Features

Overview: The SkyProdigy 6 by Celestron is a high-quality computerized telescope with a fully automatic, motorized altazimuth mount. Equipped with an integrated imaging camera with StarSense technology, the telescope can automatically align itself. You can use the SkyProdigy 6 for terrestrial viewing as well as astronomical observing. The telescope comes with two eyepieces, a corded hand controller, StarPointer finderscope, and an accessory tray.

Schmidt-Cassergrain: The SkyProdigy 6's Schmidt-Cassergrain optical system uses a combination of mirrors and lenses, and is referred to as a compound or catadioptric telescope. This system uses large-diameter optics while maintaining very short tube lengths, which makes the telescope very portable. The Schmidt-Cassergrain design consists of a zero-power corrector plate, a spherical primary mirror, and a secondary mirror, requiring light rays to travel the length of the optical tube a total of three times.

StarSense Technology: The SkyProdigy 6 has an integrated digital imaging camera with Celestron's StarSense Technology to automatically align itself with the night sky, and determine where the telescope is pointing. The camera automatically captures an image of the sky, which is processed internally to positively identify the stars in the image. Once the stars in the image are identified, the telescope determines the coordinates of the center of the captured image. The process is repeated two more times in order to make an accurate alignment. Once the telescope is aligned, you can select any object in the hand controller's database and the SkyProdigy will automatically slew to center that object in the eyepiece. In addition to automatic alignment, you can also perform a manual StarSense alignment or a Solar System alignment.

StarPointer Finderscope: The telescope comes with a StarPointer red-dot finderscope which helps you to aim the telescope at a distant target. The finderscope must first be aligned with the telescope before use. This is done in the daytime by pointing the telescope at an object at least a quarter mile away, centering the object in the eyepiece, and aligning the finderscope's red-dot LED to the distant object. The StarPointer is powered by a CR2032 Lithium (coin-type) battery (supplied).

Hand Control: The SkyProdigy 6 comes with a removable, 19-button hand controller. It plugs into the telescope's fork arm via a coiled cord. The hand control has a red-backlit LCD window with a four-line, 18-character display screen, direction keys, and catalog keys to help you search through the 4000+ object database. The hand controller has a jack for an optional RS232 cable which allows you to interface with a computer and control the telescope remotely. The hand control software is flash upgradeable, so you can download product updates over the Internet when available. A plastic snap-on holder is included for the hand controller that attaches to one of the tripod legs.

SkyTour: The SkyProdigy 6's SkyTour feature allows you to choose from a list of interesting celestial objects based on the date and time in which you are observing. You can activate the SkyTour by pressing the dedicated button on the hand controller, and the telescope will skew to its starting position. As the tour of objects continues, you can press buttons on the hand controller to provide text information and coordinates of the object you're viewing.

Eyepieces: The telescope comes with two eyepieces: a low-power 25mm eyepiece (60x magnification) and a higher power 9mm eyepiece (167x). You should use the 25mm eyepiece when locating objects to observe, and then switch to the 9mm eyepiece to see the object in greater detail. The SkyProdigy 6 uses 1-1/4" diameter eyepieces, and additional eyepieces, at different magnifications, are available. The unit also comes with a star diagonal which diverts the light at a 90° angle to the light path of the telescope. This allows you to observe in a more comfortable position than if you were to look straight through.

Power Requirements: The SkyProdigy 6 is powered by the supplied battery pack that holds eight "D" batteries (not included). When loaded with fresh batteries, the battery pack can power the telescope for over 30 hours. In addition, you can operate the telescope using the optional PowerTank 12-volt power supply, or your vehicle's battery using the optional Car Battery Adapter (#18769).

Accessory Tray: The telescope comes with an accessory tray which provides a place to put extra eyepieces or other items while you're using the telescope.

Included Software: Included with the telescope is "TheSkyX -- First Light Edition" astronomy software on CD-ROM. The disc contains a 10,000 object database with printable sky maps and 75 enhanced images.

Specifications:

• Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
• Aperture: 152mm (5.98")
• Focal Length: 1500mm (31")
• Focal Ratio: f/9.87
• Eyepiece Focal Length: 25mm and 9mm
• Eyepiece Magnification: 60x and 167x
• Highest Useful Magnification: 359x
• Lowest Useful Magnification: 22x
• Light Gathering Power: 472x (compared to human eye)
• Optical Tube Length: 15" (not including eyepiece)