates sky alignment, improves the mount's pointing model, and assists with polar alignment, but it is not an autoguider. Celestron's StarSense AutoGuider is a different product designed to add guiding capability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I still need my original StarSense hand controller?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e No. In fact, the older dedicated StarSense hand controller is not compatible with StarSense AutoAlign V2. Use a compatible NexStar+ hand control, Celestron CPWI software, or the SkyPortal app instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need a computer to use it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e No. A computer is not required for normal automatic alignment when using a compatible NexStar+ hand controller. PC connection through USB-C is useful for functions such as Live View, diagnostics, firmware updates, and CPWI control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I control StarSense from my phone?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Yes, when used with a compatible Wi-Fi-enabled Celestron mount or Celestron SkyPortal WiFi Module. The SkyPortal app provides telescope control and StarSense alignment from a smartphone or tablet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it really align without me identifying any stars?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Yes. StarSense uses plate solving to recognize the star patterns in its own camera images. You don't have to know which stars it is using or center them manually during the normal automatic alignment routine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need to see Polaris?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e No for normal sky alignment, and its polar-alignment assistance can also work without a direct view of Polaris on compatible equatorial or wedge-mounted systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill trees or a roofline prevent it from aligning?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Not necessarily. If StarSense encounters a field that is too obstructed to solve reliably, it can move to another area of the sky and continue the alignment routine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use it to find the Sun?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e No. StarSense AutoAlign V2 depends on detecting star patterns and is not intended for daytime solar pointing. Never allow the StarSense camera itself to point at the Sun; concentrated sunlight can damage its image sensor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy might StarSense have difficulty near a bright Moon?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e A bright Moon can wash out nearby stars in the StarSense camera's field, particularly through haze. If there aren't enough visible stars for the system to identify a pattern, plate solving in that region may fail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs V2 worth changing from the original StarSense?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The basic benefit is the same: automatic alignment. V2's reasons for upgrading are the newer and more sensitive camera, onboard processing, USB-C connectivity, user-accessible Live View and firmware functions, expanded control choices, and the elimination of the dedicated StarSense hand controller. Whether those changes justify replacing a working original system depends on how much those features matter in your particular setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelestron StarSense AutoAlign V2 camera\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge mounting bracket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall mounting bracket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCamera-to-mount connection cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFinal Thoughts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original StarSense solved a very simple problem: computerized telescopes are considerably more enjoyable once they're aligned, but manually aligning them every night isn't the part most people look forward to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarSense AutoAlign V2 keeps that original idea intact and modernizes everything around it. The camera is more sensitive, the computer is now inside the accessory, the special hand controller is gone, USB-C makes updates and diagnostics far easier, and the system offers more ways to control it than before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt doesn't observe for you, and it doesn't turn an incompatible mount into a GoTo telescope. What it does is remove a repetitive setup step from a compatible Celestron system. Set the telescope outside, let StarSense figure out where it is, and spend the rest of the night using the telescope instead of aligning it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTech Details:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%; border-collapse: collapse;\"\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eProduct\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eCelestron StarSense AutoAlign V2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eManufacturer Part Number\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e94034\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eOptical Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eAir-spaced doublet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eAperture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e20mm (0.78\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e40mm (1.57\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003ef\/2\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eOptical Coatings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eFully multi-coated\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eSensor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eSony IMX462LLR-C monochrome back-illuminated CMOS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eEffective Resolution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e2.13MP\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eSensor Diagonal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e6.46mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003ePixel Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e2.9µm × 2.9µm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eOnboard Computer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eIntegrated Computer-on-Module\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eMemory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e512MB RAM \/ 4GB ROM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003ePorts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eAUX and USB-C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eUSB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eUSB-C, USB 3.1 PC connection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eHousing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003eAluminum with plastic covers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e1 lb (454 g)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e4.3\" × 3.2\" × 4.8\" (109.2 × 81.3 × 121.9mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f0f4f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc; font-weight: bold; width: 50%;\"\u003eWarranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px 14px; border: 1px solid #cccccc;\"\u003e2 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40481974026313,"sku":"CSTAR","price":479.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/files\/94034_StarSense_AutoAlign_v2_01.webp?v=1789584321","url":"https:\/\/astronomics.com\/products\/celestron-starsense-autoalign-v2-94034","provider":"Astronomics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}