FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Lunar Observers Wanted

[SaguaroAstro@xxxxxxx]

I was asked to pass this along, so consider it passed:
----- Original Message ----- 
From: DOD121252@xxxxxxx 
To: suerose@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
Sent: Monday, May 31, 2004 12:20 AM
Subject: Lunar Observers Wanted for Up Coming Lunar Missions  
LUNAR TRANSIENT PHENOMENA RESEARCH 
PROGRAM
DAVID O. DARLING
416 WILSON STREET
SUN PRAIRIE, WISCONSIN 53590-2114 USA
(608) 837-6054
http://www.ltpresearch.org/
30 May 2004
Dear Sue Rose:
I am sending this letter to inform you for the need for lunar observers. They 
are needed to participate in a global effort to monitor the Moon for Lunar 
Transient Phenomena.  Lunar Transient Phenomena is short lived changes detected 
on the Moon and can consist of glows, flashes, darkening of lunar features and 
red and blue color phenomena. My goal is to coordinate and combine the 
talents and efforts of the professional and amateur astronomical community from 
around the world to monitor the Moon during upcoming spacecraft missions to the 
Moon. This concerted effort will be to assist all observers who choose to 
participate with the latest information about lunar transient phenomena and the 
latest information on reported events. There will also be coordinated observing 
programs to examine the behavior of historical lunar transient phenomena sites 
under similar lighting conditions. 

This L. T. P. Research web site will also be an effective tool for observers 
with similar interests to communicate with each other concerning their own 
study of this phenomena and to present ideas on other lunar topics by utilizing 
the Internet and email as a cost effective conduit.

The primary function though is to attempt to establish a world wide network 
of observers that can be contacted when a lunar transient phenomena event takes 
place. Due to cost involved the use of Internet can be extremely effective 
and allow almost immediate notification to observers all over the world. Also 
being part of this network will help people learn of other observers within 
their region who also share an interest in this phenomena. 

I have had the pleasure of establishing and running two major ground based 
operations in coordination with the Clementine mission and the Lunar Prospector 
mission. With both of these programs I had about 150 observers in many 
different countries participate with great success. What I did not have was a 
WEB 
Site to allow more interaction with the observers and have the ability to post 
the latest information about recently observed phenomena. The information about 
these two mission is located on my web page under Past Ground Based Observing 
Programs.

It is generally expected that observers participating with this program would 
have a background in lunar observing. This is very helpful but should not 
discourage the newcomer to lunar observing. I have established a manual for 
frequently asked questions about how to observe and document lunar transient 
phenomena. Also there are many books on lunar observing that have been 
published 
that will assists the observer in a better understanding of this subject. 

You are probably wondering what is this going to cost you. In the form of 
money nothing. I require no dues or fees for your participation. I only require 
that you observe, document, and submit observations. The time commitment to the 
program is up to you. There are generally four levels of participation. The 
first level is to just monitor the Moon whenever out observing and if you 
detect something unusual you submit a report and if possible activate the lunar 
transient phenomena network to attempt to get a confirmation. The second level 
is 
to systematically observe selected features on the Moon monitoring them for 
any changes or abnormal appearance. The third level is to participate in 
coordinated observing sessions of a specific lunar feature, recording and 
documenting what is observed during that observing window and submitting your 
reports to 
be evaluated and analyzed. The fourth level would be to monitor the Moon 
during a space mission to the Moon. Presently there are no missions at the 
Moon. 
The Lunar Prospector was the last and the observations from that have been 
posted on my web page under Past Ground Based Observing Programs. Future 
missions 
on the drawing table are the Smart 1 by the European Space Agency, planned 
arrival to the Moon in December 2004, and the Lunar A to be launched in 2004 or 
2005 by the Japanese Space Agency. Both of these missions I have contacted the 
Principle Investigator and they have endorsed our participation by monitoring 
the Moon during their time in orbit around the Moon. The third mission called 
Lunarsat will happen in 2005 and is by the European Space Agency. The fourth 
mission on the table is again by the Japanese and is called Selene and expected 
to launch in 2004 or 2005. There is also a private company called Trans 
Orbital which is planning a Moon shot to conduct live video and high resolution 
imaging of the lunar surface, December 2004. This mission will only last for 
three months. Those who decide to participate with the program at what ever 
level 
you chose will be kept informed by monthly newsletters and updates being 
placed onto the LTPRESEARCH web site. 

If you want to become a part of this international program click on the my 
web site and complete the registration form and join the great adventure.

Thank you for taking the time for reading this request and I hope to hear 
from you soon.

My Web Site is: http://www.ltpresearch.org/ you then go to Observer 
Registration and complete the form.

Thank You.

David O. Darling 
Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers & British Astronomical 
Association, Assistant 
Lunar Transient Phenomena Recorder


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


Rick Tejera
Editor SACnews
Saguaro Astronomy Club
Phoenix, Arizona
SaguaroAstro@xxxxxxx
www.saguaroastro.org


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