DOWNLOAD ORION'S FREE SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWER'S GUIDE

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Orion Telescopes
Beginner
Orion SkyQuest XT8 PLUS Dobsonian Reflector Sun & Moon Kit
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  • This versatile telescope kit lets you explore the cosmos at night, and enjoy safe views of the Sun during the day with the included solar filter
  • The included SkyQuest XT8 PLUS Dobsonian gather a lot of light for great views - day or night!
  • Install the included film solar filter for safe views of the Sun, and prepare for the Total Solar Eclipse with the included 5-pack of Orion Solar Eclipse Safe Viewers, and the Orion 2017 Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Guide
  • Also includes an 1.25" 13% Transmission Moon Filter, Shorty 2x Barlow, 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, 28mm DeepView eyepiece, eyepiece rack, and more
  • CAUTION: Never look at the Sun, either directly or through a telescope, without a professionally made protective solar filter installed that completely covers the front of the instrument


Learn more
Item #  24796

Day or night, this versatile telescope kit will show you amazing sights! The telescope and accessories included in the complete Orion SkyQuest XT8 PLUS Dobsonian Reflector Sun & Moon Kit will reveal vivid views of the cosmos at night, plus safe views of the Sun during the day with the included solar filter. This Sun & Moon Kit has everything you need to experience the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse like a pro.

This Sun & Moon Kit includes the Orion SkyQuest XT8 PLUS Dobsonian Reflector Telescope, a 5-pack of Orion Solar Eclipse Safe Viewers, the Orion 2017 Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Guide and an Orion 13% Transmission Moon Filter. The SkyQuest XT8 PLUS telescope comes with a Safety Film Solar Filter for the telescope, 10mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, 28mm DeepView eyepiece, EZ Finder II reflex sight, eyepiece rack, and more.

The SkyQuest XT8 PLUS Dobsonian is built around an 8" (203mm) diameter parabolic primary mirror mounted in a sturdy, cast-aluminum support cell. The mirror collects 78% more light than a 6" mirror, so you get a significant increase in ability to observe dust lanes in nebulas, resolve the cores of prominent globular star clusters, and to reveal some of the more subtle structures in faint galaxies. The 1200mm focal length (f/5.9) XT8 mirror allows you to obtain clear and crisp views at moderate to high magnifications on clear nights with good seeing conditions. The telescopes smooth, dual-speed Crayford focuser allows precise focus adjustments with 10:1 fine-focus control.

We've loaded the SkyQuest XT8 PLUS Dobsonian with performance-enhancing features. A white trim band around the round baseplate of the XT8 PLUS base enhances visibility in the dark to help avoid accidental bumps. Adjustable altitude axis tensioning knobs improves control of the telescope's altitude (up/down) motion compared to the XT8 Classic's fixed-tension springs. When collimation is required, easily adjustable thumbscrews allow tool-free alignment of the secondary mirror.

XT8 PLUS solar filter

See amazing views of the Total Solar Eclipse with the included Solar Filter.

Attach the included Safety Film Solar Filter to enjoy safe views of the Sun and the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse! In addition to stargazing at night, you can also use the XT8 PLUS Dobsonian during daytime hours thanks to the included Safety Film Solar Filter, which lets you safely observe the Sun and sunspots as they march across the surface of our nearest star. The solar filter rejects all harmful light from the Sun, while allowing a very small fraction of light to pass through for safe viewing.

eclipse logo

Are you "totality" ready?

We're already excited about the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse! Events like eclipses certainly don't happen every day, and it's even rarer for the path of totality to be in our own backyard, or just a road trip away. If you want the best views of this rare event, you're in luck! Orion carries a full assortment of glass and safety film solar filters for telescopes and binoculars. We're your one-stop Solar Eclipse shop!

Eclipse Viewers

Orion Solar Eclipse Safe Viewers, 5-Pack

Each Orion Solar Eclipse Safe Viewer features solar polymer film for safe direct viewing of the Sun. The solar film filters out 100% of harmful ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths of light, and they block 99.999% of intense visible light for a relaxing, comfortable and completely safe view of the Sun and the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse. Since five viewers are included, you can safely share this rare eclipse experience with friends and family so no one feels left out!

