On 1980 May 18 at UT 20:10-22:35 J.D. Greenwood (Morecombe, UK, 10"
reflector and 3" refractor, seeing II-III, conditions very good) noted
that the inside of Aristarchus had a star-like point contained within a
diffuse blue-green hue coloured glow. There were also intermittent
flashes visible during short irregular periods using a Wratten 44a
(blue-green filter)but were difficult to see trhough a Wratten 25 (red)
filter. The Moon was at a low altitude and the observation ceased at
22:25UT. P.W. Foley (Hent, UK, seeing II) observed flashes in
Aristarchus and occasional star-like points - he also observed the area
to be in a bluish translucent glow extending for about 40 miles all
around the crater. In order to check on the visibility of Earthshine, a
region of highland, near Grimaldi was checked and found to be 0.2
bright with no variations. However Aristarchus itself varied from a CED
freading of 0.6 to unmeasurable. Foley observed from 20:10-22:30UT. P.
Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 77m refractor, seeing I-III) observed at
22:17UT and saw the crater as a "ghostlike gossamer light". Cook, Moore
and North returned negative reports. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=
95 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1957 Jul 31 UT 02:24 C. Johnson (4" reflector, x91, seeing 10/10)
observed a slight ring of light reaching around the north limb of the
Moon. The ring was only just brighter than Earthshine and about 1600km
long. The Moon's age was 3.9 days. The reference for this comes from;
Johnson, Craig, L. "Lunar Limb Brightening", Strolling Astronomer,
11:118, 1957.
On 1968 Dec 24 at UT 19:30-20:00 Deane (London, UK, 2" refractor)
observed the following in the Prinz-Harbinger Mountains area: "Bright
yellow spot seen E. of Aris. fr. S. end of Harbinger mts, to S. wall of
Prinz. Back to normal at 2000h. Many other areas observed were normal.
(alerted for tidal predict. by Middlehurst, & Apollo 8 watches)". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1110 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1950 Nov 14 UT23:38 L.T. Johnson (La Plata, MD, USA, 10"
reflector, x179) observed a mag 10 flash in Earthshine. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
CCD images were captured in white light that seemed to show that
the relative brightness between Aristarchus or Pytheas differed
considerably to what they were to be one night later on 2008 Nov 26.
Either Aristarchus was brighter on the 25th or Pytheas was darker.
Which feature, and which night, the abnormality occurred on is
uncertain. One possible explanation might be a brightness
gradient from glare from the sunlit side affecting the image contrast
quality of the CCD images for relative photometric measurements.
This TLP is being assigned a weight of 3 for now.
CCD images were captured in white light that seemed to show that
the relative brightness between Aristarchus or Pytheas differed
considerably to what they were to be one night later on 2008 Nov 26.
Either Aristarchus was brighter on the 25th or Pytheas was darker.
Which feature, and which night, the abnormality occurred on is
uncertain. One possible explanation might be a brightness
gradient from glare from the sunlit side affecting the image contrast
quality of the CCD images for relative photometric measurements.
This TLP is being assigned a weight of 3 for now.
On 1981 Apr 09 at UT 19:44 M. Price (Camberley, Surrey, UK, 6"
reflector, 58x and 117x) saw a 4 sec brightening in Aristarchus in the
clear Earthshine. Other features visible were: Grimaldi and some mare.
Foley found the crater to be "luminous & translucent". Cameron 2006
catalog ID=129 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
CCD images were captured in white light that seemed to show that
the relative brightness between Aristarchus or Pytheas differed
considerably to what they were to be one night earlier on 2008 Nov 25.
Either Pytheas was brighter tonight or Aristarchus was darker.
Which feature, and which night, the abnormality occurred on is
uncertain. One possible explanation might be a brightness
gradient from glare from the sunlit side affecting the image contrast
quality of the CCD images for relative photometric measurements.
This TLP is being assigned a weight of 3 for now.
