Episode 133

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the ALPO Comets Section Coordinator Carl Hergenrother.

Carl again comes on the podcast to bring us The Comets of 2022, which is always one of our most popular podcasts and his contact information.

You can contact Carl at:
carlhergenrother@gmail.com

ALPO Comets Section blog:
http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/cometblog/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

ALPO YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Matt Will
Steve Seidentop
Matthew Benton
Ken Poshedly
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Bob Soltys

Test

The Observers Notebook- Comets of 2022

Episode 146

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to Bob Garfinkle about his career and being a lifelong member of the ALPO as he shares his thoughts on the 75th anniversary of the organization.

You can contact Bob at:
ragarf@earthlink.net

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Matt Will
Steve Seidentop
Matthew Benton
Ken Poshedly
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Bob Soltys
Julian Parks

The Observers Notebook- The ALPO at 75 with Bob Garfinkle

Episode 163

In this episode we continue our special series on Historic Observatories as we talk with the directory of the Mauna Kea observatory, Doug Simons.

Mauna Kea Observatory
https://www.maunakeaobservatories.org/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Matt Will
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Julian Parks
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz

The Observers Notebook- Mauna Kea Observatory with Doug Simons

Episode 165

In this episode we continue our special series on Historic Observatories as we talk with a Staff Astronomer of the Lick observatory, Paul Lynam.

Paul Lynam Contact:
plynam@ucolick.org

Lick Observatory
https://www.lickobservatory.org/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Matt Will
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Julian Parks
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz

The Observers Notebook- Lick Observatory with Paul Lynam

Episode 169

In this episode we continue our special series on Historic Observatories as we talk with the Historian and PIO of the Lowell observatory, Kevin Schindler.

Lowell Observatory
https://lowell.edu/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Matt Will
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Julian Parks
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz

The Observers Notebook- Lowell Observatory with Kevin Schlinder

Episode 170

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the coordinator of the activities for the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse in Rochester New York, Dan Schneiderman.

Dan gives us an update on what you can expect if you will be observing the Total Solar Eclipse from Rochester NY, and contact information.

You can contact Dan at:
dschneiderman@rmsc.org

2024 Eclipse home page:
https://rochestereclipse2024.org/

Rochester Eclipse Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ROCSolarEclipse

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Matt Will
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Julian Parks
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz

The Observers Notebook- The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse from Rochester NY

Episode 179

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the ALPO Comets Section Coordinator Carl Hergenrother.
Carl again comes on the podcast to bring us The Comets of 2024, which is always one of our most popular podcasts and his contact information.

You can contact Carl at:
carlhergenrother@gmail.com

ALPO Comets Section blog:
http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/cometblog/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Matt Will
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Julian Parks
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz

The Observers Notebook- Comets of 2024

Episode 183

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the ALPO member Greg Shanos about the new smart telescope, the SeeStar S50. 

You can contact Greg at:
gshanos@aol.com

The SeeStar website
https://www.seestar.com/

Measuring asteroid rotation with the Seestar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5nqQgb3bB8

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Matt Will
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Julian Parks
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz

The Observers Notebook- The SeeStar S50 Smart Telescope

Episode 193

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Author Bob King about the rise of the Smart Telescope.

You can contact Bob at:
nightsky55@gmail.com

Visual Observing vs Smart Telescopes
https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/visual-observing-vs-smart-telescopes-finding-harmony/?utm_source=cc&utm_medium=newsletter

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Matt Will
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz

The Observers Notebook- Visual vs Smart Telescopes with Bob King

Episode 196


In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the recently appointed ALPO Lunar coordinator, Alberto Anunziato from Argentina.

Alberto discusses how he got interested in astronomy, and basin and buried craters program along with what his role is in the ALPO Lunar Section, and when we can expect in the future, and contact information.

You can contact Alberto at:
albertoanunziato@yahoo.com.ar

ALPO Lunar Section:
http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/

The Lunar Observer
https://alpo-astronomy.org/content/Lunar/Publications/TLO/2024/tlo202409.pdf

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Matt Will
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz

The Observers Notebook- Observing the Moon

Episode 197

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the founder of the home observatory company, Sky Shed Pod, Wayne Parker.

Wayne gives us a brief history of the company and contact information.

