Video: Allegheny Observatory 1872 Lens Theft Case

Photograph of the second, and current, Allegheny Observatory building, in Pittsburgh's Riverview Park, built 1900 to 1912.

One of the little known cases in astronomy history is the case of the "lens-napping" of the 13-inch Fitz objective lens of the original Allegheny Observatory, which was located on Old Observatory Hill overlooking Downtown Allegheny, Pennsylvania, now Pittsburgh's North Side. When the original Allegheny Observatory was constructed in 1861, the Fitz telescope was the third largest in the world (behind 15-inch refractor telescopes at Harvard and in Russia).

Dan Handley, Producer of the history film, "UNDAUNTED: The Forgotten Giants of the Allegheny Observatory," has just released a short film segment about the "lens-napping" case. In this film segment, the known facts about the case are explained by Allegheny Observatory Historian Art Glaser.

This film segment, which could not be included in the original film due to time constraints, will be included as a "special feature" on the planned DVD. However, you do not have to wait for the DVD to be issued to see this segment; Dr., Handley has just posted it to YouTube:

>>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caBc_uLfj_4

In a May 23 electronic mail message, Dr. Handley stated that he is behind schedule in issuing the film DVD. He now expects the DVD to be available sometime in June.

In the e-mail, Dr. Handley also says, "There is a lot of history left
out in this short piece, but maybe it will inspire people to start looking
into the history of astronomy on their own. I really wish we could make a
comprehensive history of astronomy documentary series (we'd be talking big
bucks there). In any case, I hope you enjoy this small tidbit."

Here is contact information for Dr. Handley and the film:

Dan Handley, Ph.D.
Producer, UNDAUNTED: The Forgotten Giants of the Allegheny Observatory
In association with the Senator John Heinz History Center
William Peduto, Executive Producer
 >>> www.UNDAUNTEDtheMovie.com
Follow on Twitter: @UNDAUNTEDMOVIE
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNDAUNTEDMOVIE
Dan Handley < dhandley@dhsciencemedia.com >
412-427-7242


June 5 - Safe Public Viewing of Rare Astronomical Event:
>>> http://buhlplanetarium.tripod.com/venustransit/notices/Poster-VenusTransit2012.html 

gaw

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