Observers Notebook - podcast cover

Observers Notebook

Tim Robertsonwww.alpo-astronomy.org
The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers was founded in 1947 and promotes observing of the solar system. Both amateur and professional astronomers work together to further our understanding of the universe.
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Episodes

The Observers Notebook- National Astronomy Day

Episode 66 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Gary Tomlinson from the Astronomical League and the coordinator of National Astronomy Day. Gary gives us a brief history of National Astronomy Day, how you can also set up your own event, and the Astronomy Day award, with contact information. You can contact Gary at: gtomlins@sbcglobal.net The Astronomical League- Astronomy Day web page: https://www.astroleague.org/al/astroday/astrodayform.html The Astr...

Mar 29, 201934 min

The Observers Notebook- David and Valorie Whalen

Episode 65 This episode of the Observers Notebook podcast Tim talks with David and Valorie Whalen, of the Charlie Elliott Astronomy and recent recipients of the Astronomical Leagues Master Observer Award. You can find out about Charlie Elliott Astronomy at: http://www.ceastronomy.org/ You can find out about Astronomical Leagues Master Observer Award at: https://www.astroleague.org/observing.html For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: www.alpo-astronomy.org/ You can also support...

Mar 15, 201952 min

The Observers Notebook- The January 20, 2019 Lunar Eclipse Meteor Strike

Episode 64 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Lunar Meteoric Impact Section Coordinator, Brian Cudnik. Brian gives us a brief history of the Lunar Meteoric Impact Section and we talk about the recently observed meteor impact during the Total Lunar Eclipse on January 20, 2019. We also discuss what type of equipment is needed to contribute to the section, and also the various observing programs available, and contact information. You can contact Bria...

Mar 01, 201922 min

The Observers Notebook-Member Profile- Steve Siedentop

Episode 63 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Steve Siedentop, ALPO member and Producer of the Observers Notebook podcast. We chat about his life, career, observing equipment and some of his life experiences, PLUS he answers the 10 questions! You can contact Steve at: sdsiedentop@gmail.com Charlie Elliott Astronomy http://www.ceastronomy.org/ For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/ You can join the AL...

Feb 15, 201945 min

The Observers Notebook- The Mercury Section

Episode 62 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Mercury Section Coordinator, Frank Melillo. Frank gives us a brief history of the Mercury Section and discusses what type of equipment is needed to contribute to the section, and also the various observing programs available, and contact information. You can contact Frank at: FrankJ12@aol.com ALPO Mercury Section http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/mercuryblog/ For more information you can visit the ALPO web ...

Feb 01, 201936 min

The Observers Notebook- Comets of 2019

Episode 61 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Comets Section Coordinator, Carl Hergenrother. We chat a bit about his current program the OSIRIS-REx mission to Bennu. Carl gives us an update on newly discovered Comet Iwamoto and an update on Comets Machholz-Fujikawa-Iwamoto and 46P/Wirtanen. We also chat a bit about his current program the OSIRIS-REx mission to Bennu. Then we get into what comets are coming in 2019! Carl also discusses what type of ...

Jan 15, 201934 min

The Observers Notebook- January 20, 2019 Total Lunar Eclipse

Episode 60 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, Mike Reynolds, the past Executive Director of the ALPO and also the resident expert on everything on Eclipses shares with us on what the Eastern Hemisphere can expect on the upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse set for January 20-21 2019. You can contact Mike at: M.D.Reynolds@fscj.edu Detailed information on the January 20-21 2019 Total Lunar Eclipse: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2019-january-21 Totality! http://www.alpo-astronom...

Jan 01, 201918 min

The Observers Notebook- Quadrantid Meteor Shower 2019

Episode 59 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Meteor Section Coordinator, Bob Lunsford about the upcoming Quadrantid meteor shower peaking the evening of January 3-4, 2019. Bob gives us a brief history of the Meteor Shower, how and where to observe and details on reporting your observations, and contact information. You can contact Bob at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net The ALPO Meteor Section link for the Quadrantid meteor shower https://www.amsmeteors.org...

Dec 29, 201814 min

The Observers Notebook- Comet 2018 V1 with Don Machholz

Episode 58 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to comet discoverer, Don Machholz. Don discusses his most recent comet discovery, Comet 2018 V1 also known as Comet (Machholz-Fujikawa-Iwamoto). You can contact Don at: donm353259@aol.com Don’s Comet website: http://donmachholz.com/ For the current location of Comet 2018 V1: https://theskylive.com/c2018v1-info For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: www.alpo-astronomy.org/ You can join the ALP...

Dec 15, 201843 min

The Observers Notebook- The 2018 Geminds Meteor Shower with Bob Lunsford

Episode 57 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Meteor Section Coordinator, Bob Lunsford about the upcoming Geminds Meteor Shower peaking the evening of December 14, 2018. Bob gives us a brief history of the Meteor Shower, how and where to observe and details on reporting your observations, and contact information. You can contact Bob at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net The link for the details on the Geminids meteor shower: https://earthsky.org/?p=187764 For ...

