In 2013, Celestron revolutionized amateur astronomy with StarSense AutoAlign, a specialized accessory that allows your computerized telescope to align itself to the night sky with the push of a button. Now, that same technology comes to a variety of Sky-Watcher SynScan mounts.

For the first time, Sky-Watcher owners can simply switch on their telescope and—in about three minutes—the mount is aligned and ready locate any object in the night sky. No more centering alignment stars in the eyepiece or adding GPS coordinates.

Once the quick automatic alignment is complete, you can choose from thousands of objects to view or take a Sky Tour of the best objects currently visible. With StarSense, even first time users can harness the power of a computerized telescope.

How Celestron’s patented StarSense technology works

StarSense AutoAlign is made up of two components that work together with your telescope: the camera and the StarSense hand control. The camera attaches to your telescope in place of a finderscope. (The mounting bracket is compatible with most Celestron and Sky-Watcher optical tubes.) The camera's wide field of view captures images of the star patterns overhead. Then, StarSense compares those images with its internal database of more than 40,000 celestial objects, matching up star patterns like fingerprints. Once a match is confirmed, StarSense calculates its exact position and the location of thousands of stars, nebulae, galaxies, and more.

Your telescope just got smarter

With this handy accessory, a variety of Sky-Watcher mounts are now compatible with StarSense technology, including the AZ-EQ series of mounts. StarSense also works with Sky-Watcher's popular GoTo Dobsonians, taking your Dobsonian experience at star parties to the next level. Check out the product specifications for a full compatibility list.

StarSense connects to your Sky-Watcher mount via a unique interface box. Use the 3 AUX ports and hand control port to connect the camera, hand control, and any other accessories you're using. Secure the interface box to the tripod leg via an included velcro strap.

The most accurate GoTo alignment ever—perfect for astroimaging

StarSense AutoAlign is fast and convenient for a night of casual stargazing. But for serious amateur astronomers and imagers, it’s much more than just a time-saver. For long exposure astrophotography, you want the best pointing and tracking accuracy possible. Previously, advanced mount modeling was only available with a laptop and expensive software. But now, it’s built into StarSense AutoAlign and ready to use with your Sky-Watcher mount.

Once you’ve performed the automatic alignment, you can improve your telescope’s accuracy by adding up to 10 additional calibration stars. With each additional star you add to your alignment, you improve StarSense’s internal model of the night sky.

The StarSense hand control also features Celestron’s proprietary All Star Polar Alignment procedure. By automating the GoTo alignment, StarSense can have you polar aligned and ready for a night of imaging in less than half the time of a traditional GoTo hand control.

Compatibility List

HEQ5
EQ6
AZ-EQ5
AZ-EQ6
EQ8
AZ SynScan compatible mounts including GoTo Dobsonians (not compatible with AllView Mount)

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