Celestron and Astronomers Without Borders Announce Telescope Gift to Nepal Astronomy Club

Torrance, CA (October 25, 2012) – Celestron, the global leader in telescope design, and Astronomers Without Borders have announced the donation of the Global Astronomy Month Astropoetry Contest’s first-place prize—a Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ telescope (retail $279.95)—to the Damak Astronomical Club (DAC) in Damak Jhapa, Nepal.

DAC, a student club at the Damak Multiple Campus and a sister organization of the Nepal Astronomical Society in Lalitpur, Nepal, was selected by Astronomers Without Borders as the most worthy recipient for this donation.  “We like to do something best in astronomy and give knowledge to others as well,” says Dev Raj Sapkota, lecturer at the Damak Multiple Campus and club coordinator.  The donation will provide this recently established club with its first good telescope.

The astropoetry contest was one of more than 30 programs in Astronomers Without Borders’ Global Astronomy Month (GAM) in April—the world’s largest regular celebration of astronomy with participation from the vast majority of the world’s countries.  This year’s contest had over 70 entries of astronomy-related poems from 8 countries across all ages, with Celestron’s AstroMaster and FirstScope telescopes awarded to the top winners.

The poem “Star Gazing,” by Robert A. Wilcox of Los Angeles, California, was judged the first-place winner in the Adult category.  Wilcox wished to have his prize telescope donated to a worthy astronomy club in a developing country, and asked Astronomers Without Borders to make the selection.  His poem, along with the other winning poems in the Adult, Young Adult, and Children’s categories, can be viewed at the Astronomers Without Borders website.

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. For more information visit: www.celestron.com.

About Astronomers Without Borders
Astronomers Without Borders connects people worldwide through innovative programs that are accessible to everyone regardless of geography and culture. Combining local events with online technology and a global community, Astronomers Without borders is a leader in promoting understanding and peaceful international relations, while also supporting outreach and education in astronomy. For more information visit: www.astronomerswithoutborders.org.