Welcome to the 8th issue of Celestron's 2010 Newsletter!

In this issue we'd like to focus on some exciting science and engineering outreach efforts we've been involved with, as well as talk about upcoming events.

This summer, AES Seaside Cinema, Redondo Beach, California, hosted a series of free movie nights for the community to enjoy, and the best part was that these events may have been the first outdoor solar-powered movie event ever held. Imagine watching movies on the grass and sand knowing that the projector consisted only of "green technology" using energy supplied by our own Sun!

« view image gallery | read post »

October 23 &24, 2010 on the National Mall and surrounding areas

Imagine chatting with Albert Einstein, building an underwater robot, managing cargo in the space shuttle or watching a science magician. These are just a few of the over 1,500 interactive exhibits and stage shows planned for the first USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo,   October 23-24, 2010 on the National Mall and surrounding areas. The Expo has something for everyone... learn more »

August has certainly been a busy month for the Celestron-on-the-go team.  The first weekend of August saw at least 4 separate star parties and trade show events which took place all around the same time!  One of the many events scheduled included the Ocean Institute Star Party held on August 7, 2010 at the Lazy W Ranch, a United Methodist Church Camp, located east of San Juan Capistrano, California, in the Cleveland National Forest...

« view image gallery | read post »

Celestron is pleased to team up with ScienceForCitizens.net, a new website that connects people to research projects and hobbies they can do. The Scientist and Discover Magazine.com call it the Match.com and Amazon of science! The site's Project Finder offers ongoing activities in a wide range of interest areas, including astronomy, birds, climate, environment, insects, nature, and the ocean. You can also search based on personal preferences, including locations, how much time you want to spend, whether you want to work outdoors, how difficult or easy the activity is, and whether the project is appropriate for students...
learn more »

Usually once a year, an e-mail gets circulated around claiming that on the night of August 27th, the planet Mars will appear in the sky as large as the Full Moon. Before you know it, "Mars Mania" becomes the talk of the town and everyone begins flooding the internet for more information about this once in a lifetime event. However, the truth must be revealed – it's a flat out hoax... read post »

We really hope you've enjoyed reading this newsletter.
Please submit your feedback here:
http://www.celestronlife.com/blogs/entry/2010-Newsletter-Issue-8

Clear Skies!

Celestron Marketing Team

Dear Customer,

Welcome to the 7th issue of Celestron's 2010 Newsletter!

July was a busy month for us at Celestron. We've attended several trade shows and outreach events and met a great deal of passionate Celestron users just like you.

During our travels, one subject kept coming up with steady consistency - Astrophotography. It is the fastest growing trend in amateur astronomy today. To showcase the work of both the beginner and veteran astrophotographers, Celestron will be holding several contests on CelestronImages.com - our thriving astro imaging community.

To kick things off we present our "Shoot The Moon" contest. Your images and votes are greatly appreciated...

« contest details | about astrophotography | see all entries »

	Celestron at ALCon 2010
	by AstronomyAngel

Bright and early on June 25th, day one of the show, we set up the CGE Pro 1400 HD and our display table in the vendor area of the conference. It was nice to see two of Celestron's Premier dealers, OPT and Starizona exhibiting as well. Right off the bat, we started receiving a lot of traffic and comments about our limited edition 50th FirstScope and attendees grabbing their free 50th Anniversary pin. Our EdgeHD optical system was one of the stars of the show, with many attendees wanting to take it home with them and some good-naturedly threatening to snatch it while our backs were turned...

« view image gallery | read post »

	Granite Gap: A Revolutionary Observing Opportunity - and More
	by David J. Eicher

As amateur astronomers, we spend most of our lives away from dark skies. Because of our jobs and more and more encroachment by light pollution, we rarely get to bask under the splendor of a spectacularly dark sky, let alone with a telescope at the ready. A new concept in dark-sky observing is about to change all that, however, and will make access to a dark sky easier and more affordable then ever...

« view image gallery | read post »

We really hope you've enjoyed reading this newsletter.
Please submit your feedback here:
http://www.celestronlife.com/blogs/entry/2010-Newsletter-Issue-7

Clear Skies!

