The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers Solar

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 - ephemerides - data reduction - for the “rock hounds” - finds 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 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”.