Griffith Observatory Re-Opening

LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaking at the ceremony

Celestron telescopes mounted on Griffith's 12” Zeiss telescope

Celestron telescopes set in front of the observatory

Celestron team at Griffith reopening

Griffith Observatory officially re-opened its doors on November 2, 2006. Celestron was honored to be a part of the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Celestron donated two custom-built Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tubes to the Griffith Observatory. The observatory has piggyback mounted the 8” and 9.25” telescopes to Griffith's 12” Zeiss telescope to provide live images of targeted objects for the general public to view on the observatory's ground floor.

“It has always been our goal to bring the wonders of astronomy to the general public, and the Griffith Observatory is the perfect vehicle to accomplish that goal,” said Celestron CEO, Joseph E. Lupica. “We are honored to have our telescopes become a part of Griffith’s long and reputable history.”

Celestron and the Griffith Observatory have a relationship that spans several years starting most notably with Celestron’s donation of a NexStar 11 GPS computerized telescope in 2003 for the observatory to use for its public observing sessions. Celestron teamed up with the observatory in August of 2003 by participating in several large public star parties during the 2003 Mars Opposition. Celestron continues to be involved in various star parties hosted by the observatory.

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.