News

TORRANCE, CA – (October 13, 2009) – Celestron® the world’s leading telescope maker and global sponsor of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, applauds the White House and President Barack Obama for their support of astronomy and science education. On Wednesday, October 8, 2009, President Barack Obama and the first lady Michelle Obama hosted what is believed to be the first star party ever to be held at the White House.

President Obama kicked-off the event with a brief address that was streamed live on the whitehouse.gov website. The program at the White House included more than 20 telescopes set up on the White House lawn focused on Jupiter, the Moon and select stars. President Obama, under the direction of his science advisor John Holdren, viewed a double-star in the constellation Lyra through a Celestron CPC 800 computerized telescope. “Celestron commends President Obama for his commitment to science education and support of astronomy. It is imperative that we all work together to bring awareness to our next generation about our place in the universe and the contributions that amateur astronomers can make to modern astronomy.” said Joseph A. Lupica Jr, President and CEO of Celestron.

This star party was held to mark the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009), which celebrates the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first use of a telescope. "What will your great discovery be?" Obama asked the students before viewing through the telescope. "Galileo changed the world when he pointed his telescope to the sky. Now it's your turn. We need your restless curiosity," the president said. Obama, his wife Michelle, and a group of 150 local middle-school students attended. Also in attendance were two 15-year-old amateur astronomers, Caroline Moore, who at age 14 became the youngest person to discover a supernova, and Lucas Bolyard, who discovered a rare type of ultra-dense star known as a pulsar. Former astronauts Buzz Aldrin, Sally Ride and Mae Jemison, and current astronaut John Grunsfeld joined the historical event as well.

Visit the websites below for information on other notable IYA events happening in 2009:

• October 9-23 -- Great World Wide Star Count www.starcount.org
• October 19-25 -- Fall Astronomy Week, including Fall Astronomy Day on Saturday, October 24, with the Astronomical League www.astroleague.org
• October 22-24 -- IYA Galilean Nights global star party www.galileannights.org
• November 10-30 -- NASA’s Image Unveiling hubblesource.stsci.edu/events/iyafinale
• IAU International Year of Astronomy website: www.astronomy2009.org

Products

TORRANCE, CA – (July15, 2009) – Celestron®, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes and related accessories, is announcing the release of its newest line of aplanatic Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, the EdgeHD Series. EdgeHD is perfect for photographing the stars.

You may have seen beautiful images of the night sky and have wondered if it's even possible for you to take such amazing photos. It is possible and Celestron is making it easier and more affordable for the amateur astronomer or photographer looking for a new art form. After the much-anticipated release of the new CGE Pro Mount especially designed with the astrophotographer in mind; Celestron introduces its new optical line, the EdgeHD Series, with true Astrograph qualities for sharper more clear photographs giving you the clear edge.
What sets EdgeHD apart from the others? While some telescope optical designs can produce pinpoint stars across a curved focal plane, stars will appear out of focus at the edge of view when used with a flat chip sensor of a digital camera. The EdgeHD optical system is designed with a coma-free flat focal plane all the way to the edge of the field of view. EdgeHD optics produce a focal plane more than three-times flatter than a standard Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and dramatically flatter than other competing coma-free designs. The result is a visibly sharper photograph that guarantees you visibly sharp stars across some of the largest CCD chips available today.

“The hobby of astrophotography is rapidly growing. People want to capture what they see through the telescope lens. Celestron is committed to creating innovative technology for the consumer; we have done that with the EdgeHD." said Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron, “It has superior edge performance that not only creates rounder, more pleasing stars, but actually improves the resolution and limiting magnitude when compared to other scopes of equal aperture, this produces amazing clarity for astrophotographers.“

In addition to Celestron's new optimized optical design there are many new mechanical features engineered for better performance:

• Mirror Locks - Flexible tension locks hold the mirror in place and reduce image shift when rotating the tube around the mount.
• Tube Vents - Cooling vents located on the rear cell allow hot air to be released from behind the primary mirror.
• Fastar Versatility – All EdgeHD optical tubes are Fastar compatible for imaging down to f/2 with optional accessories.

Visit www.celestron.com/EdgeHD to learn more about the EdgeHD and see side-by-side comparisons of images taken with standard optics versus the new EdgeHD optics.
For a list of dealer locations and updates, please go to www.celestron.com

About Celestron
Celestron is the worlds 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 global sponsor of International Year of Astronomy 2009. Celestron is a privately held company with corporate offices and manufacturing facilities, in Torrance, CA.  For more information about Celestron please visit http://www.celestron.com.

