Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope
The Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT is a magnificent telescope that can be used for night time and even for day time viewing, for when you are interested in solar observations. The main reason I recommend this telescope for solar astronomy is because of Celestron’s very simple to use Sky Align technology which makes astronomy a breeze. This is very important for solar observations, because clear and constant focus on the subject is imperative to maintain clear images of the ever changing solar scape on the surface of the Sun.
Summary of Product Features: Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT
- The Celestron CPC 1100 is an 11 inch diffraction limited Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope
- 280 mm aperture reflector telescope
- Fantastic 2800 mm focal length
- Comes with a fully computerized altazimuth mounting tripod
- Ergonomic design–Comfortably move the telescope from location to location
- fully automatic computer control using NexStar software
- GPS alignment using the Celestron Sky Align technology
Celestron’s Revolutionary SkyAlign
As suggested earlier, the reason I like this telescope for solar astronomy is the additional Sky Align technology provided by Celestron. A special aspect of the Sky Align is the “Solar System Align” feature, which can be used to align the telescope on objects within the Solar System for automated telescope aiming. With this feature, you can quickly and easily point the telescope on day time objects such as the Sun and the Moon, for daytime astronomy. You need to be able to track the movement of the Sun with simple autonomy if you want to keep the image in clear focus, and with the Sky Align technology, you will never lose track!
The Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT is easy to use
Once the Celestron CPC 1100 has been aligned with your chosen object, the internal GPS will determine the precise location of the telescope, as well as the current date and time information, and calculate everything you need to maintain alignment on your subject. Setting up the telescope and keeping it on track is as simple as child’s play. The smart technology on this telescope means that you no longer have to enter all of the data yourself, such as date, time, latitude and longitude. There is no trouble making mistakes, or wasting time with data entry, when you really want to focus on the stars!
The Celestron CPC 1100 is computerized
All you have to do is find 3 bright objects in the sky and then manually aim the telescope to get the computer synchronized. You don’t even have to know the names of the stars or constellations, as the incredibly handy Celestron NexStar software will take over and help you out! The software will determine the location of the chosen objects, and set about mapping its internal database, and from then on, the computer can do the rest.
The Celestron 1100 can identify objects
Another great feature of the Celestron CPC 1100 is the identify feature, which can be used to identify whatever object you have in the telescope sights – simply point the telescope at an object and ask it to identify whatever you are looking at. This can be quite educational in terms of learning about the objects in the night sky, as well as building your knowledge about the telescope and astronomy in general. You or your family can have fun for hours and hours with this feature and learning about all of the different features of the universe; it’s a ton of fun.
The Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT can be used during the day or night
The important thing about a serious telescope like the Celestron 1100 is that once you have made a decision to purchase a serious telescope, you don’t have ongoing cost issues. You can use this telescope for either night viewing, or daytime solar viewing. Please note that you will require to fit a suitable solar filter to this telescope to make it safe for solar astronomy!
The Celestron CPC 1100 has perfect focus
When you purchase this telescope you get all of the advantages of the automatic Sky Align technology and the computerised alignment system which keeps you in perfect focus at all times. Added to that, you also get other sophisticated software features such as the hibernate function which means the computer controller can be simply put into sleep mode when you are finished using it, and it can be turned on again say the next night, and instantly be ready to go again. No time wasted re-aligning the system, the computer will remember its previous alignment settings and simply pick up where you left off the night before.
This is yet again another useful tool that makes this telescope ideal for either day or night time use, and makes your life much simpler, and allows you to do the astronomy or the fun stuff, while the computer manages the alignment of the telescope.
Summary of the Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT
Although it has been designed in a very neat, ergonomic package, you need to know how heavy it is before you choose to buy this unit.
The main positive feature I like about the Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT is the computerized aiming system that comes with this telescope. This is not a bolt on feature, or an optional add on that costs money and time to try to incorporate it into your brand new toy – it is a fully functional component. The Sky Align technology is easy to set up and even easier to use, so there is no wasting time when you set this telescope up, you can be viewing the stars in no time at all – I really like that!
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