Meade Instruments® (NasdaqGM: MEAD), the leading designer and manufacturer of telescopes and optical accessories for both professional and amateur astronomy enthusiasts worldwide, announced today that it has begun shipping its award-winning ETX®-LS automated telescope to its retail channels. Building on the popularity of Meade's ETX series telescopes, the new ETX-LS' innovative LightSwitch Technology alignment system eliminates the frustration experienced by consumers when aligning traditional telescopes, as it automatically aligns itself for optimum night sky viewing with just the flip of a switch. The ETX-LS is available with Meade's premium Schmidt-Cassegrain (SC) optics or, for the ultimate optical experience, with Meade's patented Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics for an additional $200.

WASHINGTON, May 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA announced Thursday an $18.69 billion budget for fiscal year 2010 to advance Earth science, complete the International Space Station, explore the solar system and conduct aeronautics research. With the fiscal year 2010 budget request, NASA will advance global climate change research. Using the National Research Council's recommended priorities for space-based Earth science research, NASA will develop new sensors to support the administration's goal of deploying a global climate research and monitoring system.

Metrus Development and RASC, Toronto Centre Astronomy Club to re- open TORONTO, April 22 /CNW/ - The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Toronto Centre and Metrus Development Inc. feel that Earth Day is an appropriate moment to celebrate the imminent return of one of Canada's most beloved astronomy landmarks to active service. Canada's largest amateur astronomy club has come to an agreement with Metrus to ensure that the David Dunlap Observatory remains an active, vital part of the Richmond Hill community.