Celestron Origin Mk II Intelligent Home Observatory

Manufacturer's Website

Description

Introducing the Celestron Origin MK II Intelligent Home Observatory. Designed to capture breathtaking views of faint deep-sky objects, Origin delivers detailed, full-color images of galaxies and nebulae directly to your smartphone or tablet in seconds. The results often surpass what you would see through the eyepiece of a much larger traditional telescope under darker skies, making high-level astroimaging accessible from your own backyard.

At the heart of the system is Celestrons patented 6-inch Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) optical design. With a 152mm (5.98") aperture and an ultra-fast f/2.2 focal ratio, the telescope gathers 474 times more light than the human eye and produces exceptionally bright, sharp images with minimal exposure time. The 335mm focal length and StarBright XLT optical coatings ensure impressive clarity and contrast, while the integrated filter drawer accepts both 1.25" and 2" astroimaging filters for expanded creative control. A central obstruction of 63mm (41% of aperture diameter) and a resolution of 1.48 arcseconds per pixel further enhance image precision.

Imaging performance is powered by the Sony IMX678-AAQR1 color CMOS sensor featuring next-generation Starvis 2 technology. This back-illuminated 8.3-megapixel sensor (3856 x 2180 resolution) offers improved sensitivity, enhanced resolution, and superior low-light performance. With 2.0m pixels and a sensor size of 8.9mm diagonal, it provides a generous 1.32 x 0.75-degree field of view. As images are captured, built-in AI algorithms automatically stack and process frames in real time, producing vibrant, detailed results without requiring manual adjustments. Advanced users can download raw image files via the onboard USB-A ports for custom post-processing.

Setup is fully automated thanks to Celestrons StarSense technology. Simply place the telescope outside, power it on, and connect via the Celestron Origin app (compatible with iOS 16+ and Android 12+ devices). The system scans the sky, aligns itself, and achieves focus autonomously in under two minutes. The app, developed in partnership with Simulation Curriculum and powered by SkySafari, provides an intuitive planetarium interface for selecting targets and controlling the mount. Multiple users can view the live feed simultaneously, cast it to a smart TV, or instantly save and share images.

The integrated system includes a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B onboard computer and a computerized GoTo altazimuth mount for precise object tracking. Additional features such as a fully automated dew prevention heating element, removable dew shield, autofocus motor, dual cooling fans, LED status ring, Ethernet connectivity, auxiliary ports, and an integrated 97.9 Wh LiFePO4 battery (offering 6+ hours of operation) ensure reliability and ease of use. Weighing 41.6 lb (18.87 kg) fully assembled, the system includes the optical tube, mount, and tripod in a stable yet portable configuration.

For safety, never look directly at the Sun with the naked eye or through any optical device without a proper solar filter, as permanent eye damage may result. Never use the optic to project an image of the Sun onto any surface, and never leave the system unsupervised-especially when children are present.

Please Note: Smartphone Not Included.

Features

• Revolutionary RASA Optical Technology
• Stargazing and Astroimaging Redefined
• Next-Generation 678C Camera
• Automatic, AI-powered Astrophotography
• Automated Setup with StarSens
• Intuitive App Interface
• Share the View with Everyone

Specifications

Package Contents

• Origin Optical Tube
• Origin Mount
• Tripod
• Tripod Spreader
• AC Adapter
• Quick Start Manual