CCD images were captured in white light that seemed to show that
the relative brightness between Aristarchus or Pytheas differed
considerably to what they were one night earlier on 2008 Nov 25.
Either Pytheas was brighter tonight or Aristarchus was darker.
Which feature, and which night, the abnormality occurred on is
uncertain. One possible explanation might be a brightness
gradient from glare from the sunlit side affecting the image contrast
quality of the CCD images for relative photometric measurements.
This TLP is being assigned a weight of 3 for now.
On 1988 Nov 15 at 10:07-10:40 UT P. Jean (Outremont, Quebec, Canada,
4" refractor?) saw to the SE of Eudocus (18E, ~43N) a luminescent area
just over on the night side of the terminator - it was cone shapes and
coppery in colour. Cameron comments that maybe it was a very low sun
angle effect and she has seen something similar, but on the bright side
of the terminator. Jean then goes onto comment that at 10:25UT a very
dark line was seen south of the cone i.e. east of the terminator. A
sketch was provided and P.Foley commented that the cone did not
correspond to any terrain. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID=339 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
2004 Dec 18 UT 02:00 F. Serio (Houston, TX, USA) may have
imaged aperiod of brightening in this crater in images -
though Darling comments that it could be a Registax issue.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 19 at 20:00UT P.W. Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK, 12"
reflector) noticed a deep steel blue colour inside Toricelli B with a
lighter colour about 10-15 miles outside. Foley came to the conclusion
that this was too visible for its size. Cameron 2006 Catalog extension
ID=206 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1979 Jul 01 at 22:00?UT D.J. Raden (Fort Meade, FL, USA, using a
10" reflector) detected a flare near to Halley (5E, 9S) visually with
the eye and it lasted about 3-4 min - a sketch was made. However it was
also found on one photographic slide taken with an exposure of 35
seconds. The observer comments that visually the flare was not as
bright as it appeared in the photograph. In an area near Halley. The
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=57 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
Maskelyne 1969 Nov 16 UTC 16:28-17:10 Observed by Persson (Hvidore,
Denmark, 3" refractor) "Brightening & obscur. (Apollo 12 watch)." NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1210.
On 1969 Nov 16 at UT 16:43-19:22 Dall'Ara (Switzerland, 4"? reflector),
Stucchi (Switzerland, 12" reflector) observed in Aristarchus
intermittent pulsations - Cameron speculates atmopsheric and also
mentions the Apollo 12 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1211 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Aristarchus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Censorinus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hopmann (Czecholovakia?)
"Green flash or brightening (date correct ? written 8-4-65. First taken
as American convention, thus as Aug. 4, but now think it was in
European convention of day first then month)." NASA catalog weight=2
(low). NASA catalog ID #873a.
Hyginius N 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Linne 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Proclus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
nr. Plato in Teneriffe Mountains 1854 Dec 27 UT 18:00-23:00
Observed by Hart & others (Glasgow, Scotland, 10" reflector) "2
luminous fiery spots on bright side on either side of a ridge,
contrasting color. Seemed to be 2 active volcanoes. Ridge was
normal color. Spots were yellow or flame color. Never seen
before in 40 yrs. of observing." NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #129. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 May 04 at 21:30-22:00UT Coates detected a star-like point
inside Hipparchus L crater using averted vision. Cameron in her 2006
catalog extension comments that Hipparchus L is a highlands impact
crater with a rille on the western ejecta blanket. The crater is the
smallest one in a chain that are sequenced to be half the size of the
previous crater in the chain. Apparently the largest crater in the
chain is Hind with a largely landslide covered floor - although on the
south is a dome? with a summit crater. Cameron's 2006 catalog extension
gives this TLP an ID of 51 and a weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 20 at 20:00UT P.W. Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK, 12"
reflector) noticed a deep steel blue colour inside Toricelli B with a
lighter colour about 10-15 miles outside. Foley came to the conclusion
that this was too visible for its size. Cameron 2006 Catalog extension
ID=206 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Hyginus Nova 1877 Nov 13 UT 20:00? Observed by Crain, Klein, Eng.
