Michael Swanson"s online discussions with literally thousands of NexStar owners made it clear that there was a desperate need for a book such as this one that provides a complete, detailed guide to buying, using and maintaining NexStar telescopes. Although this book is highly comprehensive, it is suitable for beginners there is a chapter on "Astronomy Basics" and experts alike. Celestron"s NexStar telescopes were introduced in 1999, beginning with their first computer controlled "go to" model, a 5-inch. More models appeared in quick succession, and Celestron"s new range made it one of the two dominant manufacturers of affordable "go to" telescopes.