25mm (40x) and 10mm (100x) 1.25-inch SMA eyepieces
114mm (4.5-inch) diameter Newtonian reflector
Adjustable aluminum tripod
Editorial Review:
Celestron likes to say, "the only simple thing about NexStar is its operation," and we have to agree. The sophisticated NexStar 114 GT is quite easy to assemble, even for a complete novice. Once you put the scope together and mount it on the sturdy aluminum tripod (also included), simply take the hand control with illuminated dual 16-character LCD display, and dial in the date, location, and position of north. Using its quiet, high-precision servo motor, the NexStar automatically aligns itself with the night sky.
Reflectors
This is a reflector telescope. Reflectors (also known as Newtonian reflectors or catoptrics) capture light with a mirror at the bottom of a tube, which sends the image to the eyepiece at the top of the tube. First-time telescope users sometimes have difficulty with the idea of looking through the side of a telescope, but the big draw for reflectors is that they are by far the cheapest to manufacture--and thus offer the best value--of all telescope types. They also generally have zero chromatic aberration.
Read more about different telescope designs in our buying guide
From there it is a breeze to select what you want to see using the computerized hand control, which features automatic slewing to over 4,000 celestial objects, as well as manual high-speed slewing and fine-centering at the touch of a button. Even a beginner can master this telescope within just a few observing sessions. Also provided: a Star Pointer finderscope designed to help you point the telescope while scanning the sky with both eyes, the Sky Level I CD-ROM with a database of 10,000 celestial objects, and a sturdy, adjustable aluminum tripod with an accessory tray.
Featuring a 114mm (4.5-inch) diameter Newtonian reflector with a focal length of 1,000mm (focal ratio of f/9), this telescope affords approximately 265 times the light-gathering power of the naked eye. And, with the two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) included here, it offers maximum magnifications of 40x and 100x, making it capable of revealing fine detail within galaxies and nebulae. The NexStar 114 Newtonian reflector has 265 times the light gathering power of the average human eye, revealing fine detail within galaxies and nebulae. This compact design brings objects into view with a 114mm aperture, 1000mm focal length capable of achieving magnifications of 40x and 100x with the included eyepieces.
Its large 4.5" diameter outshines smaller scopes. Polar caps on Mars become visible along with the cloud belts on Jupiter. The rings of Saturn are also clearly visible. Perhaps most exciting is the sheer variety of deep sky objects (stars, clusters, nebulae). Because of their optical design, reflectors are best suited for astronomical use.
Specifications summarized:
114mm (4.5") diameter Newtonian Reflector
Focal Length of 1000mm
Focal Ratio of f/9
Weight: 15.5 Lbs.
Standard accessories for the NexStar 114 GT:
25mm (40x) and 10mm (100x) 1.25" SMA Eyepieces
Star Pointer Finderscope
The Sky Level I CD-ROM
Sturdy, Adjustable Aluminum Tripod with Accessory Tray
GT models come with the complete Go-To computer hand control
Moon viewing 101 The moon is often one of the first celestial objects a beginner will look at through his or her telescope. Here are a couple hints for you once you get your hands on your new NexStar 114.
Often, it is tempting to look at the Moon when it is full. At this time, the face we see is fully illuminated and its light can be overpowering. In addition, little or no contrast can be seen during this phase. One of the best times to observe the Moon is during its partial phases (around the time of first or third quarter). Long shadows reveal a great amount of detail on the lunar surface. At low power you will be able to see most of the lunar disk at one time. The optional Reducer/Corrector lens allows for breath-taking views of the entire lunar disk when used with a low power eyepiece. Change to higher power (magnification) to focus in on a smaller area. Choose the lunar tracking rate from the NexStar's MENU tracking rate options to keep the moon centered in the eyepiece even at high magnifications.
Observing the Planets Other fascinating targets include the five naked-eye planets. You can see Venus go through its lunar-like phases. Mars can reveal a host of surface detail and one, if not both, of its polar caps. You will be able to see the cloud belts of Jupiter and the great Red Spot (if it is visible at the time you are observing). In addition, you will also be able to see the moons of Jupiter as they orbit the giant planet. Saturn, with its beautiful rings, is easily visible at moderate power. Remember that atmospheric conditions are usually the limiting factor on how much planetary detail will be visible. So avoid observing the planets when they are low on the horizon or when they are directly over a source of radiating heat, such as a rooftop or chimney.
The Nuts and Bolts of the NexStar 114 GT
Lens Cover
Optical Tube
Fork Arm
Tripod
Accessory Tray w/ hand control holder
Hand Control
Collimation Adjustment Knobs
Tube Ring
Eyepiece
Star Pointer Finderscope
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Great Scope I have been an amateur astronomer for 30 years - my first scope being a Criterion RV6. I bought this scope two years ago mainly due to the GoTo tracking and the Celestron name. Despite knowing the location of a few hundred objects, this telescope has opened the sky for me. I take it camping and throw it in the car whenever I think I might find clear dark skies. The hand controller is packed with information about each of the objects in its inventory. The info scrolls across the LCD once the object is... more info
Nexstar 114GT I have owned this telescope for a few years now. It is very nice and probably the most used between all the telescopes I own. At 114mm it is just the right size for ease of use and yet still collects enough starlight to go quite far into deep sky objects. The Go-to feature is very nice however can probably be difficult to use for first time users. It will take some getting used to... aligning the scope, setting it level.. etc etc. When using the scope I actually usually prefer to just control it manually, I... more info
A Nice telescope for a beginner I bought this telescope about 2 or 3 years ago. I am not disappointed with it. For a decent price, you get a 4.5 inch reflector telescope with 2 eyepieces(10 mm for 100x and 25mm for 40x)and the nexstar tracking system. Set up was easy, and the optics were good. I have seen other reviews say that you can get a 6 or 8 inch dobsonian for the price of this. While this is true, I needed the tracking system, because I live in a light polluted area where "star hopping" just isn't going to work. The tripod is... more info
Good and affordable motorized telescope! I bought the Nestar 114GT as my first telescope and I'm really having a great time!
Affordable for a motorized telescope and pretty powerful.
Easy to set up, light, easy to transport.
You can easily spot all the planets, even Pluto!!(.. if the sky is clear and your eyes are good), for the rings... well, that's different...you'll need a more powerful scope.
The cons:
- the manual: even if the scope is easy to set up and it's kind of "self-explanatory", I noticed that the manual... more info
Related
Sections
The moon is often one of the first celestial objects a beginner will look at through his or her telescope. Here are a couple hints for you once you get your hands on your new NexStar 114.
Other fascinating targets include the five naked-eye planets. You can see Venus go through its lunar-like phases. Mars can reveal a host of surface detail and one, if not both, of its polar caps. You will be able to see the cloud belts of Jupiter and the great Red Spot (if it is visible at the time you are observing). In addition, you will also be able to see the moons of Jupiter as they orbit the giant planet. Saturn, with its beautiful rings, is easily visible at moderate power. Remember that atmospheric conditions are usually the limiting factor on how much planetary detail will be visible. So avoid observing the planets when they are low on the horizon or when they are directly over a source of radiating heat, such as a rooftop or chimney.