officer (France?, Cologne (Germany), Enland?, 6" refractor?, S=E)
"Standing out with such prominence, seen at a glance. No trace of it on
14th, in excell seeing. (indep. confirm.?)"NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #198. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2003 Apr 10 at 00:40UT a GLR observer G. Jasmin (Quebec, Canada,
using a 10" F-10 Schmidt Cassegrain) took a photograph of Alphonsus
crater on Kodak 400ASA film with an exposure of 1/30th sec. There was a
light visible (diameter 10 km) inside Alphonsus and the effect was
present for 5 minutes. The observer commented that they have seen a
light in this crater many times before, but never as long as 5 minutes.
This report was submitted to the GLR group in Italy. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Menelaus 1969 Nov 17 UT 16:00-19:00 Observed by Rubens de
Azevedo,A. Monghilhot, E. Leal e Jose Fernandes (Joao Pessoa,
Paraiba, Brazil, 8" and 10" reflectors) "Entire crater of
Men. illum. by pale greenish light. (Azevedo)" NASA catalog
weight=5 NASA catalog ID #1211a. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Fauchier of Marseilles, France, seeing=good - fair and the Moon at a
high altitude, saw two lights on the Moon brighter than any others
during similar circumstances. They had colour. These had not been seen
before and he ruled out cromatic aberation. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=249
and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
2004 Dec 20 UT 02:51-03:26 R. Gray (Winumma, USA) noted that
the crater had exceptional brightness to nimbus surrounding it. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Proclus 1972 Oct 15 UT 20:48 Observed by Hopp (13.25E, 52.5N,
75mm refractor) "Bright flash at the NW wall but poor seeing."
T=3, S=5. Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon & Planets (1984) Vol
30, pp53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1995 Jul 06 at UT 03:22-03:57 R. Spellman (Los Angeles, USA
found that the floor of Proclus appeared to darken slightly
through a blue filter. The ALPO/BAA weight=2. Source of this
observation came from Spellman's web site.
In 1878 Oct 04 at UT 20:00 an Unknown observer noted that Hyginus Nova
could not be seen, whereas the night before the crater had the most
conspicuous of all appearances. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=201 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Williams of the UK, on 1892 Sep 20 at Moon's age 8.4 days, noticed a
spot that had been seen on the 21st and 23rd of the same year with
abnormal brightness. The spot was near Picard. Williams comments the
spot was "nearly as large but a little fainter than Picard, This
observation was reported in the Astronomical Register of the Royal
Astronomical Society and is not included in the Cameron catalogs. It is
one of many measurements of the brightness of this spot for different
illumination angles and is one of three outlying brightness points
spotted on a graph by Willaims. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Hyginus Nova 1867 Nov 14 UT 20:00? Observed by Crain, Klein, Eng.
officer (France?, Cologne (Germany), Enland?, 6" refractor?, S=E) "On
13th it was standing out with such prominence, seen at a glance. No
trace of it on 14th, in excell seeing. (indep. confirm.?)"NASA catalog
weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #198.
On 1979 Jul 03 at UT 20:55-21:20 J-H. Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
10" reflector, seeing II) observed that Messier was brighter than
Messier A. No colour was observed. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID is 58
and the weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 21 at 20:00UT P.W. Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK, 12"
reflector) noticed a deep steel blue colour inside Toricelli B with a
lighter colour about 10-15 miles outside. Foley came to the conclusion
that this was too visible for its size. Cameron 2006 Catalog extension
ID=206 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1995 Sep 03 at UT19:40-20:15 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector at
x400) observed that the floor of Plato was much darker than he would
normally expect and futhermore no interior craterlets were seen. there
was however a white patch that was barely visible at the location of
the central craterlet should have been. G. North (UK) attempted to
observe nut the Moon was too low and seeing terrible. F. Doherty
reported Plato normal. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=475 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 2004 Feb 29 UT 19:00-19:15 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Checked central peak of Alphonsus using 60mm OG
x120 + right angle prism. Moon at very high elevation, seeing excellent
once clouds had dispersed, transparency also excellent. Time of
observation 19-00 hrs UT to 19-15 hrs UT. Noticed fluctuation of
brightness of A's central peak compared with the peak of Arzachel.
