If you’ve just dipped your toes into amateur astronomy, chances are you’ve heard about GoTo telescopes. These high-tech instruments use motors and onboard computers to automatically point the telescope at stars, planets, galaxies, and more.
For beginners, the appeal is obvious: instead of memorizing star charts or manually hunting for faint objects, a GoTo telescope does the hard work for you.
✨ James Webb Nebula Gallery
Observatories Combine to Crack Open the Crab Nebula
Astronomers have produced a highly detailed image of the Crab Nebula, by combining data from telescopes spanning nearly the entire breadth of the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves seen by the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) to the powerful X-ray glow as seen by the orbiting Chandra X-ray Observatory. And, in between that range of wavelengths, the Hubble Space Telescope's crisp visible-light view, and the infrared perspective of the Spitzer Space Telescope. This composite image of the Crab Nebula, a supernova remnant, was assembled by combining data from five telescopes spanning nearly the entire breadth of the electromagnetic spectrum: the Very Large Array, the Spitzer Space Telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope, the XMM-Newton Observatory, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Credits: NASA, ESA, NRAO/AUI/NSF and G. Dubner (University of Buenos Aires) #nasagoddard #space #science
NASA's Hubble Captures the Beating Heart of the Crab Nebula
Peering deep into the core of the Crab Nebula, this close-up image reveals the beating heart of one of the most historic and intensively studied remnants of a supernova, an exploding star. The inner region sends out clock-like pulses of radiation and tsunamis of charged particles embedded in magnetic fields. The neutron star at the very center of the Crab Nebula has about the same mass as the sun but compressed into an incredibly dense sphere that is only a few miles across. Spinning 30 times a second, the neutron star shoots out detectable beams of energy that make it look like it's pulsating. The NASA Hubble Space Telescope snapshot is centered on the region around the neutron star (the rightmost of the two bright stars near the center of this image) and the expanding, tattered, filamentary debris surrounding it. Hubble's sharp view captures the intricate details of glowing gas, shown in red, that forms a swirling medley of cavities and filaments. Inside this shell is a ghostly blue glow that is radiation given off by electrons spiraling at nearly the speed of light in the powerful magnetic field around the crushed stellar core. The neutron star is a showcase for extreme physical processes and unimaginable cosmic violence. Bright wisps are moving outward from the neutron star at half the speed of light to form an expanding ring. It is thought that these wisps originate from a shock wave that turns the high-speed wind from the neutron star into extremely energetic particles. When this "heartbeat" radiation signature was first discovered in 1968, astronomers realized they had discovered a new type of astronomical object. Now astronomers know it's the archetype of a class of supernova remnants called pulsars - or rapidly spinning neutron stars. These interstellar "lighthouse beacons" are invaluable for doing observational experiments on a variety of astronomical phenomena, including measuring gravity waves. Observations of the Crab supernova were recorded by Chinese astronomers in 1054 A.D. The nebula, bright enough to be visible in amateur telescopes, is located 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus. Credits: NASA and ESA, Acknowledgment: J. Hester (ASU) and M. Weisskopf (NASA/MSFC) NASA image use policy.NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on TwitterLike us on FacebookFind us on Instagram
Hubble sniffs out a brilliant star death in a “rotten egg” nebula
The Calabash Nebula, pictured here — which has the technical name OH 231.8+04.2 — is a spectacular example of the death of a low-mass star like the sun. This image taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope shows the star going through a rapid transformation from a red giant to a planetary nebula, during which it blows its outer layers of gas and dust out into the surrounding space. The recently ejected material is spat out in opposite directions with immense speed — the gas shown in yellow is moving close to one million kilometers per hour (621,371 miles per hour). Astronomers rarely capture a star in this phase of its evolution because it occurs within the blink of an eye — in astronomical terms. Over the next thousand years the nebula is expected to evolve into a fully-fledged planetary nebula. The nebula is also known as the Rotten Egg Nebula because it contains a lot of sulphur, an element that, when combined with other elements, smells like a rotten egg — but luckily, it resides over 5,000 light-years away in the constellation of Puppis. Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, Acknowledgement: Judy Schmidt NASA image use policy.NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on TwitterLike us on FacebookFind us on Instagram
Spitzer Celebrates Fourth Anniversary with Celestial Fireworks
A newly expanded image of the Helix nebula lends a festive touch to the fourth anniversary of the launch of NASA Spitzer Space Telescope
Hubble View of a Nitrogen-Rich Nebula
This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image shows a planetary nebula named NGC 6153, located about 4,000 light-years away in the southern constellation of Scorpius (The Scorpion). The faint blue haze across the frame shows what remains of a star like the sun after it has depleted most of its fuel. When this happens, the outer layers of the star are ejected, and get excited and ionized by the energetic ultraviolet light emitted by the bright hot core of the star, forming the nebula. NGC 6153 is a planetary nebula that is elliptical in shape, with an extremely rich network of loops and filaments, shown clearly in this Hubble image. However, this is not what makes this planetary nebula so interesting for astronomers. Measurements show that NGC 6153 contains large amounts of neon, argon, oxygen, carbon and chlorine — up to three times more than can be found in the solar system. The nebula contains a whopping five times more nitrogen than our sun! Although it may be that the star developed higher levels of these elements as it grew and evolved, it is more likely that the star originally formed from a cloud of material that already contained a lot more of these elements. Text credit: European Space Agency Image credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, Acknowledgement: Matej Novak NASA image use policy.NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on TwitterLike us on FacebookFind us on Instagram
Chasing Chickens in the Lambda Centauri Nebula
This infrared image from NASA Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer shows the Lambda Centauri nebula, a star-forming cloud in our Milky Way galaxy, also known as the Running Chicken nebula.
