Computerised & GoTo Telescope Mounts Explained

A GoTo telescope mount uses motors and a computerised control system to help locate and track objects in the night sky. Instead of finding every target manually, you can select an object and allow the telescope to move towards it automatically.

How Does a GoTo Telescope Mount Work?

Most GoTo mounts require a short alignment procedure when you begin observing. This allows the telescope to understand its position and orientation relative to the night sky.

Once aligned, you can select targets such as planets, stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters using a handset, controller or compatible app.

The mount then automatically moves — or slews — the telescope towards the selected object.

Is GoTo a Type of Mount?

Not exactly. GoTo refers to the computerised control and motor system rather than the physical mount design itself.

You can find GoTo technology on:

• Alt-azimuth mounts

• Equatorial mounts

• Dobsonian telescopes

• Fork-mounted telescopes

This means two GoTo telescopes can behave quite differently depending on the underlying mount design.

What Are GoTo Mounts Best For?

Computerised telescope mounts are particularly useful for:

• Finding difficult celestial objects

• Observing from light-polluted locations

• Beginners learning the night sky

• Tracking objects automatically

• Astrophotography when used with a suitable mount

• Longer observing sessions

Does GoTo Do Everything for You?

GoTo makes finding objects considerably easier, but the telescope still needs to be correctly set up and aligned.

It also doesn't replace the importance of good optics, a stable mount or suitable observing conditions.

Is a GoTo Telescope Mount Right for Me?

If you'd like help finding objects and automatic tracking, a GoTo telescope can make exploring the night sky much easier.

For astrophotography, pay particular attention to the type of GoTo mount. A GoTo equatorial mount is generally the preferred option for long-exposure deep-sky imaging.