The Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector Telescope exemplifies the perfect combination of well-rounded performance and convenient portability. Whether you're looking for a versatile introductory instrument to begin a long-term love affair with the heavens; or feel the need for a compact, wide-field, user-friendly reflector telescope, the StarBlast 6 will not disappoint.
It doesn't take a rocket-scientist to appreciate the amazing value of the StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector. Any amateur astronomer will tell you that reflector design telescopes provide the best performance for your investment, or best "bang for your buck". Since the StarBlast 6 doesn't employ the use of a complicated and heavy equatorial mount and tripod, the value looks better and better upon further inspection, much like the view through the telescope's ample 6" aperture.
Speaking of views, with a StarBlast 6 you'll soon be telling friends and family about gorgeous lunar explorations of the Moon, jaw-dropping sights of (relatively) nearby Mars, giant Jupiter, and the always impressive Saturn with its stupendous rings. But the fun doesn't stop there. The StarBlast 6 Astro Telescope's substantial 5.9" (150mm) aperture parabolic reflector optics gather oodles of light from objects well beyond our own solar system. Bright galaxies, mind-boggling globular and picturesque open star clusters, ethereal glowing nebulas, and other celestial denizens are well within reach. With a wide-field focal ratio of f/5.0, finding and tracking objects is easier than with longer focal-length telescopes, which makes stargazing nice and easy for beginners. More advanced hobbyists will welcome the intuitive simplicity of this "grab-and-go" astronomical workhorse.
The included Orion EZ Finder II red-dot sight makes aiming the telescope nice and easy.
Following a simple alignment procedure, you can use the EZ Finder II sight to accurately aim the SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian telescope at objects in the sky like the Moon and bright planets. Once aligned with the telescope, just turn on the EZ Finder II and peer through the sight's small circular viewing window so you see the red dot, and move the telescope until the red dot is on the object you want to see. Look in the telescope eyepiece, and the object will be there!
Two included Sirius Plossl eyepieces provide different magnification options.
Use both of the included eyepieces to alternate between lower and higher-power views of interesting objects in the sky. We recommend starting with the 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece to obtain wide, 30x views to scan the night sky for celestial objects. Then for closer looks, you can boost the power all the way up to 75x by using the 10mm Sirius Plossl telescope eyepiece for more magnification. Both eyepieces are threaded for use with optional Orion filters (filters sold separately).
An included eyepiece rack keeps your oculars ready for action
Use the included eyepiece rack to keep eyepieces conveniently within reach during stargazing sessions. The rack can hold up to three 1.25" eyepieces so you can efficiently switch between different focal lengths to observe at a variety of magnifications. The eyepiece rack features "keyhole" mounting slots so that it can be removed, or permanently attached depending on your preference. The rack can also store optional 1.25" Barlow lenses (sold separately).
Use the built-in navigation knob to slew the StarBlast 6 from target to target.
The StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector Telescope's enameled steel reflector optical tube boasts a handy "navigation knob" for easy slewing, or re-positioning of the telescope. To aim the StarBlast 6, or point it to a different target, simply take hold of the navigation knob near the front opening of the reflector tube and gently move the telescope up or down and left or right as desired. Not only does this handy knob make slewing easy, it also helps keep the tube itself nice and cool in temperature for optimal viewing performance.
Weighing in at a modest 23.5lbs., the assembled StarBlast 6 is portable enough to easily take along on the next family campout or friend-filled road-trip, without wasting valuable space for the rest of your gear. Two handle cutouts in the base allow easy lifting and transporting of the telescope. The StarBlast base arrives pre-assembled in the box so you'll be ready for stargazing adventures right away!
The StarBlast 6 Astro Reflector can be upgraded with an optional StarBlast 6 IntelliScope Upgrade Kit (sold separately) to become a "push-to" telescope with Orion IntelliScope object-location capabilities. Once installed (some assembly required) the optional IntelliScope Upgrade Kit turns the StarBlast 6 into a StarBlast 6i IntelliScope that can lead you on a "push-to" tour of over 14,000 celestial objects!
The Orion StarBlast 6 Astro Telescope isn't just a masterfully engineered, uncomplicated, and affordable telescope for all ages, it's also a blast. (C'mon, we couldn't help ourselves!)
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 800-447-1001.
Warning
Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.