Episode 232

Welcome to The Observer’s Notebook, the podcast that explores the art, science, and experience of visual astronomy. I’m your host, Tim Robertson.

In this episode we’re diving into a topic that every planetary observer wrestles with sooner or later seeing and transparency. We hear those terms all the time, but understanding the difference between them, and knowing how they affect what we see at the eyepiece, can be the difference between a frustrating night and an unforgettable one.

My guest today is Daniel Mounsey, known to many of you as Dr. D. works at Woodland Hills Camera and is widely respected for his deep experience at the eyepiece and his ability to teach observers how to truly learn to see. He’s someone who reminds us that great planetary observing isn’t about chasing equipment or perfect conditions—it’s about patience, perception, and understanding the atmosphere above us.

In this episode, we’ll talk about what good seeing really looks like, how transparency fits into planetary observing, and even how famous illusions like the canals of Mars teach us important lessons about human perception at the eyepiece.

So settle in, grab a cup of coffee, and join us as we explore how the atmosphere—and our own eyes—shape the planetary views we love.

You can contact David at:

Woodland Hills Camera

https://telescopes.net/

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

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:

Jerry White

Jason Inman

Bob Lunsford

Steve Seidentop

Stephen Bennett

Michael Moyer

Shawn Dilles

Damian Allis

Carl Hergenrother

Michael McShan

Michael Blake

Nick Evetts

Stan Sienkiewicz

Carl Hergenrother

Stan Sienkiewicz

John Rogers

Jim McCarthy

Stanley McMahan

Episode 231

Every April, Earth plows through a stream of ancient comet dust, and for a few nights, the sky answers back with streaks of light we call the Lyrids.

They’re one of the oldest recorded meteor showers in human history—seen by skywatchers more than 2,600 years ago—and yet every year they still manage to surprise us. Sometimes gentle and subtle… sometimes bursting with bright fireballs that stop you in your tracks.

Tonight, we’re going to talk about what makes the Lyrid Meteor Shower special, how to observe it, and why it still matters to both casual stargazers and serious observers.

My guest is Bob Lunsford, a leading voice in meteor science and observing, whose work has helped countless observers understand what’s really happening when we look up and see a shooting star.

Whether you’re stepping outside for your very first meteor shower or you’ve spent decades under the night sky, this is one you won’t want to miss.

I’m Tim Robertson, and this is The Observers Notebook.

You can contact Bob Lunsford at:

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

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:

Jerry White

Jason Inman

Bob Lunsford

Steve Seidentop

Stephen Bennett

Michael Moyer

Shawn Dilles

Damian Allis

Carl Hergenrother

Michael McShan

Michael Blake

Nick Evetts

Stan Sienkiewicz

Carl Hergenrother

Stan Sienkiewicz

John Rogers

Jim McCarthy

Stanley McMahan

Episode 230

One of the great joys of amateur astronomy is that we don’t just observe the night sky—we share it. Through star parties, clubs, books, magazines, and conversations that stretch late into the night, astronomy has always been a community effort.

Today’s guest is someone who has helped shape that shared experience for generations of skywatchers. For decades, he was at the editorial helm of Astronomy Magazine, guiding how discoveries, missions, and the passion of amateur astronomers were communicated to the world.

Beyond his role as editor, he’s a writer, historian of astronomy, and someone who deeply understands both the science and the human stories behind it. Chances are, if you’ve been in this hobby for any length of time, his work has influenced how you learned, observed, and thought about the night sky.

Tonight, we’re going to talk about where amateur astronomy has been, where it’s going, and what still excites us when we step outside and look up.

It’s a real pleasure to welcome David Eicher to The Observers Notebook.

Episode 229

On the this episode of the Observers Notebook Podcast, we’re talking eclipses — and this time, it’s a big one. On March 2nd and 3rd, 2026, skywatchers around the world will experience a beautiful total lunar eclipse, one of the major celestial events of the year. And joining me to break it all down is ALPO Eclipse Coordinator, John O’Neil.