Dec 01, 201818 min

The Observers Notebook-The OSIRIS-REx Mission with Carl Hergenrother

Episode 56 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Comets Section Coordinator, Carl Hergenrother. Carl gives us an update the the NASA nission he has been working on since 2004, the OSIRIS-Rex mission the minor planet Bennu. Link to OSIRIS-REx site https://www.asteroidmission.org/ For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/ You can also support this podcast at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook...

Nov 15, 201826 min

The Observers Notebook- Parker Solar Probe with John O Neal

Episode 55 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, John O Neal, Solar Observer with the ALPO and expert of the Parker Solar Probe. In this edition of the podcast, Tim talks to John about his beginnings in astronomy and also what is happening and will happen in regard to the Parker Solar Probe.. Parker Solar Probe Website http://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/ Download John ONeal’s presentation on the Parker Solar Probe http://www.cometman.net/PSP_Article.pdf For more information you can ...

Nov 01, 201835 min

The Observers Notebook- Comet 46P Wirtanen

Episode 54 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Comets Section Coordinator, Carl Hergenrother. Carl gives us an update on bright comet 46/P Wirtanean. You can find detailed information in the links below. You can contact Carl at: carl.hergenrother@alpo-astronomy.org The latest from the ALPO Comets Section: http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/cometblog/ Links to 46P Amateur-Professional Collaborations http://wirtanen.astro.umd.edu/ http://www.psi.edu/41P45P...

Oct 20, 201818 min

The Observers Notebook with Caitlin Ahrens

Episode 53 This episode of the Observers Notebook podcast Tim talks with Mars Geologist, Caitlin Ahrens who is a graduate of West Virginia University with bachelor of science degrees in Geology and Physics with an emphasis in Astrophysics. Caitlin entered the graduate program in Space and Planetary Science at the University of Arkansas in Fall 2015. During our discussion we delve into various subject such as has the relative roles of wind, water, volcanism, tectonics, cratering and other process...

Oct 01, 201826 min

The Observers Notebook- Rachel Freed SAS/ALPO 2018

Episode 52 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, was recorded at the SAS/ALPO Symposium in Ontario California. This presentation was by Educational Consultant and Amateur Astronomer Rachel Freed. The VERY interesting topic was The Astronomy Research Seminar: The Wide-Ranging Impact on Student Education and Careers. You can contact Rachel at: Rfreed2010@gmail.com You can download her paper here: http://cometman.net/alpo/SASFreed.pdf For more information you can visit the ALPO web sit...

Sep 15, 201825 min

The Observers Notebook- Pamela Shivak and InternationalSUNday

Episode 51 This episode of the Observers Notebook podcast Tim talks with Pamela Shivak, ALPO Solar Section Coordinator and the Founder of International SUNday. You can find out about International SUNday at: www.facebook.com/group/IntlSUNday For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: www.alpo-astronomy.org/ You can also support this podcast at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook You can join the ALPO here: https://store.astroleague.org/index.php?main_page=product_inf...

Aug 16, 201838 min

The Observers Notebook- SAS/ALPO Symposium Brian Cudnik

Episode 50 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, was recorded at the SAS/ALPO Symposium in Ontario California. ALPO member Brian Cudnik gives us an interesting discussion about the Prairie View Observatory and the coming Pro-Am-Ed Experience. You can contact Brian at: cudnik@sbcglobal.net You can download his paper here: http://cometman.net/alpo/SASCudnik.pdf Prairie View Observatory pvamu.edu/pvso For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: http://www.alpo-astronomy.or...

Aug 15, 201825 min

The Observers Notebook- The 2018 Perseids Meteor Shower

Episode 49 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Meteor Section Coordinator, Bob Lunsford about the upcoming Perseids Meteor Shower peaking the evenings of August 11/14. Bob gives us a brief history of the Meteor Shower, how and where to observe and details on reporting your observations, and contact information. You can contact Bob at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net The link for the details on the Perseids meteor shower: https://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-show...

Aug 01, 201823 min

The Observers Notebook- The July 27 2018 Total Lunar Eclipse

Episode 48 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, Mike Reynolds, the past Executive Director of the ALPO and also the resident expert on everything on Eclipses shares with us on what the Eastern Hemisphere can expect on the upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse set for July 27, 2018. You can contact Mike at: M.D.Reynolds@fscj.edu Detailed information on the July 27, 2018 Total Lunar Eclipse: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2018-july-27 Totality! http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/eclipse/o...

Jul 15, 201820 min

The Observers Notebook- An update to Mars 2018

Episode 47 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Mars Section Coordinator, Roger Venable about what’s new with this year Mars apparition. Roger gives us an update to what we are seeing in the current 2018 Mars Opposition. He also talks about the Mars Section and discusses what type of equipment is needed to contribute to the section, and contact information. You can contact Roger at: rjvmd@hughes.net ALPO Mars Page http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/marsbl...

