Designed to be an affordable entry level to mid-level computerized GoTo telescope, the NexStar Star Locating Telescope (SLT) refractors and reflectors are available in the most popular sizes and are loaded with valuable design features. With pre-assembled, adjustable stainless steel tripods, and quick release fork arms and tubes, NexStar SLT telescopes can be set up in a matter of minutes — with no tools required! You can see details of the lunar surface, Venus and its phases, Mars resolved as an orange disc, Jupiter and its four moons, Saturn with its rings plainly visible and much more! Most NexStar SLT's can also be used as a land-based spotting telescope.

Intelligent Design

Powered by 8 AA user supplied batteries or an optional AC adapter (#18773) these NexStar GoTo's love to travel. The internal battery compartment provides power to the high precision servo motors for rigid low-vibration performance while eliminating cord wrap issues associated with external battery packs. With the NexStar's ergonomically-designed hand control, the user is free to remove the hand control from its holder for remote use or leave it cradled for hands-free operation. With a touch of a button you can select the object catalog, change the slew speed, view fascinating information about an object, or simply know if a desired object is visible in the sky.

Celestron's Revolutionary SkyAlign

Using Celestron's patented SkyAlign* (patent pending), simply input the date, time and location into the hand control then slew the telescope to any three bright celestial objects in the sky. You do not need to know the names of the stars — you could even pick the moon or bright planets!

To assist in the star alignment, the NexStar also uses a lightweight StarPointer Finderscope. The StarPointer is the quickest and easiest way to point your telescope exactly to the desired object in the sky. It’s like having a laser pointer that you can shine directly onto the night sky. No need to worry about the inverted images you see through traditional finders, just align the red dot seen through the StarPointer with the desired star in the sky. It’s that easy.

new! Read an in-depth review of the Celestron NexStar 130 SLT by Ian Morison, Jodrell Bank Observatory.