The Celestron CGEM-II 925 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopeis a 235 mm (9.25-inch) aperture Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (SCT) with a Computerized German Equatorial Mount-II (CGEM-II) on a sturdy Tripod.
Celestron 925 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope:
This 234.95 mm (9.25-inch) aperture Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope is capable of gathering 1127x more light than the human eye, its precise f/10 optics offer up an incredible 0.49 arc seconds of resolution spread out over a 0.53 degrees angular field of view. With a limiting magnitude factor of 14 and a practical magnification limit of 555x, we're talking about a telescope able to deliver remarkable planetary and lunar views. When sky permits, you can expect to see details like delicate divisions in Saturn's ring structure, details on Mars, and follow Jupiter events like shadow transits and Great Red Spot appearances with ease. Star clusters will transform into well-resolved facets, galaxies will take on some structure and difficult double stars will yield their companions. With a low-end magnification limit of 34x, just add a wide field eyepiece, or open both eyes wide with Celestron Stereo Binocular Viewers and enjoy panoramic vistas of extended nebulae and sweep the heavens for every last photon!
The Celestron CGEM-ii Mount:
What sets the 9.25-inch Celestron CGEM-II apart from competitor models is simplicity and durability. The CGEM-II series telescopes were designed to be ergonomically friendly with large Altitude and Azimuth adjustment knobs for quick and easy procedures and adjustments. The intuitive All-Star system allows users to choose any bright star from the NexStar hand control, while the software calculates and assists with polar alignment. Then, just kick back and enjoy. The CGEM-II-925 database will provide over 40,000 objects, 100 user defined programmable objects and enhanced information on over 200 objects for your celestial viewing pleasure.
But it's more than just the "GoTo" functions which will make the Celestron CGEM-II-925 SCT one of the most worthy optical investments you'll ever consider... It is the design qualities which make this telescope last that count. Unlike less expensive models, the Celestron CGEM-II Schmidt-Cassegrain mechanism that moves the primary mirror to adjust focus is supported by two pre-loaded ball bearings, minimizing the "mirror flop" typical of bushing focus mechanisms. There's nothing to get dragged or snagged during set-up or transportation because the RA and Dec motor wiring is all internal. The drive incorporates a low cog DC Servo motor with integrated optical encoders which ensure smooth, quiet operation and long life... the motor armatures are skewed to minimize cogging which is required for low-speed tracking. Precision machined 40 mm diameter steel polar shafts are supported by multiple tapered roller bearings and ball bearings while the mount utilizes a steel worm gear and 90 mm pitch diameter brass worm wheel. Even a secure power plug is employed, so the mount's 12V DC 1.5 Amp power source can't be accidentally disconnected. The Celestron CGEM-II-925 comes equipped with a car battery adapter, but you'll find this telescope so fascinating you might just want to add an AC adapter or Celestron Power Tank, too! Furthermore, the dual plate design allows you to choose between the CGE-Pro or CG-5 style dovetails, meaning that you can freely utilize a much wider range of scopes and accessories in conjunction with this mount!
Not only will it track well past the meridian for uninterrupted imaging through the most ideal part of the sky, but the Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) will allow users to train out the worm gears periodic errors, while the mount retains the PEC recordings. Autoguide port and auxiliary ports are conveniently located on the electronic plate for long exposure astrophotography and include a designated six-pin RJ-12 modular jack and ST-4 compatible guide port. You'll find an RS-232 communication port on hand control to control the telescope via a personal computer and NexRemote telescope control software, for advanced control. Software features include; mount calibration, database filter limits, hibernate, five alignment procedures, and user-defined slew limits. What's even better is that it's all flash upgradeable. Just connect to the Internet to update your hand control software and motor control units. Get the most out of the versatile Celestron CGEM-II by simply adding a Celestron NexImage Solar System Imager to the CGEM-II-925 or even just adapting a digital camera, and don't forget the optional Celestron SkySync GPS accessory!
CGEM-II 925 Performance:
The Celestron CGEM-II 925 carries on the Celestron tradition of performance, durability, and value. Major colleges and universities worldwide use Celestron telescopes in their astronomy programs and the Celestron telescope line has been chosen over all competing models by NASA to be taken on several Space Shuttle research missions. Why not add a Celestron SkyScout to the fun? Celebrate Astronomy Education with OPT and bring that kind of quality home to your backyard tonight...
