The Association of Lunar and
Planetary Observers
Solar System Astronomy At Its
Finest
Imagine…
An astronomical organization dedicated to
lunar and planetary astronomy that....
Facilitates an exchange of information and
observing data.
Provides a forum for the discussing ideas
and observing techniques.
that…
Helps individual observers develop
observing and reporting skills and
relevant training.
Encourages and coordinates regular
and systematic investigations of our
solar system with the equipment and
methods normally available to amateur
astronomers.
that…
Analyzes such data and publishes
results in a Journal and elsewhere.
Encourages cooperation between
amateur and professional astronomers.
Provides a repository for the history of
Solar System observations.
Such an organization exist !...
It is the...
Association of Lunar and
Planetary Observers
A.L.P.O.
What is the A.L.P.O.?
An international group
of individuals that study
the sun, moon, planets,
asteroids, meteors, and
comets and other
topics of study that
relate to Solar System
astronomy.
Our goals are to:
stimulate, coordinate,
and generally promote
the study of these
bodies
using methods and
instruments that are
available within the
communities of both
amateur and
professional
astronomers.
We welcome and provide services for all individuals
interested in lunar and planetary astronomy.
For the novice observer, the A.L.P.O. is a place to
learn and to enhance observational techniques.
For the advanced amateur astronomer, it is a place
where one's work will count through participation in
observing programs.
For the professional astronomer, it is a resource
where group studies or systematic observing patrols
add to the advancement of astronomy.
Through this presentation, we hope to convey to you
that the A.L.P.O. is a dynamic organization:
pursuing Solar System astronomy at many
different levels, and areas of expertise,
has something for every astronomer: from
casual arm chair – to advance amateur - to
professional,
and is worthy of your consideration in
becoming a member.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The A.L.P.O. has a kaleidoscope of different
programs related to Solar System astronomy
managed by up to 19 separate sections.
We have two different types of
programs/sections.
- Observational
- Non-observational, special interest
programs/sections
Observational Sections
Solar
Mercury
Venus
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn
Sun, James Kevin Ty, Mercury – Tim Wilson, Venus Don Parker, Mars – Tan Wei Leong, Jupiter – P.
Clay Sherod, Saturn - Unknown
Observational Sections
Lunar
Topographic Studies
Lunar Transient Phenomena
Lunar Meteoritic Impacts Search
Lunar Domes
January 2000 Lunar Eclipse from Rik Hill
Other Important Observational Sections
Remote Planets
Minor Planets
Comets
Meteors
Eclipses
Mercury/Venus
Transits
Training Program
- introductory
- advanced
Section Coordinators
Collect and study submitted observations
Correspond with observers
Encourage beginners, and
Contribute reports to our Journal at
appropriate intervals.
Can I Really Contribute Scientific
Observations to the ALPO?
Yes you can! Requirements for telescopes and
observing equipment can vary with the
observing program.
With certain observing programs, a telescope isn’t
necessary.
- Naked eye
- Binoculars
- Small Telescopes
Why Observe the Solar System?
Most Solar System objects are relatively
bright and easy to find.
Most can be viewed from almost anywhere
despite light pollution & the need to travel.
Most bodies exhibit changes either in
meteorology, geology, or other unique
dynamics peculiar to the body, over short
periods of time.
Why Are Amateur Observations
Significant?
Amateurs are free choose what to observe
and for extended periods.
Systematic observations using standardized
methods over long periods of time create a
continuous record of changing aspects.
Space probes are not always able to give
optimum views of lunar and planetary
features and amateurs can fill in gaps in the
data.
Do I Have to Observe For the ALPO To
Become a Member?
No! Certainly not. Most simply like to read
our Journal and keep current with lunar and
planetary astronomy.
There are other ways to participate in the
ALPO beside observing, but participation is
not necessary.
Non-observational Sections
Computing =
Meteorites
- observing aids
- for the “rock hounds”
- finds
- ephemerides
- data reduction
History 6
- A.L.P.O.
-L&P
Non-observational Sections
Publications &
- The Journal, The Strolling Astronomer
- Other Publications, Monographs, etc.
Youth J
- producing materials
- work with others entities
SERVICES
Programs
Literature
- guides
- introductory
materials
- standardized
observing methods
- observing forms
SERVICES
Literature
- advanced handbooks
- more detailed
information about the
subject
- instruct on more
in-depth studies
SERVICES
Literature
- newsletters
- offers late breaking
news
- instructs in latest
observing techniques
Correspondence
- SASE Please!
SERVICES
A.L.P.O. Yahoo Groups
Several A.L.P.O. sections also have email
discussions through Yahoo Groups.
Section coordinators moderate these
discussion groups and should be contacted
if interested in participation.
MEDIA OUTLETS
The Journal of the A.L.P.O.
