Observers Notebook

Tim Robertson

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.

  1. The Observers Notebook- Comets of 2026

    JAN 1

    The Observers Notebook- Comets of 2026

    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: carlhergenrother@gmail.com 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

    1h 14m
  2. The Observers Notebook-International Occultation and Timing Association (IOTA)

    12/15/2025

    The Observers Notebook-International Occultation and Timing Association (IOTA)

    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 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

    53 min
  3. The Observers Notebook Podcast- Unveiling Uranus: The Ice Giant in the Amateur’s Eye

    12/01/2025

    The Observers Notebook Podcast- Unveiling Uranus: The Ice Giant in the Amateur’s Eye

    “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: schmude@gordonstate.edu 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

    37 min
  4. The Observers Notebook- Don’t Miss the Show: The Geminids Light Up December 2025

    11/15/2025

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

    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: 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/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

    54 min
  5. The Observers Notebook- Sketch or Science? The true value of Lunar Drawings

    11/01/2025

    The Observers Notebook- Sketch or Science? The true value of Lunar Drawings

    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. You can contact Alberto at: albertoanunziato@yahoo.com.ar 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

    54 min
  6. The Observers Notebook-Orionids, Taurids, and Leonids Meteor Showers

    10/15/2025

    The Observers Notebook-Orionids, Taurids, and Leonids Meteor Showers

    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/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

    56 min

  7. 10/03/2025

    Observers Notebook - New Coments in the sky!

    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 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

    39 min
  8. The Observers Notebook - Kelly Blumenthal, IAU Outreach

    10/01/2025

    The Observers Notebook - Kelly Blumenthal, IAU Outreach

    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.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

    47 min
See All (229)

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Robertson
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    229
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Observers Notebook

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