Alberto Montalvo Telescope Builder

Alberto Montalvo 1923 -2007. Astronomer and Telescope Builder of Burbank, California.
We had the pleasure of knowing him through 1987 to 1991.
Telescope featured was a 12” F/8 Reflecting Telescope

* The "Montalvo" Telescope: A 12-inch F/8
Dobsonian located at the George H. Lutz
Observatory in Arroyo Grande, CA. It is a custom-designed planetary instrument built in his honor to reflect his specific optical philosophy.
* Technical Innovation: His development of the 3-vane curved spider and use of very small secondary mirrors to eliminate diffraction spikes and maximize contrast, creating a reflector that rivaled the best refractors.
* Optical Excellence: His reliance on Enterprise
Optics (Placentia, CA) and his strong advocacy for Brandon eyepieces (designed by Chester Brandon, who worked on the WWII Norden Bombsight).
* The Saturn Discovery: His independent discovery and verification of the 1990 Great White Spot, and the subsequent historical dispute with Stuart Wilber that resulted in Sky & Telescope officially recognizing both as co-discoverers.

Website: calabasas.classics.yolasite