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National/International organizations
United States
The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (A.L.P.O.) was founded by Walter H. Haas in 1947, and incorporated in 1990, as a medium for advancing and conducting astronomical work by both professional and amateur astronomers who share an interest in Solar System observations. We welcome and provide services for all individuals interested in lunar and planetary astronomy. For the novice observer, the A.L.P.O. 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.
Our Association is an international group of students that study 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. We hold a conference each summer, usually in conjunction with other astronomical groups.
We have "sections" for the observation of all the types of bodies found in our Solar System. Section Coordinators 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 encouraged 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. Out web site is hosted by the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory of the University of Arizona which you are encouraged to visit at http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/alpo/. 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 A.L.P.O. gains in stature and in importance in proportion to how much and also how well each member contributes through his or her participation.
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