TORRANCE, CA – (March 25, 2009) – Celestron^® the world's leading designer and manufacturer of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes and related accessories, is pleased to announce that their new FirstScope Telescope has been declared Official Product of International Year of Astronomy 2009.

In 1609, world-renowned Italian scientist, Galileo Galilei, introduced an elementary telescope to the growing astronomy community which sparked interest into the mysterious night sky for centuries to come. Four centuries later, in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, Celestron offers the portable FirstScope Telescope. The FirstScope pays tribute to Galileo Galilei and many of history's most notable astronomers and scientists by displaying their names around the optical tube. We honor the contributions of these men and women, who brought us one step closer to understanding the universe around us. "Celestron's FirstScope pays tribute to the most notable astronomers, who have expanded our knowledge of the Universe. It is this appreciation of the cosmos that we are celebrating in 2009, the International Year of Astronomy. FirstScope promotes widespread access to knowledge of fundamental science through the excitement of sky-observing experiences, one of the IYA2009 goals." said Pedro Russo, IYA2009 Global Coordinator.

The FirstScope is a wonderful keepsake for anyone interested in astronomy. This quality Dobsonian style telescope features a 76 mm aperture reflector optical tube. FirstScope is an ideal entry-level astronomical telescope that is fun and easy to observe with. The user simply navigates the night sky by moving the tube in the direction of their desired object, making the viewing experience a snap! The compact design makes it easy to take with you on your next outdoor adventure. FirstScope is also stylish enough to be a decorative fixture on your bookshelf or desk.

"FirstScope is an ideal telescope for the beginning astronomer. Its tabletop design and quality optical components make it very easy to observe the night sky." said Joseph A. Lupica Jr, President and CEO of Celestron "We are pleased to have the honor of Official Product of International Year of Astronomy 2009 bestowed on this product."

Celestron is proud to be a global sponsor of International Year of Astronomy 2009, as well as the IYA2009 cornerstone event, 100 Hours of Astronomy. 100HA is a worldwide event consisting of a wide range of public outreach activities, live webcasts and sidewalk astronomy events. One of the key goals of 100 Hours of Astronomy is to have as many people as possible look through a telescope as Galileo did for the first time 400 years ago. 100 Hours of Astronomy will take place from April 2-5, 2009 when the Moon goes from first quarter to gibbous, good phases for early evening observing.

Celestron is also a sponsor of the once-in-a-lifetime exhibit, "Galileo, the Medici & the Age of Astronomy" at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, which will feature one of only two of Galileo's original telescopes. This will be the first and only time in history that Galileo's original telescope will leave Italy. The Franklin Institute is also the official host of the 100 Hours of Astronomy kick- off event on April 2nd. "Galileo, the Medici & the Age of Astronomy" exhibit opens to the public April 4th and runs through September 7, 2009.

Visit the following websites for more information on FirstScope and these exciting events:
Celestron FirstScope - http://www.celestron.com/firstscope
International Year of Astronomy - http://www.iya2009.org
100 Hours of Astronomy - http://www.100hoursofastronomy.org
The Franklin Institute - http://www.fi.edu

Products

The All-Star Polar Alignment Technology will be available to download with the latest firmware update.

TORRANCE, CA - (February 20, 2009) - Celestron® one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes and related accessories, has announced that their All-Star Polar Alignment Technology will be available for download for all Celestron Advanced GT and CGE Telescopes. The hand control upgrade is easy and can be done right from home. The firmware can be downloaded and installed using our HCupdate application available from the Celestron website.

Polar alignment is the process of aligning the telescope with the Earth's rotation. Once done, this will allow you to easily track celestial objects. Select Celestron telescopes can utilize this Polar alignment procedure called "All-Star", which allows users to choose any bright star from the hand control, while the software calculates and assists with polar alignment. Celestron's All-Star Polar Alignment method is more accurate than older methods of alignment and more accurate than using an optical finderscope attached to the mount. Since the stars you can use are farther away from the North Pole, there is a higher degree of accuracy.

The software will be available for our older CGE Series, Celestron's line of observatory class Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, offered in 8" 9.25, 11" and 14" apertures. It will also be available for our line of Advanced Series family of computerized GoTo telescopes, offered in 6", 8", 9.25", 10" and 11" apertures.

