Celestron Launches the Ultimate Backyard Adventure Sweepstakes

Torrance, CA (July 18, 2007) - Celestron, a leading designer, manufacturer and importer of high-quality optical products including computerized and non-computerized telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and microscopes, is offering stargazers the opportunity to transform ordinary backyards into "stellar" urban adventures with the launch of Celestron's Ultimate Backyard Adventure Sweepstakes.

Accepting online entries through August 27, 2007, Celestron's Ultimate Backyard Adventure Sweepstakes will award one Grand Prize winner with an assortment of Celestron stargazing and exploration products--including the SkyScout Personal Planetarium--in addition to all of the camping supplies and gear needed for a family outdoor adventure. From tents, flashlights and sleeping bags, to matches, batteries and marshmallows, one Grand Prize winner will be fully equipped to take the family on the ultimate outdoor excursion. In addition, three first place winners will receive SkyScouts and six runner-up winners will take home assorted Celestron stargazing and exploration products.

Entrants are also encouraged to nominate their favorite "celebrity" to have a star named after them through a partnership with International Star Registry. Following the contest, Celestron will announce the people's choice for the celebrity star naming and the Star Registry will make the new name official.

"All of our stargazing and exploration products are designed to enhance the overall outdoor experience and make 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," said Joseph A. Lupica Jr., president and CEO of Celestron. "The SkyScout appeals to the curiosity of today's stargazers, allowing someone to observe and understand objects in space with pioneering technology never previously available. Not only does the SkyScout transform the night sky into a personal planetarium, its small size makes it the perfect accessory for any outdoor adventure."

The Ultimate Backyard Adventure Pack will include Celestron's SkyScout, NexStar(R) 6 SE computerized telescope, VistaPix(R) IS70, Traveler(R) 8 24X25 binoculars and hand warmers. In addition the grand prize winner will also receive a family of four package including a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lantern, portable stove, fire pit, chairs, first-aid kit, flashlights, tarps, can opener, portable shower, pots and pans, marshmallows, trail mix, batteries, coffee maker, duct tape, compass, knife, insect repellent, cooler, extension forks, cooking utensils, pie iron and cutlery.

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 6,000 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.