You can contact Wayne at:
wparker@ezlink.ca

Glass Tiger
https://glasstiger.ca/pages/the-band

Sky Shed:
https://skyshedpod.com/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Julian Parks
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz


The Observers Notebook - SkyShed Observatories with Wayne Parker

Episode 200

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks about the history of the Observers Notebook and the future.

You can contact Tim at:
cometman@cometman.net

The beginning
Matt Will Episode 1 released on 2/2/2017

In  Memorial
Mike Reynolds (2019)- Episode 6, 39, 48, 60, 67- (Member Profile), 69, 
John Westfall (2018)- Episode 29
Don Machholz (2022)- Episode 42, 58, 89, 158
Walter Haas interview (2015)- Supplemental 4/10/23

The numbers
First month 25 downloads
We now average 950

Top Downloads- 
The Orion Acquisition of Meade Instruments
Telescope Making with Zane Landers
The November 19, 2021 Partial Lunar Eclipse

Subscribers on all platforms- 970

Most frequent guests:
Bob Lunsford- 28
Carl Hergenrother- 17
Ken Poshedly- 10
Julius Benton -9
Rik Hill-7
Mike Reynolds- 6
Richard Schmude-6

The future
Produce the podcast on video and take advantage of the ALPO YouTube channel- to do that the cost of production would to be increased by 1/3 to offset the cost of the added bandwidth and video production software.

Record a series of how-to videos for various lunar and planetary observing- always looking for volunteers to be subject matter experts.

Thank you
Patreons (11/1/24)
They give between $1 and $35 a month.
No money comes from the ALPO, the podcast has always been 100 supported by the Patreon supporters.
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Julian Parks
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.



The Observers Notebook- Episode 200, Reflections with Tim Robertson

Episode 201

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Jupiter Section Coordinator, Richard Schmude. 

Richard gives us a brief history of the Jupiter Section and discusses what type of equipment is needed to contribute to the section, and also the various observing programs available, and contact information.

You can contact Richard at:
schmude@gordonstate.edu

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Julian Parks
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz



The Observers Notebook- Observing Jupiter 2024

Episode 203

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the coordinator of the ALPO Mars section about the upcoming apparition with Roger Venable

We discuss Roger’s life and experiences in Amateur Astronomy and contact information.

You can contact Roger at:
rjvmd@progressivetel.com

The ALPO Mars Blog:
https://www.alpo-astronomy.org/Mars

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Julian Parks
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz

The Observers Notebook- Observing Mars 2025

Episode 207

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to Sam Deen, as a child, he began searching for exoplanets, but soon he was not satisfied with simply clicking on the offered images. He wanted more, to use the available data for his own scientific research. After a year, he left university studies to devote all his time to astronomy. He finds lost asteroids, comets or identifies small bodies of the Solar System overlooked by scientists, starting from new near-Earth asteroids, unknown moons of Jupiter, and ending with extremely distant trans-Neptunian objects. Self-taught, who has developed into a unique expert, the detective of the astronomical archives.

We discuss Sam’s life and experiences in Discovery of objects and contact information.

You can contact Sam at:
planetaryscience@yahoo.com

Deep Random Survey
https://deeprandomsurvey.org/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Frank Schenck
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Julian Parks
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Rik Hill
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers

The Observers Notebook- Sam Deen Celestial Hunter

Episode 211


In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the ALPO member Jim Tomney on the upcoming Virtual ALPO Conference. 

The dates will be Friday and Saturday, July 25/26, 2025. The conference will also be Live Streamed on the ALPO YouTube channel.

As a "virtual" event, this year's ALPO conference will NOT be an in-person event. 
This way, you can participate from the comfort of your own home or office.

The conference times for both days will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pacific Time (1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time) and allow for seven paper presentation sessions each day with short breaks on both days. All presentations be limited to approximately 25 minutes each with a few minutes left for audience questions.

The schedule of presentations will be posted about one week prior to the event.

The ALPO board of directors meeting will be held on Friday, July 25 at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET). 

The ALPO Conference is free and open to anyone to attend; however, all presenters must be current members of the ALPO. Digital memberships start at only $22 a year. To join online, go to https://www.alpo-astronomy.org/ALPO/Home/Join.

Following a break after the last paper presentation on Saturday afternoon, July 26, will be presentation of the annual Walter Haas Observer Award. 

