The Launch of Explore Scientific, LLC is Announced at the
Astronomical League Conference (ALCON)

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., July 19, 2008

Astronomy outreach enthusiast and former VP of Meade Instruments, Scott W. Roberts, announced his return to the telescope manufacturing industry with the launch of Explore Scientific, LLC during the annual Astronomical League's Awards Banquet in Des Moines, Iowa.   The announcement was made to an amateur astronomer audience that included well-known planetary researchers, astronomy club presidents, active supporters of the Astronomical League, and award recipients that have made major contributions to astronomical science and educational outreach.

Explore Scientific is designing and building telescopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, and microscopes and will engage their customers and the interested public with recognition programs, awards, workshops, and expeditions. The company will also be heavily involved in celebrating the 2009 International Year of Astronomy that was sanctioned by UNESCO and the International Astronomical Union to spread worldwide awareness of astronomy. But the announcement comes early as the company will not have products available for market until sometime this fall.

Roberts explains: "For many years, I exhibited products for and presented awards on behalf of telescope maker Meade Instruments at ALCON, and when the Astronomical League's President, Terry Mann, contacted me to let me know that they were looking for a new sponsor for their National Young Astronomer Award, and Leslie C. Peltier Award, I made a commitment on the spot that we would support these venerable programs. Programs to recognize astronomical achievement by youth and for lifetime contributions in astronomy fit perfectly with the mission of Explore Scientific. So although an announcement in July would be premature, it was important to let the amateur astronomical community know that we are committed to supporting the causes and recognition programs that are important to them."

As the award ceremonies got underway, Roberts made a toast to a filled banquet room and dedicated Explore Scientifics' sponsorship to John Diebel and Meade Instruments: "We dedicate our sponsorship of these awards to John Debel who for many years with Meade Instruments, supported those who have a passion for science and astronomy, and inspires us to serve amateur astronomers through product innovation and community sustentation."

The National Young Astronomer Award was presented to 17 year old John Hodge II for his work on cataclysmic variable stars, and the Leslie C. Peltier Award was presented to Richard G. Hodgson for his outstanding work with the Minor Planets Section of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers. Hodgson was the first to propose the idea that asteroids could have their own moons or satellites. His idea was met with great skepticism by the professional research community, that is, until he made he made a discovery of one. Explore Scientific provided financial support for these awards and presented John Hodge with a 127mm ED Apochromatic Refractor telescope and equatorial mount valued at nearly $3000.

Terry Mann, the President of the Astronomical League writes: "On behalf of over 15,000 members of the Astronomical League I would like to thank Explore Scientific for their support of the National Young Astronomer Award and the Peltier Award. We are very grateful for their dedication to the astronomy community."

ABOUT EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC

Founded to make astronomy, microscopy, and exploration of nature accessible and affordable, Explore Scientific helps the general public experience the adventure, wonder, and excitement of scientific exploration. The company designs, builds, and sells telescopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, and microscopes that are high-quality, durable, and a great value. The company engages its audience through participation in recognition programs, awards, workshops, and expeditions.

For more information go to http://www.explorescientific.com