"The biggest advantage of having All-Star Technology is that you no longer have to rely on using the North Star to align your telescope. With All-Star you can use a variety of bright stars in various locations in the sky", said Joseph A. Lupica Jr, President and CEO of Celestron.

Please visit www.celestron.com/downloads for details on how to download latest firmware update that includes All-Star Polar Alignment and for more detailed instructions.

100 Hours of Astronomy is a 100-hour, round-the-clock, round-the-globe event that includes live webcasts from research observatories, public observing events and is designed to bring astronomy to the public around the world.

Celestron is also sponsoring  the opening ceremony of 100 Hours of Astronomy at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA on April 2nd.  This weekend will also be the grand opening of the much-anticipated exhibition Galileo, The Medici and The Age of Astronomy. This exhibition features many Galileo artifacts including one of the two remaining telescopes built and used by Galileo. Paolo Galluzzi, Director of the Institute and Museum of the History of Science in Florence, Italy which is loaning the artifacts to the Franklin Institute for this exhibition, will be on hand to speak about the importance of Galileo's telescopes and the discoveries he made with them as we look back 400 years to Galileo's time. This sets the stage for our 100-hour journey through time and space to modern telescopes around the world and in space. 

This special event will be webcast live and Celestron will be conducting star parties throughout the 100 Hours of Astronomy weekend during the opening ceremony festivities.

Visit http://www.100hoursofastronomy.org/ to find an event in your area – or to get resources and information to plan one in your community!

The World’s First Digital Microscope For Hobbyists Selected Innovations Honoree In Personal Electronics For Enabling Consumers to Get An Up Close Look At Unseen Worlds

TORRANCE, CA – (November 11, 2008) – Celestron®, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes and related accessories, is opening up a new frontier of exploration for everyday science enthusiasts with the unveiling of its LCD Digital Microscope®.   The LCD Digital Microscope was selected as an Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Award honoree in the Personal Electronics product category by the Consumer Electronics Association.

The Celestron LCD Digital Microscope will be displayed during the 2009 International CES, January 8-11, 2009 in Las Vegas, NV in Celestron’s booth, #72814, at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, as well as in the Innovations 2009 Showcase, booth #72062, and Innovations Plus at the Sands Expo and Convention Center/The Venetian.  Designed for use by everyone with an urge to expand their sphere of knowledge through exploration, Celestron’s LCD Digital Microscope combines all of the powerful features of a professional grade microscope with an easy-to-use, fully- integrated, high-resolution 3.5” LCD screen, giving users the ability to view, capture and save vibrant, high-resolution images and video of Earth’s most magnificent microscopic specimens. 

“We are thankful to the CEA and the innovations judges for honoring our company with this award.  the LCD Digital Microscope incorporates many of the advanced features found on Celestron’s line of professional microscopes to provide a powerful and easy-to-use tool that is ideal for all amateur scientists, from seasoned enthusiasts to those just beginning their scientific exploration,” said Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron.  “With the flexibility to not only view, but capture photos and video of both prepared slides and everyday objects through the seamlessly integrated 3.5” viewing screen, the LDM is an amazing all-in-one product that will keep users captivated as the physical world is revealed like never before.”

Engineered with an objective lens that provides three different magnification levels (4x, 10x, and 40x), 4X digital zoom functionality, a six position color filter wheel, top and bottom LED Illumination, 128MB internal storage memory and a built-in 2MP digital camera, the LDM is capable of capturing images and short videos of specimens at magnification levels up to 1600 times their original size.  The LDM is an ideal tool for examining everything from stamps, coins and other common objects to specimen slides of yeasts, molds, cultures, fibers, bacteria, and animal parts up close using the powerful digital zoom feature.

With a suggested retail price of $299.99, Celestron’s LCD Digital Microscope comes with five prepared slides, an AC power adaptor, a carrying case, a USB cable for transferring images to a PC and has been available at specialty retailers nationwide since April 2008. For a list of dealer locations and updates, please go to http://www.celestron.com.

CELESTRON® IS HONORED TO HAVE THE AWARD WINNING SKYSCOUT® PERSONAL PLANETARIUM® NAMED THE OFFICIAL PRODUCT OF IYA2009

TORRANCE, CA - (November 5, 2008) - Celestron®, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes and related accessories, announced that their award-winning SkyScout Personal Planetarium has been declared the "Official Product" of International Year of Astronomy 2009 by the IYA organization. "Celestron's SkyScout is a must-have tool for astronomy beginners. Its high-quality features and educational value make it the perfect instrument to explore the sky during 2009, the International Year of Astronomy." said Pedro Russo, International Year of Astronomy Coordinator.