This will be followed by our keynote speaker at 4 pm. PT (7 p.m. ET). With the award presentation and keynote speech usually occurring at the traditional Saturday evening 
dinner, we suggest that you enjoy your own meal during these last two conference events.
Door prizes will be awarded following the Keynote address. No purchase necessary.

The only hardware required along with your computer are a webcam and microphone. If you will be using a laptop computer, both are already built into your system. 

An online chat feature will allow type-in text comments for questions once the conference gets underway.
All presenters must already have ZOOM installed on their computer prior to the conference dates. 

ZOOM is free and available at https://zoom.us/

The ZOOM links will be e-mailed out on Thursday, July 24. Send a request to cometman@cometman.net

There will be a separate ZOOM meeting set up for each day. 
The ZOOM virtual (online) meeting room will open 15 minutes prior to the beginning of each day’s activities.

Upon logging into ZOOM you will be placed into a ‘waiting room’ until the meeting begins, and your microphone will be muted automatically.

Those individuals wishing to present a paper should submit their request to Tim Robertson at cometman@cometman.net no later than July 1st, along with a brief bio about themselves and a summary of their presentation. Microsoft PowerPoint is the preferred method of visual presentation along with an audio explanation.

Contact Information:
ALPO Website: http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/
Tim Robertson: cometman@cometman.net
ZOOM: https://zoom.us/
ALPO YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers
ALPO Podcast- The Observers Notebook: https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producer of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan

The Observers Notebook- The 2025 ALPO Conference

Episode 212

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Solar Section Coordinator, Rik Hill about what is a Solar Cycle and what we need to know about this event. 

You can contact Rik at:
rhill24@cox.net

You can visit Rik’s website here.
https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/~rhill/jlobs.html

Space Weather
https://spaceweather.com/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan

The Observers Notebook- Solar Cycle 25

Episode 214

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Minor Planets Coordinator, Fred Pilcher about the ALPO Minor Planets Section. 

You can contact Fred at:
fpilcher35@gmail.com

Minor Planet Bulletin
https://mpbulletin.org/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan


The Observers Notebook- The ALPO Minor Planets Sectiom

Episode 213

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Mercury Section Coordinator, Frank Melillo. 

Frank gives us a brief history of the Mercury Section and discusses what type of equipment is needed to contribute to the section, and also the various observing programs available, and contact information.

You can contact Frank at:
frankj12@aol.com

ALPO Mercury Section
http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/mercuryblog/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producer of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan



The Observers Notebook- The Planet Mercury 2025

Episode 215

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Meteor Section Coordinator, Bob Lunsford about the upcoming Delta Aquariids meteor showers peaking the evening of July 29/20 2025. 

Bob gives us a brief history of the Meteor Showers, how and where to observe and details on reporting your observations, and contact information.

You can contact Bob at:
lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

The link for the details on the Lyrids meteor shower:
https://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/

International Meteor Organization
https://www.imo.net/

ALPO Meteor Section Blog
https://www.alpo-astronomy.org/Meteor

For the latest information from the ALPO Meteor Section you can visit:
http://www.amsmeteors.org/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan




The Observers Notebook- Summertime Meteor Showers 2025

Episode 216

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Editor in Chief of Sky& Telescope magazine, Diana Hannikainen. 

You can contact Diana at:
diana@skyandtelescope.org

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan



The Observers Notebook with Sky & Telescope, Diana Hannikainen

Episode 217

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the ALPO Lunar Section Coordinator and Editor of the Lunar Observer newsletter.

You can contact David at:
drteske@yahoo.com

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan


The Observers Notebook- The Lunar Observer

Episode 219

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to Bob Lunsford about his process for observing and photographing the recent transits of Saturn’s moon Titan.

Titan’s Orbit and Motion:
•	Orbital period around Saturn: ~15.945 Earth days
•	Average distance from Saturn: ~1.22 million km
•	Orbital inclination: ~0.3° relative to Saturn’s equator (small, so Titan’s path is nearly aligned with Saturn’s rings).
•	Apparent size: ~0.8 arcseconds (tiny, only detectable as a “point” in most telescopes).
•	Shadow transits are possible only when Saturn’s rings are edge-on (every ~15 years).
•	September 20, 2025 — Start around 5:09 AM UTC (≈10:09 PM PDT); ends ~7:34 AM UTC (~12:34 AM PDT); Titan may also be visible near its shadow. 
•	After October 5–6, 2025, this spectacular phenomenon won’t happen again until 2038–2039.

