Observers Notebook

Episode 244 Welcome everyone to another episode of the Observers Notebook Podcast. This episode is going to be a little different. Rather than talking about how to observe an astronomical object or interviewing someone about their work, I want to take you along on a very personal astronomy adventure—my week aboard Windstar’s Star Pride during the August 2026 total solar eclipse in Iceland. I’ve been fortunate enough to sail with Windstar many times—this was cruise number 27—but this cruise was completely different. For the first time, I wasn’t onboard simply as a passenger. I was there as a guest spea...

Episode 242 Welcome to The Observers Notebook, the official podcast of the Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers, where we connect you with the people, discoveries, and techniques that take us from stargazing to science. I'm your host, Tim Robertson. Whether you're a seasoned lunar observer, someone who simply enjoys looking up at the Moon, or you're introducing a child or grandchild to the night sky for the very first time, this episode is for you. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people around the world step outside on one special evening to celebrate our closest celestial neighbor during International Observe the...

Episode 240 Welcome to another episode of The Observers Notebook, the official podcast of the Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers — where we explore the Solar System and beyond, from stargazing to science. I’m your host, Tim Robertson, and today we’re diving into one of the most fascinating questions humanity has ever asked: Are we alone in the universe? For centuries, humans have looked up at the night sky and wondered if somewhere out there, another civilization is doing the exact same thing — looking back toward us. Today’s guest is helping lead that search. Joining us is Franck Marchis — astronomer...

Welcome to the Observers Notebook, the official podcast of the Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers—where we take you from Stargazing to Science. I'm your host, Tim Robertson. Every once in a generation, astronomy takes a giant leap forward. From Galileo's first telescope to the Hubble Space Telescope, new instruments have transformed the way we see and understand the universe. Today, we're witnessing another one of those moments. High atop Cerro Pachón in Chile stands the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, home to the largest digital camera ever built for astronomy. Over the next decade, this remarkable facility will image the...

Welcome to another episode of The Observers Notebook, the official podcast of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO), where we take you From Stargazing to Science. I'm your host, Tim Robertson, and today we're looking ahead to one of the year's most anticipated celestial events—the deep partial lunar eclipse occurring on the night of August 27–28, 2026. While this won't be a total lunar eclipse, nearly the entire Moon will pass through Earth's umbral shadow, creating a spectacular sight for observers across much of the world. It's an event that promises beautiful views through binoculars and telescopes, outstanding photographic oppo...

Episode 239 What makes a telescope truly exceptional? Is it aperture… optics… craftsmanship… or something more? And in a time when technology is rapidly changing how we explore the night sky—from smart telescopes to AI-assisted imaging—where does the future of amateur astronomy really lie? Today, we’re going to explore that question with someone who has spent decades building precision instruments for observers who demand the very best. I’m excited to welcome Vic Maris, founder of Stellarvue—a company well known in the amateur astronomy community for producing high-quality refractors and precision optical systems. Vic has built Stellarvue around a philoso...

Episode 238 Welcome to The Observers Notebook, the official podcast of the Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers — where we explore the Solar System and beyond, from Stargazing to Science. I’m your host, Tim Robertson, and today we’re diving into one of the best times of year for meteor observing — summertime meteor showers. Joining me is longtime meteor observer and expert Bob Lunsford. Bob has spent decades monitoring meteor activity and helping observers understand what’s happening in our skies each month. Tonight we’ll talk about the major summer meteor showers, what to expect this year, how to observe meteors effe...

Episode 237 Tonight on The Observers Notebook, we welcome one of the most recognizable voices in astronomy and science communication. He’s an astronomer, author, eclipse chaser, skeptic, educator, and the creator of the legendary Bad Astronomy blog and book series — Phil Plait. From debunking myths and conspiracy theories to helping the public better understand the universe and the scientific process itself, Phil has spent decades making astronomy accessible, entertaining, and incredibly relevant. Whether discussing eclipses, space exploration, misinformation, or the sheer wonder of the cosmos, he brings a unique mix of expertise, humor, and passion that has inspired millions. Tonight we’r...

Episode 236 Tonight on The Observers Notebook — one of the most respected planetary imagers in the world joins us. From capturing incredible detail on Jupiter and Saturn to contributing observations used by professional astronomers and spacecraft teams, Christopher Go has helped redefine what amateur astronomers can accomplish. We’ll talk imaging techniques, atmospheric discoveries, equipment, processing, and what it takes to consistently produce world-class planetary images. You can contact Christopher at: chris@cstoneind.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 List...

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 v...

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 s...

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 i...

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...

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 seriou...

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 u...

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 Se...

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...

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 stud...

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 b...

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: rjvmd@progressivetel.com 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...

“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...

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 t...

Episode 222 In this episode of The Observers Notebook Podcast, host Tim Robertson sits down with Alberto Anunziato, an ALPO Lunar Observer from Argentina. Together, they explore the fascinating intersection between art and science in lunar observation — how detailed sketches made at the eyepiece can capture fleeting features of the Moon, aid in scientific study, and preserve the personal experience of observation. Is sketching an artistic pastime or a scientific tool? Alberto shares his insights, techniques, and passion for visual recording of lunar phenomena, reminding us that even in the digital age, a sketch can reveal what a camera may miss. Yo...

