The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO) is an international organization devoted to studying 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.
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.
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.
The ALPO maintains many individual observing sections and programs devoted to the study of various Solar System bodies and phenomena. Each is managed by one or more coordinators that collect and study submitted observations, correspond with observers, encourage beginners, and contribute reports to our Journal at appropriate intervals. Each coordinator can supply observing forms and other instructional material to assist in your telescopic work. You are welcome to correspond with the coordinators in whose projects you are interested. Coordinators can be contacted through our web site via email or at their postal mail addresses listed in back of our Journal.
Our activities are on a volunteer basis, and each member can do as much or as little as he or she wishes. Of course, the ALPO gains in stature and in importance in proportion to how much and also how well each member contributes through his or her participation.
The ALPO also holds a conference each summer, usually in conjunction with other astronomical groups. Members, as well as interested non-members are always welcome. These conferences offer the opportunity to watch and listen to presentations given by ALPO staff, members, and other interesting speakers concerning Solar System astronomy. Attendees can also engage in stimulating discussions with the presenters afterwards.
We heartily invite you to join the ALPO and look forward to hearing from you.