Celestron StarSense AutoAlign V2

Key Features

• Automatic telescope alignment using plate solving technology
• Sony IMX462LLR-C monochrome CMOS sensor
• Integrated onboard computer for alignment calculations
• Improved GoTo accuracy with automatic pointing corrections
• Polar alignment assistance without requiring Polaris visibility
• USB-C connectivity with Live View support
• Control via NexStar+, CPWI or SkyPortal
• Compatible with a wide range of Celestron computerised mounts

Celestron StarSense AutoAlign V2 Summary

The Celestron StarSense AutoAlign V2 is an automatic alignment accessory for compatible Celestron computerised mounts. It replaces manual star alignment by imaging the night sky and calculating the telescope's position using plate solving technology, then applying that data directly to the mount.

Suitable for both newcomers to GoTo astronomy and experienced observers managing multiple sessions a night, it reduces setup time while improving pointing accuracy throughout an observing session. For astrophotographers, it also provides polar alignment assistance without requiring a direct view of Polaris, useful where the pole is obstructed or the mount lacks a clear sightline.

Overview And Key Improvements

StarSense AutoAlign V2 brings several hardware and workflow upgrades over the original AutoAlign. A new Sony IMX462LLR-C back-illuminated monochrome sensor improves star field recognition in lower light and through thinner cloud, while a faster integrated computer carries out alignment calculations within the accessory itself rather than relying on external processing. USB-C connectivity replaces the previous connection method and adds Live View, diagnostic logging and direct firmware updates, making setup issues easier to diagnose in the field.

The system also applies automatic pointing refinements after slews, correcting for small positional drift across the sky rather than relying on a single initial alignment, giving both visual observers and astrophotographers a more consistent starting point for each session.

Compatible Mounts

• Advanced VX
• CGEM
• CGEM DX
• CGEM II
• CGX
• CGX-L
• CGE Pro
• CPC
• CPC DX
• NexStar Evolution
• NexStar 6SE
• NexStar 8SE

Not Compatible

• NexStar SLT
• Astro Fi
• SkyProdigy
• LCM Series
• NexStar 4SE
• NexStar 5SE
• Advanced CG-5 GT

SkyPortal app support requires a compatible WiFi-enabled mount or the optional SkyPortal WiFi Module, sold separately.

Celestron StarSense AutoAlign V2 In More Detail

Automatic Alignment Technology

StarSense AutoAlign V2 removes the need to manually identify and centre alignment stars during telescope setup. Using plate solving technology, the system captures multiple images of the night sky and compares them against an onboard database to determine the telescope's exact position. The process typically completes within a few minutes and prepares the mount for accurate GoTo operation.

Updated Imaging Hardware

At the centre of the system is a Sony IMX462LLR-C monochrome back-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with a 20mm aperture f/2 optical system. This combination captures faint stars efficiently, allowing the system to recognise star fields quickly and maintain reliable alignment across a range of observing conditions.

Pointing Accuracy After Slewing

Following alignment, StarSense AutoAlign V2 continues to refine GoTo performance by applying automatic pointing corrections after slews. This places targets closer to the centre of the eyepiece or camera sensor, which is particularly useful when observing small deep-sky objects or imaging at longer focal lengths.

Polar Alignment Without Polaris

For users operating compatible equatorial mounts, StarSense AutoAlign V2 provides an assisted polar alignment routine that does not require a direct view of Polaris. This suits gardens, patios or other locations where the northern horizon is partially obstructed. The feature is also available on compatible alt-azimuth mounts when fitted to a wedge.

USB-C Connectivity

The V2 model introduces USB-C connectivity, giving access to additional functions through a PC connection. Users can access Live View for focusing, retrieve diagnostic logs and perform firmware updates directly through the accessory, simplifying setup and future maintenance compared to previous generations.

Compatible Control Methods

StarSense AutoAlign V2 can be operated using the NexStar+ hand controller, the SkyPortal Powered by SkySafari app or Celestron's free CPWI telescope control software for Windows. This allows the accessory to fit into an existing observing or imaging workflow without changing a preferred control method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is StarSense AutoAlign V2 suitable for beginners?

Yes. It removes the need to manually identify and centre alignment stars, making GoTo setup straightforward for those new to computerised mounts while still offering useful accuracy improvements for experienced users.

How long does automatic alignment take?

Alignment typically completes within a few minutes, depending on sky conditions and the mount being used.

Can I use StarSense AutoAlign V2 for astro phototography?

Yes. It provides assisted polar alignment for compatible equatorial mounts and applies automatic pointing corrections after slews, helping place targets closer to the centre of an imaging sensor.

Do I need a laptop or phone to use it?

No. Alignment can be performed using a compatible NexStar+ hand controller. The SkyPortal app and CPWI software are available as alternative control methods.

Which mounts are compatible with StarSense AutoAlign V2?

StarSense AutoAlign V2 works with many Celestron computerised mounts, including Advanced VX, CGX, CGX-L, CGEM II, NexStar Evolution, CPC, CPC DX, NexStar 6SE and NexStar 8SE. Compatibility should always be checked before purchase.

What is different about the V2 compared to the original?

V2 introduces a Sony IMX462LLR-C monochrome sensor, a faster onboard computer, USB-C connectivity with Live View support, diagnostic logging and direct firmware updates, along with improved automatic pointing refinements after slews.

Celestron StarSense AutoAlign V2 Specifications

What’s in the Box

• Celestron StarSense AutoAlign V2