We’ll cover everything you need to know when to watch, where the eclipse will be visible, what observers can expect to see during totality, and how you can contribute your sketches, images, and data to the ALPO Eclipse Section. Whether you’re an experienced observer or gearing up for your very first eclipse, this episode will help you get the most out of the March event.

So tune in to the Observers Notebook Podcast as we take a deep dive into the March 2026 Total Lunar Eclipse with John O'Neil — and get ready for one of the year’s most spectacular shows in the sky.

You can contact John at:

ALPO Eclipse Blog

https://www.alpo-astronomy.org/Eclipse

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

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:

Jerry White

Jason Inman

Bob Lunsford

Steve Seidentop

Stephen Bennett

Michael Moyer

Shawn Dilles

Damian Allis

Carl Hergenrother

Michael McShan

Michael Blake

Nick Evetts

Stan Sienkiewicz

Carl Hergenrother

Stan Sienkiewicz

John Rogers

Jim McCarthy

Stanley McMahan

Episode 230

In this episode of The Observers Notebook, host Tim Robertson talks with Daniel Parrott, the creator of Tycho Tracker — a powerful software tool that brings professional-level asteroid detection and measurement to amateur astronomers around the world.

Daniel shares the story behind Tycho’s development, explains how synthetic tracking helps detect faint moving objects, and offers practical tips for observers submitting data to the Minor Planet Center. They discuss GPU, (graphics processing unit) acceleration, photometric tools, common beginner mistakes, and how community science is reshaping asteroid discovery.

Tycho now also supports lightcurve generation, rotation period analysis, and variable-star photometry, expanding its utility far beyond asteroid hunting.

Whether you’re a seasoned asteroid hunter or just curious about how software can turn your backyard telescope into a discovery machine, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

You can contact Daniel at:

Tycho Tracker Home page:

https://www.tycho-tracker.com/

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

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:

Jerry White

Jason Inman

Bob Lunsford

Steve Seidentop

Stephen Bennett

Michael Moyer

Shawn Dilles

Damian Allis

Carl Hergenrother

Michael McShan

Michael Blake

Nick Evetts

Stan Sienkiewicz

Carl Hergenrother

Stan Sienkiewicz

John Rogers

Jim McCarthy

Stanley McMahan

Episode 227

In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to Pranvera Hyseni — founder of Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo, driving force behind Kosovo’s first National Observatory and Planetarium, and one of the most influential young voices in global astronomy education.

Pranvera shares her remarkable journey from discovering the night sky in post-war Kosovo to becoming a worldwide leader in science outreach, earning international recognition and even having asteroid 45687 Pranverahyseni named in her honor.

We explore how she built Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo (AOK) from a one-person dream into a national movement reaching tens of thousands of students, teachers, and families each year. She discusses the challenges of grassroots outreach, the role of female leadership in STEM, building a planetarium from the ground up, and how amateur astronomers everywhere can empower their own communities.

Whether you’re an educator, an amateur astronomer, a student, or simply someone who loves the night sky, Pranvera’s story is a masterclass in what passion, persistence, and creativity can accomplish.

You can contact Pranvera at:

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

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:

Jerry White

Jason Inman

Bob Lunsford

Steve Seidentop

Stephen Bennett

Michael Moyer

Shawn Dilles

Damian Allis

Carl Hergenrother

Michael McShan

Michael Blake

Nick Evetts

Stan Sienkiewicz

Carl Hergenrother

Stan Sienkiewicz

John Rogers

Jim McCarthy

Stanley McMahan

Episode 226

In this episode, we’re turning our eyes toward some of the most dynamic travelers in our solar system — comets — and looking ahead to what promises to be an exciting year in the night sky: 2026.

Each year brings a new lineup of these icy visitors, and with them, the chance for both amateur and professional observers to witness spectacular changes as they approach the Sun and develop tails of gas and dust. But which comets will stand out in 2026? Which ones might become visible to the naked eye — and which could surprise us?

To help answer those questions, I’m joined by Carl Hergenrother, Coordinator of the ALPO Comets Section and a veteran comet discoverer himself — yes, he even has one named after him, Comet 168P/Hergenrother. Carl has spent decades studying, imaging, and analyzing comets from both professional observatories and backyard telescopes.