Alphonsus' peak generally brighter." BAA Lunar Section report. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 2010 Aug 19 at UT 00:50-01:02 J.Albert (Lakeworth, FL, USA,
C11, Transparency 3, Seeing 7-8, 86F and very humid. Oberver
checking out repeat illumination condition appearence for Tycho
concerning LTP #468 in the 1978 Cameron catalog. Did not see the
effect from the original TLP report, but did see, immediately at
looking at Tycho a very faint hint of redness in a pencil thin
arc (< 1/4 circumference of the rim) confined to the top of the
rim of the well-lit north east wall. Coloured arc similar in
thickness to Rupes Recta, but not as sharply defined. The outer
(E) edge was perhaps sharper than the inner edge. The redness
was more on the inside of the top of the rim. The outside of the
rim was bright white. This effect was seen in three different
eyepieces, at 311x, 224x and 400x. Checked for the effect on
other craters nearby but could not see this effect anywhere
else. The colour had dissapeared by 01:02UT. The fade took about
1-2 minutes. Observation of Tycho continued until 01:06UT, but
all seemed normal. Quick checks were made again on Tycho
periodically until 02:50UT but the colour was not seen again.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Tycho 1940 Jul 14 UT 02:00? Observed by Haas (NM? USA, 12"?
reflector) "Luminous marks in shadow, ragged edged & irreg.
shape. E. wall had a milky luminosity" NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID #468. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1964 Feb 22 at UT 05:00 Harris (Whittier, CA, 19" reflector, x100)
observed the appearance of a ring to the south east of Ross D. Cameron
says that 7 persons have seen this over a 2.5 year period. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=801 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1967 Feb 18 UT 20:30-20:40 Observed by Moore, Moseley
(Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x300) "Red color in
crater (in dark)". NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1015.
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1980 May 23 at UT21:14-21:55 J.H. Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
12" reflector, seeing II-III) could see Aristarchus in blue and clear
filters, but not in red light. Robinson saw some variability in this
effect with time. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=96 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1980 May 23 at UT21:14-22:18 G. Blair (Bridge of Weir,
Scotland, UK, 216mm reflector, seeing II-IV) found a red tinge
along the western wall of Coperncius, perhaps 32km in length.
This was invisible in a blue-green Wratten 44a filter, but was
unmistakble in a red Wratten 25 filter. Could have been
spurious colour - but no other regiosn were affected. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 May 23 at UT 21:14-21:18 Marco Petek (Porto Alegre,
Brazil) saw in the region of Littrow and an area of dark mare
south west from Littrow to Argaeus, abnormal darkness, and a
rapid change of form. He also saw a shadow extending south
east from Campanus opposite to the Sun - however Foley thinks
this is normal. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=96 and weight=0 or 1.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1970 Nov 8 UT 01:31-01:47 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3" refractor x59-300) "Only crater A
seen, all others obscured. Floor =3deg albedo, very smooth. A
had a minute shadow & no obscur. On Nov. 22 1966 at nearly
same colong. 5 spots incl. A were vis." NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID #1278. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 May 25 at UT 22:18 G. Blair (Bridge of Weir, Scotland, 216mm
reflector, seeing II-IV) suspected a short sharp flash, white in colour
north of Tycho's north wall. Nothing more seen. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 May 23 at UT22:30 (P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 10" reflector, seeing
II) described Aristarchus as a "blue luminous patch", but it was too
faint to obtain a CED brightness measurement. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
96 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
2012 Sep 24 UT 22:00-23:00 Copernicus. E. Horner (Salisbury,
UK, 15cm reflector) observed a prominent red arc where the
sunlit part of the interior wall met the shadow. Sometimes the
arc was 1/4 the way around the interior, and sometimes half of
the way around. Telescope moved, but the red arc stayed where
it was. Eyepieces change, but the effect remained. Other parts
of the Moon checked, but no red seen. There were however
splashes of green e.g. Longomontanus on the terminator,
elsewhere further inland from the termionator, and little
splashes of green on Mare Frigoras - but lasting a brief time.
