Lunar image

The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers Lunar Section focuses on the topography of our nearest neighbor in space.  It maintains a gallery that contains thousands of images and drawings of the Moon based on the Rükl Atlas of the Moon as well as offering multiple programs that the amateur astronomer can contribute to.  The section has a monthly newsletter entitled The Lunar Observer that features lunar articles, drawings, and images from similar-minded lunar amateur astronomers across the globe. Contributors use telescopes of all sizes, from 60 mm to over 1 meter - but most observations are done with small, modest telescopes. We welcome you joining our ranks and contributing to the ALPO Lunar Section to enhance your observing skills and learn from other more experienced observers.

   Lunar Blog
October 2026 The Lunar Observer
9/30/2026

Please find below the 010 2026 ALPO The Lunar Observer newsletter.

PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU CAN NOT OPEN THIS!

Find the 010 2026 The Lunar Observer here.

Clear Skies,

David Teske
Coordinator, Lunar Topographic Studies Program
Assn of Lunar & Planetary Observers


Go to ALPO Lunar Blog

   Image Spotlight
Featured Lunar Observation
image
Observer: Tien Ngo Tran
Equipment: Vixen R130S Newtonian reflector telescope, IMC-361
The subject of the November 2026 Focus On article will be Sinus Aestuum, a possible landing area for the first Chinese crewed lunar mission. Please send drawings, images and observations by October 20, 2026 for inclusion in our Focus On article.
   Lunar Programs

The A.L.P.O. Lunar Section has several programs targeting specific areas of lunar study. They include:

  • Lunar Topographical Studies Program
  • Banded Craters Program
  • Bright Lunar Rays Program
  • Lunar Transient Phenomena Program
  • Lunar Meteoritic Impact Program
  • Lunar Domes Program

Use the menu item at the top to learn more about these programs and to visit their content.


   Monthly Lunar Calendar
Date (UT) Event
2026-10-13 21:16 North limb most exposed +6.7°
2026-10-14 00:00 Favorable libration: Hayn Crater
2026-10-16 03:12 Moon near southernmost declination
2026-10-16 23:00 Moon at apogee 404,642 km
2026-10-18 16:13 First Quarter Moon
2026-10-21 08:52 Moon at ascending node
2026-10-23 03:19 West limb most exposed -6.1°
2026-10-26 00:00 Favorable libration: Yakovkin Crater
2026-10-26 04:12 Full Moon
2026-10-27 00:00 Favorable libration: Hausen Crater
2026-10-27 20:22 South limb most exposed -6.6°
2026-10-28 02:00 Moon in the Pleiades (M45)
2026-10-28 18:00 Moon at perigee 364,407 km
2026-10-29 17:56 Moon at greatest northern declination +27.8°