Together, we’ll explore which comets are expected to light up the sky in 2026, how to observe them, and what role amateur astronomers can play in monitoring these fascinating objects.

So grab your star charts, check your observing gear, and get ready — we’re about to dive into “Comets of 2026” with Carl Hergenrother.

You can contact Carl at:

ALPO Comets Section

https://www.alpo-astronomy.org/Comets

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

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:

Jerry White

Jason Inman

Bob Lunsford

Steve Seidentop

Stephen Bennett

Michael Moyer

Shawn Dilles

Damian Allis

Carl Hergenrother

Michael McShan

Michael Blake

Nick Evetts

Stan Sienkiewicz

Carl Hergenrother

Stan Sienkiewicz

John Rogers

Jim McCarthy

Stanley McMahan

Episode 225

In this episode of the Observers Notebook Podcast, host Tim Robertson talks with Roger Venable, the ALPO Mars Coordinator and President of the International Occultation and Timing Association (IOTA).

They discuss the mission of IOTA, the important work the organization does in observing and timing occultations, and how listeners can get involved in this fascinating field of astronomical research.

You can contact Roger at:

IOTA Website

https://occultations.org/

IOTA Group

https://groups.io/g/IOTAoccultations

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

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:

Jerry White

Jason Inman

Bob Lunsford

Steve Seidentop

Stephen Bennett

Michael Moyer

Shawn Dilles

Damian Allis

Carl Hergenrother

Michael McShan

Michael Blake

Nick Evetts

Stan Sienkiewicz

Carl Hergenrother

Stan Sienkiewicz

John Rogers

Jim McCarthy

Stanley McMahan

“Unveiling Uranus: The Ice Giant in the Amateur’s Eye”

How backyard observers are helping unlock the mysteries of Uranus.

Episode 224

In this episode of the Observers Notebook Podcast, host Tim Robertson talks with Richard Schmude, the ALPO Uranus Section Coordinator, about how amateur astronomers are playing a vital role in unraveling the mysteries of Uranus, the distant ice giant of our Solar System.

They discuss the latest observations, imaging techniques, and brightness studies that are helping to expand our understanding of this often-overlooked planet. Learn how backyard telescopes, patience, and dedication are contributing to professional research—and how you can get involved in observing Uranus through the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO).

You can contact Richard at:

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

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:

Jerry White

Jason Inman

Bob Lunsford

Steve Seidentop

Stephen Bennett

Michael Moyer

Shawn Dilles

Damian Allis

Carl Hergenrother

Michael McShan

Michael Blake

Nick Evetts

Stan Sienkiewicz

Carl Hergenrother

Stan Sienkiewicz

John Rogers

Jim McCarthy

Stanley McMahan

Episode 223

Don’t Miss the Show: The Geminids Light Up December 2025

In this episode of the Observers Notebook Podcast, host Tim Robertson welcomes Bob Lunsford, Meteor Coordinator for the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO), to discuss the upcoming Geminids Meteor Shower.

They explore what makes the Geminids one of the most reliable and spectacular meteor displays of the year, including tips on when and where to observe, expected activity rates, and how to record your observations for ALPO’s Meteor Section.

Whether you’re a seasoned observer or just beginning your stargazing journey, this episode will help you make the most of this dazzling celestial event.

You can contact Bob at:

American Meteor Society

https://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/

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

Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/observersnotebook

Subscribe on our YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/AssociationofLunarandPlanetaryObservers

Subscribe on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/observers-notebook-the-alpo-podcast/id1199301885?mt=2

I want to thank the Producers of this podcast, Steve Siedentop and Michael Moyer for their generous support of the Observers Notebook.

Our Patreons:

Jerry White

Jason Inman

Bob Lunsford

Steve Seidentop

Stephen Bennett

Michael Moyer

Shawn Dilles

Damian Allis

Carl Hergenrother

Michael McShan

Michael Blake

Nick Evetts

Stan Sienkiewicz

Carl Hergenrother

Stan Sienkiewicz

John Rogers

Jim McCarthy

Stanley McMahan