Celestron Marketing Team

	Event Calendar Outdoor Retailer 8/3 - 8/6 Salt Lake City, UT Outdoor Retailer is the largest trade show in outdoors industry... learn more » Julian Starfest 2010 08/05 - 08/08 Julian, CA Join Celestron's Team at the 2nd annual Julian Starfest, an annual star party and astronomy exhibition... learn more » Seaside Lagoon Star Party 08/06 Redondo Beach, CA The people who first brought ice skating to the Seaside Lagoon are launching another highly imaginative venture – a series of solar-powered movie nights... learn more » Saskatchewan Summer Star Party 08/12 - 08/15 Saskatchewan, Canada Join us in August at the Saskatchewan Summer Star Party presented by the Saskatchewan Centers of the RASC. learn more » Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 10/04 - 10/10 Albuquerque, NM The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world-renowned attraction and destination for kids of all ages... learn more » USA Science & Engineering Festival 10/10 - 10/24 Washington, DC The Inaugural USA Science & Engineering Festival will be the country’s first national science festival.... learn more » post your own Event on CelestronLife.com »

JOIN OUR TEAM!
Celestron is seeking a Staff Astronomer.

Dear Customer,

Welcome to the 6th issue of Celestron's 2010 Newsletter!

With June almost behind us, today is the last day to take advantage of the NexStar SE rebate offer (available in US and Canada) and become an owner of one of our best selling telescopes.

	Doobie Brothers/Chicago Concert
	by Kevin Kawai

On Wednesday evening, June 16, 2010, two very popular American classic rock bands - The Doobie Brothers and Chicago, returned to Southern California and performed a 3 hour set before a large audience at the indoor Gibson Amphitheater at Universal City Walk, Universal City, CA.  Long time Doobie Brothers' singer, songwriter and musician, John McFee, who also happens to be an avid amateur astronomer and a good friend, invited me to attend the concert as one his guests.  Any fan who grew up with their music, can surely attest to the band's unique style of rock and roll mixed in with a touch of blues.

« join CelestronRocks group | read post »

"The Path Of Light" is a documentary celebrating astronomy, telescope making and human ingenuity.

Episode 2: “The Enlightenment” focuses on the importance of science education and the role astronomy plays in raising the next "Generation of Dreamers".

view, discuss and comment »

	Astro Watch: New Comet Creating Buzz
	by Webmaster

Last September Australian astronomer Robert McNaught discovered his 51^st comet that was named C/2009 R1.

As this comet approached our sun it became an easy target for many Celestron users to observe and photograph.

Visit CelestronImages.com to see some exciting pictures of this icy space traveler and to submit your own photography.

view comet photography »

We really hope you've enjoyed reading this newsletter.
Please submit your feedback here:
http://www.celestronlife.com/blogs/entry/2010-Newsletter-Issue-6

Clear Skies!

Celestron Marketing Team

Dear Customer,

Welcome to the 5th issue of Celestron's 2010 Newsletter!

Celestron continues the year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary with the release of a second installment of "The Path of Light" mini-series.

"The Path Of Light" is a documentary celebrating astronomy, telescope making and human ingenuity.

Episode 2: “The Enlightenment” focuses on the importance of science education and the role astronomy plays in raising the next "Generation of Dreamers".

view, discuss and comment »

Celebrating 50 years of optical innovation, Celestron proudly offers the Limited Edition 50th Anniversary CPC 800 GPS. This elegant telescope features a hi-tech carbon fiber tube, striking 50th Anniversary graphics and a limited edition eyepiece kit.

Only 300 50th Anniversary Edition CPCs are being made available worldwide, making this a must have collector’s item. Get yours today!

