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The inaugural Pasadena Astronomy and Telescope Show (PATS) took place over Harvest Moon weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center on September 13 and 14, 2008.  Ideally located in Old Town Pasadena, this event complemented the RTMC Astronomy Expo which takes place every Memorial Day weekend near Big Bear City, CA.  Billed as the west coast version of the North East Astronomy Forum (NEAF), over 70 manufacturers and vendors of astronomical products and science related items filled the exhibit tent.  It was truly a great opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts to come out and see the latest and greatest telescopes, mounts, CCD cameras and other related accessories that manufacturers had to offer.  Although PATS focused on public outreach and inspiring new individuals and families to take up the astronomy hobby, long time veterans were also very much welcomed.   As an added bonus, guests were treated to talks by some of the most well know professionals in the astronomy related fields.  Speakers included David Levy, discoverer of 22 comets; Story Musgrave, Space Shuttle Astronaut; John Dobson, Founder of the Sidewalk Astronomers and celebrated his birthday, Robin and Todd Mason, Film Producers – Gateway to the Universe; Scott Roberts, Astronomical Society of the Pacific – 2009 International Year of Astronomy and Gary Palmer, accomplished Solar Imager.

Celestron was one of PATS’ four main sponsors and was highly represented by dedicated employees from throughout its organization.  Those who worked the Celestron booth included Victor Aniceto, Vice President of Domestic Sales; Darren Gonzales, West Coast Sales Manager; Mark Teitelman, Technical Support Supervisor; Mark Vescera, Technical Support Representative; Yasmine Rios, Marketing Coordinator and Kevin Kawai, Community Relations Coordinator.   With a prime location facing the Exhibit Hall’s front entranceway, a steady flow of guests visited the Celestron booth throughout the 2 day event.  Celestron’s most popular products were on display which included the CPC 1100, a CGE 1100, a NexStar 8 SE, a NexStar 4 SE, an Advanced Series Computerized mount with a C8 OTA, an OMNI 102 XLT, an 80 EDF Refractor on a Heavy Duty Alt/Azm mount, NexStar 60 SLT, new Ultima and Axiom eyepiece lineups, SkyScout Personal Planetariums, SkyScout Speakers, SD cards and various other accessories.  Not only were Celestron’s telescopes the most popular at PATS, but a couple of “down to Earth” items were also well received by guests.  The Hand Held Digital Microscope and LCD Digital Microscope also stole the show with their ease of use, clear displays and cool features.  These products were especially popular with children and Science Teachers visiting our booth.   They really turned up the “wow” factor.  Over 1000 people attended the two day event.  Guests looking to purchase telescopes and astronomy related items were treated to great deals from many vendors.  It was also great seeing Celestron products used by other manufacturers and vendors as well. Tele-Vue’s West Coast Sales Representative, John Rhodes, proudly displayed the NP-127 on his brand new Celestron CGE mount.  Star Chaserz’ Norm and Laura Nasise’s displayed a Celestron CPC 1100 on their new Astrolift and Dean Koenig of Starizona, displayed his brand new HyperStar system on a Celestron NexStar 6 SE, as well as on a C11 and C14 optical tubes.  The Pasadena Convention Center is scheduled to complete expansion in 2009.   PATS will undoubtedly grow in size with larger turnouts from both guests and vendors.  With the International Year of Astronomy also taking place in 2009, which Celestron is proud to be a global sponsor, astronomy, without question, will be cast into the spotlight.  What a perfect way to bring astronomy and people together.   Celestron would like to thank Allan Guthmiller, PATS Vendor Chairman, and his staff for organizing the very first PATS event.  They couldn’t have picked a more ideal setting.  Just wait until next year after the expansion is concluded.