Introduction: Why Choose the Celestron Astro Fi 102?
Product Dimensions : 34inch D x 30inch W x 50inch H Objective Lens Diameter : 102 Millimeters Power Source : Adapter Optical Tube Length : 381 Millimeters
Control your telescope via integrated WiFi using the free Celestron Sky Portal app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devicesSee On Amazon
If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wished for a closer look at the craters of the Moon, the rings of Saturn, or the Galilean moons of Jupiter, the Celestron Astro Fi 102 might be the perfect starting point. Designed for amateur astronomers and tech-savvy beginners, this smart telescope combines user-friendly features with reliable optics to open up the universe to anyone with a smartphone.
The Celestron Astro Fi 102 is a 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope equipped with a fully computerized mount. It’s ideal for backyard stargazing, casual astrophotography, and educational purposes. Whether you’re a parent introducing astronomy to a curious child, a student passionate about science, or a complete beginner seeking a hands-free stargazing experience—this telescope is made with you in mind.
✨ James Webb Nebula Gallery
History of Hubble Space Telescope (HST)
Some 5,000 light years (2,900 trillion miles) from Earth, in the constellation Puppis, is the 1.4 light years (more than 8 trillion miles) long Calabash Nebula, referred to as the Rotten Egg Nebula because of its sulfur content which would produce an awful odor if one could smell in space. This image of the nebula captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope (HST) depicts violent gas collisions that produced supersonic shock fronts in a dying star. Stars, like our sun, will eventually die and expel most of their material outward into shells of gas and dust These shells eventually form some of the most beautiful objects in the universe, called planetary nebulae. The yellow in the image depicts the material ejected from the central star zooming away at speeds up to one and a half million kilometers per hour (one million miles per hour). Due to the high speeds of the gas, shock-fronts are formed on impact and heat the surrounding gas. Although computer calculations have predicted the existence and structure of such shocks for some time, previous observations have not been able to prove the theory.
Ring Beholds a Delicate Flower
NASA Spitzer Space Telescope finds a delicate flower in the Ring Nebula, as shown in this image. The outer shell of this planetary nebula looks surprisingly similar to the delicate petals of a camellia blossom.
CTIO Image of Carina Nebula
NASA image release April 22, 2010 Object Names: Carina Nebula, NGC 3372 Image Type: Astronomical Credit: NASA/N. Smith (University of California, Berkeley) and NOAO/AURA/NSF To read learn more about this image go to: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/science/hubble20th-img....NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is home to the nation's largest organization of combined scientists, engineers and technologists that build spacecraft, instruments and new technology to study the Earth, the sun, our solar system, and the universe.
Close-up of M27, the Dumbbell Nebula
An aging star last hurrah creates a flurry of glowing knots of gas that appear to be streaking through space. This closeup image of the Dumbbell Nebula was taken by the JPL-built and designed WFC3 camera, onboard NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04249
Hubble Finds an Hourglass Nebula around a Dying Star
This Hubble telescope snapshot of MyCn18, a young planetary nebula, reveals that the object has an hourglass shape with an intricate pattern of etchings in its walls. A planetary nebula is the glowing relic of a dying, Sun-like star.
ARC-2010-ACD10-0054-007
Nebula Containerized Server at the NASA Ames Research Center.
Product Features: What Makes the Astro Fi 102 Special?
Here are the key things to consider when choosing a beginner-friendly telescope like the Celestron Astro Fi 102:
Optical Design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
The Astro Fi 102 uses a Maksutov-Cassegrain design, which delivers sharp, high-contrast images in a compact form. With a focal length of 1325mm and focal ratio of f/13, it's great for observing:
The Moon in high detail
The rings of Saturn
Jupiter’s cloud bands and moons
Bright deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula or the Pleiades
Smartphone-Controlled Mount (No Hand Controller Needed)
No need to fumble with knobs or memorize star charts—the Astro Fi 102 can be controlled via the free SkyPortal app on your iOS or Android device. Simply connect via Wi-Fi (no internet required), and tap to align and point to any object in the sky.
SkyAlign Technology for Easy Setup
Worried about aligning your telescope? The SkyAlign system makes setup effortless. Just point to any three bright objects, and the telescope automatically determines its position. Even if you don't know what you’re looking at, the telescope will know.
Mount and Tripod: Stability and Portability
It comes with a sturdy, steel tripod and single-arm motorized mount, which are compact enough for travel but strong enough to reduce vibrations during use.
Budget Considerations
Priced in the mid-range category, the Astro Fi 102 offers a great value for features like wireless control, computerized tracking, and premium optics. It’s more affordable than many GoTo telescopes in its class, especially considering its portability and performance.
Should You Buy the Celestron Astro Fi 102?
If you're a beginner looking for a smart, compact, and easy-to-use telescope, the Celestron Astro Fi 102 is an excellent choice. With its wireless controls, hassle-free alignment, and reliable optics, it removes the frustration often associated with starting astronomy as a hobby.
Whether you're observing the Moon, tracking Saturn’s rings, or hosting a family star party, this telescope brings the cosmos to your fingertips.
What can I see with the Celestron Astro Fi 102?You can view the Moon, Saturn's rings, Jupiter’s moons, star clusters, and some bright nebulae and galaxies.
Does the Astro Fi 102 require Wi-Fi internet?No, it creates its own local Wi-Fi network to connect with your device.
Is this telescope suitable for astrophotography?It’s good for basic smartphone astrophotography, such as capturing the Moon and planets. It's not ideal for deep-sky imaging.
Does it come with eyepieces?Yes, it usually includes two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) for different magnification levels.
Can kids use the Astro Fi 102?Yes, with adult supervision. Its app-based control is intuitive for tech-savvy children.
What’s the difference between Astro Fi 102 and 130?The 102 is a Maksutov-Cassegrain with longer focal length and compact size, while the 130 is a Newtonian reflector with a wider aperture for brighter images.
How heavy is the Astro Fi 102?Fully assembled, it weighs approximately 16 lbs (7.2 kg), making it fairly portable.
Can I track objects automatically?Yes. Once aligned, the telescope can automatically track celestial objects as they move across the sky.