« 50th anniversary merchandise | view Anniversary CPC 800 GPS »

	OUTREACH: Weemes Elementary School Astronomy Club's awards ceremony and star party at USC
	by Kevin Kawai

In September of 2009, Celestron joined the University of Southern California (USC) Department of Physics and Astronomy as co-sponsors of a local elementary school's new astronomy club.  Mr. Ray Wong, who teaches at Weemes Elementary School near downtown Los Angeles, came up with the idea of forming a new type of club for his students that would be uniquely different from more traditional school club activities.   It had occurred to him "why not form a club that would be fun and interesting for his students to learn more about astronomy, science and space?"  The astronomy club gained acceptance with students, parents, faculty and administrators right away and became a great opportunity for the students to learn more about astronomy from visits by USC physics and astronomy graduate students and Celestron personnel.  These volunteers would not only share their astronomical knowledge but also serve as mentors and role models for the children...
read post »

This summer, Northstar-at-Tahoe™ Resort will again host a series of Tahoe Star Tours, led by star guide and poet Tony Berendsen, president of the Northern Nevada Science Coalition. A unique experience offering a breathtaking view into the heavens through Celestron optical equipment, Tahoe Star Tours will for the eighth season, offer the premiere star tours experience in Lake Tahoe and an educational evening for guests of all ages. And, new this summer, four of the 18 tour dates will include performances by Reno-based string quartet, Accent Nevada...
visit site »

	OUTREACH: Roosevelt-Garfield Community Adult School Star Party
	by Kevin Kawai

Celestron on-the-go continued on this week, and this time team Celestron met up with the Los Angeles Astronomical Society's Outreach team to help conduct an evening star party for the Roosevelt-Garfield Community Adult School.  Located in East Los Angeles, the school provides a variety of classes in job training, computer skills, High School Diploma preparation, GED, U.S. Citizenship, parenting skills and more.  Principal, Dr. Penny Kunitani, is a member of "Friends of the Observatory" (FOTO) at the Griffith Observatory and learned of LAAS Outreach programs and invited the club to conduct a star party for her school.  The LAAS holds their monthly meetings at the Griffith Observatory...
read post »

Win Celestron 50th Anniversary FirstScope.

We really hope you've enjoyed reading this newsletter.
Please submit your feedback here:
http://www.celestronlife.com/blogs/entry/2010-Newsletter-Issue-5

Clear Skies!

Celestron Marketing Team

Welcome to the 4th issue of Celestron's 2010 Newsletter!

The release of the new version of CelestronImages.com has definitely been the talk of the month here at Celestron HQ.

We are very proud of our social image sharing project that generates stunning astro and terrestrial photography submissions from our users. The release of the new features and updated interface has brought CelestronImages.com website "in sync" with the latest social technologies and greatly improves user experience.
« view site | learn more from webmaster's blog »

The Stars of Spring Event

To celebrate the release of the new CelestronImages.com website we are also launching an exciting event called "Stars of Spring" that consists of an Astrophotography Contest and a HUGE SALE on Celestron's famous Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes that are perfect for astrophotography.

	OUTREACH: Horace Mann Elementary School Star Party, Anaheim, CA
	by Kevin Kawai

Riding high on the heels of another successful elementary school star party two nights earlier, Celestron was once again on the school star party trail.  Next stop, Horace Mann Elementary School, located in the city of Anaheim.  Horace Mann is a year round, public, K-6 school with an enrollment of approximately 1370 students...
read post »

Announcing new CelestronImages.com Twitter Feed:

Celestron 5 Links of the Month by Webmaster

1. AstronomyMag's video "Meet Celestron's CGE PRO 1400 HD Computerized Telescope" http://bit.ly/9dSRJD
2. Celestron will be conducting Kid's Science Workshops with Science Illustrated this summer at National Parks across the US. Visit the link to learn more and sign up to join us! http://www.FunKidsWorkshops.com/
3. Congrats to Hubble on turning 20! RT @scifri: A site that needs no introduction: http://bit.ly/GpsJ4
4. Celestron Spotted at the Global Star Party 2010 in Philippines: http://bit.ly/cmW8Yp
5. For the first time in years, Celestron Advanced Series Telescopes are on sale: http://bit.ly/cNakDk See astro images: http://bit.ly/a2aHcX

« CelestronImages Twitter Feed | Celestron Main Twitter Feed »

We really hope you've enjoyed reading this newsletter.
Please submit your feedback below.

Clear Skies!

