Celestron has unveiled the Celestron Origin, an innovative home observatory designed for astronomy enthusiasts. Based in Torrance, California, Celestron specializes in AI-driven telescopes and optical products. The Celestron Origin was introduced at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, aiming to merge advanced astronomical technologies with user-friendly features.
This product features state-of-the-art RASA optics, catering to both novice and experienced astronomers. It promises effortless exploration of the universe from your backyard or living room. Celestron positions the Origin as a competitive alternative to Unistellar, which utilizes AI to enhance observations in light-polluted urban areas.
According to Celestron, the Origin integrates over 60 years of expertise and cutting-edge technology, allowing users to observe galaxies without the complexities typically associated with stargazing. At its core, the observatory employs a customized Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) f/2.2 optical system, known for its exceptional wide field of view and rapid image acquisition—making it a trusted choice for professional researchers and institutions.
What distinguishes the Celestron Origin is its onboard camera and AI-enhanced image processing capabilities. Users can view celestial objects in rich color and detail on their smartphones, tablets, or smart TVs in mere seconds. Equipped with a 6.4 MP Sony IMX178 color CMOS sensor, the Origin outperforms larger traditional telescopes, making it an essential tool for both new and experienced astrophotographers.
Corey Lee, CEO of Celestron, emphasized that the Celestron Origin simplifies the stargazing experience, turning complex setups into an accessible, state-of-the-art home observatory for all skill levels. Automated functionalities eliminate tedious tasks such as sky alignment and focusing, letting users focus on enjoying the night sky.
With the Origin, users can schedule deep-space observations while they sleep, automatically capturing and saving images for later viewing or sharing. The proprietary mobile app, developed with Simulation Curriculum, features an intuitive planetarium-style interface, complete with educational audio presentations about celestial objects. Users can operate the observatory remotely and mirror their screens on smart TVs, enhancing indoor viewing comfort.
The Celestron Origin represents over a decade of development. Lee stated, “Our founder’s mission over 60 years ago was to improve the stargazing experience. Celestron Origin is the best way to explore the universe from home.”
Interested parties can experience the Celestron Origin at the Pepcom Digital Experience press event at the Mirage Hotel on January 8, or at the ShowStoppers media showcase at the Bellagio Hotel on January 9, during CES week.
In response to competition from Unistellar, Celestron highlighted key differences. Celestron's RASA optics are designed for speed, delivering high-quality images in under a minute—much faster than Unistellar’s models. Celestron asserts that the Origin provides immediate viewing, allowing users to enjoy brilliant images on their TVs just moments after activation.
Moreover, while previous Unistellar telescopes lacked autofocus, making remote viewing less convenient, the newly released Unistellar Odyssey now includes this feature. Celestron aims to provide a seamless viewing experience comparable to a home theater, where users can seamlessly transition from events, like a Super Bowl party, to stargazing with the same setup.
Celestron emphasizes that their six-inch f/2.2 system captures nearly double the light compared to Unistellar's 4.5-inch F/4 system, resulting in faster and more detailed images. This sets Celestron Origin apart as a distinctive product, not just a SmartScope but a fully automated home observatory designed for easy use.
The integrated AI image enhancement occurs in the Origin app. For astrophotographers seeking unaltered images, raw data can be exported to USB drives for personal editing.
Eric Kopit, a Celestron innovation specialist, explained that the onboard CPU manages system operations while the app oversees AI image processing. The proprietary AI, developed with a cutting-edge firm, optimizes settings to enhance image quality without user input. This means users can effortlessly achieve stunning images, whether observing galaxies, nebulae, or star clusters.
Kopit believes Celestron’s advanced features position the Origin as a superior choice for astronomy enthusiasts compared to Unistellar's offerings.
Ranking
