Celestron Donates Two Telescopes To Griffith Observatory

Torrance, CA (May 4, 2005) - Celestron, one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and microscopes, announced the donation of two custom-built Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tubes to the Griffith Observatory. The observatory plans to piggyback mount 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. The addition of the Celestron telescopes for public viewing is just one improvement for the observatory which is undergoing a major renovation and expansion. The observatory will reopen on May 14, 2006, on its 71st anniversary.

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

"After extensive research, the Fastar C8 and the C9.25 were our first choices for wide-angle and narrow-angle electronic imaging," said Griffith Observatory Director, Dr. E.C. Krupp. "Celestron's decision to tailor the telescopes to our specific need and to get them quickly in our hands is another example of their substantive commitment to public astronomy."

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.