Celestron Astronomy Software For Mac

1. Celestron Astronomy Software For Mac Pro
2. Celestron Astronomy Software For Mac Windows 7
3. Celestron Software For Mac

The only other software compatible with Celestron WiFi are NexRemote and CPWI (Windows PC only - see the links in the top, right of the page) and SkySafari 6 for Mac computers. In all cases, the software/app takes the place of the physical hand control and the alignment is completed in the software.

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There are only a few worthy mentions for the beginner when it comes to the best astronomy software. Both paid and free software is available. All will take some learning to get the most usefulness out of them.

With this said, I have my personal favorite, and that is…

Celestron telescopes and astronomy equipment sold at Astronomics. Astronomics is a family-owned business that has been supplying amateur astronomers, schools, businesses, and government agencies with the right optical equipment and the right advice since 1979. Professional Astronomy Telescope Control Software for Mac. Version 8 includes a 36,000 object, up-to-date, cross-referenced database built from various source catalogs. Starry Night 8 supports all telescopes that are supported by Ascom. Plus, connect SkyFi 3 with Starry Night too. An in depth look at astrophotography and astronomy on the Apple Macintosh platform. All astronomy images on this website were taken with Mac applications and processed on an Apple computer. If you’re looking for a place to get started, check out my introduction to astrophotography on the Mac.

Celestron Starry Night Software

The Celestron Starry Night Software is, as the name implies, a software that can help the user have a better understanding of the universe around them. It’s important to know that this software is only free when it comes to installed in the Celestron telescope. When it comes to the retail price, if the buyer decides to acquire it on its own, the range goes between $79 and $99, depending on whether they’re going to purchase the basic or the special edition. However, the Pro Plus Version of the Starry Night 8 costs around $250, so choose wisely.

The difference between the two versions is that the former is attached to non-computerized and LCM telescopes, while the latter is included in its computerized counterpart. There have been several updates since the creation of the Celestron Starry Night Software, and the most current version is number 8. One great thing about this software is the high-quality rendering of the images in the telescope, without mentioning that its positioning feature is so precise that it allows the user to spot thirty-six thousand targets. But of course, this is not what the Starry Night is chalked up to be. Its aforementioned user guide is so interactive that it comes with interactive tutorials that let both experienced and new stargazers learn more about them.

Computer Requirements

Another great thing about this software is that it can be easily controlled from a computer when it comes to computerized models, mind the redundancy. Of course, one thing to mention is that it requires the latest Windows (or MAC, for Apple users) 10, as well as 1 GB of RAM and has 12 GB available in the device’s hard drive. Of course, all of this shall accompany an OpenGL 1.4 graphic card with a storage capacity of 128 MB.

What’s so good about Starry Night?

Now, there’s more to the Starry Night 8 than what meets the eye. It not only comes with a wide database, as it was mentioned earlier but also works easily with the telescopes that are supported by Ascom. This otherworldly software can also connect to SkyFi 3, making the stargazing experience even better. Another thing to mention is that the user won’t have to worry about the information they’ve been compiling since the Starry Night can store everything in the cloud for ease of recovery in the case that a factory reset is required to fix the telescope.

As it was mentioned before, there is also a Pro Plus version of the Starry Night 8, which is the priciest of them all. It goes without saying that it’s sometimes required to pay for quality and, even if the price is higher than its counterparts. The Pro, Enthusiast, and CSAP follow. They have several features that make them different from each other, although there they share some of them. Most of these versions, except for the latter, have Mission Data from Apollo 11, and they even have a dark theme if the user wants to add more elegance to the already easy to use interface.

Extra Features of Starry Night

When talking about control, this software doesn’t fall behind. It has been redesigned to provide a sleek and modern experience, something that most users, both experienced and new, are looking forward to. Not only that, but it also comes with an astronomy log that allows them to export their data with ease. It also comes with a calendar where stargazers can program when to take the telescopes and explore the night sky while looking for their favorite celestial phenomenon. So, if anyone wants to see when the next comet rain will happen, this one will be their ally.

Of course, all of this information and nice rendering doesn’t come alone, since they have recorded descriptions of every celestial being on its already wide database. Now, the Starry Night 8 adds a location system to its already wide arsenal to improve the user’s experience even further. All of this might seem like mere rocket science, pun definitely intended, considering the equipment. The 3D models that come with this software are also a way to make the users feel close to the stars. It might sound like a no-brainer, but they will need to determine which one is the best for their stargazing needs. Now, to explore the space with this software!

Other Paid Options

Starry night is a paid option unless you buy a Celestron telescope, but it’s always nice to have an alternative. A very similar software and my research tell me that the same company now owns them is SkySafari. The great thing if you don’t get starry night as you didn’t buy a Celestron telescope is that SkySafari is much cheaper $39.99.

