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Affiliate Disclosure

Transparency is a core part of how we operate at The Sky Explorer.

What Is an Affiliate Disclosure?

The Sky Explorer participates in affiliate marketing programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other astronomy retailer affiliate programs. When you click links on our site and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you.

How This Works

When we recommend a product and link to a retailer, that link often contains a tracking code. If you click the link and purchase the product within a specified time window (usually 24 hours for Amazon), we earn a percentage of the sale price as a commission.

The price you pay is exactly the same whether you use our affiliate link or go directly to the retailer. You pay nothing extra. Our commission comes from the retailer’s margin, not from any additional charge to you.

Our Commitment to Honest Recommendations

We want to be absolutely clear: our editorial decisions are never influenced by commission rates. We do not rank products based on how much they pay us. We do not give positive reviews in exchange for free products or payment.

All product recommendations on The Sky Explorer are based on:

  • Optical and mechanical performance for the price
  • Build quality and long-term durability
  • Value for money relative to alternatives
  • Suitability for the target user (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
  • Feedback from real astronomers and telescope users

Which Affiliate Programs Do We Use?

  • Amazon Associates — Our most common affiliate program. We link to Amazon for many telescope and accessory recommendations.
  • B&H Photo Affiliate Program — For cameras and astrophotography equipment.
  • Other astronomy retailers — We occasionally link to specialty astronomy retailers who carry products not available on Amazon.

FTC Compliance

This disclosure is made in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines on endorsements and testimonials (16 CFR Part 255). We are committed to full transparency with our readers about how this site is monetized.

If you have any questions about our affiliate relationships, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Last Updated: June 2025