THE GEORGE H. LUTZ SCIENCE CENTER
The G.H. Lutz observatory is named in honor of George H. Lutz who was involved in the early stages of design of the Ritchey Chretien telescope system which is widely used today. We engage in Lunar and Planetary study.More about our observatory an it's activities may be found at our website: http://www.geocities.com/lutzobservatory/org.html Currently our observatory has plans for the building of our new facility in Mountain Gate, California which can be found at our website. For purchasing a telescope you may visit The Astronomy Yellow Pages on-line. A note about our resident astronomer Loron Knowlen: His background comes from his experience in astronomy for over 35 years. He was involved with the L.A.V.C. astronomy club as president. For a number of years was a sales associate with both L.A. Optical Company and California Telescope Company. In 1990 he was involved in the early stages of design and construction a 10" refracting telescope designed by John Pons.In 1991 he started his own refracting telescope company called Fraunhofer Systems Company along with writing for the astronomy publication Observatory Techniques.
In 1999 became the managing director and resident astronomer for our observatory along with managing an on-line mall "Loron's Astronomy Mall" 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 an 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? YOU'RE HERE !
WHY A SIX INCH REFRACTOR
Why a 6-inch F/15 Refractor? From my years of experience as an astronomer who has used a variety of telescopes of different types along with using very rare large apertures of 8-12 inches. I have found the 6 inch F/15 refracting telescope is the optimum design for lunar, planetary, and solar observing. The telescope’s size makes it the best instrument in my opinion for advanced observers to use and simple enough for elementary observers to use for their viewing. An observer can master the telescope system with relatively few instructions, and yet the system is large enough to provide optimum viewing in city astmospheric conditions. Furthermore for more advanced observing the 6" F/15 refractor with it’s accessories provides opportunities for photographic and spectroscopic work as well. Observatories and educational institutions usually have found the 6-inch F/15 refractor to be the finest instrument for lunar, planetary, and solar observing. For those wanting to build a 6" F/15 refracting telescope system for their observing should obtain a copy of "Telescope Making44" and read the article entitled "Constructing a Large Brass Refractor" by Larry Myers. Telescope Making was a publication of Kalmbach Publishing Company (Astronomy Magazine)
