Lifelong Star Trek Fan Wins Celestron Telescope Signed by Leonard Nimoy

The Franklin Institute partnered with Celestron to give away a vintage telescope signed by Leonard Nimoy!

Torrance, CA (October 30, 2009) – Celestron, the world’s leading telescope maker, has named Patricia Kelty of Brooklyn, New York, the winner of their “Experience the Stars” contest that was held in conjunction with The Franklin Institute over the summer at STAR TREK: THE EXHIBITION.

“The Franklin Institute continues to be dedicated to astronomy education and is thrilled to once again partner with Celestron” said Dennis M. Wint, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. “Celestron has helped to bring one of only two remaining Galileo telescopes to Philadelphia, to take visitors to infinity and beyond with STAR TREK: THE EXHIBITION, and to educate visitors today through the monthly Night Skies public program at The Franklin Institute.  We congratulate Patricia Kelty and hope that she and her family make many astronomical discoveries with their new Celestron telescope.”

“My daughter and I are very excited to have won the Celestron C11 telescope from the ‘"Experience the Stars’" contest.  It is truly something that has been on my dream wish list for as long as I can remember and to have it signed by Leonard Nimoy makes it positively awesome!  I grew up watching Star Trek and so have my children, we love all of the characters but I have to say Leonard Nimoy as Spock and William Shatner as Captain Kirk are our absolute favorites. Gene Roddenberry was a true visionary; he is the spark that has ignited the imagination and passions of some of our greatest minds in all walks of life. His legacy will live on in our hearts and minds forever as an inspiration as mankind moves forward making the world of Star Trek our reality in the centuries to come.” said Ms. Kelty. “I would like to thank Tthe Franklin Institute for hosting the Star TrekSTAR TREK exhibition, Celestron for making the finest telescopes out there and Mr. Leonard Nimoy for making this an absolutely awesome prize of a lifetime with his signature and just for being Spock!  Live Long and Prosper and Always Look Up!”

“Celestron received thousands of entries, as well as some great photos and videos from Star Trek fans hoping to win this one-of-a-kind telescope” said Joseph A. Lupica, Jr., president and CEO of Celestron.  “We are thrilled to present such a unique prize to a true Star Trek fan. Congratulations, Patricia!”

About The Franklin Institute
Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of America’s oldest and premier centers of science education and development in the country. Today, the Institute continues its dedication to public education and creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake. For more information please visit www.fi.edu.

About Celestron
Celestron is the 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 the world’s leading telescope maker, and enjoys brand-name recognition among serious amateur astronomers for superior optics, outstanding design, and innovative technology.