Backpacker Magazine "Packs" Celestron SkyScout For 2007 Editor's Choice Award

Portable, Durable, Lightweight Celestial Exploration Device Receives Editor’s Highest Honors For Innovation In Design, Materials and Performance

Torrance, CA (March 13, 2007) – The April issue of Backpacker magazine, which hits stands March 13th, heralds Celestron’s SkyScout personal planetarium, the innovative handheld GPS stargazing device, as one of the “best of the year,” honoring it with a 2007 Editor’s Choice Award.

Bestowed annually since 1993, the Backpacker Editor’s Choice awards are given to products in recognition of their outstanding innovation in design, materials and performance. Enabling 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, Celestron’s SkyScout was one of only 16 products chosen to receive this award in 2007.

“This year’s winners withstood the most rigorous testing process yet,” said Editor-In-Chief Jonathan Dorn. “Our test team started off with 49 new products, narrowing them down to a final 20 after months of trail testing. The finalists were then taken on extreme outdoor adventures from Oregon in a streak of epic weather, to a wind-whipped day at Mt. Hood. Those that survived have earned the distinction of becoming the 2007 Editor’s Choice Award Winners.”

About the size of a camcorder and weighing less than 16 ounces, the Celestron SkyScout utilizes a consumer-friendly “point and shoot” GPS technology. In addition to its identify feature, 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.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by the magazine that sets the gold-standard for outdoor equipment,” said Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron. “Not only does the SkyScout transform the night sky into a personal planetarium, it also fits into a backpack, making it easy for ‘adventurers’ of all levels and backgrounds to truly view the exceptional splendor of the night sky during outdoor activities like camping or hiking.”

The complete list of Backpacker 2007 Editor’s Choice Award winners will be officially announced in the magazine’s April issue, scheduled to be available on March 13th.

About Backpacker
The authority on active adventure, Backpacker is the world’s first GPS-enabled magazine, and it’s the only magazine where editors personally test the hiking trails, camping gear and survival tips they publish. Backpacker’s six regional editions offer accessible, close-to-home getaways with detailed, tear-out maps to dozens of nearby hikes, as well as practical tips camping and the best gear information available. Published by Rodale Inc., Backpacker has a circulation of 340,000, is published 9 times a year, and last year was a recipient of a coveted National Magazine Award for excellence. Backpacker’s companion website, http://www.backpacker.com is updated daily.

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.