(The Strolling Astronomer)
Quarterly
Apparition Reports
- planets
- events, close passages, and
other ongoing studies
- information and recognition
Journal A.L.P.O.
Features
- observing techniques
- advice on using
instrumentation
- commentary
-
previews of
upcoming
events
Journal A.L.P.O.
News Notes
- updates on section news
- other happening in L & P
Astronomy
Digital format as
well as hard copy!
Journal’s
Membership
Discussion Group
The A.L.P.O. Web Site
http://www.alpo-astronomy.org
All sections and programs are represented
Section and program literature is available
Updates, observing alerts
Recent observations...YOUR observations
Some newsletters are published on the web
E-mail alerts
OUTLETS
Conventions
- paper sessions
- exhibits
- accessibility
Conferences & Star
Parties
MISSION
Lunar and planetary
astronomy
Observing/Interest Programs
Leadership through
coordinating personnel
Direction in observing
Literature to guide
Personal feedback
Information that
thoroughly informs
Comet Machholz by Christian Fattinnanzi
Principle Outlets Are…
The Journal A.L.P.O.
The A.L.P.O. Web Site
Conferences and other gatherings
The A.L.P.O. Has Increased
Understanding of the Solar System by…
Providing observational data to the
professional community
Pursuing areas of study that have
occasionally achieved startling results
What follows are examples of these two points
PRO-AM COOPERATION
Mercury Section
Possible transient
phenomena observed
Imaging needed
Photometry and visual
drawings as well
Graphic from the Lunar and Planetary Lab,
University of Arizona
PRO-AM COOPERATION
Mars Section
Professionals have studied
A.L.P.O. Mars observations
Drawings to CCD Images
Need for data to study:
- Martian meteorology
- Seasonal changes with
features
- Transient features...dust
storms, flashes
- Long term, secular
changes
PRO-AM COOPERATION
Mars Section
Mars Sec. Coordinators
have participated in
professional workshops
Mars Sec. Coordinators
have published in
- Icarus
- Journal of
Geophysical
Research
- Data used in many
others
The
Pro-Am Rationale
Telescope time
More interested amateurs than professionals
Networked, world-wide
Much higher quantity of observations
Amateurs have the data the pros don’t have!
PRO-AM COOPERATION
Saturn
Intermittent White Spot
activity in the EZ
Observing programs
for Cassini space
probe
Image by Ed Grafton
Other Pro-Am Collaborations
Minor Planets Section
MAP Program
- magnitude errors
- light curves
- visual to photometry
Venus Section
- Venus Express
Other Pro-Am Collaborations
Lunar Transient Phenomena
(LTP)
NASA involvement
Clementine
Lunar Polar Orbiter
And many more observing
programs too numerous to
mention!
Crater Schickard imaged by Carmelo Zannelli
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Lunar Meteoritic Impact Search
Program (LMISP)
Flashes on the Moon
during meteor showers
Recorded on Videocams
Confirmed by indep. obs.
in diverse geographic
locations
Graphic from Brian Cudnik and the Journal
A.L.P.O
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Pre-Voyager observations
of Saturn
Sub divisions of the rings
other than Cassini’s &
Encke’s divisions
The very tenuous E ring
external to the A Ring
The dusky radial “spokes”
Voyager I image of Saturn’s rings from NASA
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Martian dust storm
alerts
Many dust storms
initially observed by the
A.L.P.O. Mars Section
observers
Reported to the
professional
community
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Martian Flashes
A phenomena of “bright flashes” from
the Edom region of Mars observed in
the past
Flashes predicted for specific dates in
June 2001....under similar
circumstances of past observations
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Videography captured the flashes at the predicted time
They were also observed visually in other telescopes
(From the June 7, 2001 videotape by David Moore)
A. L. P. O.
So, in addition to the A.L.P.O. being a
organization that services its
members....
....the A.L.P.O. has also contributed to the
advancement of Solar System
astronomy!
A. L. P. O.
Boy, I’m all excited about this
A.L.P.O. thing!
How do I join the A.L.P.O.?
A. L. P. O. MEMBERSHIP
Membership Rates
Digital Journal
Digital Journal
Paper Journal
Paper Journal
-
4 issues @ $12.00
8 issues @ $20.00
4 issues @ $33.00
8 issues @ $60.00
Consult the Journal or A.L.P.O. web site for
international rates
Membership forms are available from the presenter or
on the A.L.P.O web site
CONCLUSION
The A.L.P.O. is a vibrant
astronomical organization.
Conducting studies of Solar
System phenomena
Providing assistance to
amateur observers making
observations in such studies
Publishing results in our
Journal and other publications
and media
Sharing observations and
results with the professional
community
CONCLUSION
The A.L.P.O. will continue
to contribute to the
advancement of lunar
and planetary
astronomy.
Whether you want to
participate in our
observing programs or
merely subscribe to our
literature, please join us
in the “great
astronomical
adventure”.