The red colour was as strong as a red LED and the green similar
to that of the northern lights. The observer's husband was asked
to independetly check Copernicus and remarked that he could see
a little bit of green at the top and some red near the bottom,
along the line of the internal shadow. Although there were
checks for red elsewhere on the Moon and none were seen, the
Moon was starting to get low and it is typical of spurious
colour in a few respects. Therefore the ALPO/BAA weight=1 for
safety.
Atlas 1966 Dec 21 UT 17:10 Observed by Andre (Belgium, 3" refractor)
"Bright spot on SE part of floor, not seen in photo on 12/18/66" NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1003.
Mons la Hire 1972 Nov 15 UT 09:45-10:18 M.Geisel (Brisbane,
Australia, 12.5" f/8 reflector, x90) discovered the TLP, P.
Anderson (9.5" reflector) independently confirmed that the TLP
had an effect in his Moon Blink device - but the effect
(suspected that the blink was caused by the extreme nrightness
of the mountain?) was weak and thought it not worth further
investigation. Photographs taken by Anderson. Geisel believes
the effect to be real and states that the area remained sharp
and clear throughout. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1969 Nov 18 UT 20:00? Observed by Classen (Pulnitz,
Czechoslovakia, 8" refractor) "Brightened, exceeded normal. Brightness
is monitored relative to Censorinus. (started July, 1969) Obs. thinks
all bright craters are variable. (Apollo 12 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1216.
On 1995 Jul 07 at UT 04:22 R. Spellman (Los Angeles, CA, USA) noted
that the floor of Copernicus was slightly darker in blue light. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1. This report came from R. Spellman's web site.
On 1995 Jul 07 at UT 04:22 R. Spellman (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
noted that the inside of Bodin darkened in blue light and also
the floor was darker in white light than it was the previous
day. The ALPO/BAA weight=1. This report came from R.
Spellman's web site.
On 1995 Jul 07 at 04:22UT R. Spellman (Los Angeles, CA, USA) noted that
the floor of Proclus looked slightly darker in blue light. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Copernicus 1969 Nov 18 UT 21:10-21:11 Observed by Hedervari
(Budapest, Hungary, 3.5" refractor) "Yellowish-red stripe on
inner W. wall (chrom. aberr.? Apollo 12 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID No. 1217. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1872 Mar 19 at UT 23:17 an unknown observer observed in Sinus
Iridum: "Covered with a light gray shadow thru which he saw dimly the
surface below - indicating obscuring matter over it. (Cameron says:
only w. 1/3 of bay would be in shadow as boundaries are 25-37W)". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=178 and the weight=3.
Ross D vicinity 1964 Apr 22 UT 05:43-0637 Observed by Cross et
al. (Whittier, CA, USA, 19" reflector, x800-1200 & filters, S=7-
8, T=1) "Gas cloud over it & its companion; everywhere else was
fine detail" NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #809.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Colour seen, mostly blueness on south rim and exterior of south
rim at Bullialdus crater. Blueness seen too on Plato on inner SSW
rim, but no colour reported on any other craters. Seeing III,
12" reflector used x200 and x360.
Colour seen, mostly blueness on inner SSW rim. Blueness also seen
on south rim and exterior of south rim at Bullialdus crater. No colour
reported on any other craters. Seeing III, 12" reflector used x200 and
x360.