But here comes the big question: Are GoTo telescopes really worth it for beginners, or should you stick with a traditional manual telescope? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best beginner-friendly GoTo telescopes available in 2025, how they differ, and how to decide if one is right for your stargazing journey.
The NexStar 4SE is one of the most iconic beginner GoTo telescopes for a reason. With a 4-inch (102mm) Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube, it delivers crisp views of the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects—while staying portable enough for city dwellers with limited space.
Mount Type: Single-arm alt-az GoTo
SkyAlign Technology: Aligns with just 3 stars
Weight: ~20 lbs fully assembled
Pros: Extremely compact, high contrast optics, sturdy tripod
Cons: Narrow field of view, limited for deep-sky faint objects
This refractor-style GoTo telescope is great for those who want to enjoy open clusters, star fields, and lunar viewing on a budget. It connects wirelessly via SynScan app , eliminating the need for a handheld controller.
Aperture: 102mm
Mount: AZ-GTe GoTo alt-az
Control: Smartphone/tablet (Wi-Fi)
Pros: Lightweight, fast setup, wide views
Cons: Less ideal for planets due to chromatic aberration
3. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ – GoTo Without the Motors
Technically not a GoTo in the traditional motorized sense, the StarSense Explorer uses your smartphone to guide you—like GPS for the stars. It’s a fantastic middle ground for beginners who don’t want the complexity of full GoTo mounts.
Type: Newtonian reflector, 130mm
Tech: StarSense app navigation
Pros: Cheaper than motorized GoTo, intuitive app interface
Cons: You still move the scope manually
4. Orion StarSeeker IV 130mm GoTo Reflector – Ideal for Deep Sky and Planetary
If your interest leans toward a balance of wide-field and planetary detail, this model’s larger aperture (5.1 inches) and motorized GoTo mount give you the flexibility to explore it all.
Aperture: 130mm
Focal Length: 650mm (f/5)
Control: Hand controller or smartphone
Pros: Generous light gathering, deep-sky capable
Cons: Slightly heavier setup
Is a GoTo Telescope Right for You?
If you’re just getting started and want to explore the night sky without the frustration of manual tracking, a GoTo telescope is absolutely worth considering. Whether it’s the compact NexStar 4SE or the app-guided StarSense Explorer, today’s GoTo options cater to all learning styles and budgets. 🛒 Explore our curated list of beginner-friendly GoTo telescopes now – and start your celestial journey the easy way!
GoTo Telescope Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy
🧠 1. Consider Your Learning Curve
GoTo mounts can make astronomy easier, but they do come with a bit of a tech learning curve—especially during alignment. Look for telescopes with SkyAlign or StarSense technology if you want hassle-free setup.
💰 2. Budget: Under $1000 is Realistic
A good GoTo scope for beginners typically ranges from $400–$900 USD. Spending more doesn’t always mean better—focus on optics + ease of use over fancy bells and whistles.
🧳 3. Portability Matters
If you live in the city and need to drive to darker skies, look for telescopes that are under 25 lbs fully assembled, and come with easy storage features.
4. Power Supply
Motorized mounts need juice—some run on AA batteries, others on external power tanks. Consider this if you plan to stargaze for long hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are GoTo telescopes good for beginners?Yes, GoTo telescopes help beginners find celestial objects faster without needing extensive star chart knowledge. However, they require some initial learning to align and operate correctly.
What is the main difference between GoTo and manual telescopes?GoTo telescopes use motors and a computer to automatically point at objects in the sky. Manual telescopes require the user to locate objects using finder scopes or star charts.
Do GoTo telescopes require Wi-Fi?Not all GoTo telescopes require Wi-Fi. Some use handheld controllers, while others connect via smartphone apps. Models like the Sky-Watcher AZ-GTe use Wi-Fi for control.
Can you use a GoTo telescope without power?No, most GoTo telescopes require power—either from batteries or external sources—to operate the motors and computer. Without power, they can't track or align.
Is the Celestron NexStar series beginner-friendly?Yes, especially models like the NexStar 4SE and 5SE. They feature user-friendly SkyAlign technology and are widely recommended for first-time users.