The Association of Lunar and The Association of Lunar and Planetary ObserversPlanetary Observers

Solar System Astronomy At Its Solar System Astronomy At Its FinestFinest

Imagine…Imagine…

An astronomical organization dedicated to An astronomical organization dedicated to lunar and planetary astronomy that....lunar and planetary astronomy that....

Facilitates an Facilitates an exchangeexchange of information and of information and observing data.observing data.

Provides a Provides a forumforum for the discussing ideas for the discussing ideas and observing techniques.and observing techniques.

that…that…

Helps Helps individual observersindividual observers develop develop observing and reporting skills and observing and reporting skills and relevant training.relevant training.

Encourages and coordinates Encourages and coordinates regular regular and systematic investigationsand systematic investigations of our of our solar system with the equipment and solar system with the equipment and methods normally available to amateur methods normally available to amateur astronomers.astronomers.

that…that…

Analyzes such Analyzes such datadata and publishes and publishes resultsresults in a in a Journal Journal and elsewhere.and elsewhere.

Encourages Encourages cooperationcooperation between between amateur and professional astronomers.amateur and professional astronomers.

Provides a Provides a repositoryrepository for the history of for the history of Solar System observations.Solar System observations.

Such an organization exist !...Such an organization exist !...

It is the...It is the...

Association of Lunar and Association of Lunar and Planetary ObserversPlanetary Observers

A.L.P.O.A.L.P.O.

What is the A.L.P.O.?What is the A.L.P.O.?

An international group An international group of individuals that study of individuals that study the sun, moon, planets, the sun, moon, planets, asteroids, meteors, and asteroids, meteors, and comets and other comets and other topics of study that topics of study that relate to Solar System relate to Solar System astronomy.astronomy.

Our goals are to:Our goals are to:

stimulate, coordinate, stimulate, coordinate, and generally promote and generally promote the study of these the study of these bodies bodies

using using methodsmethods and and instrumentsinstruments that are that are available within the available within the communities of both communities of both amateur and amateur and professional professional astronomers.astronomers.

We welcome and provide services for all individuals We welcome and provide services for all individuals interested in lunar and planetary astronomy.interested in lunar and planetary astronomy.

For the For the novice observernovice observer, the A.L.P.O. is a place to , the A.L.P.O. is a place to learn and to enhance observational techniques.learn and to enhance observational techniques.

For the For the advanced amateur astronomeradvanced amateur astronomer, it is a place , it is a place where one's work will count through participation in where one's work will count through participation in observing programs.observing programs.

For the For the professional astronomerprofessional astronomer, it is a resource , it is a resource where group studies or systematic observing patrols where group studies or systematic observing patrols add to the advancement of astronomy. add to the advancement of astronomy.

Through this presentation, we hope to convey to you Through this presentation, we hope to convey to you that the A.L.P.O. is a dynamic organization:that the A.L.P.O. is a dynamic organization:

pursuing Solar System astronomy at many pursuing Solar System astronomy at many different levelsdifferent levels, and , and areas of expertiseareas of expertise,,

has something for has something for every astronomerevery astronomer: from : from casual arm chair – to advance amateur - to casual arm chair – to advance amateur - to professional,professional,

and is worthy of your consideration in and is worthy of your consideration in becoming a becoming a membermember..

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTUREORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The A.L.P.O. has a The A.L.P.O. has a kkaalleeiiddoossccooppee of different of different programs related to Solar System astronomy programs related to Solar System astronomy managed by up to managed by up to 1919 separate sections. separate sections.

We have two different types of We have two different types of programs/sections.programs/sections.

- Observational- Observational

- Non-observational, special interest - Non-observational, special interest programs/sectionsprograms/sections

Observational SectionsObservational Sections

SolarSolar

MercuryMercury

VenusVenus

MarsMars

JupiterJupiter

SaturnSaturnSun, James Kevin Ty, Mercury – Tim Wilson, Venus - Sun, James Kevin Ty, Mercury – Tim Wilson, Venus -

Don Parker, Mars – Tan Wei Leong, Jupiter – P. Don Parker, Mars – Tan Wei Leong, Jupiter – P. Clay Sherod, Saturn - UnknownClay Sherod, Saturn - Unknown

Observational SectionsObservational SectionsLunarLunar

Topographic Studies Topographic Studies Lunar Transient Phenomena Lunar Transient Phenomena

Lunar Meteoritic Impacts SearchLunar Meteoritic Impacts SearchLunar DomesLunar Domes

January 2000 Lunar Eclipse from Rik HillJanuary 2000 Lunar Eclipse from Rik Hill

Other Important Observational SectionsOther Important Observational Sections

Remote PlanetsRemote PlanetsMinor PlanetsMinor PlanetsCometsCometsMeteorsMeteorsEclipsesEclipsesMercury/Venus Mercury/Venus TransitsTransitsTraining ProgramTraining Program- introductory- introductory- advanced- advanced

Section CoordinatorsSection Coordinators

Collect and study submitted Collect and study submitted observationsobservations

Correspond with Correspond with observersobservers

Encourage Encourage beginnersbeginners, and, and

Contribute Contribute reportsreports to our to our Journal Journal at at appropriate intervals.appropriate intervals.

