{"title":"Explore Scientific Sidara Plus Telescopes","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore Scientific Sidara Plus telescopes are the larger-aperture step in the Sidara family, with one refractor and one reflector. The Sidara Plus 127 is a 127mm refractor for sharp, low-maintenance views of the Moon, planets and double stars, while the Sidara Plus 150 is a 150mm reflector that gathers more light for galaxies, nebulae and globular clusters.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoth suit observers moving past a first small telescope who want more detail on both planets and deep-sky objects.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"explore-scientific-es-ar127820-maz01","title":"Explore Scientific Sidara Plus 127 Refractor Telescope","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e127mm (5-inch) Refractor Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e820mm Focal Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight Nano Alt-Azimuth Mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual-Axis Slow-Motion Controls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSkyAssist Digital Guidance Compatibility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSidara Plus 127 Refractor Telescope\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sidara Plus 127 telescope system combines a large 127mm objective lens and an 820mm focal length to deliver the bright, high-contrast views characteristic of a refractor, but with the light-gathering capacity to reach beyond the solar system. This package is built around a lightweight, grab-and-go Nano alt-azimuth mount, creating a highly portable setup that encourages spontaneous nights of observing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e127mm Aperture and 820mm Focal Length: Bright, Detailed Views\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core of the Sidara Plus 127 is its large 5-inch air-spaced objective. This aperture gathers significant light, resolving fine detail on the lunar surface and revealing subtle structures in Jupiter's cloud belts and Saturn's rings. The 820mm focal length creates a versatile instrument, capable of providing both wide-field views of star clusters and nebulae, and higher magnification for planetary observation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor deep-sky targets, the 127mm aperture makes a noticeable difference. Globular clusters like the Hercules Cluster (M13) begin to resolve into individual stars, and the brighter structures within the Orion Nebula (M42) become clearly visible from suburban skies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNano Alt-Az Mount: Portable and Precise Slow-Motion Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for ease of use, the Nano mount is the ideal platform for this optical tube. Its lightweight construction makes the entire Sidara Plus 127 system easy to carry and set up in minutes. Despite its portability, the mount provides a stable foundation for visual observation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDual-axis slow-motion controls are critical for a satisfying viewing experience. As the Earth rotates, celestial objects drift out of the field of view; these controls allow you to make fine, smooth adjustments to track them effortlessly. This eliminates the frustrating jitters of manual pushing, keeping your target perfectly centered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSkyAssist Compatibility: Guided Celestial Navigation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sidara Plus 127 mount is compatible with the SkyAssist system, a digital tool that helps you locate objects in the night sky. Instead of spending valuable time hunting for faint targets, SkyAssist guides you, dramatically reducing search time and increasing your time spent observing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis feature transforms the user experience, especially for those new to navigating the night sky or observers wanting to quickly locate challenging objects. It bridges the gap between a fully manual telescope and a more complex GoTo system, offering guidance without sacrificing the hands-on feel of traditional observing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat celestial objects can I see with the Sidara Plus 127?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sidara Plus 127's 127mm aperture is large enough to show significant detail on the Moon and planets, including Jupiter's cloud bands and Saturn's rings. It also excels on deep-sky objects, resolving bright star clusters, showing structure in nebulae like the Orion Nebula (M42), and revealing the faint glow of many galaxies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the Sidara Plus 127's Nano mount improve observing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Nano mount provides a stable, lightweight platform that is easy to set up. Its key feature is the \u003cstrong\u003eslow-motion controls\u003c\/strong\u003e on both axes. These allow you to smoothly track objects as they move across the sky, a major improvement over simpler mounts that require you to manually nudge the telescope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is SkyAssist and how does it work with the Sidara Plus 127?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkyAssist is a digital guidance system that connects to the mount. It helps you find celestial objects by providing directional cues, essentially acting as a digital finderscope. This dramatically speeds up the process of locating targets, letting you spend more time observing them through the Sidara Plus 127's eyepiece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Sidara Plus 127 a good \"grab-and-go\" telescope?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, this is one of its primary design goals. The combination of a powerful 127mm refractor with the lightweight Nano mount makes the Sidara Plus 127 exceptionally portable and quick to deploy for spontaneous observing sessions, whether in a backyard or at a dark-sky site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the Sidara Plus 127 perform on a target like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sidara Plus 127's combination of a 127mm aperture and 820mm focal length is well-suited for large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy. You will easily see the bright, concentrated core and the extended glow of the galactic disk. From a dark site, you may also be able to spot its two companion galaxies, M32 and M110.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Sidara Plus 127 suitable for astrophotography?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sidara Plus 127 is primarily a visual instrument. While you can take excellent photos of the Moon and bright planets, its alt-azimuth mount does not track in an arc to compensate for Earth's rotation, which is required for long-exposure deep-sky imaging. For visual observing, however, the mount is exceptionally stable and easy to use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAperture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e127mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e820mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRefractor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMount Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlt-Azimuth with Slow-Motion Controls\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/explore-scientific-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eExplore Scientific Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52909271810333,"sku":"ES-AR127820-MAZ01","price":1260.