Celestron NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope

Unlock the cosmos with the Celestron NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope, the iconic orange-tube telescope designed for intermediate observers, astrophotography beginners, and urban stargazers. Combining a high-aperture 150mm (6-inch) Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system with fully automated GoTo tracking technology, the NexStar 6SE turns sky observation into an effortless, high-resolution experience.

Key Features & Core Technologies

Whether exploring planetary surface details or deep-sky nebulae, the Celestron NexStar 6SE delivers crisp views through precision optical engineering and automated mounting systems.

150mm Schmidt-Cassegrain Optical Tube Assembly (OTA)

Featuring a 150mm primary mirror and a 1500mm focal length ($f/10$ focal ratio), this compact catadioptric design gathers 459 times more light than the human eye. It offers high contrast and maximum detail for viewing Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud bands, and distant star clusters.

StarBright XLT Optical Coatings

Equipped with Celestron’s proprietary StarBright XLT high-transmission coatings, all glass and mirror surfaces deliver maximum optical efficiency, ensuring bright, true-to-life images with minimal light loss.

Computerized Alt-Azimuth GoTo Mount & Hand Control

The NexStar 6SE features an automated single fork-arm mount driven by servo motors with optical encoders. The included NexStar+ hand controller features an integrated database of over 40,000 celestial objects.

SkyAlign™ Easy Alignment System

Eliminate complex polar alignment. Celestron’s patented SkyAlign technology allows observers to align the telescope in minutes by simply centering any three bright celestial objects in the eyepiece.

How SkyAlign Works in 3 Steps

1. Level the stainless steel tripod and power on the computerized mount.

2. Center any three bright stars or planets using the StarPointer™ red dot finderscope.

3. Confirm the selection on the NexStar+ hand controller to begin automated slewing and celestial tracking.

Pro Tip for Astronomy Enthusiasts

For even faster alignment and wireless control, pair the system with the optional Celestron SkyPortal Wi-Fi Module or StarSense AutoAlign accessory.

Full Technical Specifications

Below is the comprehensive technical breakdown of the Celestron NexStar 6SE (150/1500mm) optical tube, mount, and tripod assembly.

Optical System Specs

• Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCT)

• Aperture: 150mm (5.91 inches)

• Focal Length: 1500mm (59 inches)

• Focal Ratio: $f/10$

• Included Eyepiece: 25mm E-Lux Plössl (60x Magnification)

• Finderscope: StarPointer™ Red Dot Finderscope

• Highest Useful Magnification: 354x

• Lowest Useful Magnification: 21x

• Limiting Stellar Magnitude: 13.4

• Optical Coatings: StarBright XLT Coatings

Mount & Tripod Specs

• Mount Type: Computerized Single Fork-Arm Alt-Azimuth

• Database Capacity: 40,000+ Objects

• Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar, and Lunar

• Tracking Modes: Alt-Az, EQ North, EQ South

• Tripod: Pre-assembled Stainless Steel with Adjustable Legs

• Total Kit Weight: 12.7 kg (28 lbs)

What You Can See with the Celestron 6SE

The 6-inch aperture provides an ideal balance between light-gathering power and field portability:

Solar System Targets

• The Moon: High-resolution views of lunar craters, rilles, and mountain peaks.

• Jupiter: Cloud belts, atmospheric storms, and transits of the Galilean Moons.

• Saturn: Sharp separation of Saturn’s rings and the Cassini Division.

• Mars & Venus: Martian polar ice caps during opposition and Venusian phase shifts.

Deep-Sky Objects (Messier & NGC Catalogues)

• Orion Nebula (M42): Vibrant gaseous structures and trapezium stars.

• Hercules Cluster (M13): Pinpoint star resolution into the core of the globular cluster.

• Andromeda Galaxy (M31): Core detail and dark dust lanes under dark-sky conditions.

Included Accessories & Package Contents

• Celestron C6 Optical Tube Assembly (150mm Aperture / 1500mm Focal Length)

• Computerized Alt-Azimuth Fork Mount

• Adjustable Steel Tripod with Built-In Wedge

• NexStar+ Hand Controller with 40,000 Object Database

• 25mm E-Lux Plössl Eyepiece (1.25")

• 1.25" Star Diagonal

• StarPointer™ Red Dot Finderscope

• Free Download of Starry Night Special Edition Software

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Celestron NexStar 6SE suitable for astrophotography?

Yes. While designed primarily for visual observation, the 6SE excels at planetary astrophotography when paired with a high-speed solar system camera. For deep-sky astrophotography, long-exposure tracking can be achieved using an optional equatorial wedge or focal reducer.

What power supply is required for the NexStar 6SE?

The computerized mount operates on 8 AA internal batteries (user-supplied) or an optional external 12V DC power source, or Celestron 2AMP power adaptor.