Jul 01, 201823 min

The Observers Notebook- RTMC at 50 with Bob Stephens

Episode 46 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Bob Stephens, past Treasurer of the Riverside Telescope Makers Conference in Big Bear California. Bob and I discuss the past 50 years of RTMC and what the future looks like for this wonderful conference. You can contact Bob at: historian@rivastro.org For more information on the RTMC you can visit: http://rtmcastronomyexpo.org/ For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: http://www.alpo-astr...

Jun 15, 201855 min

The Observers Notebook- It's Comet Season!

Episode 45 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Comets Section Coordinator, Carl Hergenrother about the Comet Summer. Carl gives us an update on the upcoming bright comets for 2018! And his contact information. You can contact Carl at: carl.hergenrother@alpo-astronomy.org You can get more information on the Comets of 2018 here: http://cometchasing.skyhound.com/ The latest from the ALPO Comets Section: http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/cometblog/ 4*P Coma...

Jun 01, 201838 min

The Observers Notebook- The Lunar Dome Section

Episode 44 This episode of the Observers Notebook podcast we speak with newly appointed coordinator of the Lunar Dome Section, Jim Phillips. Jim gives us a brief history of the Lunar Dome Section and discusses what type of equipment is needed to contribute to the section, and also the various observing programs available, and contact information. You can contact Jim at: thefamily90@gmail.com Lunar Domes Properties and Formation Processes https://www.springer.com/us/book/9788847026360 For more in...

May 15, 201835 min

The Observers Notebook- An interview with Astrophotographer Damian Peach

Episode 43 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to astrophotographer Damian Peach. Damian shares his insights into what it takes to make his amazing astrophotos. You can contact Damian at: dpeach_78@yahoo.co.uk Damian’s website: http://www.damianpeach.com/ For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: www.alpo-astronomy.org/ You can join the ALPO here: https://store.astroleague.org/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10&products_id=39 ...

May 01, 201826 min

The Observers Notebook- Discovering Comets with Don Machholz

Episode 42 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to comet discoverer, Don Machholz. Don shares his insights into what it takes to visually discover a comet and also a little bit about the various comet discoveries that he has made. You can contact Don at: donm353259@aol.com Don’s Comet website: http://donmachholz.com/ For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: www.alpo-astronomy.org/ You can join the ALPO here: https://store.astroleague.org/ind...

Apr 15, 201843 min

The Observers Notebook-Pro/Am collaboration in astronomy

Episode 41 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to Sanjay Limaye, Board member of the ALPO, and Assistant Coordinator & Scientific Advisor of the ALPO Jupiter Section. Sanjay and I talk about Professional and Amateur astronomer collaboration over the years, what experiences he has had and what he hopes for in the future. We also got off-topic, but into an interesting discussion of the possibility of life in the atmosphere of Venus, and contact informati...

Apr 01, 201845 min

The Observers Notebook- The 2018 Joint Conference with the SAS and the ALPO

Episode 40 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to Robert K. Buchheim, the coordinator of the upcoming joint conference between the ALPO and the SAS in June 2018, in Ontario California. You can contact Bob at: Bob@RKBuchheim.org Conference website: http://www.socastrosci.org/Symposium.html Registration form: https://socastrosci.z2systems.com/np/clients/socastrosci/eventRegistration.jsp?event=7& For more information you can visit the ALPO web site at: ww...

Mar 14, 201839 min

The Observers Notebook- The Great 2017 Total Solar Eclipse

Episode 39 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, Mike Reynolds, the past Executive Director of the ALPO and also the resident expert on Solar Eclipses gives a presentation on his observations during the Great American Total Solar Eclipse of 2017. This was recorded live at the GRAM conference in Athens Georgia October 2017. You can contact Mike at: M.D.Reynolds@fscj.edu Mike’s presentation for this lecture is available here: http://www.cometman.net/alpo/GRAMTheGreatAmericanEclipse.pd...

Feb 28, 201826 min

The Observers Notebook- Making Light Curves of Minor Planets

Episode 38 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to Minor Planet Observer Brian D. Warner Brian share his insights into what it takes to make scientifically useful observations of Minor Planets. You can contact Brian at: brian@MinorPlanetObserver.com Center for Solar System Studies (CS3): http://www.planetarysciences.org/ Minor Planet Info http://minorplanet.info/ A Practical Guide to Lightcurve Photometry and Analysis https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Lightc...

Feb 15, 201831 min

The Observers Notebook-Beginning Lunar/Planetary and Solar Astrophotography

Episode 37 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Solar Section Coordinator, Rik Hill on the subject of Lunar/Planetary and Solar astrophotography. Rik and I talk about the differences in various types of astrophotography, the equipment and helpful tips to those wanting to get started in this exciting aspect of astronomy and contact information. You can contact Rik at: rhill@lpl.arizona.edu Celestron NextImage 10 https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-NexIma...

Feb 01, 201858 min
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