I am new to the astronomy world, i really want to buy this but price is high. I live in Jordan will the allingment work well with locating stars?
180581
the Celestron NexStar 8 works very well in most all locations through out the world ... I have never had any trouble with the system ... as long as it is set up properly ... I agree it is pricey but it is a very good optical system and performs well
180582
There should be no problem using this telescope anywhere on Earth (that people actually live). All you need to do is look up your approximate latitude and longitude in degrees minutes and seconds, the current time, and then point the scope at three bright objects! I find that if you're careful and patient the first few times you set it up, you can get it to point quite accurately. Given your location, I would recommend buying a reusable 12v battery and charger instead of using AA batteries. Also, read the manual thoroughly and be very careful with the system so you don't have to send it far away for repairs! There should be no problem using this telescope anywhere on Earth (that people actually live). All you need to do is look up your approximate latitude and longitude in degrees minutes and seconds, the current time, and then point the scope at three bright objects! I find that if you're careful and patient the first few times you set it up, you can get it to point quite accurately. Given your location, I would recommend buying a reusable 12v battery and charger instead of using AA batteries. Also, read the manual thoroughly and be very careful with the system so you don't have to send it far... » Read More There should be no problem using this telescope anywhere on Earth (that people actually live). All you need to do is look up your approximate latitude and longitude in degrees minutes and seconds, the current time, and then point the scope at three bright objects! I find that if you're careful and patient the first few times you set it up, you can get it to point quite accurately. Given your location, I would recommend buying a reusable 12v battery and charger instead of using AA batteries. Also, read the manual thoroughly and be very careful with the system so you don't have to send it far away for repairs! « Show Less
180583
Nads, there is a GPS unit from Celestron that will automatically enter your location into the telescope's computer along with your local correct time. I think I paid about $200.00 US Dollars. Well worth the money. Happy Hunting!
1932886
It is easy to use. Yes I would say it is good for the novice user. You can see a lot more with a larger telescope and you get seriously into it you will want more aperture, however You can see a lot with this thing. It is especially good with the larger planets and fantastic with the moon though the moon is a little bright and if you are looking at it a lot you may need a moon filter. Deep space galaxies, nebula and so on can be seen but only the brighter objects.
846513
Unfortunately it has to be re-aligned every time. I use the auto-two star method, still takes a few minutes but by aligning it the telescope takes me to cool things like nebula and galaxies
419995
No, it is not. The way it works is instead of a combination of motors moving the scope around, You move the scope around. You align it with the calibration stars you choose by manually pushing it. Once everything is correct it will tell you how far to move in either axis on the hand controller. It's a great way to get into the hobby because it teaches you the positioning of all the stars and celestial objects!
2210047
I agree with the other answers but would add one cool thing it does. Unlike you, the device is not actually "looking" at the sky. Rather, it is referencing an internal map using GPS coordinates. So you can have it locate planets or stars that are not even visible (behind a tree, below the horizon, etc.)
822765
I purchased this unit for using to view things on the water as I live on the waterfront. I found it a challenge for that purpose as the magnification was a bit more than I have ever used in the past. I am definitely not an astrometry expert but a sailor. I believe that the more modern design using mirrors would have been a better choice for viewing celestial bodies. Hope this is a help. Ed Walsh
1962391
No, it probably won't :( It's a great beginner telescope and I have seen some amazing things with in the sky - like the rings of Saturn. Alas, it is not very good for looking at things on the earth because it flips everything upside down - which we don't notice much when looking at moon craters or Saturn's wings. If you want a telescope to help look at things on the lake, there is a different style (reflective, I think) that will be better ... or get a really nice pair of binoculars. My in-laws live on a lake in Texas and we use binoculars. :) Hope this helps
259018
It can use other stars. I usually do a 2 star align plus 4 collab stats. Works great for visual observing. After that you can do a polat align to increase accuracy for photography.
1491575
I wouldn't think so. it is made to look at stuff normally 100-500 yards away, but if you can use binoculars for Astronomy the you can probably use the spotting scope.
846515
I do a star align every time I set up. I do a lot of outreaches at schools and locations are all different. Also, as another response mentioned, you want to make sure date and time are accurate.
2210052
This unit is just a finder. You cannot use it to see the planeta or stars; for that you need a telescope. This unit just helps you identify what you are looking at
97811
The auto focus mechanism needs something to focus on to focus. That sounds silly, but a star does not give the auto focus anything to work with. I haven't had much luck with my 4x30 super wides at night. A bigger issue with star gazing is the 30mm objective lens size. The small objectives don't let in much light. Astronomy observing is all about how much light enters your eye.
445462
You will see more stars than with the naked eye. 7x35s are a good tool for beginning astronomy. Lot's of stars, wide field of view.
1289972
I guess you could. My question is why not buy an adaptor to attach to your telescope so it (the telescope) can track the stars and planets when they are at zenith?
2279567
You would probably be better off looking at a small telescope for star gazing, good luck.
2119555
Absolutely. This is a fine telescope for any astronomical use. The only drawback is it's size. It's a bit of work to get it somewhere and set it up, but I love mine. For detailed planetary study, a large refractor is better, but for deep sky, this is MUCH better than the refractor, so a good all around scope.
2167679
I'm sorry, I cannot answer that question. I sent it to my 14 year old grandson who is currently living in Europe. All I can tell you is that he loves it. He said he was amazed at the starry projections.