The STARS Telescope Kit

Through a generous partnership with Celestron™—a decades-long leader in optics and one of the world’s top telescope makers—the Smithsonian STARS program centers around the Celestron™ NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope.

One of the most popular telescopes among amateur astronomers worldwide, the NexStar 6SE is reliable and easy to use—making it an ideal learning tool for students.

Unlike many modern telescopes that rely heavily on smartphone apps or online platforms, the NexStar 6SE is equipped with a built-in computerized control system and comes preloaded with a catalog of more than 40,000 celestial objects. Getting started is simple: students can set up the telescope and align it to the sky just by pointing it at any three bright stars. From there, the telescope automatically orients itself to the night sky and is ready to locate objects in its vast catalog—removing one of the biggest hurdles for beginners.

The NexStar 6SE supports both automated and manual observing, giving educators the flexibility to follow structured lesson plans or encourage hands-on exploration. The result is a dynamic, engaging learning experience for both teachers and students.

Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope on a tripod against a starry night sky with rock formations in the background.

All STARS kits include:

Celestron NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope (6” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope tube, computerized mount, and tripod)
Protective storage cases for telescope, mount, and tripod
External power supply and charging kit
Moon and solar filters
1.25” eyepiece and color filter kit
Mobile phone adapter for astrophotography

Planet Jupiter in space with visible bands and Great Red Spot, surrounded by stars.

A man and a young girl using a telescope outdoors at dusk.

This is a real image of Jupiter, taken with the Celestron™ NexStar 6SE.

Jupiter image by and courtesy of Daniel Borja Astrophotography. Image of the telescope is courtesy of Celestron.