I have not used the software. However, I know people who do use it and say it’s very much like starry night. Having looked at all the features, they seem very similar to starry night, and I would be happy to say with the price and the fact its owned by the same company it is well worth getting if you are looking for astronomy software.

Free Astronomy Software Options

It’s not always about paid software; stellarium has made a real name for itself with some people saying they have moved away from there paid software and used stellarium exclusively, which is a real compliment.

Conclusion

For me, astronomy software is all part of the astronomy jigsaw puzzle and one part that will really help you get the most of your time under the stars. I have included a few different options paid and free, but the best astronomy software is one that you take the time to learn and use.

PC, Mac, Tablet and Smartphone Control of NexStar Telescopes

Most of the information you find here is the result of my work on NexStar Observer List, a PC control program for all models of NexStar scopes. You can learn more and download your free copy here.

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Software Settings

So, when configuring your external software/app, if it requires the selection of telescope type, look first for your specific model (NexStar SLT, CPC, etc.). If your model is not available, try NexStar GPS or CPC. If Celestron is the only option, select that. Feel free to experiment, but be ready to press any of the arrow buttons on the hand control if the mount seems to be slewing out of control and it looks like the optical tube might strike the mount.

Wired Connections

PC and Mac software generally communicate with the scope via the port on the bottom of the hand control. Current hand controls (manufactured since April 2016) have a USB port while older hand controls have an RS-232 port (looks like a phone jack). For more information about the various ports and connectors on your scope, visit the Odds and Ends section of this web site.

Wired Connections for USB Hand Controls
Hand controls manufactured since April 2016 have a mini-USB port on the bottom of the hand control. The correct cable to connect to this port is described in the link 'Hand Control USB Cable' above. This port is actually a connection to a USB to serial adapter inside the hand control. As such, once you connect to it, your computer will have a serial port that your astronomy software will interface with. Windows, Mac and Linux will all require a driver to create this serial port. See the link 'USB Drivers' above. Once the driver is installed, a serial port, designated by a number, will be present on your computer. Configure your astronomy software to connect to this port.

At this time, I know of no method of making a wired connection between a table/smartphone and the USB hand control.

Wired Connections for RS-232 Hand Controls
Hand controls manufactured prior to April 2016 have an RS-232 port on the bottom of the hand control. This is what is known as a 'serial' port connection. The correct cable to connect to this port is described in the link 'Hand Control RS-232 Port Cable' above.

If your PC/Mac does not have a serial port (serial ports are very rare on today's computers) you will also need some sort of adapter. The one you will most likely use, is a USB to RS-232 serial adapter ($30 to $40). Note this should be USB to RS-232 serial, not USB to TTL serial. Some computer stores stock USB to RS-232 serial adapters but not all work well with Celestron's scopes. I recommend you purchase Celestron's own USB to serial adapter (Celestron part number 18775) or an adapter that specifies it uses either a 'Prolific' or 'FTDI' chipset. Another option is an all-in-one USB serial adapter and Celestron-specific cable from Astro-Gadget - see this link. Once you connect your USB adapter, a serial port, designated by a number, will be present on your computer. Configure your astronomy software to connect to this port.

Wired connections to a tablet or smartphone are pretty much limited to Simulation Curriculum's SkyWire and their SkySafari application. This adapter is only compatible with specific iPhones, iPods and iPads. See their website for more details.

Before smartphones, many people owned a PDA ('personal digital assistant', Palm Pilot, Pocket PC). If you have one stuffed in a drawer somewhere and want to try it out, PDAs require a serial 'sync' cable or a serial port CF card which is used to connect to the Hand Control RS-232 Port Cable. When using a CF card, the standard hand control RS-232 port cable is used. When using a serial 'sync' cable, you will need a null modem and gender changer to use the hand control RS-232 port cable or a custom cable. Details of these cables are explained in the link 'Hand Control RS-232 Port Cable' above.

Be sure to check out Larry McNish's diagram linked above for various cable connections to the RS-232 hand control.

Wireless Connections

Wireless control takes two basic flavors - Bluetooth and WiFi.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth RS-232 serial adapters connected to the RS-232 port on the bottom of the hand control (the serial port hand controls, not the newer USB hand controls) take the place of the standard control cable and can work with a wide variety of software/apps. There are several generic adapters on the market for $40-$60 dollars though they are not designed specifically for this purpose and some may simply not work. But, since Bluetooth is supported by Windows, Mac and Android devices, this is a very attractive option. (I am unaware of any iOS/iPhone/iPad app that communicates with serial ports, but the WiFi option is available for iOS.) Essentially, the Bluetooth adapter presents itself to your computer/tablet/smartphone as a serial port. Thus, any astronomy software or app that can communicate with a serial port (those designed for the standard cable connection) can potentially use this configuration. If you decide you would like to experiment with Bluetooth adapters, you will want your Hand Control RS-232 Port Cable to be fairly short to allow the adapter to hang from the bottom of the hand control. Also be sure the adapter has a power source that works well for this purpose, such as an internal battery.

