Mobile / Smartphones
Instruction Manual for Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Telescope
Learn how to set up and use your Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ telescope with the StarSense Explorer app for easy night sky navigation.
Table of contents
Manual images
Jump to the sectionGetting Started with StarSense Explorer
The StarSense Explorer system allows you to easily locate celestial objects using your smartphone and the StarSense Explorer app. It is recommended to perform the initial setup and alignment during daylight hours to become familiar with the process.
Aligning Your Phone
Before observing, you must align your phone's camera with the telescope's view:
- Insert the low-powered eyepiece into the telescope.
- Place your phone into the StarSense Dock.
- Center your phone over the dock's mirror by adjusting the knobs at the bottom of the bracket until the camera view is clear and unobstructed.
- Point the telescope at a distant object (at least a quarter-mile away), such as a streetlight, stop sign, car license plate, or tree top.
- Center the object in the telescope's eyepiece.
- In the app, slide the camera view until the same object is centered in the crosshairs.
Using the StarSense Explorer App
Once aligned, you can begin navigating the night sky:
- Tap the StarSense icon to ensure the telescope is aligned.
- Select a celestial object from the planetarium view or tap the Star icon to see a list of the best objects for the night.
- The app will display arrows to guide you. Use the telescope's slow-motion controls to move the telescope in the direction of the arrows.
- As you approach the target, pause for a few seconds to allow the telescope to sense the stars.
- When the bullseye turns yellow, continue following the arrows. When it turns green, the object is successfully located and ready for viewing through the eyepiece.
Manufacturer information
Celestron
Practical help
Common problems
Bullseye remains yellow
The telescope has detected stars but is not yet centered on the target. Continue following the arrows to move closer to the object.
Phone removed from dock
If you remove your phone from the dock after alignment, you should perform the alignment process again to ensure accuracy.
Before use
- Set up the telescope according to the Quick Setup Guide.
- Insert the low-powered eyepiece.
- Ensure the phone is securely placed in the StarSense Dock.
- Choose a distant object (at least 400m/quarter-mile away) for alignment.
- Wait for the sky to be dark enough for stars to be visible.
Images and diagrams
- Steps 1-3: Inserting the eyepiece, placing the phone in the dock, and centering the camera view.
- Steps 4-6: Aligning the phone view with the telescope view using a distant object.
- Steps 1-9 (App): Selecting objects, following directional arrows, and confirming target acquisition via the bullseye color indicator.
Model compatibility
- Requires the StarSense Explorer app.
- Best practiced during daylight hours.
Manual page author
David Miller
Documentation analyst
Organizes user manual content into clear summaries, with attention to model details, product context, and everyday usability.