Episode 236

Hello and welcome to The Observers Notebook, the official podcast of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers.

I’m your host, Tim Robertson.

Today’s episode is a little different—we’re going to take a step back and talk about where ALPO is right now, and more importantly, where we’re headed. Over the past year, we’ve been getting out into the community more than ever—through events like the American Astronomical Society meeting and the Northeast Astronomy Forum—and building new relationships across the astronomy world, including conversations with Sky & Telescope.

What we’re seeing is exciting—more visibility, more engagement, and a growing awareness of what ALPO brings to the table.

Joining me today is someone who’s been thinking a lot about how we tell that story—the ALPO Communications and Marketing guy, Ron May.

Ron and I are going to talk about how ALPO is building its voice, how we’re growing our presence, and why the real strength of this organization has always been—and continues to be—the people behind it.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this conversation with Ron May.

You can contact Ron 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

John Rogers

Jim McCarthy

Stanley McMahan

Ken Poshedly

Episode 234

Welcome to The Observers Notebook, the official podcast of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers.

I’m your host, Tim Robertson, Executive Director of the ALPO, and this podcast is dedicated to visual observing, scientific contribution, and the art of truly seeing what’s at the eyepiece.

Today we’re focusing on one of the oldest and most powerful observing techniques in astronomy — drawing what you see.

In an age of high-speed cameras and stacked digital images, there is still something profoundly powerful about sitting at the telescope and translating light and shadow onto paper. Lunar sketching forces you to slow down, to notice subtle tonal gradients, crater wall structure, rilles, domes, and the delicate contrast along the terminator.

My guest today is lunar artist Mary McIntyre, whose detailed and atmospheric sketches of the Moon have inspired observers across social media and astronomy groups. Her work beautifully bridges art and scientific observation — reminding us that drawing is not just artistic expression, but a powerful tool for improving observational skill.

Today we’ll talk about her journey into lunar observing, her process at the eyepiece, the tools she uses, and why sketching the Moon may be one of the best ways to become a better observer.

Mary, welcome to The Observers Notebook.

You can contact Mary McIntyre at:

Mary McIntyre FRAS

www.marymcintyreastronomy.co.uk

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

Ken Poshedly

Episode 233

Welcome back to The Observers Notebook Podcast. I’m your host, Tim Robertson.

Today’s guest is someone many of you already know by name, even if you’ve never had the chance to hear his story told in his own words. Joining me is Bob Garfinkle, a longtime member of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers and a respected voice in amateur astronomy.

Bob is widely known as the author of Star-Hopping: Your Visa to Viewing the Universe, a book that has guided countless observers—especially beginners—through the night sky with clarity, patience, and enthusiasm. Beyond that, he is an independent scholar in the history of astronomy, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, and a longtime contributor to the astronomical literature. Within the ALPO, Bob has served as Book Review Editor for the Journal of the ALPO, helping observers navigate the ever-growing world of astronomy resources.

But what makes Bob especially interesting is not just what he’s done, but how he thinks about observing. He brings a deep appreciation for visual observing, historical context, and the role that careful, dedicated amateurs continue to play in real scientific contribution—something that aligns perfectly with the mission of the ALPO.

In today’s conversation, we’ll talk about Bob’s journey into astronomy, his work with the ALPO, the art of star-hopping and observing, how amateur astronomy has changed—and how it hasn’t—and why organizations like the ALPO remain more important than ever.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join me for a thoughtful and engaging conversation with Bob Garfinkle.

You can contact Bob Garfinkle 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 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