The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers

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The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers

• Solar System Astronomy At Its Finest

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Such an organization exist !... It is
the...Association of Lunar and Planetary
ObserversA.L.P.O.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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Observational Sections

• Lunar
• Topographic Studies
• Lunar Transient Phenomena
• Lunar Meteoritic Impacts Search
• Lunar Domes
• January 2000 Lunar Eclipse from Rik Hill

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Other Important Observational Sections

• Remote Planets
• Minor Planets
• Comets
• Meteors
• Eclipses
• Mercury/Venus Transits
• Training Program
• - introductory
• - advanced

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Section Coordinators

• Collect and study submitted observations
• Correspond with observers
• Encourage beginners, and
• Contribute reports to our Journal at appropriate
  intervals.

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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
  isnt necessary.
• - Naked eye
• - Binoculars
• - Small Telescopes

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Non-observational Sections

• Computing
• - observing aids
• - ephemerides
• - data reduction
• History 6
• - A.L.P.O.
• - L P

• Meteorites
• - for the rock hounds
• - finds

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Non-observational Sections

• Publications
• - The Journal, The Strolling Astronomer
• - Other Publications, Monographs, etc.
• Youth J
• - producing materials
• - work with others entities

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SERVICES

• Programs
• Literature
• - guides
• - introductory materials
• - standardized observing
  methods
• - observing forms

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SERVICES

• Literature
• - advanced handbooks
• - more detailed information about the
  subject
• - instruct on more
• in-depth studies

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SERVICES

• Literature
• - newsletters
• - offers late breaking news
• - instructs in latest
• observing techniques
• Correspondence
• - SASE Please!

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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.

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MEDIA OUTLETSThe Journal of the A.L.P.O. (The
Strolling Astronomer)

• Quarterly
• Apparition Reports
• - planets
• - events, close passages, and
• other ongoing studies
• - information and recognition

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Journal A.L.P.O.

• Features
• - observing techniques
• - advice on using
• instrumentation
• - commentary
• - previews of
• upcoming
• events

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Journal A.L.P.O.

• News Notes
• - updates on section news
• - other happening in L P
• Astronomy
• Digital format as well as hard copy!
• Journals Membership Discussion Group

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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

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OUTLETS

• Conventions
• - paper sessions
• - exhibits
• - accessibility
• Conferences Star Parties

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MISSION

• Lunar and planetary astronomy

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Observing/Interest Programs

• Leadership through coordinating personnel
• Direction in observing
• Literature to guide
• Personal feedback
• Information that thoroughly informs
• Comet Machholz by Christian Fattinnanzi

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Principle Outlets Are

• The Journal A.L.P.O.
• The A.L.P.O. Web Site
• Conferences and other gatherings

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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

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PRO-AM COOPERATIONMercury Section

• Possible transient phenomena observed
• Imaging needed
• Photometry and visual drawings as well
• Graphic from the Lunar and Planetary Lab,
• University of Arizona

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PRO-AM COOPERATIONMars 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

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PRO-AM COOPERATIONMars 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

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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 dont have!

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PRO-AM COOPERATIONSaturn

• Intermittent White Spot activity in the EZ
• Observing programs
• for Cassini space
• probe
• Image by Ed Grafton

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Other Pro-Am Collaborations

• Minor Planets Section
• MAP Program
• - magnitude errors
• - light curves
• - visual to photometry
• Venus Section
• - Venus Express

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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

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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

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Pre-Voyager observations of Saturn
• Sub divisions of the rings other than Cassinis
  Enckes divisions
• The very tenuous E ring external to the A Ring
• The dusky radial spokes
• Voyager I image of Saturns rings from NASA

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Martian dust storm alerts
• Many dust storms initially observed by the
  A.L.P.O. Mars Section observers
• Reported to the professional community

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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

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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)

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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!

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A. L. P. O.

• Boy, Im all excited about this A.L.P.O. thing!
• How do I join the A.L.P.O.?

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A. L. P. O. MEMBERSHIP

• Membership Rates
• Digital Journal - 4 issues _at_ 12.00
• Digital Journal - 8 issues _at_ 20.00
• Paper Journal - 4 issues _at_ 33.00
• Paper Journal - 8 issues _at_ 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

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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

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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.