The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers Lunar Section focuses on the topography of our nearest neighbor in space. It maintains a gallery that contains thousands of images and drawings of the Moon based on the Rükl Atlas of the Moon as well as offering multiple programs that the amateur astronomer can contribute to. The section has a monthly newsletter entitled The Lunar Observer that features lunar articles, drawings, and images from similar-minded lunar amateur astronomers across the globe. Contributors use telescopes of all sizes, from 60 mm to over 1 meter - but most observations are done with small, modest telescopes. We welcome you joining our ranks and contributing to the ALPO Lunar Section to enhance your observing skills and learn from other more experienced observers.
Lunar Blog
Please find below the December 2024 ALPO The Lunar Observer newsletter.
PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU CAN NOT OPEN THIS!
Find the December 2024 The Lunar Observer here.
Clear Skies,
David Teske
Coordinator, Lunar Topographic Studies Program
Assn of Lunar & Planetary Observers
Image Spotlight
Equipment: 250mm f/10 SCT
A nice capture of the Lunar "X", which is only seen for a few hours around the time of 1st quarter moon.
Lunar Programs
The A.L.P.O. Lunar Section has several programs targeting specific areas of lunar study. They include:
- Lunar Topographical Studies Program
- Banded Craters Program
- Bright Lunar Rays Program
- Lunar Transient Phenomena Program
- Lunar Meteoritic Impact Program
- Lunar Domes Program
Use the menu item at the top to learn more about these programs and to visit their content.
Monthly Lunar Calendar
| Date (UT) | Event |
|---|---|
| 2024-12-01 06:21 | New Moon (lunation 1261) |
| 2024-12-03 00:00 | Greatest southern declination -28.5° |
| 2024-12-03 00:00 | North limb most exposed +6.6° |
| 2024-12-04 23:00 | Venus 2° north of Moon |
| 2024-12-05 00:00 | West limb most exposed -5.2° |
| 2024-12-08 09:00 | Saturn 0.3° south of Moon, occultation in Pacific |
| 2024-12-08 15:27 | First Quarter Moon |
| 2024-12-09 09:00 | Neptune 0.8° south of Moon, occultation in Asia |
| 2024-12-09 19:36 | Moon at ascending node |
| 2024-12-12 13:00 | Moon at perigee 365,361 km |
| 2024-12-13 10:00 | Uranus 4° south of the Moon |
| 2024-12-13 18:00 | Moon in Pleiades |
| 2024-12-14 20:00 | Jupiter 5° south of Moon |
| 2024-12-15 09:02 | Full Moon |
| 2024-12-16 00:00 | Greatest northern declination +28.4° |
| 2024-12-16 00:00 | South limb most exposed -6.5° |
| 2024-12-18 00:00 | East limb most exposed +6.1° |
| 2024-12-18 09:00 | Mars 0.9° south of Moon, occultation in Artic |
| 2024-12-22 22:18 | Last Quarter Moon |
| 2024-12-22 23:21 | Moon at descending node |
| 2024-12-24 07:00 | Moon at apogee 404,485 km |
| 2024-12-24 20:00 | Spica 0.2° south of Moon occultation China and Pacific |
| 2024-12-28 15:00 | Antares 0.09° north of Moon, occultation Polynesia to South America |
| 2024-12-30 00:00 | Greatest southern declination -28.4° |
| 2024-12-30 00:00 | North limb most exposed +6.5° |
| 2024-12-30 22:27 | New Moon (lunation 1262) |
| 2024-12-31 00:00 | West limb most exposed -4.8° |