Celestron Marketing Team

	Event Calendar AstroDay 2010 05/01 Hilo, HI Join Celestron's Kevin Kawai and Yasmine Rios this coming Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 10 am to 4 pm at Hawaii's largest astronomy day event "AstroDay" at the Prince Kuhio Plaza, Hilo, Hawaii.... learn more » ALCON EXPO 2010 06/25 - 06/26 Tucson, AZ The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, the International Dark-Sky Association, and the Astronomical League will be jointly hosting the annual convention of the Astronomical League on June 25 and 26, 2010 at the Tucson Hilton East in Southern Arizona, sponsored by Celestron... learn more » post your own Event on CelestronLife.com »

	The Quadricentennial Year of Astronomy Celebration at Irvine Spectrum
400 years ago, the great Italian astronomer, Galileo Galilei published a short treatise called the Starry Messenger. This treatise contained Galileo's telescopic observation notes of the Moon, stars and the moons of Jupiter. On Saturday, April 17, 2010, in celebration of the Quadricentennial Year of Astronomy, the Irvine Valley College Astronomy Department and Celestron, teamed up to bring astronomy awareness to the general public. Highlights included daytime and nighttime telescope observing of some of the same celestial objects Galileo viewed a long time ago. The venue - the beautiful outdoor shopping mall "The Irvine Spectrum" located in Irvine, CA...
learn more »

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Welcome to the 3rd issue of Celestron's 2010 Newsletter!

We are extremely proud to announce the release of the first installment of "The Path Of Light" documentary that celebrates astronomy, telescope making and human ingenuity.

The first episode called “Generation of Dreamers” focuses on Celestron's founder, Tom Johnson, an electrical engineer, who developed the techniques for mass producing Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes, making these powerful astronomical instruments accessible to amateur astronomers.

To comment or discuss please click here.

	2010 San Diego Bird Festival
	by Kevin Kawai

On March 4th through 7th, 2010, the 14th annual San Diego Bird Festival took place at the Marina Village Conference Center, located on scenic Mission Bay in San Diego, CA.  Birding enthusiasts from all over the United States and abroad, joined together for the 4 day event.  Activities were plentiful with birders taking part in numerous guided field trips to some of the most popular birding hotspots in and around the San Diego area...
read post »

Shooting Star's First Light Weekend by DarkMatters

ShootingStars was out for first light Valentine's Day weekend. It was great! I had a mini star party with friends up in Ridgecrest. We looked at Mars, Saturn, Vesta, Orion Nebula and Pleiades on Saturday night...
read post »

Wiseburn School District Star Party by Webmaster

On March 24th volunteers from Celestron along with a few other outreach enthusiasts held a first annual Stargazing Night for the students of Wiseburn School District.

The event ROCKED and we met some pretty awesome kids, their parents and teachers.

Despite the patchy marine layer we had some excellent viewing of the Moon, Saturn and Mars. Students also got to meet a geologist from Cal State Long Beach with a neat collection of fluorescent minerals and an aerospace outreach enthusiast with a variety of flying RC gizmos. It was heart-warming to see kids display genuine interest in science and nature.

We also had a screening of our documentary in an impromptu outdoor theatre. it was extremely rewarding to see 8-10 year-olds sit through the whole thing. Perhaps we're doing something right after all...

view photo album »

We really hope you've enjoyed reading this newsletter.
Please submit your feedback here:
http://www.celestronlife.com/blogs/entry/2010-Newsletter-Issue-3

Clear Skies!

Celestron Marketing Team

	Event Calendar ScopeX 2010 03/14 Johannesburg, South Africa Interested in Astronomy, sky-gazing, astro-photography, buying/building a telescope? ScopeX is a public outreach initiative designed to promote interest in astronomy, telescope making, astrophotography and related disciplines within Southern Africa... learn more » 2010 NEAIC - NorthEast Astro-Imaging Conference 04/15 - 04/16 Suffern, NY This year NEAIC will feature three sequences of talks. The first sequence will be a five-part workshop on A Basic Introduction to Telescopes & Astro Imaging with Dave Snay. (You know Dave from his column in Astronomy Technology Today.) Our second sequence will focus on the preparation and processing of aesthetic images. Our third sequence will focus on scientific imaging... learn more » 2010 NEAF - Northeast Astronomy Forum 04/17 - 04/18 THIS EXCITING TWO-DAY EVENT FEATURES: More than 100 on-site vendors, World-renowned speakers, Astro-imaging workshops, Daily solar observing, STARLAB planetarium shows, Getting Started classes for beginners, Space & Astronomy events for kids... learn more »   post your own Event on CelestronLife.com »

