Celestron Partners with National Park Foundation to Encourage More Americans to Explore and Support National Parks

Leading manufacturer of telescopes and sports optics sponsors multiple programs that will carry through National Park Service Centennial Year

Torrance, CA (June 19, 2014) – Celestron, the world’s #1 telescope maker and a leading sport optics manufacturer, has partnered with the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official charity of America’s national parks, in a long-term sponsorship that will carry through the 100^th anniversary of the National Park Service in  2016. 

As Americans increasingly spend time indoors in front of electronic devices, the important work of NPF to encourage families to explore America’s diverse and beautiful national parks is more critical than ever. With a wide range of products tailored to those with an active, outdoor lifestyle, Celestron is thrilled to lend its support to this worthy cause.

“The national parks are a treasure for American citizens, and for visitors from around the world,” said Ben Hauck, Vice President of Sales at Celestron. “The awe-inspiring majesty of our national parks provides an ideal location to explore and discover the natural world. This passion for discovery and exploration fits perfectly with the ethos at Celestron.”

“Thanks to committed partners like Celestron, we are able to share national park treasures, such as beautiful dark night skies, with more people through National Park Foundation programs,” said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “With their support, we look forward to realizing some tremendously positive impacts across America’s national parks in the coming years.”

The partnership kicked off this spring with Celestron’s sponsorship of NPF’s 2014 Share the Experience photo contest. This annual contest encourages amateur photographers to explore the nation’s federal lands and share their experiences by capturing and submitting their favorite shots. The prizes for winning photos include outdoor gear provided by Celestron.

The Share the Experience photo contest will feature a new category this year, Night Skies, presented by Celestron.  Park visitors are invited to submit photos of celestial objects, the Milky Way, and nighttime landscapes taken within America’s national parks and federal recreation lands. Celestron offers a variety of astronomical cameras and photographic accessories for its telescopes to help beginners capture the perfect shot.

Additionally, Celestron is thrilled to join NPF at this year’s Astronomy Festival, to be held in Badlands National Park on July 25-27, 2014. With light pollution becoming an increasing problem in America’s urban and suburban areas, events like this encourage stargazers of all skill levels to celebrate the beauty of a dark night sky and the wonder of space exploration. Park visitors will have the opportunity to view planets, distant galaxies, stellar nurseries, star clusters, and more through Celestron’s world-class telescopes.

Stay tuned for more announcements on how Celestron plans to support NPF this year and beyond. For information on Celestron’s products and dealer locations, visit Celestron.com. 

For more information on NPF and how you can support and protect America’s national parks, please visit www.nationalparks.org. 

About the National Park Foundation 
The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service.  Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and INSPIRE the next generation of park stewards.  Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org. 

About Celestron
Celestron is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality optical products including telescopes, sport optics, microscopes, and outdoor electronics. Since manufacturing its first telescope in 1960, Celestron has grown to become the world's #1 telescope maker, winning multiple awards from many prestigious media outlets and organizations. Among serious amateur astronomers, the name Celestron is synonymous with superior optics and innovative technology. The company has a longstanding track record supporting astronomy- and outdoor-related nonprofits such as the International Dark-Sky Association, Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Astronomers Without Borders. Celestron is privately held and operates out of its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility in Torrance, California.  Learn more about Celestron at Celestron.com.