We do things differently here....

 

1927 - 10" F/16 Carl Zeiss telescope

objective lens. AZ.

First established in October 1998 as the George H. Lutz Observatory celebrated recently 27 years. We are starting a new phase where in addition to the observatory there will be a Science Center also under his name.

Several other features are a museum of George Lutz's work in both the telescope manufacturing business and observing. Also there will be an outside observing area where guests will be allowed to bring their telescopes observing and or photography.

Picnic area along with special events, camera club, and a periodic horse show to show the ranch's flexibility and comfort. 

Loron Knowlen and Jacquelyn Knowlen, Resident Astronomers, and Managing Directors and we welcome you to our facility when completed.


 

GEORGE H. LUTZ

CONCEPT

 

JACKIE our Sommelier .... and the Goddess of Telescopes and Inventory !

 

THE UFO STORY AND COVERUP  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AopGYPnAffk from 2008 Discovery Channel.

Ranch Country ARROYO GRANDE 2024

10" F/16 Refracting telescope incorporating the objective lens as see at the top of this page. Orginal owner designed and fabricated the tube assembly upon a custom built pier and Edward R. Byers equatorial mount. Objective lens had been originally listed in Sky & Telescope 1990. Telescope originally located in Los Angeles now in observatory in Arizona as pictured in 2025.

 

 

EVENTS


....stay in touch with us here or through the Calif. History Project.

left - John Pons   Loron Knowlen adjusting the custom designed  and built 8" F/16 refracting telescope with a very rare 6" F/15 incorporating a custom fabricated objective lens by Roland Christen circa 1988  (Astro-Phyiscis) 

 

The beautiful Unitron refractors loved by so many since the 1950s.

 

....enjoy the early1960s.

 

MEET THE LOVELY JASMINE,WHO COMES TO US FROM CANADA. SHE WILL BE DOING SOME MODELING FOR US FOR BOTH THE TELESCOPES.

(featured is The Bradbury Refractor)

Welcome to 

EL RANCHO de LORRAINE 



WHO ARE WE? We are a small independent privately owned ranch and observatory facility in Arroyo Grande, CA. where we engage in Lunar, Planetary research and study with our 4”F/15 refracting telescope.

WHO IS GEORGE H. LUTZ? Mr. Lutz was a very well known astronomer and telescope builder in the 1920s-30s. Mr. Lutz was involved with professor Ritchey in the early stages of design and construction of the Ritchey Cretien reflecting telescope system which is widely used today.

In addition to his work with professor Ritchey, Mr. Lutz designed and built a 36-inch reflecting telescope incorporating an optical coasting of his own  design which was featured at the 1939 World's Fair in Chicago, IL. Mr. Lutz also wrote a book "Marvels of the Universe" 1938

DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? Yes like many observatories we always have plans to expand our facilities along with being very active in the astronomy community. We are an active member of several astronomy forums along with our activities on social media. 

AS OF 2026: We are in the early stages of planning for the construction of the Science Center and the Observatory - observation area. Located on the El Rancho de Lorraine, Arroyo Grande, California

Our Partners are the Knowlen Family Trust 2012, GHLOF, along with association of The California History Project of Ojai, CA.

(c.) GHLOF 1998, GHLO 1998 

 

THE LUTZ THEATRE presents:

 

 

IT ALL STARTS HERE - Founded 1967

 

 

WINTER STORMS 2025 -2026 ARROYO GRANDE, CA.

Leslie,  Telescope Operator

 

 

 

 

We find it most interesting that even  though George H. Lutz is known for his involvement in crafting the Ritchey Cretien telescope system, his personal telescope was a long focus refractor such as we have at our facility.  Telescope manufacture unknown.

WE ARE A FAMILY ORIENTED OBSERVATORY

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"Make it big, make it right,

and give it class."

Louis B. Mayer

Put up for all of those impacted by the devastating Grand Canyon Brush Fire of July 13, 2025. It also shows the beauty of the1950s  large aperture refracting telescopes designed and built by Unitron of NY. Some of these telescopes from this era are priceless.    UNITRON GROUP, NY.                                (Simulation)

 

EL RANCHO de LORRAINE

 

Ranch Country ARROYO GRANDE 2000''s - The lady on the right is my cousin Pamela from my mother's side of the family. The other lady Melisa is a business partnetner's daughter.

 

 

Loron Knowlen  with the tube for the 10" refracting telescope incorporating the vintage Zeiss objective lens in Los Angeles 1990/91.

 

surprise, surprise, surprise

 

Jackie with my Sister In Law Ashley 2010s Newbury Park, CA. 

THERES ALWAYS TIME TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS - Arroyo Grande, CA.

DOBSONIANS ARE GREAT FOR A WINE & CHEESE - concept

 

WE LOVE A BEAUTIFUL TELESCOPE IN A BEAUTIFUL SETTING  -  concept

EL RANCHO de LORRAINE Arroyo Grande, California

 

 PROPOSED SCIENCE CENTER  and  OBSERVATORY  CONCEPT 

THE BRADBURY REFRACTOR

TELESCOPE IS A VINTAGE mid1950s 4"F15 REFRACTOR BY POLAREX - PHTOGRAPHIC GUIDESCOPE 3" F/15 UNITRON REFRACTING TELESCOPE

 

LUTZ WEBSITE DATA

 

***** REGARDING DONATIONS *****

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONCEPT

 

CONCEPT

 

 

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)

 




 

 

 

 

Viki Casareina, Associate Curator of the George H. Lutz Science Center Library. Arroyo Grande, CA. (background- 1956 4” Unitron telescope.)

THE FOUNDING DOCUMENTS of GEORGE H. LUTZ

 

 

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BEVERLY HILLS's  "RESTAURANT ROW"

TOSCANOVA  CALABASAS, CA.

 

 

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