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/ExploreScientific-Sidara-Plus-127-1_073813ec-1def-4c12-9ed2-9f2824c9a463.jpg?v=1789061009"},{"product_id":"explore-scientific-es-n150750-maz01","title":"Explore Scientific Sidara Plus 150 Reflector Telescope","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e150mm Newtonian Reflector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e750mm Focal Length (f\/5)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNano Alt-Azimuth Mount\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmooth Slow-Motion Controls\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSkyAssist Navigation Aid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSidara Plus 150 Reflector Telescope\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sidara Plus 150 packages a 150mm Newtonian reflector with a 750mm focal length to create a dedicated deep sky observing instrument that remains highly portable. Its fast f\/5 focal ratio produces a bright, wide field of view, critical for framing large star clusters and faint nebulae that longer focal length systems struggle to contain in a single view.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e150mm f\/5 Optics: Bright Deep Sky Light Gathering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe core of the Sidara Plus 150 is its 150mm primary mirror. This aperture gathers a significant amount of light, resolving dust lanes in the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and individual stars in globular clusters like the Hercules Cluster (M13). The 750mm focal length results in an f\/5 optical system, which provides brighter images at any given magnification compared to an f\/10 system, making faint objects stand out more readily against the background sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNano Alt-Az Mount: Portable Stability and Smooth Tracking\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis system includes the lightweight Nano alt-azimuth mount, designed for grab-and-go convenience without sacrificing stability. Setting up takes only a few minutes, getting you observing faster. Integrated slow-motion control knobs allow for fine, smooth adjustments on both axes, letting you track objects seamlessly as they drift across the sky. This precision tracking keeps your target centered, avoiding the frustration of constantly re-aiming the telescope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSkyAssist Integration: Simplified Celestial Navigation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sidara Plus 150 features SkyAssist integration to help you locate celestial objects quickly and efficiently. This system simplifies navigating the night sky, acting as a guide to help you point the telescope at your desired target. Instead of spending valuable time hunting for faint objects, SkyAssist allows you to spend more time observing them, making it an ideal tool for users looking to deepen their exploration of the cosmos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of objects is the Sidara Plus 150 best for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sidara Plus 150 excels at observing large, faint deep sky objects thanks to its 150mm aperture and fast f\/5 focal ratio. It is ideal for sweeping the Milky Way for open star clusters, viewing large emission nebulae like the Orion Nebula (M42), and framing galaxies like Andromeda (M31) and Triangulum (M33).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the Sidara Plus 150 telescope difficult to set up and use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, the Sidara Plus 150 is designed for ease of use. The lightweight Nano mount is a simple alt-azimuth design that is intuitive to point and move. With the addition of SkyAssist, finding objects is much simpler than with a traditional star chart, making it accessible for observers of all levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the SkyAssist feature on the Sidara Plus 150 work?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkyAssist is a navigation aid that works with the mount to help you locate celestial objects. It simplifies the process of \"star hopping\" or manually finding targets by providing guidance, allowing you to quickly slew the telescope to the correct area of the sky to begin observing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I track planets like Jupiter with the Sidara Plus 150's Nano mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. While the telescope's wide field is optimized for deep sky objects, it is also perfectly capable of observing planets. The Nano mount's smooth slow-motion controls allow you to easily track Jupiter and its moons, or the rings of Saturn, as they move across the sky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow will the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) look through the Sidara Plus 150's f\/5 optics?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sidara Plus 150's combination of a 150mm aperture and a wide field of view is excellent for M31. From a dark sky site, you will be able to see the bright galactic core, the extended glow of the spiral arms, and potentially hints of its dark dust lanes. Its two companion galaxies, M32 and M110, will also be visible in the same field of view.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat makes the Sidara Plus 150 a 'portable' deep sky system?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePortability comes from the combination of a relatively short optical tube and the lightweight Nano Alt-Az mount. The entire system is manageable for one person to transport and set up quickly, making it easy to take to dark sky locations away from city lights for the best possible views.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNewtonian Reflector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAperture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMount Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNano Alt-Azimuth with Slow-Motion Controls\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNavigation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSkyAssist Integration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Explore Scientific","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52909273612573,"sku":"ES-N150750-MAZ01","price":980.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/ExploreScientific-Sidara-Plus-150-1_6d47bf77-f1fd-44bc-bde2-7fb120abda91.jpg?v=1789061017"}],"url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/collections\/explore-scientific-sidara-plus-telescopes.oembed","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}