ALPO Organization - Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers

Welcome! The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO) is an international organization devoted to study the Sun, Moon, planets, asteroids, meteors, and comets. 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. This part of our website provides information about our organization.

Announcements

Jupiter's SEB Disturbance

The outbreak that we first saw in the South Equatorial Belt (SEB) on November 11^th continues to expand and grow. As seen in the image below taken by ALPO member Mike Hood (Kathleen, GA), the area shows as a large white patch disrupting the normal tawny colored SEB. According to Dr. John Rogers of the BAA, the last time an event of this magnitude happened was during the 2016-2017 apparition.

As the outbreak is gradually disrupted by the fierce winds, it will likely dilute the color of the SEB as it is spread and carried around the belt. There have been occasions in the past where such storms can lead to the disappearance of the belt (e.g., briefly in 2010). The activity is currently centered around CM II 330°, and with Jupiter just past opposition we encourage all members to try to observe and image this ongoing event to help in its study.

The ALPO Journal

The ALPO collects and analyzes observations of various Solar System bodies and associated phenomena and publishes detailed reports concerning these bodies in its quarterly publication the Journal ALPO, otherwise known as The Strolling Astronomer. Membership in the ALPO includes receiving our journal, and back issues can be found in our Publications section.

We welcome and provide services for all individuals interested in lunar and planetary astronomy. For the novice observer, the ALPO 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. For the professional astronomer, it is a resource where group studies or systematic observing patrols add to the advancement of astronomy.

There are a range of membership levels available starting with annual dues of only $22. See the footer below for links on how you can become a member today.

ALPO Awards

Since 1985 the ALPO has been recognizing the achievements of our fellow amateur and professional astronomers through our awards program. The three awards offered and their most recent recipients are noted below. Follow the links to learn more about the awards and past recipients.

Walter H. Haas Observer’s Award

2024 Winner: Robert Lunsford

The Walter H. Haas Observer’s Award is bestowed annually (generally when the ALPO meets in the summer), to an amateur astronomer for excellence in observational Solar System astronomy.

Visit the Walter H. Haas Observer’s Award page for more background on the award and a full list of recipients

Peggy Haas Service Award

2024 Winner: Robert H. Hays

The Peggy Haas Service Award was established in 1997 to recognize members of the ALPO for outstanding service to our organization.

Visit the Peggy Haas Observer’s Award page for more background on the award and a full list of recipients

Michael Reynolds Astronomy Award

2022 Winner: Scott Roberts

This award is presented to an individual for a significant contribution to popularizing astronomy, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy.

Visit the Michael Reynolds Observer’s Award page for more background on the award and a full list of recipients

Join ALPO

The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO) is an international organization devoted to study of the Sun, Moon, planets, asteroids, meteors, and comets. Celebrating our 75th anniversary in 2022, our goals are to stimulate, coordinate, and promote the study of these bodies using methods and resources available to both amateur and professional astronomers.

The science of astronomy has never been more exciting or dynamic than it is today - for the novice observer, the ALPO is a place to learn and enhance one’s observational techniques. For the advanced amateur astronomer, it is a place where one's work will matter. And for the professional astronomer, it is a resource where group studies or systematic observing patrols add to the advancement of astronomy.

ALPO members range from enthusiastic individuals with the desire to pursue an initial interest in astronomy to advanced amateurs to professional astronomers deeply involved in lunar and planetary astronomy.

Becoming a member is easy, and we welcome you to join us as we explore and learn more about this vast universe we all call home. Simply select one of the options below to get started.

Paying Online

Please use this link to purchase your membership online via PayPal.

Paying by Mail

Download and complete the ALPO Membership form following the instruction on the form