	Earth Hour US 03/27 @ 8:30pm PST Nationwide
In what was the largest public demonstration in history, hundreds of millions of people around the world turned out their lights for one hour yesterday in support of World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour, calling for action on climate change. Individuals, businesses and government officials in 4,000 cities across 125 countries turned out for Earth Hour, calling for a cleaner, safer and more secure future for the planet....
learn more »

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Welcome to the 2nd issue of Celestron's 2010 Newsletter!

The countdown to Celestron's 50th Anniversary is over and now the celebration has begun!  We are excited to share with you a variety of new merchandise made especially for this occasion.

Once you've bought your dream scope browse around to view our new 50th Anniversary hats, t-shirts and travel mugs.  Add to your collection a beautiful Anniversary logo lapel pin or get your hands on one of the limited edition 50th Anniversary FirstScopes.

	New Video Releases
	We are proud to release 3 new videos recorded at CES 2010 that cover the latest additions to Celestron's product lineup.

	Red Planet Rendezvous
	by Rick Fienberg

One of the biggest stories in 21st-century astronomy is the discovery of hundreds of planets around other stars. Thanks to NASA's Kepler planet-hunting satellite, it's only a matter of time (probably less than 3 years) before astronomers find an Earth-like world orbiting a Sun-like star. But you don't have to wait. If you own a telescope, you can look out into space and scrutinize an Earth-like planet every clear evening this season. It's called Mars...
read post »

The Buzz:Celestron 8" EdgeHD by Ed Moreno I sold a C8 a year or two ago and once again went down the 4” APO road as a quick look scope, but I missed the aperture of the C8. Plain and simple, once I got past the appeal of the perfect little stars in a 4” scope, I realized that I was still looking though a small scope. I started looking for another C8 and tried a few, but I was looking for one with as perfect optics as I could find. One 8” SCT in particular was actually a VERY nice sample, but it wasn’t quite as good as I would have liked, and while I KNOW that it is almost impossible to tell a very good 8” SCT from a perfect 8” SCT at the eyepiece, I guess I have just become so anal that I CHOOSE to own as high quality equipment as I can find... read review »

We really hope you've enjoyed reading this newsletter.
Please submit your feedback here:
http://www.celestronlife.com/blogs/entry/2010-Newsletter-Issue-2

Clear Skies!

Celestron Marketing Team

	Event Calendar 2010 San Diego Bird Festival 03/04 - 03/07 San Diego, CA City of San Diego is proud to host 2010 Bird Festival held in Marina Village Conference Center in Mission Bay... learn more » NSTA 2010 03/18 - 03/21 Philadelphia, PA Join your colleagues in the City of Brotherly Love for NSTA's 58th National Conference on Science Education. Conference registration and exhibits will be at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Most sessions and events have been scheduled at the Convention Center and the Doubletree Philadelphia Hotel, Loew’s Philadelphia Hotel, Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, and Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel... learn more » City of El Segundo Star Party 03/20 El Segundo, CA Come join us for a night under the stars at the City of El Segundo Star Party. The Star Party will be on Saturday, March 20 from 7:30 - 10:30 pm at the Hilltop Park Parking Lot. Volunteers will be setting up their telescopes, or helping set up yours, to share a view of the stars with all who attend... learn more » Saturn Reaches Opposition March 21, 2010 The planet Saturn is at opposition on March 21st 2010. That means Saturn is opposite the sun in Earth’s sky. At opposition, Saturn rises in the east at sunset and sets in the west at sunrise. This is when Saturn comes closest to Earth for all of 2010. As a result, it’s when Saturn shines most brilliantly in our sky ... learn more »   post your own Event on CelestronLife.com »

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