About the size of a camcorder and weighing less than 16 ounces, the SkyScout utilizes a consumer-friendly "point and shoot" GPS technology that enables stargazers to instantly identify and/or locate over 50,000 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. "After 400 years of telescopes comes another product that is bound to revolutionize educational astronomy. The sky will never be the same with Celestron's SkyScout." said Dr. Salim Ansari, Head of Information Systems and Education Support Service with the European Space Agency.

Celestron invites you to be a part of the IYA2009 global celebration. Worldwide events and activities are being planned to celebrate IYA2009; such as sidewalk astronomy events, planetarium shows, documentaries and traveling exhibits. "Celestron is proud to be a global sponsor of IYA2009. It is imperative that we increase scientific awareness to the general public and generate excitement for astronomy and the science community to our younger generation." said Joseph A. Lupica Jr, President and CEO of Celestron. "We need to increase knowledge and concern for the preservation of our dark skies and our historical astronomical sites. The International Year of Astronomy gives the citizens of the world a way to better understand how the impact of science and astronomy affects their daily lives and how they can help contribute to a more peaceful, knowledgeable society."

The expanding SkyScout Personal Planetarium family now features many new accessories; including high-quality, rechargeable SkyScout Speakers and SkyScout Expansion Cards (All About the Stars and Astronomy for Beginners). The SkyScout continues to be the easiest to use, most accurate and most reliable device of its kind on the market. Visit, www.celestron.com for detailed information on product features and availability.

Learn more about the International Year of Astronomy at the Celestron IYA2009 website: www.celestronlife.com/IYA09

Products

Celestron’s new CGEM™ mount is creating quite a buzz with its stylish design and revolutionary Polar alignment procedure, All-Star™.

PHOTOKINA BOOTH – Hall 2/Booth #C-028

TORRANCE, CA – (September, 2008) – Celestron®, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes and related accessories, has unveiled a new German equatorial mount called CGEM. The mount has a fresh, attractive, bold appearance and is capable of carrying Celestron’s higher-end SCT optical tubes (up to 11”) securely and vibration free which is ideal for both imaging and visual observing.  CGEM was designed to be ergonomically friendly with large Altitude and Azimuth adjustment knobs for quick and easy polar alignment adjustment.  CGEM has a new innovative Polar alignment procedure called All-Star. All-Star allows users to choose any bright star, while the software calculates and assists with polar alignment.  Another great feature of the CGEM, sure to please astroimagers, is the Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PEC) which will allow users to train out the worm gears periodic errors, while the mount retains the PEC recordings.

For objects near the Meridian (imaginary line passing from North to South), the CGEM will track well past the Meridian for uninterrupted imaging through the most ideal part of the sky. The CGEM mount has a robust database with over 40,000 objects, 400 user defined programmable objects and enhanced information on over 200 objects.

“The CGEM mount is the perfect fit between Celestron’s Advanced Series and CGE Series.  In addition, this mount is perfect for astroimagers with its ability to track well past the meridian.” said Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron.

For a list of dealer locations and updates, please go to http://www.celestron.com.

Celestron’s CGEM will be on display in the Celestron booth located in Hall 2, booth C-028.

 

Products

THE UNIVERSE IS NOT THE ONLY THING EXPANDING…

TORRANCE, CA – (July 1, 2008) – Celestron® one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes and related accessories, has announced a price reduction for their award winning SkyScout® Personal Planetarium®, making it more affordable than ever. Celestron is also pleased to announce a new version of firmware (1.30) that expands the knowledge of SkyScout beyond 50,000 objects. SkyScout owners can simply upgrade their database at www.celestron.com for FREE.

“Celestron is pleased to offer the consumer a lower price point for SkyScout, while also adding additional features and content at no cost.” said Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron. “It is rare for a company to provide free upgrades and support for a consumer electronic product. Celestron understands what our customers deserve and we are committed to keeping our products and service standards high year after year.”

The expanding SkyScout Personal Planetarium family now features many new accessories as well; including high-quality, rechargeable SkyScout Speakers and SkyScout Expansion Cards (All About the Stars and Astronomy for Beginners). The SkyScout continues to be the easiest to use, most accurate and most reliable device of its kind on the market. Visit, www.celestron.com for detailed information on product features and availability.

