dipper@utastro.UUCP (Debbie Byrd) (11/04/86)
Keeping watch on the solar system -- after this. November 4 ALPO Some dedicated skywatchers keep a very close eye on the planets. They are members of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers -- founded in 1947. Professional astronomers work with the association -- but most of the observers are people who don't make a living from astronomy. They find the subject so fascinating that they devote time and effort on their own telescopes to systematically observe the moon and planets. The collected data is a valuable contribution to the long-term study of the solar system. Currently there are about 150 registered observers in thirteen countries around the world -- in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers is divided into different sections. Each section concentrates on a specific object in the solar system -- for instance, the moon or Jupiter or asteroids. Even the sun comes under scrutiny. One planet that's of high interest this year is Mars. Last July Mars came closest to Earth that its been since 1971. The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers keeps track of seasonal changes on the Martian surface. They measure the size of the south polar cap of Mars shrinks or grows throughout the martian year. Right now it's the season for dust storms on Mars -- storms that can enshroud the planet for weeks and months. The surveillance of such storms by members of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers is used in correlating data from spacecraft encounters with the red planet. Script by Diana Hadley. (c) Copyright 1985, 1986 McDonald Observatory, University of Texas at Austin