Daniell 1979 Jul 04 UT 20:40-21:19 Observed by Saxton (UK?, 216mm
refractor?, seeing III, transparency: Good) "noticed that the east
end of Daniell was bright and fuzzy and had somewhat poorly defined
edge to the bright part. A sketch was made, and possibly shows
the same as in past reports" BAA Lunar Section Report. Cameron
2006 extension catalog ID=59 and weight=3. Observer located in
Leeds, England and used a 9" reflector x250. Seeing=III and
transparency=good. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1967 Feb 19 UT 20:30-21:11 Observed by Moore,
Moseley (Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x360) "Blink
area between 1900 & 1940 with neg. results. Suddenly at 2030
there was a bright red glow, brightest Moseley had ever seen,
at Feb 17 suspectec place. Moore returned at 2037h in time to
see fading effect. Brief return at 2105-2111; neg. from
2120-2250h then clouds. Nothing on Feb 20. confirmation)."
NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1016.
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
H. Davies (Llamandel, Swansea, UK, using a 3" refractor,
detected a short duration reddish hue along the inner NE-NW?
rim (4-7 O'Clock location. Sketch supplied to Foley (BAA
coordinator). No similar effect seen elsewhere. A.C. Cook
(Frimley, UK) detected spurious colour on several craters,
including Plato that night. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID=
337 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Arsyukhin and others (Moscow, USSR), with naked eye and binouculars
saw three dark spots suddenly appear on Mare Crisium and disappear
approximately 30 minutes later. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=145
and catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Arsyukhin and others (Moscow, USSR), with naked eye and binouculars
saw TLP activity in Plato that Cameron thinks confirms what UK
observers saw later. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=145
and catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1966 Apr 01 UT(?) 03:00-03:20 Observed by Jenning,
Harris (Coral Estates, CA, USA, 12" reflector) "Red patch from
c.p. to W. wall (no confirm. from Corralitos obs. moon blink
device & obs. at that time)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #924. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Agrippa and vicinity 1878 Dec 04 UT 20:00? Observed by Capron (France?)
"Odd, misty look as if vapor were in or about them" NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #209.
Observed by G.H. Johnstone of Albuquerque, NM, USA on 1954 Nov 05 UT
20:00 (according to Cameron), but 02:00-04:00 according to the
original observation and at colongitudes 34.7 to 35.7 deg. 4"
reflector, x150 used. The obsewrver reported that the western part
(about 1/3rd of the interior) was pitch black with shadow. However
there was a zone about as wide, or perhaps only a fourth of the total
width that was distinctly a lighter bluish shade, almost like twilight.
The shadows of the peaks on the western edge of the rim were clearly
seen crossing this bluish shadowed area. Then this area ended sharply,
and the farside was bathed in light from the rising sun. The shadows of
the peak were sharply defined across the twilight zone, and the edge of
the pitch black shadow was easily defined but not as sharp as the
darker shadows crossing the the blue twilight zone. The observer
checked other craters but did not see this condition in any of them -
they all had the abrupt division between black and white that we would
normally expect to see. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=579 and weight=2.
Reference 1962 edition of ALPO's Journal: The Stolling Astronomer.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Censorinus 1969 Nov 19 UT 1922 Observed by Brandli (Wald,
Switzerland, 6" reflector, x90) "Brightening -- photo, (the
author, WBC, cannot verify from photo. It is brighter, but so
are Proc. & Dionys. -- it being between. i.e. Proc. > Censor. >
Dionys. Apollo 12 watch)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID #1220. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1970 Dec 08 UT 18:00-23:59 UT Observed by Fitton (Oldham,
England, 8.5" refkector, S=VG) "All surrounding detailperfect,
but barely a trace of floor detail. A suggestion of 2 or 3 white
spots including central A seen only on one examination out of
five. "sector" beginning to show. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1870 May 10 UTC 22:00 Observed by Birt (England) "Extraordinary
display of lights. Says not effect of sunlight" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #167.
