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OUR OBSERVATORY FORUM
NEW! CHECK OUT THIS 1935 ZEISS CATALOG (PDF)
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Here is how the Ritchey Chritien telescope began......
It all started with astronomer
GEORGE H. LUTZ
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| GEORGE H. LUTZ (1877-1957) |
Along with Prof. Ritchey of CAL-TECH inventor George Lutz in the 1920's developed several early concept optical
instruments incorporating his design which has evolved into the very well known telescope optical system RITCHEY CHRETIEN
which is used by observatories all around the world. GOOGLE: Ritchey Chretien.
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| (Late 1920's) THE JOINT VENTURE WITH PROF. RITCHEY |
This is the only known telescope manufacturing company that George Lutz was affiliated with. As an
inventor Lutz did most of his own optical work and developement.
| 20" RITCHEY CHRETIEN TELESCOPE |
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| MEADE INSTRUMENTS, Irvine, California |
VIDEOCAST SOON AT YOU-TUBE
VISIT ON-LINE OBSERVATORY
Small fee required for above link to on-line observatory. "Slooh" is not a part of the GHLOF.
Questions may be directed to the Resident Astronomer at lutzobservatory@yahoo.com
NEWS
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| ICE LAKE ON MARS? |
| SATURN'S POLAR-CAP |
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| WHAT IS THIS? ANSWER CORRECTLY & YOU TOO CAN WIN VALUABLE PRIZES. |
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| POSSIBLE WATER ON MARS |
(CNN) NASA FOUND LIFE ON MARS--and KILLED IT
About the Truth
NASA is a product of the Cold War era which was a climate of fear. In my opinion a political decision
was made at the highest levels at NASA not to release any information to the general public about finding life in the universe
including Mars. The decision was based upon the fear that a discovery of life in the universe could create a panic here on
earth.
Now that other space agencies have the tecnology to conduct thier own exploration of Mars independantly,
NASA is now begining to release the truth that they have had proof for a very long time that life either exhisits or exhisted
at one time on Mars. This again is my own opinion however Iam not alone in my opinion.
Loron Knowlen,
George H. Lutz Observatory
| THE FRAUNHOFER ASTRONOMY CLUB |
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| MOUNTAIN GATE STAR PARTY 1997 |
HATS OFF TO THE GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY ON THEIR GRAND RE-OPENING IN THE FALL OF 2006
VISIT THEIR WEB SITE AT THE BELOW LINK
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY, Los Angeles, California
| A LOOK INTO OUR FUTURE |
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| SCIENCE & ASTRONOMY AWARD LOGO |
(HOME)
AM SKY ON-LINE MAGAZINE OF AMATURE ASTRONOMY
We operate out of a small facility but a private location in the hills above the San Fernando Valley
within Los Angeles county. Our observatory is not open to the public but appointments can be made for a special viewing or
astronomical event.
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| GEORGE LUTZ NEXT TO HIS HIS OBSERVATORY (About 1928-29) |
This was the original George Lutz observatory out in the back of his home in Reseda, California. As a telescope
manufacturer along with being an astronomer, involed with the Mt. Wilson telescope project, Lutz gained local celeberity
status. Below is a photo of him with his large aperture refracting telescope on the front page of the
Hollywood Citizen News in the summer of 1933. The data on the refractor is unavailable at this time
but further research may determine it's origin.
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| GEORGE H. LUTZ AT HIS HOME WITH HIS LARGE APERTURE REFRACTOR |
FAQ's GEORGE H. LUTZ
(1.) What is the most famous thing that Lutz did?
Along with professor Ritchey of Cal-Tech, Lutz was involved in the early stateges and developement of
the Ritchey Chretien telescope system which is widely used in observatories today all over the world. The telescope maker
Meade now sells a 20" RC telescope.
(2.) Any other famous tihngs did he do?
Lutz had an exhibit of his telescope systems at the 1939 Worlds Fair.
(3.) Did he ever work in a famous observatory?
Yes. Mt. Wilson an at the time of his death in 1957 he was working on the 40" mirror for the Mt. Palomar observatory
near San Diego, California.
(4.) What other work did Lutz do?
He had worked for the Eddison telephone company along with being an inventor.
(5.) Is George Lutz in any books?
Yes he is discussed in the 1993 Osterbrook book entitled "Pauper & Prince along with the classic telescope
making books Vol. 1-3 of 1940.
(6.) Any relatives?
Several relatives currently live in the Southern California area.
(7.) Does his telescope making company still exhist?
No which is why this observatory project is so important to us in honoring him.
(8.) How is astronomer Loron Knowlen related to George Lutz?
Loron is the step son of Lutz's niece along with being the trustee/operator of the observatory. The Lutz
family is well aware of Loron's actvities Visit "Loron's Astronomy Mall" on-line.
(9.) Is the George H. Lutz Observatory a profit making organization?
No but there may be a science & astronomy cash award given to students at sometime in Lutz's name.
(10.) Any plans for a bigger project or observatory?
The Lutz family members will decide if there is ever to be any further projects in addition to the already
exhisitng observatory. Maby in the future over the internet there will be an inter-active on-line observatory. One way or
the other George Lutz will be known in the community of astronomers, you have our word on that.
(11.) Loron Knowlen does have a idea for later being involved in the creation of an astronomy & science
center that may incorporate a public library or become apart of a community center.
(11.) How can one learn more about George H. Lutz?
One can own a Ritchey Chretien telescope by going to MEADE in Irvine, California. They are makers of telescopes
and thier related accessories such as eyepieces, filters, and much more.
THE DOCUMENTS OF
GEORGE H. LUTZ
re: RITCHEY CHRETIEN
OPTICAL SYSTEM
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In 1991 Loron Knowlen built his own observatory facility in which he operated his first telescope making
business. In 1998 Loron's father maried long time family friend Maralee who is the niece of George Lutz. In his honor Loron
dedicated himself to preservation of all the work of astronomer & telescope maker George H. Lutz. It was at this time
with the Lutz family's permission Loron renamed his facility "The George H. Lutz Observatory" in the Spring of 1999.
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| CURRENT LOCATION OF THE GEORGE H. LUTZ OBSERVATORY |
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| LUTZ OBSERVATORY'S 1960 JAEGERS REFRACTING TELESCOPE |
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| (Current Location) THE 1960 JAEGERS REFRACTOR |
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| OBSERVATORY SHOP FACILITY (6" Refractor Pictured) |
| VIEW FROM ABOVE |
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| GEORGE H. LUTZ OBSERVATORY (Center-Left) |
In 2007 our observatory received a gift of a 10 Dobsonian telescope built by the Coulter Optical
Company.
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| 1984 COULTER 10" F/4 DOBSONIAN |
In 2007 soon through GOOGLE those with an interest of observing from their computer will be able to do so.
Loron Knowlen as feature is attempting to communicate with other astronomers around the world to provide a network of telescopes
that will let many view objects through their computers as well.
Our on-line observatory webcam project is our special feature which will alow you to view a live webcam
image through a telescope at a selected object. Telescopes from all parts of the globe will take part in this project. This
is just another reason why our observatory is a great place to visit. You don't even have to leave your livingroom.
In the future there may be a science & astronomy award given to a student who achieves the highest score
in additon to being involved with a school project related to astronomy. The award would be given in Lutz's name along with
a cash prize. The possible logo for this award may be seen near the top of this web page.
| THE FRAUNHOFER ASTRONOMY CLUB |
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| VISTA, CA. 1992 |
| THE FRAUNHOFER ASTRONOMY CLUB |
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| ECHO PARK, CA. 1991 |
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