You can contact Bob at:
lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

Stellarium
https://stellarium.org/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan




The Observers Notebook- Titan's Transit of Saturn

Episode 218

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Director of International Observe the Moon Night, Staci Horvath. 

You can contact Staci at:
staci.l.tiedeken@nasa.gov

International Observe the Moon Night:
https://moon.nasa.gov/observe-the-moon-night/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan




The Observers Notebook - International Observe the Moon Night

Episode 220

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Director of Astronomy Outreach for the International Astronomical Union, Kelly Blumenthal. 

You can contact Kelly at:
blumenthal.kelly@oao.iau.org

International Astronomical Union:
https://www.iau.org/

https://iau.org/WG330/WG330/Home.aspx

public@oao.iau.org

iauoutreach.org

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan


The Observers Notebook - Kelly Blumenthal, IAU Outreach

Episode 221

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to Bob Lunsford about the upcoming Orionids, Taurids, and Leonid’s Meteor Showers.

You can contact Bob at:
lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

American Meteor Society
https://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan


The Observers Notebook-Orionids, Taurids, and Leonids Meteor Showers

Episode 102025

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the ALPO Comets Section Coordinator Carl Hergenrother.
Carl comes on the podcast to discuss Comet Lemmon and Swan.

You can contact Carl at:
carlhergenrother@gmail.com

ALPO Comets Section blog:
http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/cometblog/

In the Sky- Guides to the night sky
https://in-the-sky.org/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan



Observers Notebook - New Coments in the sky!

Episode 222

In this episode of The Observers Notebook Podcast, host Tim Robertson sits down with Alberto Anunziato, an ALPO Lunar Observer from Argentina. Together, they explore the fascinating intersection between art and science in lunar observation — how detailed sketches made at the eyepiece can capture fleeting features of the Moon, aid in scientific study, and preserve the personal experience of observation.

Is sketching an artistic pastime or a scientific tool? Alberto shares his insights, techniques, and passion for visual recording of lunar phenomena, reminding us that even in the digital age, a sketch can reveal what a camera may miss.


You can contact Alberto at:
albertoanunziato@yahoo.com.ar

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan

The Observers Notebook- Sketch or Science? The true value of Lunar Drawings

Episode 223

Don’t Miss the Show: The Geminids Light Up December 2025

In this episode of the Observers Notebook Podcast, host Tim Robertson welcomes Bob Lunsford, Meteor Coordinator for the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO), to discuss the upcoming Geminids Meteor Shower.

They explore what makes the Geminids one of the most reliable and spectacular meteor displays of the year, including tips on when and where to observe, expected activity rates, and how to record your observations for ALPO’s Meteor Section.

Whether you’re a seasoned observer or just beginning your stargazing journey, this episode will help you make the most of this dazzling celestial event.


You can contact Bob at:
lunro.imo.usa@cox.net

American Meteor Society
https://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:
Jerry White
Jason Inman
Bob Lunsford
Steve Seidentop
Stephen Bennett
Michael Moyer
Shawn Dilles
Damian Allis
Carl Hergenrother
Michael McShan
Michael Blake
Nick Evetts
Stan Sienkiewicz
Carl Hergenrother
Stan Sienkiewicz
John Rogers
Jim McCarthy
Stanley McMahan

The Observers Notebook- Don’t Miss the Show: The Geminids Light Up December 2025

Episode 2

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Coordinator of the ALPO Lunar Section, Wayne Bailey.

Wayne gives us a brief history of the ALPO Lunar Section and discusses what type of equipment is needed to contribute to the section, and also the various observing programs within the Lunar Section and contact information.
You can contact Wayne at:
wayne.bailey@alpo-astronomy.org

Lunar Topographical Studies Section
http://moon.scopesandscapes.com/ALPO_Lunar_Program.htm

For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at:
www.alpo-astronomy.org/

You can also support this podcast at Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook

Subcribe on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

Observers Notebook

The Observers Notebook -The Lunar Section

The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers was founded in 1947 and promotes observing of the solar system. Both amateur and professional astronomers work together to further our understanding of the universe.

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