P. Moore at 21:10 found the southern wall (and ontothe southern floor)
of the crater to be indistinct. Elsewhere in the crater everything was
sharp. The effect was still seen at 21:42UT, but less strong. A check
was made for colour with aq Moonblink device, but none was seen. There
was still a trace of this effect at 21:44UT, although detail was now
becoming visible. By 21:48UT vertical streaks were seen crossing
the floor from the obscuration area and these were more visible in the
red filter and not in the blue. Cameron comments that undefined patches
on the floor of Plato are not normal. By 21:55UT some craterlets on the
floor started to become visible and the TLP for Moore ended by UT22:23.
P.Foley was alerted by Moore and saw a "amssive dense obsecuration
on the south wall, south floor and south outer glacis to the Mare".
Foley noted that by 21:50UT the effect was fading and finished by
22:03UT. Foley reported an orange translucent haze covering half of the
floor, but floor craterlets could be seen on and off - however his
atmospheric seeing conditions were IV. At 22:00 UT Foley reported the
floor close to the north wall to be "milky or misty". No detail was
visible at 21:15UT and variability in the floor continued until
23:10UT. Hedly-Robinson was aleted at 21:35UT and found no difference
between red and blue views of the area, however he did find that the
south rim was indistinct although this effect had lessened by 22:00 UT
and was normal by 22:17UT. M. Mobberly saw a white spot on the floor at
21:20 UT, whereas he normally would have expected to see craterlets.
Mobberly was alerted at 21:40 UT and took some colour photos. He also
made sketches that showed variability in the floor and dark lines and
patches in the north west corner. However the altitude of the Moon was
low. Cameron mentions that two of the photos show loss of detail at the
south wall and beyond.and also a change in the floor markings.The north
wall at 21:50UT was strangely reddish (didn't think this was spurious
colour). The rest of the wall was sharp at 22:20UT through a yellow
filter. Large bright patch in the centre and rest of the floor was
apparently of the same shading as Mare Imbrium. The above notes are
based upon the Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID 145 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Piton 1969 Nov 19 UT 21:15-22:00 Observed by Baum (England,
4.5" refractor) "Traces of cloudiness on E. slope at 2115h.
Increased at 2150h in extent & brightness. Spread onto plain.
Summit & shadow in W. part sharp & clear. (Apollo 12 watch)."
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1221.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Brilliant blue color seen at first for seconds, later for min
2h later, in blue filter. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 (high).
Cameron 1978 catalog ID 572.
Furnerius 1961 May 26 UT 02:20-03:00 Observed by Cameron (Aldephi, MD,
USA, 3.5" Questar reflector x160, S=G) "Crater stood out like
glittering points (small craters on rim?). Many features examined but
effect seen only on this crater and Stevinus (Specular refl. from flat
surface?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #738.
Stevinus 1961 May 26 UT 02:20-03:00 Observed by Cameron (Aldephi, MD,
USA, 3.5" Questar reflector x160, S=G) "Crater stood out like
glittering points (small craters on rim?). Many features examined but
effect seen only on this crater and Stevinus. (Specular refl. from flat
surface?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #738.
