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 January 2025 ALPO The Lunar Observer newsletter.
PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU CAN NOT OPEN THIS!
Find the January 2025 The Lunar Observer here.
Clear Skies,
David Teske
Coordinator, Lunar Topographic Studies Program
Assn of Lunar & Planetary Observers
Image Spotlight
Equipment: 203mm f/12 Cassegrain using 742nm filter & ASI224MC camera
Clavius, one of the largest crater formations on the Moon, is the subject of the "Focus On" article in the TLO for March 2025. Thanks to ALPO member Sanjin Kovacic of Zagreb, Croatia for this excellent capture of the crater.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2025-01-03 15:00 | Venus 1.4° north of Moon |
| 2025-01-04 17:00 | Saturn 0.7° south of the Moon, occultation Americas, Europe |
| 2025-01-05 15:00 | Neptune 1.1° south of Moon, occultation Europe, Africa |
| 2025-01-05 19:46 | Moon at ascending node |
| 2025-01-06 23:56 | First Quarter |
| 2025-01-08 00:00 | Moon at perigee 370, 171 km |
| 2025-01-09 16:00 | Uranus 4° south of Moon |
| 2025-01-10 02:00 | Moon in Pleiades |
| 2025-01-10 23:00 | Jupiter 5° south of Moon |
| 2025-01-12 00:00 | Greatest northern declination +28.4° |
| 2025-01-12 00:00 | South limb most exposed -6.6° |
| 2025-01-13 22:27 | Full Moon |
| 2025-01-14 04:00 | Mars 0.2° south of Moon, occultation N. America, Africa |
| 2025-01-15 00:00 | East limb most exposed +5.2° |
| 2025-01-19 01:49 | Moon at descending node |
| 2025-01-21 05:00 | Spica 0.1° north of Moon, occultation Africa |
| 2025-01-21 05:00 | Moon at apogee 404,298 km |
| 2025-01-21 20:31 | Last Quarter |
| 2025-01-25 00:00 | Antares 0.3° north of Moon, occultation Australia |
| 2025-01-26 00:00 | North limb most exposed +6.6° |
| 2025-01-27 00:00 | Greatest southern declination -28.4° |
| 2025-01-27 00:00 | West limb most exposed -5.6° |
| 2025-01-29 12:36 | New Moon, lunation 1263 |