Celestron Donates Two Telescopes To University Of Hawaii

Torrance, CA (June 28, 2005) - Celestron, one of the world's leading designers and manufacturers of telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and microscopes, today announced the donation of two Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes to the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy. Celestron donated a CPC 800 GPS (8") computerized telescope and an 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube. The institute plans to use the telescopes for public observing as part of their science education and outreach programs.

"It has always been our goal to bring the- wonders of astronomy to the general public, and we believe the Institute for Astronomy's mission is perfectly in line with our goal," said Celestron CEO, Joseph A. Lupica. "We are proud to assist such an outstanding organization."

"We want to thank Celestron for providing the telescope for our Deep Impact observations, and ongoing school and community outreach on the Big Island of Hawaii" said Gary Fujihara of the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy. "I am sure that the astronomy public outreach collaboration between Celestron and the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy will continue, and result in many opportunities for us to share the wonders of the universe within our communities."

Celestron was invited by the Institute for Astronomy to participate in the annual Astro Day event in April of 2005. A Celestron representative met with the Astro Day organizer, Gary Fujihara, and was impressed by his commitment to promoting astronomy.

Celestron sent the donated telescopes in June to coincide with the Institute for Astronomy's events around the Deep Impact mission.