Celestron Astro Fi 102 Wireless Review: Best WiFi Telescope for Beginners in 2025
Accessory tray holds 2 x 1.25inch eyepieces, miscellaneous accessories, including a rubber-lined area for a smart phone or small tabletSee On Amazon
If you're a beginner fascinated by the night sky, the Celestron Astro Fi 102 Wireless Telescope might be your perfect stargazing companion. This smart telescope is designed for modern users who want a powerful tool without the hassle of complicated setups. Whether you're hoping to see the Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s moons, or Saturn’s rings, this telescope offers impressive clarity and wireless control via your smartphone. It's especially ideal for tech-savvy amateurs, parents introducing astronomy to kids, or anyone looking to start a new hobby with minimal frustration.
Why Choose the Celestron Astro Fi 102?
Wireless App Control via WiFi
Forget manuals and knobs—this telescope pairs directly with your smartphone or tablet using the Celestron SkyPortal App , allowing you to align, point, and explore the stars without touching the telescope. It's like GPS for the universe.
Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics
With its 102mm aperture and 1325mm focal length, this scope delivers high-contrast, sharp images. The design is compact yet powerful, perfect for viewing planets, double stars, and deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula or the Andromeda Galaxy.
Computerized Mount & GoTo Technology
The fully motorized mount automatically locates and tracks over 120,000 celestial objects—a huge advantage for beginners who might not know where to start.
Easy to Transport & Set Up
Weighing under 15 lbs and coming with a sturdy tripod, it’s portable enough for spontaneous stargazing trips.
Budget-Friendly High-Tech
Compared to more expensive GoTo scopes, the Astro Fi 102 provides an incredible balance of price and features, especially for those who want wireless control without investing in a full observatory-grade setup.
✨ 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 video starts with a composite image of the Crab Nebula, a supernova remnant that 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. The video dissolves to the red-colored radio-light view that shows how a neutron star’s fierce “wind” of charged particles from the central neutron star energized the nebula, causing it to emit the radio waves. The yellow-colored infrared image includes the glow of dust particles absorbing ultraviolet and visible light. The green-colored Hubble visible-light image offers a very sharp view of hot filamentary structures that permeate this nebula. The blue-colored ultraviolet image and the purple-colored X-ray image shows the effect of an energetic cloud of electrons driven by a rapidly rotating neutron star at the center of the nebula. Read more: go.nasa.gov/2r0s8VC Credits: NASA, ESA, J. DePasquale (STScI)
Asteroid Caught Marching Across Tadpole Nebula
A new infrared image from NASA Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, showcases the Tadpole nebula, and asteroids that just happened to be cruising by.
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
NGC 7293, the Helix Nebula
NGC 7293, better known as the Helix nebula, displays its ultraviolet glow courtesy of NASA GALEX. The Helix is the nearest example of a planetary nebula, which is the eventual fate of a star, like our own Sun, as it approaches the end of its life.
Hubble reveals the Ring Nebula’s true shape
Caption: In this composite image, visible-light observations by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope are combined with infrared data from the ground-based Large Binocular Telescope in Arizona to assemble a dramatic view of the well-known Ring Nebula. Credit: NASA, ESA, C.R. Robert O’Dell (Vanderbilt University), G.J. Ferland (University of Kentucky), W.J. Henney and M. Peimbert (National Autonomous University of Mexico) Credit for Large Binocular Telescope data: David Thompson (University of Arizona) ---- The Ring Nebula's distinctive shape makes it a popular illustration for astronomy books. But new observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope of the glowing gas shroud around an old, dying, sun-like star reveal a new twist. "The nebula is not like a bagel, but rather, it's like a jelly doughnut, because it's filled with material in the middle," said C. Robert O'Dell of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. He leads a research team that used Hubble and several ground-based telescopes to obtain the best view yet of the iconic nebula. The images show a more complex structure than astronomers once thought and have allowed them to construct the most precise 3-D model of the nebula. "With Hubble's detail, we see a completely different shape than what's been thought about historically for this classic nebula," O'Dell said. "The new Hubble observations show the nebula in much clearer detail, and we see things are not as simple as we previously thought." The Ring Nebula is about 2,000 light-years from Earth and measures roughly 1 light-year across. Located in the constellation Lyra, the nebula is a popular target for amateur astronomers. Read more: 1.usa.gov/14VAOMkNASA 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
All Pillars Point to Eta
These false-color image taken by NASA Spitzer Space Telescope shows the South Pillar region of the star-forming region called the Carina Nebula.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Beginner WiFi Telescope
When choosing your first WiFi-enabled telescope, several key features can make a big difference in your stargazing experience. Optical design is a major consideration—Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes like the Astro Fi 102 are excellent for beginners thanks to their compact build and long focal length, offering sharp views of the Moon and planets without requiring a bulky tube.
Mount type is another important factor. A GoTo computerized mount can automatically locate and track celestial objects, saving you time and making the learning curve much easier and more enjoyable—especially if you're unfamiliar with the night sky.
Portability matters, too. If you plan to take your telescope to different locations, choose a model that weighs under 20 lbs and comes with a stable, well-built tripod. This makes setup and transport hassle-free.
Modern users should also look for wireless features. App-based control via your smartphone or tablet makes observing much more intuitive. You’ll appreciate being able to align and navigate the telescope without ever touching it.
Lastly, consider the price range. A budget between $400 and $600 is ideal for entry-level telescopes that offer both WiFi connectivity and tracking functionality without compromising quality.
Ready to Start Your Stargazing Adventure?
If you're looking for a beginner-friendly, WiFi telescope that combines power, portability, and smart features, the Celestron Astro Fi 102 Wireless is a top-tier choice. With app-based control, sharp optics, and no-fuss setup, it's perfect for families, tech lovers, and anyone excited to explore the night sky.
Is the Celestron Astro Fi 102 good for beginners?Yes, it's an excellent choice for beginners due to its user-friendly SkyPortal app, automated mount, and hassle-free alignment process.
Can I control the telescope with my smartphone?Yes, it uses built-in WiFi to connect with the Celestron SkyPortal app for full wireless control.
What celestial objects can I see with the Astro Fi 102?You can observe the Moon’s surface, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, Venus phases, and bright deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
Does it come with eyepieces?Yes, it includes two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) for different magnification levels.
Is the telescope portable?Yes, the compact design and included tripod make it highly portable.
Does it require internet to use the app?No internet is needed. The telescope generates its own WiFi network to connect with your phone.
Can I use it during the day?With the right solar filter, it can be used to observe the Sun. Otherwise, it is best suited for night sky observations.
Is it compatible with astrophotography?Yes, it can handle basic smartphone astrophotography, especially for the Moon and bright planets.
How long does setup take?Most users can set up and align the scope in 10–15 minutes using the app.
Does it work in light-polluted cities?Yes, it still provides good views of the Moon, planets, and bright stars even under moderate light pollution.