Explore Scientific 16" f/4.5 Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope

Explore Deep Space Anywhere – Portable 16” Dobsonian Power

Unlock the cosmos with stunning deep-sky views and professional-grade precision—all in a telescope designed for portability and ease of use.

Unmatched Features for Serious Stargazers

• Massive 406mm Aperture: Captures 2,400 times more light than the naked eye, revealing faint galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in stunning detail.
• Focal Ratio of f/4.5: Perfect for both wide-field exploration and high-magnification views of planets and lunar craters.
• Tool-Free Assembly: Transport and set up effortlessly with a lightweight truss design that fits into compact vehicles.
• Precision Dual-Speed Focuser: The 2” rack-and-pinion focuser with 10:1 reduction delivers razor-sharp clarity for celestial targets.
• Advanced Cooling System: Dual radial mirror fans stabilize the primary mirror’s temperature quickly, reducing cooldown time for consistent, clear images.
• Optimized Truss Poles: Sturdy, lightweight aluminum poles measuring 140 cm in length and 25 mm in diameter ensure durability and portability.
• Comfortable Viewing Height: With an eyepiece height of 167 cm at zenith, the telescope ensures an ergonomic and enjoyable observing experience.
• Nine-Point Mirror Cell Support: Provides stability and prevents distortion of the large primary mirror, ensuring sharp and consistent views.
• Portable and Compact Design: The mirror box (42.5 cm tall, 66 lbs) and secondary cage (48 cm OD, 8 lbs) are engineered for easy handling and transport.

How This Telescope Stands Out

What You Can See with the Explore Scientific 16" Dobsonian

This telescope opens up a world of celestial wonders. Here’s what you can expect to observe:

Planets and Lunar Details

• Saturn: Clearly see the rings and even the Cassini Division.
• Jupiter: Spot the Great Red Spot and track its four largest moons.
• Moon: Explore craters, mountain ranges, and rilles in stunning clarity.

Deep-Sky Objects

• Galaxies: View Andromeda (M31), the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), and other distant galaxies.
• Nebulae: Observe the Orion Nebula (M42), the Crab Nebula (M1), and more, with intricate details and vivid contrast.
• Star Clusters: Resolve individual stars in the Pleiades (M45) or the Hercules Globular Cluster (M13).

Stellar Phenomena

• Double Stars: Split binary systems like Albireo with ease.
• Faint Stars: Detect celestial objects up to a limiting magnitude of 15.74.
• Fine Planetary Details: With a theoretical resolving power of 0.34 arc seconds, observe intricate surface details on planets.

Is This Telescope for You?

The Explore Scientific 16" f/4.5 Dobsonian Telescope is designed for those who:

• Want Professional-Grade Performance: Perfect for advanced users upgrading from smaller scopes or beginner models.
• Love Deep-Sky Observing: Ideal for capturing faint celestial wonders like the Andromeda Galaxy or the Horsehead Nebula.
• Explore Remote Skies: Compact and easy to transport for trips to dark-sky locations.
• Enjoy Versatility: Wide-field and high-magnification options meet all stargazing needs.
• Value Ease of Use: Tool-free assembly, intuitive focusing, and included accessories make this telescope accessible to all.
• Engage in Outreach or Education: Perfect for astronomy educators or outreach programs to inspire audiences with the wonders of the universe.

Good to Know Before Buying

• Setup Time: Experienced users assemble the truss tube in about 10 minutes; first-time setup takes closer to 20 minutes. No tools required.
• Cool-Down: With both cooling fans running, the primary mirror reaches usable thermal equilibrium in roughly 30 minutes. Start the fans as soon as you finish assembly.
• Fans Require External Power: The dual cooling fans need a 12V DC power source. A battery pack is not included—pick up the 12V Battery Power Supply or use any 12V source with a 5.5mm barrel connector.
• Collimation Each Session: The truss tube design requires a quick collimation check after every assembly—typically 2 to 5 minutes with the included collimation assist tool.

Everything You Need for Stellar Observing Right Out of the Box

This telescope comes fully equipped for an effortless and rewarding experience:

• Two-Speed 2" Rack & Pinion Focuser with 1.25" Adapter: Achieve smooth, precise focus for both wide-field and detailed observations.
• LED Red Dot Finder: Quickly and accurately align your telescope to your desired target.
• Collimation Assist Tool: Simplifies mirror alignment, ensuring perfect optical performance.
• Flexible Light Weight Light Baffle: Blocks stray light and enhances contrast for better image quality.
• Two Primary Mirror Fans: Quickly bring the mirror to thermal equilibrium, reducing setup time.
• Detailed Instructions: Step-by-step guidance for setup, maintenance, and optimal usage.

Enhance Your Observing Experience with Recommended Accessories

Take your stargazing even further with these must-have accessories:

• 12V Battery Power Supply for Dobsonians: Keep your telescope and cooling fans powered for uninterrupted observing sessions, even in remote locations.
• 16" Dobsonian Shroud: Block stray light, maintain thermal stability, and protect your optics from dust and debris.
• Coma Corrector: Eliminate edge distortions for sharp, undistorted views across the entire field of view—perfect for astrophotography enthusiasts.

Browse the Explore Scientific Truss Tube Dobsonian series: 10" | 12" | 20"