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're curious about exploring the night sky without dealing with complicated manual adjustments, the Celestron Astro Fi 102-Astro is an excellent choice. This smart telescope brings celestial observation to your fingertips—literally. Using your smartphone or tablet as a controller, you can effortlessly locate and track celestial bodies.
Whether you're interested in viewing the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, or Jupiter’s Galilean moons, this 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope delivers sharp images while keeping setup and navigation stress-free. It’s perfect for beginners, families, and even experienced users looking for a portable, app-controlled telescope.
✨ James Webb Nebula Gallery
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.
Weighing in on the Dumbbell Nebula
The Dumbbell nebula, also known as Messier 27, pumps out infrared light in this image from NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. Planetary nebulae are now known to be the remains of stars that once looked a lot like our sun.
The Twin Jet Nebula
The Twin Jet Nebula, or PN M2-9, is a striking example of a bipolar planetary nebula. Bipolar planetary nebulae are formed when the central object is not a single star, but a binary system, Studies have shown that the nebula’s size increases with time, and measurements of this rate of increase suggest that the stellar outburst that formed the lobes occurred just 1200 years ago.
Planetary Nebula
This planetary nebula's simple, graceful appearance is thought to be due to perspective: our view from Earth looking straight into what is actually a barrel-shaped cloud of gas shrugged off by a dying central star. Hot blue gas near the energizing central star gives way to progressively cooler green and yellow gas at greater distances with the coolest red gas along the outer boundary. Credit: NASA/Hubble Heritage Team ---- 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
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.
Trifid Nebula
Atlas Image mosaic, covering 14.8 x 20.0 on the sky, of the Trifid Nebula, aka Messier 20 and NGC 6514. The Trifid is only about 1.5 degrees northwest on the sky of the larger Lagoon Nebula Messier 8 in the constellation Sagittarius
Product Features & Buying Considerations
📱 Wireless Control with Celestron SkyPortal App
The standout feature of the Astro Fi 102-Astro is its WiFi capability. Forget manual knobs—simply use your device to align, navigate, and observe your favorite objects. This makes it ideal for those who want to enjoy astronomy without a steep learning curve.
🔭 Optical Performance: 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain
This telescope offers a 1325mm focal length with a 102mm aperture, providing clear views of the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects. The Maksutov-Cassegrain design ensures compact size without sacrificing clarity.
🧠 Computerized Alt-Azimuth Mount
It comes with a fully automated mount that aligns itself using GPS and star pattern recognition. Once aligned, it can automatically track over 120,000 celestial objects.
💼 Portable and Tool-Free Assembly
Weighing around 10 lbs, this telescope is easily transportable. It assembles in minutes and doesn’t require tools—perfect for impromptu stargazing trips or camping.
💰 Price Point
Typically priced under $500, the Astro Fi 102-Astro balances performance with affordability. It’s less expensive than many high-end GoTo models but offers similar smart functionality.
Who Should Buy the Astro Fi 102-Astro?
📱 Tech-savvy beginners who want app-based control
👨👩👧👦 Families looking for an educational activity
🌕 Lunar and planetary observers
🚙 Campers and travelers needing a compact telescope
🎁 Gift-givers searching for a wow-factor astronomy tool
What can I see with the Celestron Astro Fi 102-Astro?You can view the Moon in detail, Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, Venus phases, star clusters, and some brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula.
Is the Astro Fi 102-Astro suitable for beginners?Yes, it is specifically designed for beginners with its app-controlled system and automated tracking.
Does the telescope come with eyepieces?Yes, it typically includes two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm), a smartphone holder, and a red dot finder.
Do I need internet access to use the SkyPortal app?No, the telescope creates its own WiFi network. You don’t need an external internet connection.
What power source does it use?The Astro Fi 102-Astro uses 8 AA batteries or an optional external power tank.
Can I attach a camera for astrophotography?Yes, though it's best suited for lunar and planetary imaging. You'll need a T-ring and adapter.
Is this telescope portable?Yes, it’s compact and light enough to take on trips or use in your backyard.
Does it work with Android and iOS?Yes, the Celestron SkyPortal app is compatible with both platforms.