A database, two motors, and an alignment that has to be honest · review
Celestron StarSense Autoguider (94008) review
Celestron's StarSense Autoguider: a camera-and-optics accessory that attaches to a computerized Celestron mount, aligns it on the sky in about three minutes with no input, sharpens GoTo pointing, assists polar alignment and autoguides.
The StarSense Autoguider bolts to a computerized Celestron mount. It photographs the sky, recognizes where it is pointing and aligns the mount in about three minutes, with no star to center and no button to press. Celestron’s StarSense technology does the work.
Pointing, polar alignment, guiding
After alignment it improves the mount’s GoTo pointing, so objects land in the center of high-power eyepieces and small camera sensors. It walks the user through polar alignment. And it autoguides long exposures, replacing a guide scope and guide camera.
Optics and control
Its small 4-element optical system is by Mark Ackermann. Control runs through the NexStar+ hand control, CPWI software over a cable, or Wi-Fi with the SkyPortal WiFi Module.
For Celestron mounts only
It works with most Celestron computerized mounts, such as the Advanced VX, and with no other brand. No pointing-accuracy figure is published.
Price and availability
On November 7, 2026, Amazon.com listed it at about $905 from a third-party seller. Celestron states a Limited Lifetime US Warranty.
Figures as Keepa reported them on the day this page was last updated. Stock and pricing shift without warning.
Prices quoted in this text were read on November 7, 2026. The live price is at the top of the page.
Its two nearest scopes on price
Same aisle, closest price — what the same spend else shows.
Aligns a Celestron mount automatically in about 3 minutes
Improves GoTo pointing and assists polar alignment
Also autoguides, so one device replaces a guide scope and camera
Compromises
Celestron mounts only
No pointing-accuracy figure
About $905
Specifications
Pointing accuracy
Not published as a figure · stated to center objects in high-power eyepieces and small imaging sensors
Alignment routine
Automatic sky alignment in about 3 minutes with no user input · assisted polar alignment
Database and lists
Uses the mount's own control: NexStar+ hand control, CPWI software or SkyPortal
Controller and app support
NexStar+ hand control · CPWI over a wired PC connection · Wi-Fi through the SkyPortal WiFi Module · autoguiding for astroimaging
Power draw and socket
Not published by the maker.
Payload rating
Not applicable: an accessory · 4-element optical design by Mark Ackermann · compatible with most Celestron computerized mounts · Celestron Limited Lifetime US Warranty
Amazon reference
B0CCXFGYQN
EAN
0050234940085
What observers ask about this one
What does it replace?
Manual star alignment, a separate guide scope and guide camera, and much of the polar-alignment routine. It photographs the sky, plate-solves its position and tells the mount where it points.
Which mounts does it work with?
Most Celestron computerized mounts, Celestron says, with control through NexStar+, CPWI or SkyPortal Wi-Fi. Check the compatibility list before ordering.
Is it a telescope?
No. It is an accessory for a computerized mount; it has small optics of its own for the camera, designed by Mark Ackermann, but is not used for viewing.
Our score
7.8/ 10
A time-saver for one brand's computerized mounts, published with what it does and not with how precisely it does it.
The price on Amazon.com
This model is listed on Amazon.com, at ≈ $905 at the last reading. Listed is not the same as in stock: availability changes daily, and the buy box shows the live price.
Details checked on November 7, 2026.
This one and its buyer, among astronomy instruments
An owner of a computerized Celestron mount who is tired of manual alignments
Sources
Specifications: the manufacturer sheet for telescopes and observing optics and the matching Amazon product page. Prices and availability: Keepa. Every figure on this page names its source.
44 lb payload · belt drive · PPEC · equatorial, alt-azimuth and dual-telescope modes · dual encoders
Sky-Watcher's AZ-EQ6: a 44 lb-payload GoTo mount that works as a German equatorial, an alt-azimuth or a carrier for two telescopes, with belt drive, permanent periodic error correction and Freedom Find encoders.
Best for: One mount for visual work and long-exposure imaging, at a fixed or semi-fixed site
11 lb payload · full GoTo equatorial head · built-in illuminated polar scope · Wi-Fi · USB and autoguider ports
Sky-Watcher's Star Adventurer GTi head kit: a full GoTo equatorial tracker with an 11 lb payload, built-in illuminated polar scope, Wi-Fi, USB and autoguider ports, SNAP shutter control and a dual-position counterweight.
Best for: A camera and lens or a small astrograph under a dark sky
11 lb payload on an 8.6 lb mount · Wi-Fi · dual encoders · tripod 28 to 53 in · AA batteries or 12 V
Sky-Watcher's AZ-GTi: an 8.6 lb Wi-Fi GoTo alt-azimuth mount carrying 11 lb, with Freedom Find encoders, brass and aluminum gearing, a tripod from 28 to 53 inches and AA or 12 V power.
Best for: A traveling observer who wants GoTo pointing in carry-on luggage