Celestron

Celestron is a brand of astronomical instruments specializing in telescopes and related equipment. Founded in 1960 by Tom Johnson in California, the company rose to prominence with the development of mass-produced Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and user-friendly optical designs that appealed to amateur astronomers. Over the decades, Celestron expanded its product range to include refractors, reflectors, and Maksutov-Cassegrain models, as well as accessories such as mounts, eyepieces, and cameras. The introduction of computerized GoTo mounts under the NexStar line popularized automated pointing and tracking, enabling easier sky viewing and basic astrophotography.

In the 2000s, Celestron became part of the Synta Technology Corporation, a Taiwanese company that manufactures many optical products. This arrangement allowed for global distribution and manufacturing through partner facilities, with Celestron-branded products sold worldwide. The brand has continued to update its lineup with upgraded mounts, improved optics, and smartphone connectivity features, including wireless control and smartphone-assisted alignment, to stay competitive in the consumer astronomy market.

Celestron products are widely used by hobbyists, educational programs, and observatories for astronomy outreach. The company competes with other telescope manufacturers and has influenced the development of affordable, accessible instruments that emphasize ease of use and performance. See also: List of telescope manufacturers.