Eclipse Guide

Orion 2017 Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Guide

The detailed Orion 2017 Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Guide is packed with useful hints and viewing tips written by eclipse enthusiast Stephen James O'meara to help you enjoy this rare spectacle from beginning to end. From first contact through totality and fourth contact, this guide explains everything you need to know and describes what to look for so you can understand and appreciate this awe-inspiring event.

Moon Filter

Once the Sun sets, use the included Moon Filter for great lunar views.

After sunset, you'll love using the SkyQuest XT8 PLUS Dobsonian telescope to explore the Moon and many other interesting targets in space. The included Orion 13% Transmission Moon Filter helps improve your views of the Moon by reducing glare and enhancing contrast of lunar features like craters, mountains and valleys. The threaded filter is easy to install on the included 10mm eyepiece.

CAUTION: Never look at the Sun, either directly or through a telescope, without a professionally made protective solar filter installed that completely covers the front of the instrument, or permanent eye damage could result.

Warranty

Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-676-1343.

Warning

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

Product Support
Visit our product support section for instruction manuals and more
  • Best for viewing
    Brighter deep sky
  • Best for imaging
    Lunar & planetary
  • User level
    Beginner
  • Optical design
    Reflector
  • Optical diameter
    203mm
  • Focal length
    1200mm
  • Focal ratio
    f/5.9
  • Optics type
    Parabolic
  • Glass material
    Low thermal expansion borosilicate glass
  • Eyepieces
    Sirius Plossl 10.0mm (1.25"),DeepView 28.0mm (2")
  • Magnification with included eyepieces
    120x, 43x
  • Resolving power
    0.57arc*sec
  • Lowest useful magnification
    29x
  • Highest useful magnification
    300x
  • Highest theoretical magnification
    406x
  • Limiting stellar magnitude
    14.2
  • Optical quality
    Diffraction limited
  • Finder scope
    EZ Finder II
  • Focuser
    2" dual-speed Crayford
  • Secondary mirror obstruction
    47mm
  • Secondary mirror obstruction by diameter
    23%
  • Secondary mirror obstruction by area
    5%
  • Mirror coatings/over-coatings
    Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide
  • Mount type
    Dobsonian
  • Astro-imaging capability
    Lunar & planetary
  • Computerized compatibility
    Not compatible
  • Bearing material
    PTFE and UHMW bearings
  • Tube material
    Steel
  • Tripod material
    Wood
  • Length of optical tube
    46.5 in.
  • Weight, optical tube
    20.8 lbs.
  • Weight, mount/tripod
    21.2 lbs.
  • Weight, fully assembled
    42.0 lbs.
  • Additional included accessories
    1.25" eyepiece adapter, Eyepiece rack, 2x Barlow 1.25", Collimation cap, Safety film solar filter, 8"
  • Other features
    Adjustable altitude axis tension knobs, Dual-speed Crayford, Enhanced 94% reflectivity, Secondary mirror collimation thumbscrews
  • Warranty
    One year

Orion SkyQuest XT8 PLUS Dobsonian Reflector Telescope Optical Tube Assembly
Orion Safety Film Solar Filter for 8" Reflector Telescopes
Pack of five Orion Solar Eclipse Safe Viewers
Orion 2017 Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Guide
1.25" Orion 13% Transmission Moon Filter
Dobsonian base
Altitude tension knobs
Eyepiece rack
Orion 2" 28mm DeepView telescope eyepiece
Orion 1.25" 10mm Sirius Plossl telescope eyepiece
Orion 1.25" Shorty 2x Barlow  
Orion EZ Finder II Reflex Sight
Collimation cap
Dust cover for optical tube
Starry Night Special Edition astronomy software download card

Orders received by 1pm Eastern Standard Time for in-stock item the same business day. Order received after noon will ship the next business day. When an item is not in-stock we will ship it as soon as it becomes available. Typically in-stock items will ship first and backordered items will follow as soon as they are available. You have the option in check out to request that your order ship complete, if you'd prefer.

A per-item shipping charge (in addition to the standard shipping and handling charge) applies to this product due to its size and weight. This charge varies based on the shipping method.

Standard Delivery: $0.00
Standard Delivery to Canada: $45.00
3 Day Delivery: $190.00
2 Day Delivery: $190.00
Next Day Delivery: $226.00

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