Can I Really Contribute Scientific Can I Really Contribute Scientific Observations to the ALPO?Observations to the ALPO?

Yes you can! Requirements for telescopes and Yes you can! Requirements for telescopes and observing equipment can vary with the observing equipment can vary with the observing program. observing program.

With certain observing programs, a telescope isn’t With certain observing programs, a telescope isn’t necessary.necessary.

- Naked eye- Naked eye

- Binoculars- Binoculars

- Small Telescopes- Small Telescopes

Why Observe the Solar System?Why Observe the Solar System?

Most Solar System objects are relatively Most Solar System objects are relatively bright and easy to find.bright and easy to find.

Most can be viewed from almost anywhere Most can be viewed from almost anywhere despite light pollutiondespite light pollution & the need to travel. & the need to travel.

Most bodies exhibit changes either in Most bodies exhibit changes either in meteorology, geology, or other unique meteorology, geology, or other unique dynamics peculiar to the body, over dynamics peculiar to the body, over short short periods of time.periods of time.

Why Are Amateur Observations Why Are Amateur Observations Significant?Significant?

Amateurs are free choose what to observe Amateurs are free choose what to observe and for and for extended periodsextended periods..

Systematic observationsSystematic observations using using standardized standardized methodsmethods over long periods of time create a over long periods of time create a continuous record of changing aspects.continuous record of changing aspects.

Space probes are not always able to give Space probes are not always able to give optimum views of lunar and planetary optimum views of lunar and planetary features and amateurs features and amateurs can fill in gaps in the can fill in gaps in the datadata..

Do I Have to Observe For the ALPO To Do I Have to Observe For the ALPO To Become a Member?Become a Member?

No!No! Certainly not. Most simply like to read Certainly not. Most simply like to read our Journal and keep current with lunar and our Journal and keep current with lunar and planetary astronomy.planetary astronomy.

There are other ways to participate in the There are other ways to participate in the ALPO beside observing, but participation is ALPO beside observing, but participation is not necessary.not necessary.

Non-observational SectionsNon-observational Sections

ComputingComputing - observing aids- observing aids

- ephemerides- ephemerides

- data reduction- data reduction

HistoryHistory - A.L.P.O.- A.L.P.O.

- L & P- L & P

MeteoritesMeteorites- for the “rock hounds”- for the “rock hounds”

- finds- finds

Non-observational SectionsNon-observational Sections

PublicationsPublications - The Journal, - The Journal, The Strolling AstronomerThe Strolling Astronomer

- Other Publications, Monographs, etc.- Other Publications, Monographs, etc.

YouthYouth - producing materials- producing materials

- work with others entities- work with others entities

SERVICESSERVICES

ProgramsPrograms

LiteratureLiterature

- - guidesguides

- introductory - introductory materials materials

- standardized - standardized observing observing

methodsmethods

- observing forms- observing forms

SERVICESSERVICES

LiteratureLiterature

- advanced handbooks- advanced handbooks

- more detailed - more detailed information information

about the about the subject subject

- instruct on more - instruct on more

in-depth studiesin-depth studies

SERVICESSERVICES

LiteratureLiterature

- newsletters- newsletters

- offers late breaking - offers late breaking news news

- instructs in latest - instructs in latest

observing observing techniquestechniques

CorrespondenceCorrespondence- SASE Please!- SASE Please!

SERVICESSERVICES

A.L.P.O. Yahoo GroupsA.L.P.O. Yahoo Groups

Several A.L.P.O. sections also have email Several A.L.P.O. sections also have email discussions through Yahoo Groups.discussions through Yahoo Groups.

Section coordinators moderate these Section coordinators moderate these discussion groups and should be contacted discussion groups and should be contacted if interested in participation.if interested in participation.

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

QuarterlyQuarterly

Apparition ReportsApparition Reports

- - planetsplanets

- events, close passages, - events, close passages, and and

other ongoing studiesother ongoing studies

- information and recognition- information and recognition

Journal A.L.P.O.Journal A.L.P.O.