Episode 221 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to Bob Lunsford about the upcoming Orionids, Taurids, and Leonid’s Meteor Showers. You can contact Bob at: lunro.imo.usa@cox.net 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...

Episode 102025 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the ALPO Comets Section Coordinator Carl Hergenrother. Carl comes on the podcast to discuss Comet Lemmon and Swan. You can contact Carl at: carlhergenrother@gmail.com ALPO Comets Section blog: http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/cometblog/ In the Sky- Guides to the night sky https://in-the-sky.org/ 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...

Episode 220 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Director of Astronomy Outreach for the International Astronomical Union, Kelly Blumenthal. You can contact Kelly at: blumenthal.kelly@oao.iau.org International Astronomical Union: https://www.iau.org/ https://iau.org/WG330/WG330/Home.aspx public@oao.iau.org iauoutreach.org 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...

Episode 219 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to Bob Lunsford about his process for observing and photographing the recent transits of Saturn’s moon Titan. Titan’s Orbit and Motion: •Orbital period around Saturn: ~15.945 Earth days •Average distance from Saturn: ~1.22 million km •Orbital inclination: ~0.3° relative to Saturn’s equator (small, so Titan’s path is nearly aligned with Saturn’s rings). •Apparent size: ~0.8 arcseconds (tiny, only detectable as a “point” in most telescopes). •Shadow transits are possible only when Saturn’s rings are edge-on (every ~15 years). •September 20, 2025 — Start around 5:09 AM UTC (≈10:09 PM PDT); ends ~7:34 AM UTC (~12:34 AM PDT); Titan may...

Episode 218 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Director of International Observe the Moon Night, Staci Horvath. You can contact Staci at: staci.l.tiedeken@nasa.gov International Observe the Moon Night: https://moon.nasa.gov/observe-the-moon-night/ 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...

Episode 217 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the ALPO Lunar Section Coordinator and Editor of the Lunar Observer newsletter. You can contact David at: drteske@yahoo.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...

Episode 216 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Editor in Chief of Sky& Telescope magazine, Diana Hannikainen. You can contact Diana at: diana@skyandtelescope.org 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...

Episode 215 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Meteor Section Coordinator, Bob Lunsford about the upcoming Delta Aquariids meteor showers peaking the evening of July 29/20 2025. Bob gives us a brief history of the Meteor Showers, 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 Lyrids meteor shower: https://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/ International Meteor Organization https://www.imo.net/ ALPO Meteor Section Blog https://www.alpo-astronomy.org/Meteor For the...

Episode 213 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 site at: www.alpo-astronomy.org/ You can also support this podcast at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ObserversNotebook Listen to the podcast...

Episode 212 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Solar Section Coordinator, Rik Hill about what is a Solar Cycle and what we need to know about this event. You can contact Rik at: rhill24@cox.net You can visit Rik’s website here. https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/~rhill/jlobs.html Space Weather https://spaceweather.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 Su...

Episode 214 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Minor Planets Coordinator, Fred Pilcher about the ALPO Minor Planets Section. You can contact Fred at: fpilcher35@gmail.com Minor Planet Bulletin https://mpbulletin.org/ 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...

Episode 211 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the ALPO member Jim Tomney on the upcoming Virtual ALPO Conference. The dates will be Friday and Saturday, July 25/26, 2025. The conference will also be Live Streamed on the ALPO YouTube channel. As a "virtual" event, this year's ALPO conference will NOT be an in-person event. This way, you can participate from the comfort of your own home or office. The conference times for both days will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pacific Time (1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time) and allow for seven...

Episode 209 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to Jack Daleo, Reporter covering the modern flying beat for FLYING Magazine, writing about topics like drones, unmanned aircraft systems, advanced air mobility and space travel. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA oversee investigations of aircraft accidents in U.S. airspace. But what happens when a crash occurs hundreds of millions of miles away in outer space? Engineers with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturer Aerovironment, a prominent aerospace and defense contractor, are conducting what the space ag...

Episode 209 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Comet Section Coordinator, Carl Hergenrother about the newly discovered Comet Swan, 2025F2. You can contact Carl at: carlhergenrother@gmail.com ALPO Comets Section blog: http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/cometblog/ 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...

Episode 207 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to Sam Deen, as a child, he began searching for exoplanets, but soon he was not satisfied with simply clicking on the offered images. He wanted more, to use the available data for his own scientific research. After a year, he left university studies to devote all his time to astronomy. He finds lost asteroids, comets or identifies small bodies of the Solar System overlooked by scientists, starting from new near-Earth asteroids, unknown moons of Jupiter, and ending with extremely distant trans-Neptunian objects. Self-taught, who has developed...

Episode 208 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Meteor Section Coordinator, Bob Lunsford about the upcoming Lyrids and eta Aquariids meteor showers peaking the evening of April 17-26, 2025 and April 20-May 21 2025. Bob gives us a brief history of the Meteor Showers, 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 Lyrids meteor shower: https://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/ International Meteor Organization https://www.imo.net/ ALPO Meteor Section Blog https...

Episode 206 In this episode of the Observers Notebook podcast, host Tim Robertson talks to the Astronomer and ALPO Eclipse Section Coordinator John O’Neal. John discusses the upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse and contact information. You can contact John at: kohamher1@yahoo.com John’s Website: http://www.ncstargazer.com/ Time and Date Website https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2025-march-14 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 YouT...