Compatible Telescopes

At SkyMapper, we believe astronomy should be accessible to everyone, whether you’re a seasoned scientist, a passionate hobbyist, or simply curious about the universe.

That’s why we’re proud to offer SkyMapper's Explorer-Class and Discovery-Class telescopes. These cutting-edge instruments are designed for exploration, discovery, and connection. Paired with our SkyMapper network, these telescopes aren’t just tools for stargazing, they’re your gateway to real-time astronomy, collaborative science, and the thrill of uncovering cosmic wonders.

SkyMapper’s Explorer-class Telescope

A New Era of Exploration
SkyMapper’s Explorer-Class Telescope is the next-generation smart telescope built to take you further into the cosmos. With its advanced optics, built-in automation, and sleek design, Explorer delivers crisp, detailed views of deep-sky objects like galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

Whether you’re capturing stunning astrophotography or simply scanning the night sky, Explorer makes exploration effortless and breathtaking. When connected to SkyMapper’s decentralized network, every observation becomes part of a larger mission, contributing to real science while fueling your own journey of discovery.
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Advanced optics for sharp deep-sky imaging
Seamless integration with SkyMapper’s network
Automated tracking & alignment for easy use
Perfect for astrophotography & live observing
technical specs & features
Specification
Detail
Optical / Mechanical
Aperture
85 mm ≈ 3.35 in
Focal Length
320 mm
Aperture
~ f/3.8
Aperture
Newtonian Reflector; fully automated with internal autofocus, no manual collimation needed
Field of View
~ 33.6 × 45 arcmin
Limiting Magnitude
About 17.2
Image / Sensor / Storage
Resolution
≈ 3.4 megapixels (true image-capture sensor)
Onboard Storage
64 GB
Usage / Power / Connectivity
Battery Life
Around 5 hours per charge
Mount Type
Motorized Alt-Azimuth, GoTo via app; Autofocus for focusing without manual adjustments
Control / App
iOS & Android, with Smart Star Finder, deep sky catalog, etc.
Physical Specs
Weight
Approx 8.8 lb / 4 kg without tripod; with tripod ~14.3 lb (≈ 6.5 kg) depending on setup
Dimensions (tube / body)
≈ 431 × 204 × 134 mm (tube body)
Power / Ports
Li-ion battery pack (3 × 18650 cells), USB-C charging, built-in ports (USB-A & USB-C)
Software / Special Features
Fully Automated Optics
Yes — no user collimation required. Autofocus included.
Deep-sky / Light Pollution Mitigation
Yes — Deep-sky technology to improve view under light pollution.

SkyMapper’s Discovery-class Telescope

Power Meets Simplicity
SkyMapper’s Discovery-Class Telescope blends professional-grade performance with a user-friendly design, making it an ideal telescope for explorers at every level. Engineered for precision and reliability, it excels in planetary observations, exoplanet transit monitoring, and wide-field imaging.

Its intelligent controls make setup fast and intuitive, so you can spend more time observing and less time adjusting. As part of the SkyMapper ecosystem, the Discovery is more than just a telescope—it’s a portal into a global community of science, discovery, and wonder.
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Professional performance with easy setup
Ideal for planetary science and exoplanet studies
Smart, reliable automation for smooth observing
Designed to grow with your curiosity
technical specs & features
Specification
Detail
Optical / Mechanical
Aperture
114 mm ≈ 4.5 in
Focal Length
450 mm
Aperture
~ f/4.0
Aperture
Reflector with smart sensor & digital viewing (no traditional eyepiece)
Field of View
~ 34 × 47 arcmin
Limiting Magnitude
About 18.2 (dark skies)
Image / Sensor / Storage
Resolution
~ 6.2 megapixels
Onboard Storage
64 GB
Usage / Power / Connectivity
Battery Life
~ 11 hours (fully charged typical use
Mount Type
Motorized Alt-Azimuth mount with GoTo functionality via app
Tripod
Sturdy aluminum tripod included
Control / App
Controlled via smartphone/tablet app (iOS & Android), WiFi etc.
Physical Specs
Weight (with tripod)
~ 19.8 lb / ≈ 9 kg
Dimensions
Tube length ~ 65 cm; total package fairly bulky compared to smaller portable scopes.
Included Accessories
Tripod, USB-C / cables, tool kit, perhaps a Bahtinov mask or similar focusing aid.
Software / Special Features
Light Pollution Reduction / Deep-sky Technology
Yes — software to reduce city light effects in images.
Autonomous Field Detection / Alignment
Yes — automatic alignment using star databases & GPS etc.

Comparison & Selling-Points

To help buyers understand which model suits them best, here are some comparative selling points:

discovery-class

Aperture & Light Gathering

Greater aperture
Better for fainter deep-sky objects and higher detail

Battery Life

Lasts significantly longer per session (~11h vs ~5h)

Field of View & Sensor Resolution

Higher resolution sensor and a slightly larger field of view
Better for more detailed astrophotos

Software Features

Deep-Sky / Light Pollution Reduction, Smart Star Finder, SkyMapper network participation — these are strong differentiators. Many buyers love that they can contribute and use the app features.

Explorer-Class

Aperture & Light Gathering

Smaller but more portable.

Portability & Ease of Use

Lighter
Fully automated focus & alignment
No user adjustments needed
Good for beginners or those who want grab-and-go.

Field of View & Sensor Resolution

Decent performance with simpler setup

Software Features

Deep-Sky / Light Pollution Reduction, Smart Star Finder, SkyMapper network participation — these are strong differentiators. Many buyers love that they can contribute and use the SkyViewer features.

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