FeaturesFeatures

- observing techniques- observing techniques

- advice on using - advice on using

instrumentationinstrumentation

- commentary- commentary

- previews of - previews of

upcoming upcoming

eventsevents

Journal A.L.P.O.Journal A.L.P.O.

News NotesNews Notes - - updates on section newsupdates on section news

- other happening in L & P - other happening in L & P AstronomyAstronomy

Digital format as well Digital format as well as hard copy!as hard copy!

Journal’s Journal’s Membership Membership Discussion GroupDiscussion Group

The A.L.P.O. Web SiteThe A.L.P.O. Web Site

http://www.alpo-astronomy.orghttp://www.alpo-astronomy.org

All sections and programs are representedAll sections and programs are represented

Section and program literature is availableSection and program literature is available

Updates, observing alertsUpdates, observing alerts

Recent observations...YOUR observationsRecent observations...YOUR observations

Some newsletters are published on the webSome newsletters are published on the web

E-mail alertsE-mail alerts

OUTLETSOUTLETS

ConventionsConventions

- - paper sessionspaper sessions

- exhibits- exhibits

- accessibility- accessibility

Conferences & Star Conferences & Star PartiesParties

MISSIONMISSION

Lunar and planetary Lunar and planetary astronomyastronomy

Observing/Interest ProgramsObserving/Interest Programs

Leadership through Leadership through coordinating personnelcoordinating personnel

Direction in observingDirection in observing

Literature to guideLiterature to guide

Personal feedbackPersonal feedback

Information that Information that thoroughly informsthoroughly informs

Comet Machholz by Christian FattinnanziComet Machholz by Christian Fattinnanzi

Principle Outlets Are…Principle Outlets Are…

The The Journal A.L.P.O.Journal A.L.P.O.

The A.L.P.O. Web SiteThe A.L.P.O. Web Site

Conferences and other gatheringsConferences and other gatherings

The A.L.P.O. Has Increased The A.L.P.O. Has Increased Understanding of the Solar System by…Understanding of the Solar System by…

Providing observational data to the Providing observational data to the professional community professional community

Pursuing areas of study that have Pursuing areas of study that have occasionally achieved startling resultsoccasionally achieved startling results

What follows are examples of these two pointsWhat follows are examples of these two points

PRO-AM COOPERATIONPRO-AM COOPERATIONMercury SectionMercury Section

Possible transient Possible transient phenomena observedphenomena observed

Imaging neededImaging needed

Photometry and visual Photometry and visual drawings as welldrawings as well

Graphic from the Lunar and Planetary Lab,Graphic from the Lunar and Planetary Lab,

University of ArizonaUniversity of Arizona

PRO-AM COOPERATIONPRO-AM COOPERATIONMars SectionMars Section

Professionals have studied Professionals have studied A.L.P.O. Mars observationsA.L.P.O. Mars observations

Drawings to CCD ImagesDrawings to CCD Images

Need for data to study:Need for data to study:- Martian meteorology- Martian meteorology- Seasonal changes with - Seasonal changes with

featuresfeatures- Transient features...dust - Transient features...dust

storms, flashesstorms, flashes- Long term, secular - Long term, secular changeschanges

PRO-AM COOPERATIONPRO-AM COOPERATIONMars SectionMars Section

Mars Sec. Coordinators Mars Sec. Coordinators have participated in have participated in professional workshopsprofessional workshops

Mars Sec. Coordinators Mars Sec. Coordinators have published in have published in - - IcarusIcarus- - Journal of Journal of Geophysical Geophysical ResearchResearch- Data used in many - Data used in many

othersothers

The The Pro-Am RationalePro-Am Rationale

Telescope timeTelescope time

More interested amateurs than professionalsMore interested amateurs than professionals

Networked, world-wideNetworked, world-wide

Much higher Much higher quantityquantity of observations of observations

Amateurs have the data the pros don’t have!Amateurs have the data the pros don’t have!

PRO-AM COOPERATIONPRO-AM COOPERATIONSaturnSaturn

Intermittent White Spot Intermittent White Spot activity in the EZactivity in the EZ

Observing programs Observing programs

for Cassini space for Cassini space

probeprobe

Image by Ed GraftonImage by Ed Grafton

Other Pro-Am CollaborationsOther Pro-Am Collaborations

Minor Planets SectionMinor Planets Section

MAP ProgramMAP Program

- magnitude errors- magnitude errors- light curves- light curves- visual to photometry- visual to photometry

Venus SectionVenus Section

- Venus Express- Venus Express

Other Pro-Am CollaborationsOther Pro-Am Collaborations

Lunar Transient Phenomena Lunar Transient Phenomena (LTP)(LTP)

NASA involvementNASA involvement

ClementineClementine

Lunar Polar OrbiterLunar Polar Orbiter

And many more observing And many more observing programs too numerous to programs too numerous to mention!mention!