One Bluetooth adapter designed specifically for telescope control is Simulation Curriculum's SkyBT (as of Apr 2020, seems to be unavailable). SkyBT is an adapter specifically designed for Android which will also work with their software products for the Mac. This option is tested with their SkySafari software but may work with other software. It is only compatible with the serial port hand controls (not the newer USB hand controls).

Another Bluetooth adapter with documented support for telescope control is the StarBT from Astro-Gadget. StarBT is an adapter specifically designed for Android which has been tested to with the SkySafari Plus/Pro and Stellarium apps. It is only compatible with the serial port hand controls (not the newer USB hand controls).

Another Bluetooth adapter with documented support for telescope control is from U.S. Converters. It requires an external power source, but is less expensive than SkyBT. They document Android use here and Windows PC use here. It is only compatible with the serial port hand controls (not the newer USB hand controls).

WiFi
The second method of wireless control uses a WiFi connection similar to your home router or the Internet service at your local coffee shop. WiFi adapters for your scope are only compatible with a limited selection of software/apps. There are a few possibilities in this arena.

The first is Celestron's WiFi solution. The NexStar Evolution and the Astro Fi scopes have built-in WiFi. Celestron sells their SkyPortal WiFi Module (part # 93973) which is compatible with many of their other scopes - check their website to see if yours is supported. The SkyPortal WiFi Module plugs into an Aux jack on the scope and may require an 'Aux splitter' (also available from Celestron - part number 93919). In fact, I generally use the splitter as an extender on most mounts to allow the WiFi module to hang loose rather than providing a hook for things to get caught on. The Evolution, Astro Fi and SkyPortal WiFi Module are only compatible with the SkySafari and SkyPortal apps on Android and iOS. This is a unique solution as SkyPortal/SkySafari and your smartphone or tablet completely take the place of the physical hand control - you actually perform the alignment and all further operations inside the app itself. The only other software compatible with Celestron WiFi are NexRemote and CPWI (Windows PC only - see the links in the top, right of the page) and SkySafari 6 for Mac computers. In all cases, the software/app takes the place of the physical hand control and the alignment is completed in the software/app.

The following solutions require the WiFi adapter be connected to the bottom of the hand control and the software/app can control the scope after you complete an alignment with the hand control.

Second, Simulation Curriculum offers SkyFi III. SkyFi III connects to either the RS-232 port on the bottom of the serial hand controls or the USB port on the bottom of the newer hand controls - check their website for telescope compatibility. SkyFi III is compatible with SkySafari on Android/iOS and SkySafari and Starry Night on Mac/Windows.

Next, Astro-Gadget offers their StarFi WiFi adapter. StarFi is specially designed for Androis and iOS and has been tested with the SkySafari Plus/Pro and Stellarium apps. It can also be used on a PC through a 'TCP-COM' bridge application (refer to their website). It is only compatible with the serial port hand controls (not the newer USB hand controls).

Next, Software Bisque supports connections from their software, TheSkyX, with a device named 'WiSnap WiFi to RS232 Adapter'. Documentation on the use of TheSky is here. The device doesn't seem to be available at their website but can be purchase from the manufacturer - Serial IO. Most other Windows software should be able to connect via the WiSnap using AstroGeeks' (www.AstroGeeks.com) COM2TCP software though configuring the adapter and COM2TCP could be a significant hurdle.

Finally, ScopeCom allows WiFi connections from Android, iOS, Mac and Windows devices to any of the serial port hand controls (not the newer USB hand controls). On Android and iOS, connections may be limited to SkySafari, though other software may work. On Mac and Windows computers, any software that can communicate via a wired serial connection should work fine.

Putting It All Together

Celestron Astronomy Software For Mac Pro

With SkySafari using the 'Celestron WiFi' connection method or SkyPortal, NexRemote or CPWI, you will first perform an alignment in the software/app itself. For all other software, you must first perform a regular alignment with the physical hand control before attempting to control the scope with the external software/app.

Start your astronomy software and the computer should be ready to communicate with your telescope. Some programs have a menu item or toolbar button to establish communication while other programs are ready to talk immediately after starting; refer to the documentation for your program if this is not readily apparent. The software/app may require some configuration settings such as setting the type of scope and the communication port the scope is connected to. A good test for communication is to direct your program to retrieve the telescope's coordinates, or, if it is planetarium software, the crosshairs on the screen should follow the telescope as you slew around. The next test would be to use the program to direct the scope to GoTo an object. If the coordinates match within a few arcminutes, then all is working properly. If the telescope doesn't move at all, check the LCD panel on the hand control for a slew limit warning - the object you requested might be outside your established Slew Limits.

Celestron Astronomy Software For Mac Windows 7

If things don't seem to be working as expected, refer to the 'troubleshooting' articles at the top of the page.

Celestron Software For Mac