After speaking to hundreds of experts and ordinary folk, the editors tested, tasted and debated everything from the Best Sandwich to the Best Must-Have Gadgets to the Best Buzz Cut. The resulting list is organized in six categories – Legacies, Passions, Adventure, Innovations, Time Off and Connections.

“Our country is full of hidden treasures, creative products and inspiring stories that often don’t grab the national spotlight,” said Reader’s Digest Editor-in-Chief Jackie Leo. “We had great fun putting this lively and surprising issue together.”

About the size of a camcorder and weighing less than 16 ounces, the Celestron SkyScout utilizes a consumer-friendly “point and shoot” GPS technology that enables stargazers to instantly identify and/or locate over 6,000 celestial objects in the sky with the press of a button and listen to commentary on the object and its history. The SkyScout also has a “locate” feature that allows users to select an object they wish to view (i.e. Mars) and the SkyScout, using illuminated arrows in the viewfinder, will point the user to the object.

A totally unique, one-of-a-kind product, SkyScout utilizes patented technology that combines data from sensors measuring both the magnetic and gravitational fields of the Earth, along with internal GPS and a substantial celestial database to dramatically improve how people learn about astronomy, making it much easier and more entertaining.

“SkyScout transforms the night sky into a personal planetarium that engages astronomy buffs and stargazers, as well as families, students, campers and ‘ordinary people’ of all levels and backgrounds,” said Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron. “After five years in development, it is rewarding to see the SkyScout recognized by America’s premier consumer magazine, reaffirming that the timing is right for SkyScout’s introduction into the consumer marketplace.”

Reader’s Digest “America’s 100 Best” can be identified by state or category on www.rd.com/boa where readers can nominate entries for next year’s collection.

About Reader’s Digest

Reader’s Digest reaches about 80 million readers worldwide each month. The magazine celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and delivers a compelling mix of humor, personal service and other human-interest stories. Reader’s Digest is published in 20 languages and 50 editions worldwide.

About Celestron

Celestron, is a leading designer, manufacturer and importer of high-quality optical products including computerized and non-computerized telescopes and related accessories, binoculars, spotting scopes and microscopes.  Since manufacturing its first telescope in 1960, Celestron  has grown to become one of the world’s leading telescope makers, and enjoys brand-name recognition among serious amateur astronomers for superior optics, outstanding design, and innovative technology.  Celestron’s innovative products continue to receive numerous industry and consumer media accolades, adding to an already impressive list that includes awards for product innovation from Reader’s Digest, Popular Science, PC Magazine, Popular Mechanics, the Consumer Electronics Association and more.  Celestron sells and markets its products worldwide through a variety of specialty retail outlets and international distributors. Celestron is a privately held company with corporate offices and manufacturing facilities, in Torrance, CA. For more information about Celestron and the SkyScout product please visit, http://www.celestron.com and http://www.celestron.com/skyscout.

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