Celestron StarSense Explorer

Celestron StarSense Explorer

by Celestron, LLC.

160 ratings
116 reviews
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • January 7, 2020
  • May 20, 2026

Features

Celestron StarSense Explorer screenshot #1 for iPhone
Celestron StarSense Explorer screenshot #2 for iPhone
Celestron StarSense Explorer screenshot #3 for iPhone
Celestron StarSense Explorer screenshot #4 for iPhone
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About

This app guides you through the night sky using your smartphone and a compatible telescope. It identifies celestial objects and directs your telescope for optimal viewing, making astronomy accessible for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Smartphone-guided stargazing
Real-time telescope positioning
Sky recognition technology
Celestial object database
Tonight's Best observing list
Detailed object information and audio
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What users say

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What's New in Celestron StarSense Explorer

2.0.2

May 20, 2026

Allows selecting objects as close as 10° above horizon Fixes discrepancy with version number display.

User reviews

Awesome! One suggestion!

So I feel like it’s awesome!! I love it connected to my telescope but I rlly think you developers should update it to add the new space objects found! Depending on the telescope that the consumer has, if it is strong enough you should add the dwarf planets (ceres makemake hamuea eris pluto) you already have pluto but still! The others are cool to observe! Plus I love the detail they added!
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It needs improvements for telescope alignment. when I tried looking for the moon, the map was offset

I’ve tried to get my telescope centered using this app by aligning it to the moon’s location, and I’m being dissatisfied by the app’s performance as when I tried to aligning the telescope through the app, the lens showed a blank sky because the telescope was offset to the right of the telescope’s direction of focus. I had to literally manually align the telescope due to this. I do have a screenshot of what I am speaking of. Finding planets took me time because of a similar scenario. It would be great if the app could make improvements with aligning the iPhone so that telescope users won’t have to turn on their battery powered laser that comes with their StarSense explorer telescopes or any other telescope of this brand.
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Nice app

This is a good app, but Rho Aquilae is actually in Delphinus believe it or not

목성에서 이상한 소리나요…….

제가 별보다 목성 찍었는데 휘오오오ㅗ오오오옹 라고들림 그래서
목성 잘못봐요………………………ㅋ



Garbage app

This app is so frustrating by design. This app isn’t helpful for anything. So many better apps and this app costs money too.

Developer apps

User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

12 issues

Directional orientation reversed or offset by 90+ degrees

Bug

App fails to locate telescope position on clear nights

Bug

Compass defaults to west direction on startup

Bug

Plate-solving fails to recognize sky position

Bug

App crashes when switching between apps or receiving notifications

Bug

Phone camera not recognized after app backgrounding

Bug

Invalid code errors despite correct code entry

Bug

Code length validation issues (6-character vs 8-character codes)

Bug

Aspect ratio display problems

Bug

App becomes unresponsive during alignment process

Bug

Inconsistent performance across iPhone models (especially iPhone 14, 15)

Bug

Upside-down display when moving telescope side to side

Bug

Requested Features

9 requests

Multi-language support (Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Arabic, French, Italian, German)

Feature

Observation logging and favorites/bookmarks system

Feature

Support for additional celestial objects (dwarf planets, comets)

Feature

Pan and zoom functionality without moving telescope

Feature

Standalone app functionality without telescope requirement

Feature

Better arrow indicators for telescope movement guidance

Feature

Support for non-Celestron telescope models

Feature

Improved compass calibration options

Feature

Session notes and observation history tracking

Feature

FAQ

What does the StarSense Explorer app do?

The app uses your smartphone's camera and patent-pending technology to analyze star patterns. It then guides your compatible telescope to celestial objects, making stargazing easier and more informative.

What are the key features of the StarSense Explorer app?

Key features include real-time telescope positioning, sky recognition technology, a user-friendly planetarium interface, a database of celestial objects, and a 'Tonight's Best' observing list. It also provides detailed information and audio descriptions for objects.

Is the StarSense Explorer app free to use?

The app itself is free to download and use. However, it requires a compatible Celestron StarSense Explorer telescope, which is sold separately, and includes a unique unlock code for full app features.

What devices is the StarSense Explorer app compatible with?

The app is designed to work with a compatible Celestron StarSense Explorer telescope. While not explicitly stated, it implies compatibility with smartphones that have a camera and can run the app, likely iOS and Android devices.

How does the app help beginners with telescopes?

The app eliminates the confusion often experienced by beginners with manual telescopes. It tells you exactly where to point your telescope to see planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies, enhancing the overall user experience.