CHAPTER 1

GETTING STARTED WITH THE PROGRAM

Many times people ask me what it takes to participate with the search for Lunar Transient Phenomena (L.T.P.). Many of the questions that come up are: "do you need special equipment, or do you need  special skills in order to participate with this program.

One fundamental thing I found that all participants must possess is knowledge of the Moon, built upon practical observing experience. The study of Lunar Transient Phenomena  is the next step from general observing to a more specialized study of the Moon. This kind of focus makes the Moon come alive for the observer and can revitalize ones passion for our nearest neighbor.

The Moon over the years has often been delegated to the roll of show piece, to be only looked at during star parties to impress the general public and schools. It is this mentality that has made it difficult for many amateur astronomers to consider doing any kind of lunar research. This is further compounded when their fellow observers question the observer's interest in the Moon. The general attitude is that since we have landed men on the Moon everything that could be learned about our nearest neighbor was accomplished.

So you see it does require a special person to search the Moon for this phenomena, one who is willing to take the time have the dedication and perseverance to monitor the Moon for extended periods of time. I myself have been watching specific lunar features  for over twenty five years.

With any new observing program questions come up on how to conduct certain procedures, such as conducting a moon blink, or albedo measurement, or how to record an L.T.P. event. I have provided the observer a manual on the web site to assist them with these many procedures. This manual is a culmination of numerous request for information. It is not a completed document and will change and be upgraded to address new programs and discoveries that directly impact Lunar Transient Phenomena.

The key to becoming successful with your search for L.T.P.  is to become a subject matter expert on the specific lunar features that exhibit phenomena.. The Moon has literally thousand of craters on, so where does one begin their search. When one examines the historical data on this phenomena twenty seven  lunar features stand out. These features have a history of repeated L.T.P. events being reported on them. If one monitors these locations your chances of witnessing an event are much greater. This not to say that one cannot observe an L.T.P. event anywhere on the Moon. French astronomer Dr. Dolfus just recently released a report that he detected activity in the crater Langrenus on December 30, 1992. This formation had no previous history in the Lunar Transient Phenomena Catalog published by Winifred S. Cameron.

DAVID O. DARLING

AND HIS 12.5 F5 NEWTONIAN

The instrument size for an effective observing program can be important. For example I was using a 6-inch Newtonian reflector for several years. It was not until I started using my 12.5 f5 Newtonian reflector  did I start to see L.T.P. events. The aperture does make a difference, one observation that is special in my memory was during an observing session with my friend Dave Weier. Mr. Weier and myself could see faint illumination inside the crater Aristarchus. I called a fellow observer Robert Manske who was using a SCT C8 Celestron telescope. He examine the crater himself and he could not see any illumination inside the crater. It was apparent that the larger aperture provided increased contrast, which allowed my friend and I to witness this event.

In conclusion you need to become familiar with the lunar features under all aspects of illumination. It will require you to put in some initial observing time to obtain this level of knowledge. You must also discipline yourself in recording your observations, both in written and photographic format. Many observers fail to keep detailed accounts of what they see and attempt to rely on memory. This can be very damaging to your observing program. It is critical to keep a detailed log of your observations to include drawings and photographs so you can draw upon this as your own personal database. Many times over the years I have  received reports of suspected L.T.P. events but the observer did not record any of the basic critical data, such and time, date, equipment used, etc. and when they decided they had captured something unusual on film they could not remember when the observation was. By being disciplined in this area you will protect your observation for science and protect your own credibility as a first rate observer.

Good Hunting!

David O. Darling

Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers and American Lunar Society

Lunar Transient Phenomena Recorder