British Astronomical Association
Lunar Transient Phenomena Research Program
LUNAR TRANSIENT PHENOMENA RESEARCH PROGRAM
DAVID O. DARLING
416 WILSON STREET
SUN PRAIRIE, WISCONSIN 53590-2114 USA
(608) 837-6054
http://www.ltpresearch.org/
16 May 2004
Dear Sir:
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 colour 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 behaviour 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 assist 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