Celestron Nexstar 6SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron’s signature orange-tube telescope combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system, the NexStar 6SE. It’s the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering striking views at an economical price.
Our Founder’s Vision, Reimagined for the 21st Century
In the 1970s, Celestron’s Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes brought the hobby of astronomy to the masses and established Celestron as the world’s premier telescope maker. Our founder, Tom Johnson, invented Celestron’s proprietary method of producing Schmidt corrector plates for superior views and maximum portability. Johnson believed in creating high-quality optical instruments at an affordable price, and inspired a generation of amateur astronomers.
Four decades later, we’ve improved upon this design by adding cutting-edge features, while staying true to our founder’s intent.
View the Universe’s Most Impressive Celestial Objects
The 6SE’s six-inch primary mirror packs enough light-gathering ability to observe the best that the solar system has to offer: Cassini’s Division in Saturn’s rings, the cloud bands on Jupiter, and geographic features on the surface of the Moon. When it comes to deep sky objects, take your 6SE to a dark-sky site and you’ll see hundreds of pinpoint stars in the Hercules Globular Cluster, the spiral arms of the Whirlpool Galaxy, and more.
Revolutionary Single Fork Arm Mount
We know the best telescope is the one you will use most often. That’s why Celestron’s engineers created NexStar SE’s unique, patented single fork arm mount. It’s perfectly portable and makes setup quick and easy. What’s more, the NexStar SE breaks down into several lightweight and compact pieces, making it easy to transport, even in small vehicles. You’ll have no problem getting the NexStar SE to your favorite observing site, or setting it up quickly in your backyard.
Of course, it’s what’s inside the mount that really counts. Sturdy construction from high-quality components give NexStar SE the pointing and tracking accuracy needed to observe and follow your favorite targets with push-button ease. Use the included NexStar hand control to locate over 40,000 celestial objects, or take a Sky Tour and let your telescope show you the best objects currently visible.
Aligning your telescope is simple and painless, too, thanks to SkyAlign. This process makes alignment as easy as 1-2-3: just center three bright objects in your eyepiece and press ALIGN. For even easier alignment, attach our StarSense AutoAlign and your NexStar SE aligns itself!
Advanced Features Let the NexStar SE Grow with You
The NexStar SE is compatible with all the high-tech accessories advanced users love. Provide GPS coordinates to your telescope with SkySync, or add automatic alignment functionality with StarSense AutoAlign.
For planetary imaging, pair your NexStar 6SE with one of our Skyris cameras. Or, experiment with wide-field deep sky astroimaging by replacing the telescope’s secondary mirror with a DSLR or astronomical CCD camera with a Fastar/HyperStar lens assembly. From your first observing session and for years to come, the NexStar SE is your trusted companion.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
+
Optical Design
Schmidt-Cassegrain
Focal Length
1500mm (59″)
Eyepiece
25mm (0.98″), Magnification: 60x
Finderscope
StarPointer™ red dot finderscope
Star Diagonal
1.25″ Star Diagonal
Highest Useful Magnification
354x
Lowest Useful Magnification
21x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude
13.4
Resolution (Rayleigh)
0.93 arc seconds
Resolution (Dawes)
0.77 arc seconds
Light Gathering Power
459x (Compared to human eye)
Secondary Mirror Obstruction
56mm (2.2″)
Obstruction by Diameter
37%
Optical Coatings
StarBright XLT
Optical Tube Length
406mm (16″)
Optical Tube Diameter
181mm (7.1″)
Optical Tube Weight
8 lbs (3.6 kg)
Mount Type
Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Instrument Load Capacity
12 lbs (5.44 kg)
Tripod Height Range
965.2mm – 1422.4mm (38″ – 56″)
Tripod Leg Diameter
38.1mm (1.5″) Stainless Steel
Mount Head Weight
11 lbs (5 kg)
Tripod Weight
9 lbs (4.08 kg)
Slew Speeds
9 slew speeds – max 5°/second
Tracking Rates
Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
Tracking Modes
Alt-Az, EQ North, EQ South
Dovetail Compatibility
CG-5 dovetail
Auxiliary Ports
1x Aux port
USB Port
Yes (Hand Control Input)
Power Requirements
8x AA Batteries or 12 VDC – 750 mA (Tip positive)
Motor Drive
DC Servo Motors
Alignment Procedures
SkyAlign, 1-Star, 2-Star, Auto 2-Star, Solar System Align, EQ Align (with wedge)
Periodic Error Correction
No
Computerized Hand Control
NexStar+ LCD Display with 19 LED buttons
Database
40,000 objects, 200 user-programmable, 200+ enhanced info
Software
Celestron Starry Night SE, SkyPortal App
Total Kit Weight
21 lbs (9.5 kg)
Included Items
Optical tube | Single Fork Arm Mount and Tripod | Accessory Tray | Star Pointer Finderscope | NexStar+ Hand Control | 25mm eyepiece | Star Diagonal
☀️ Solar Warning:
➠ Never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or with an optic (unless you have the proper solar filter). Permanent and irreversible eye damage may result.
➠ Never use your optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface. Internal heat build-up can damage the optic and any accessories attached to it.
➠ Never leave your optic unsupervised. Make sure an adult who is familiar with the correct operating procedures is with your optic at all times, especially when children are present.