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In the spring of 2004, Celestron introduced a new NexStar GT model
employing
a 102mm short-tube refractor. The general description of
GT mount as found in The NexStar User's Guide applies equally to this scope.
The NexStar 102 is the big brother to the NexStar 80. Like the
NexStar 80, this scope is a short-tube achromatic refractor. The
focuser is a 2" variety and the scope comes with 2" to 1.25" adapter and
1.25" diagonal. The extremely wide field of view and added
light-gathering ability make this an excellent scope for exciting views of
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NexStar
102 GT at a Glance
Optical System: achromatic refractor
Approximate Street Price: $420 (includes tripod)
Aperture: 102mm
Focal Length: 500mm
Focal Ratio: f/5
Supplied Eyepieces: 10mm (50x)
25mm (20x)
Maximum Magnification: 200x
Maximum Field of View: 3.6°
5.7° with optional 2" diagonal/eyepieces
Magnitude Limit: 11.7
Resolution Limit: 1.4 arcsecond
Finder: 1x power red-dot
Objects in HC Database: 4,033
Weight (includes tripod): 14 lbs. (6.4 kg)
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open clusters, nebulae, galaxy groups and other wide-field treats.
For extremely wide views usually reserved for binoculars, use a 2"
diagonal and long focal length/ wide field 2" eyepiece.
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With a minus-violet filter and a Barlow
lens to pump up the magnification, the NexStar 102 will also provide
nice views of the planets and the Moon. Favorable passes of
Mars will easily show the darker surface features as well as the
polar caps. You will easily spot the Cassini Division on
Saturn and on nights of good seeing conditions a dark band on the
planet's disk will also be visible. Jupiter will display at
least 3 bands, the Great Red Spot and a bit of detail in the bands.
Incredible detail on the lunar surface will keep you coming back for
more. To provide the best views, I recommend the Baader
Fringe-Killer filter as described in this
review. |
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