Celestron StarSense Explorer 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope (#22481)
Let your smartphone guide you across the cosmos—no experience required.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian is a refreshingly modern take on a classic beginner's telescope. With its bright parabolic optics, compact Dobsonian base, and the power of the StarSense Explorer app, this telescope bridges the gap between beginner simplicity and true deep-sky capability. If you're looking for a hands-on way to explore the sky—without needing to learn star charts or align GoTo systems—this is your new best friend under the stars.
The Power of a Dobsonian, the Guidance of Your Phone
Unlike traditional beginner scopes that leave you struggling to find celestial objects, the 130mm StarSense Explorer uses patented sky recognition software to help you navigate the night sky with confidence. Simply place your smartphone into the StarSense dock, launch the app, and let the system do the work. Your phone analyzes star patterns overhead in real-time—using satellite-style Lost-in-Space Algorithm (LISA) tech—to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed.
The app then guides you to visible planets, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies with easy-to-follow on-screen arrows. When the bullseye turns green, your target is centered in the eyepiece. It’s that easy.
Quality Optics, Compact Size
At its core is a 130mm (5.1") parabolic primary mirror, a noticeable upgrade from the spherical mirrors often found in cheaper beginner telescopes. With a fast f/5 focal ratio, this optical tube brings in plenty of light to reveal rich lunar detail, Saturn’s ring system, Jupiter’s moons and cloud bands, the Orion Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy, and much more.
The included 25mm and 10mm Kellner eyepieces provide 26x and 65x magnification, and the standard 1.25" rack-and-pinion focuser accepts a wide range of additional eyepieces as you expand your observing toolkit.
Smooth and Steady: A Beginner-Friendly Tabletop Mount
The included tabletop Dobsonian base is compact, stable, and easy to maneuver—an ideal match for casual backyard use or quick dark-sky excursions. It features Teflon bearings for smooth, precise tracking in both altitude and azimuth, along with an altitude tension brake to keep motion steady and adjustable depending on the telescope’s balance.
The optical tube is held in adjustable tube rings mounted to a dovetail, allowing you to rotate and shift the tube to your preferred viewing position. Built-in carry handles and an eyepiece rack add convenience whether you’re observing from a deck table, picnic bench, or car hood. Add an optional tripod platform for even more ergonomic versatility.
A Night Sky Tour Guide in Your Pocket
The StarSense Explorer app, powered by SkySafari™, automatically generates a real-time list of objects currently visible in your sky. You can choose what to observe next based on difficulty, type, or brightness. In addition to its celestial navigation tools, the app also includes hundreds of audio tours, rich educational content, and helpful visuals that make learning the night sky an enjoyable part of the experience.
It’s not just a telescope—it’s a gateway into astronomy, guided by your phone and backed by decades of Celestron optical know-how.
Observing Tip:
If you're observing from a seated position at a patio table, you’re already in great shape. But if you'd prefer to stand, place the scope on a sturdy crate or folding camp table to raise it to the ideal height. This lets you enjoy comfortable, upright viewing with minimal strain—perfect for longer sessions or sharing views with friends and family.
Final Thoughts
The Celestron StarSense Explorer 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian is proof that beginner telescopes don’t have to be limited or frustrating. Its combination of quality optics, intuitive navigation, and compact form factor makes it an ideal choice for new stargazers who want more than just the Moon. If you're ready to start exploring the night sky—with a little help from your phone and a lot of light-gathering power—this is the telescope to get you there.
Smartphone Compatibility
Celestron StarSense Explorer works with most modern smartphones, including iPhone 6 and up, and most devices running Android 7.1.2 or later manufactured since 2016.
Patented StarSense Sky Recognition Technology
StarSense Explorer uses patented technology and your smartphone to determine exactly where the telescope is pointed in the night sky. A Lost in Space Algorithm (LISA), like the ones satellites use in orbit to correctly orient themselves, helps the app match star patterns it detects overhead to its internal database.
While other astronomy apps may claim that they can help you find objects, they rely exclusively on the phone's gyros and accelerometers, which aren't as accurate as LISA technology. No other app can accurately tell you when your target is visible in the eyepiece.