Crater Schickard imaged by Carmelo ZannelliCrater Schickard imaged by Carmelo Zannelli

ACCOMPLISHMENTSACCOMPLISHMENTS

Lunar Meteoritic Impact Search Lunar Meteoritic Impact Search Program (LMISP)Program (LMISP)

Flashes on the MoonFlashes on the Moon during meteor showersduring meteor showers

Recorded on VideocamsRecorded on Videocams

Confirmed by indep. obs. Confirmed by indep. obs.

in diverse geographicin diverse geographic locationslocations

Graphic from Brian Cudnik and the Graphic from Brian Cudnik and the Journal Journal A.L.P.OA.L.P.O

ACCOMPLISHMENTSACCOMPLISHMENTS

Pre-Voyager observations Pre-Voyager observations of Saturnof Saturn

Sub divisions of the rings Sub divisions of the rings other than Cassini’s & other than Cassini’s & Encke’s divisionsEncke’s divisions

The very tenuous E ring The very tenuous E ring external to the A Ringexternal to the A Ring

The dusky radial “spokes”The dusky radial “spokes”

Voyager I image of Saturn’s rings from NASAVoyager I image of Saturn’s rings from NASA

ACCOMPLISHMENTSACCOMPLISHMENTS

Martian dust storm Martian dust storm alertsalerts

Many dust storms Many dust storms initially observed by the initially observed by the A.L.P.O. Mars Section A.L.P.O. Mars Section observersobservers

Reported to the Reported to the professional professional communitycommunity

ACCOMPLISHMENTSACCOMPLISHMENTS

Martian FlashesMartian Flashes

A phenomena of “bright flashes” from A phenomena of “bright flashes” from the Edom region of Mars observed in the Edom region of Mars observed in the pastthe past

Flashes predicted for specific dates in Flashes predicted for specific dates in June 2001....under similar June 2001....under similar circumstances of past observationscircumstances of past observations

ACCOMPLISHMENTSACCOMPLISHMENTS

Videography captured the flashes at the predicted timeVideography captured the flashes at the predicted time

They were also observed visually in other telescopesThey were also observed visually in other telescopes

(From the June 7, 2001 videotape by David Moore)(From the June 7, 2001 videotape by David Moore)

A. L. P. O.A. L. P. O.

So, in addition to the A.L.P.O. being a So, in addition to the A.L.P.O. being a organization that services its organization that services its members....members....

....the A.L.P.O. has also contributed to ....the A.L.P.O. has also contributed to the advancement of Solar System the advancement of Solar System astronomy!astronomy!

A. L. P. O.A. L. P. O.

Boy, I’m all excited about this Boy, I’m all excited about this A.L.P.O. thing! A.L.P.O. thing!

How do I join the A.L.P.O.?How do I join the A.L.P.O.?

A. L. P. O. MEMBERSHIPA. L. P. O. MEMBERSHIP

Membership RatesMembership RatesDigital Journal - 4 issues @ $12.00Digital Journal - 4 issues @ $12.00

Digital Journal - 8 issues @ $20.00 Digital Journal - 8 issues @ $20.00

Paper Journal - 4 issues @ $33.00 Paper Journal - 4 issues @ $33.00

Paper Journal - 8 issues @ $60.00Paper Journal - 8 issues @ $60.00

Consult the Consult the JournalJournal or A.L.P.O. web site for or A.L.P.O. web site for international ratesinternational rates

Membership forms are available from the presenter or Membership forms are available from the presenter or on the A.L.P.O web siteon the A.L.P.O web site

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSIONThe A.L.P.O. is a vibrant The A.L.P.O. is a vibrant

astronomical organization.astronomical organization.

Conducting Conducting studiesstudies of Solar of Solar System phenomenaSystem phenomena

Providing Providing assistanceassistance to to amateur observers making amateur observers making observations in such studiesobservations in such studies

Publishing Publishing resultsresults in our in our JournalJournal and other publications and other publications and mediaand media

Sharing Sharing observations and observations and results with the professional results with the professional community community

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

The A.L.P.O. will continue The A.L.P.O. will continue to contribute to the to contribute to the advancement of lunar advancement of lunar and planetary and planetary astronomy.astronomy.

Whether you want to Whether you want to participate in our participate in our observing programs or observing programs or merely subscribe to our merely subscribe to our literature, please join us literature, please join us in the in the “great “great astronomical astronomical adventure”.adventure”.