About Celestron

Celestron the 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 please visit http://www.celestron.com.

Products

CelestronImages.com is an Online Community for Amateur Astronomers and Terrestrial Observers to Share Their Photography with the Masses!

TORRANCE, Calif. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Celestron®, one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes and related accessories, announced the addition of CelestronImages.com to their growing website collection. CelestronImages.com is an online community for amateur astronomers and terrestrial observers to showcase, discuss and share their stunning photography with the world. What makes CelestronImages.com unique is the integration of Google Maps technology that allows Celestron to display astro photos directly on an interactive map of the night sky. Furthermore, visitors and members can also download and share KML files that allow them to view astro images on Sky in Google Earth.

The creation of CelestronImages.com stems from demand for more interactive venues in the astronomy community. Image sharing has become a very popular function for internet users to display their favorite photography with other hobbyists. “Amateur astronomers are capturing spectacular images of the night sky. Celestron was determined to create a comprehensive website to offer exposure and support to this hobby,” said Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron. “With CelestronImages.com we have accomplished that goal.” CelestronImages.com allows registered users to categorize their images, create albums, comment and rate images and list statistics on their photography.

CelestronImages.com is now live and its registered users and image base are growing rapidly. Be one of the first 1,000 registrants and you will be entered to win a top-of-the-line Axiom LX 31mm Eyepiece! Visit http://www.celestronimages.com/ to register today!

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 please visit http://www.celestron.com.

SYNTA, CELESTRON, AND SKY-WATCHER USA ARE DETERMINED TO DOMINATE THE ASTRONOMY MARKET WITH A WIDE-RANGE OF PRODUCTS FOR THE ASTRONOMER IN EVERYONE

TORRANCE, CA – (May 22, 2008) – Celestron®, one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes and related accessories, along with Synta Optical Technologies announced the addition of Sky-Watcher USA to its already well established and well respected product offering.

Sky-Watcher USA will be headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA. Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron has hired Joe Gordon as the Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Sky-Watcher USA. He has over 25 years experience in the astronomy community. “Joe Gordon brings sales and marketing expertise that is only matched by a few in the industry,” said Joseph A. Lupica Jr.

Sky-Watcher is a welcomed addition to a growing industry. With 2009 being named by the UN as the  International Year of Astronomy the timing could not be better for consumers gearing up for the celebration of years of exploration

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 please visit http://www.celestron.com.

“SKY IN GOOGLE EARTH” ADDS AUDIO TOURS FROM THE CELESTRON SKYSCOUT PERSONAL PLANETARIUM’S COSMIC ENCYCLOPEDIA

TORRANCE, CA – (April 17, 2008) – Celestron, one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes and related accessories, announced that it will provide a series of deep space interactive audio tours for use with Sky in Google Earth.  Utilizing the award-winning SkyScout Personal Planetarium’s technology and knowledge base, Celestron’s SkyScout Audio Tours enable Sky in Google Earth explorers to embark on an interactive cosmic journey of discovery that includes in-depth information on everything from constellations to supernova explosions to hundreds of millions of stars.
 
The Celestron’s SkyScout Audio Tours will automatically appear in the Sky feature in Google Earth.  All deep space objects with available SkyScout audio files will be marked with a Celestron logo.  When the user selects the object, a virtual SkyScout audio player will appear and proceed to play the information-packed audio file as well as display the corresponding text. 

Sky is a feature of the very popular Google Earth application.  Sky in Google Earth allows anyone with a computer to view 3D images of nearly 100 million stars and 200 million galaxies, and with the addition of SkyScout Audio Tours, users will be guided through an interactive tour of the night sky that includes detailed information on all of the planets, stars, galaxies, clusters, nebulae, constellations, and asterisms that make up the universe. 

“The SkyScout Audio Tours are designed to give Sky in Google Earth enthusiasts access to a universe of knowledge and adventure like never before,” said Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron.  “Together, Celestron and Sky in Google Earth transform the night sky into a personal planetarium, satisfying the natural curiosity to explore new frontiers, and creating a thirst for knowledge that will inspire the next generation of explorers and scientists.”

In accordance with the partnership announcement, Celestron is offering a $100.00 rebate to anyone that purchases its award-winning SkyScout Personal Planetarium between now and June 15th, 2008.   Visit www.celestron.com for details.

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 please visit http://www.celestron.com.

 

Products