The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers
Lunar and Planetary Training Program
The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO) is an international group of students of the Sun, the Moon, the major planets, minor planets, meteors, and comets. Our goals are to stimulate, coordinate, and generally promote the study of these bodies using methods and instruments that are available to amateur astronomers. We provide a service for the advanced amateur specializing in particular investigations, for the novice who wishes to develop techniques and general knowledge, and for the professional scientist interested in group studies and in systematic patrols of our Solar System neighbors. All interested persons are welcome as members. Our activities are on a volunteer basis. The ALPO gains in stature in proportion to how much and how well each member contributes.
The Lunar and Planetary Training Program is open to all members of the ALPO, beginner as well as the seasoned observer. The goal is to help make members proficient observers. The ALPO revolves around the submission of astronomical observations of members for the purposes of scientific research. Therefore, it is the responsibility of our organization to guide prospective contributors toward a productive and meaningful scientific observation.
The course of instruction for the Training Program is two tiered. The first tier is known as the "Basic Level" and includes reading the ALPO's Novice Observers Handbook and mastering the fundamentals of observing. These fundamentals include performing simple calculations and understanding observing techniques. When the student has successfully demonstrated these skills, they can advance to the "Novice Level" for specialized training in one or more areas of study. This includes obtaining and reading handbooks for specific lunar and planetary subjects. The student then continues to learn and refine upon observing techniques specific to their area of study and is assigned to a tutor to monitor their progress in the Novice Level of the program. When the novice has mastered this final phase of the program, that person can then be certified to Observer Status for that particular field.
To begin the first phase of training at the basic level, interested persons should contact Tim Robertson, the Training Program's coordinator at the following address:
Timothy J. Robertson
ALPO Training Program
195 Tierra Rejada #148
Simi Valley, California 93065
ALPO Training Program
195 Tierra Rejada #148
Simi Valley, California 93065
Because the ALPO is a volunteer organization and does not reimburse trainers for postage, we ask that participants include a self-addressed stamped envelope with all correspondence sent while participating in their training.
The ALPO Training Program is a free benefit for active members of the ALPO. To enroll in the training program simply send an email requesting to be entered into the Training Program along with your ALPO membership number to the address above. You will then receive an email with a link to the PDF copy of the Handbook of the ALPO Training Program.