From the northern lights to the Big Dipper, viewing the cosmos up close from the convenience of your backyard requires the latest in portable smart technology. Astronomy novices and pros alike are sure to expand their horizons with this high-end stargazing equipment.
FOR THE PASSIONATE AMATEUR
The Celestron brand has long been a leading name in telescope technology, so it’s no surprise that the Celestron 11069 Nexstar 8SE tops the list as the best telescope for home stargazing and astrophotography. The high-end, portable device has an on-board computer that automatically detects 40,000 celestial entities with an eight-inch aperture to enable clear viewing of the night sky. Its SkyAlign technology automatically aligns when pointed at bright objects, making this telescope’s usability and quick set-up ideal for the star-loving novice.
FOR THE SERIOUS STARGAZER
The Meade LX90-ACF telescope promises the universe with the most advanced ACF Coma-Free Optics to ensure far-off images do not appear distorted for viewers. Astronomy aficionados are able to quickly identify over 30,000 viewable planets, stars, and more by utilizing the Sony GPS sensor that determines the user’s exact location. The “Tonight’s Best” feature activates a guided tour of the sky, depending on its current geographical location with automatic free downloadable upgrades to ensure up-to-date star-viewing accuracy.