- Computerized GoTo telescopes automatically locate and track objects - they remove the steepest part of the astronomy learning curve.
- For beginners who want to see as many objects as possible quickly, GoTo is a significant advantage.
- The tradeoff: GoTo scopes cost more and require a brief alignment step each session (2–3 bright stars, ~5 minutes).
- Best entry-level GoTo: Celestron NexStar 5SE or 6SE. Best budget GoTo: Celestron 114LCM.
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Computerized telescopes can be a fantastic option for beginners because of their ease of use and ability to track much more night sky objects than a beginner could find on their own. The thousands of celestial objects in their database and automatic alignment and tracking make observations more accurate for beginners.
Being a beginner astronomer can be overwhelming at first. There’s a steep learning curve.
Common questions include: What are the best telescopes for beginners? Should I buy computerized telescopes? Can XYZ budget work for me? How do I see specific night sky objects?
You can also end up spending more than necessary. Yet, you may have spent the money on equipment and tools that don’t get you the wanted results.
Because of these challenges, astronomy newbies are always looking for ways to flatten the learning curve. They may join astronomy forums or pay a premium for automated tools like computerized telescopes.
In this article, we examine if computerized telescopes are great for beginners and if you should buy one. We also discuss their advantages, potential drawbacks, and the main features of computerized telescopes.
What are computerized telescopes?
Computerized telescopes are telescopes that use computer technology to point and track objects in the night sky. These telescopes are equipped with motors and a computer control system that allow for automated location and tracking of celestial objects.
This makes it easier for amateur astronomers to observe the stars and planets.
They typically use GPS technology to accurately align themselves with the night sky, and many models come pre-loaded with a database of thousands of celestial objects. With a computerized telescope, all you have to do is select the object you want to observe, and the telescope will automatically point itself in the right direction.
Main features of computerized telescopes
A computerized telescope uses technology to find and “go to” celestial bodies. These telescopes have many features to this end.
Here are some of them:
Motorized mount
A mount allows you to move and point your telescope on different axes in the direction of the intended object. A computerized mount makes this process smoother, particularly after you’ve found the celestial body of interest.
The earth’s rotation means that at every point in time, you’ll have to continue adjusting your mount to keep the object at the center of your eyepiece. A computerized mount does this for you by automatically moving the telescope at the same speed as the celestial body.
So, you spend more time observing the objects rather than fiddling with your telescope every few minutes. This benefit is useful for astrophotography.
Read also: 10 Advantages of Computer-Controlled Mounts for Telescopes
Go-to technology
“Go-to” is the common term used to refer to computerized telescopes. The term envelopes all the technology that enables the telescope to automatically find and follow deep sky objects.
The fundamental features of this technology include a database of celestial objects, a motorized mount, and computerized control.
Star alignment procedures
Think of star alignment procedures as a way of providing your computerized telescope a space landmark. In this case, you’re giving your position relative to 2 to 3 named stars.
The telescope then uses this information to configure your position and map out where any planetary object will be relative to your position per time.
Database of celestial objects
Computerized telescopes come with an in-built database of celestial objects. Depending on the model, the database size can vary from a few thousand objects to tens of thousands of celestial bodies.
A computerized telescope may also come with the ability to receive updates on newer additions to the database.
The Celestron – NexStar 4SE Computerized Telescope has a database of over 40,000 celestial objects.
Tracking capabilities
Using the in-built database, you only need to choose which object you want to view, and the computerized telescope will automatically track the object for you.
Furthermore, it’ll continue to keep the night sky object at the center of your eyepiece as the object drifts. To illustrate, Saturn only stays within your eyepiece for about 5 seconds if you do not continue to track it.
User interface and control
A computerized telescope also comes with a user interface and control to choose objects in the database, complete star alignment, show what object you’re viewing, and for moving the telescope.
Wireless connectivity options
Some computerized telescopes also come equipped with WiFi capabilities. This feature allows you to control the telescope remotely, typically through an app.
If your computerized telescope does not come equipped with WiFi capabilities, you can purchase a compatible Wifi Module and pair it with the telescope. One example is the Celestron – SkyPortal WiFi Module.
Takeaway: Maximize your observing efficiency and do more in less time using a computerized telescope
There’s no denying that a computerized telescope offers tremendous benefits for a newbie astronomer or astrophotographer.
The bottom line is they cut out many manual tasks and give you more time for stargazing. You can make a quick cup of coffee while the telescope tracks and centers the next target.
If your schedule is tight, a computerized telescope is a perfect telescope to get more observations done in less time.
Read also:
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