A whole new exciting chapter has been written with the creation of the Celestron Origin 6" RASA astrophotography smartphone. The 6-inch (152 mm) (Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph) RASA telescope is a high-powered, high-brightness telescope designed specifically for astrophotography needs, effectively a portable home observatory. Equipped with intelligent, hi-tech electronics, it replaces a complicated astrophotography system with conventional components, all in a user-friendly way, taking sighting comfort to a new level. Users of the Origin 6" RASA do not need to spend hours assembling and setting up their instrument, as they can start observing within 2 minutes of power-up.
A huge advantage of the RASA telescope is the huge f/2.2 brightness of its design, which allows it to take a picture in a fraction of the time of a conventional Newtonian. Housed in the front of the tube is the back-illuminated SONY IMX178 sensor, which with its excellent sensitivity, fast readout speed, and low noise is found in many other astrophotography cameras. The sensor's tiny pixel size of 2.4 microns helps to capture fine detail.
The microcomputer built into the tubsus does countless tasks for us. Once switched on, it can automatically "train" itself using StarSense technology, so that it is ready to start recording in a short time, standing at the target you specify. The telescope also adjusts the focus for you, but you can also let it schedule the shots for you. Depending on how the ambient temperature changes, the internal target computer also automatically controls the dehumidification heating.
The telescope can be controlled via its own WIFI network from a smartphone or tablet by downloading the Celestron Oigin Powered by SkySafari iOS, Android app. You can display the image that emerges as a result of "live stacking" on multiple devices at the same time, showing more and more details, and even send the view to a smart TV, making the observation a truly shared experience. In addition to stargazing, the binoculars are also great for daytime nature observation, which is not hindered by low light conditions.
Good news for those who don't want to leave everything to the automatics is that via USB, imagery can be downloaded in raw, unprocessed format for further processing. A filter holder drawer between the camera and the telescope allows the use of 1.25" and 2" filters. The one-arm motorized azimuth mechanism that moves the telescope tube is powered by an internal lithium battery, for which a charger is also included.
Those who choose this telescope will gain an insight into a corner of the universe that only obsessed astrophotographers and scientists could have known a few years ago.