Tycho 2971 Nov 28 UT 21:58-22:05 observed by D.B. Taylor (Dundee,
UK, darker area inside the crater (NE and SE floor) in a Moon
Blink device. However the observer does not report through which
filter ir was darker. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1971 Oct 30 UT 19:35-20:55 E.Watkins (Braintree, UK, 4.5"
reflector, x45,x150, x225), thought he saw a faint patch at
19:35 and it still was visible at 19:40. At 19:50-19:55 he saw
what may have been the remainder. At 20:55 he noticed a shadow
in the area. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1980 May 25 UT 21:33-22:54 Observed by North (Seaford,
UK, seeing III-IV, 460mm Newtonian) Definite strong reddish
glow along NNW border, definitely much stronger than spurious
colouration and always visible when telescope moved in RA and
Dec to eliminate possible chromatic aberation effects in the
eyepiece. Effect ended by 21:54 UT. BAA Lunar Section Report.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1969 Nov 20 UT 17:06-17:15 Observed by Duckworth
(Manchester, England, 8" refractor x250) Faint Pinkish
Obscuration on floor. Event in progress at 1706 - left telescope
at 1715 to report it, but TLP gone upon return. Gassendi was
normal from from 1734-1822h. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #1223. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Hyginus N 1944 Apr 04 UT 20:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England,
15" reflector) "Darker than usual. S. edge of great crater valley was
bordered by a narrow dark band for 13km along its length" NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #490.
SE of Ross D 1965 Mar 14 UT 07:40 Observed by Cross (Whittier, CA, USA,
12" reflector) "Crater wall partially obscured; bright" NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #872.
Gassendi 1969 Nov 20 UT 19:30-19:45 Observed by Becker (Holland, 4"
refractor) "Curious small shadow from NW (ast. ?) wall. (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1224.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 20 UT 19:45-20:05 Observed by Becker (Holland, 4"
refractor) "Sharp whiteness on inner W. (ast. ?) side (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1224.
Plato 1870 May 11 UTC 22:00 Observed by Birt (England) "Extraordinary
display of lights. Says not effect of sunlight" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #167.
Observer noted a bright spot on the interior west wall that seemed
brighter than what they would have expected. unfortunately the precise
time of this observation was not recorded so the moon-rise and
midnight UT values are used to place a limit on the time of
observation. Images by Shaw taken at UT 1754, 18:45 and 23:13
do not exhibit the effect.
Censorinus 1981 Apr 15 UT 22:15-23:10 M. Cook (Frimley, UK),
using a 12" reflector,found Censorinus to be glowing exceedingly
bright and was brighter than Proclus. It dulled later, but was
still brighter than Proclus. Censorinus was also slightly
brighter in blue than in red light. Cameron 2006 catalog
extension ID=130 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1968 Dec 31 UT 03:30-03:45 Observed by Taboada
(Mexico) "Terminator between the two was diminishing in brightness over
edge of Herod. at 0345, 2 darker spots seen over same place. (alerted
by Middlehurst for tidal predict.?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low).
NASA catalog ID #1112.
On 1968 Dec 31 at UT 03:30-03:45 Taboada (Mexico) observed the
terminator between Aristarchus and Herodotus was diminishing in
brightness at 03:45UT over the edge of Herodotus. Two darker spots were
seen over same place. Alerted by Middlehurst for tidal predict? The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1112 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Torricelli B 2005 Jan 21 UT 21:21-21:43 Observed by North (Norfolk, UK,
20cm reflector, x64, x128, Seeing IV, Transparency, moderate)
"Torricelli B appeared rather dull with a prominent dark halo of a
strongly bluish tint. The halo extends a few sec of arc beyond the
crater. At 21:21-21:43 crater was varying in brightness but this may
have been due to the seeing? By 21:42 the dark halo was gone. By 21:44-
21:49 UT the crater was brighter and more normal in brightness than
before. By 22:17 UT all was normal. The variations in brightness were
also seen by Cook (Mundesley, UK). Observations by Carbognani (Itlay)
21:20-23:10 failed to find any variations in brightness. Nor did Amato
(CT, USA) from 23:00-23:15 UT."
On 1978 May 18 at UT20:45-21:53 J.D. Cook (Frimley, UK, 12"
reflector, x240) observed Promitorium Laplace to have
visually a brown colour - though no Moon Blink (red and blue
filters) effect was detected. Cameron comments that this is
probably a subjective effect - also others have reported
something similar at times. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=30
and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Crick of Belgium noticed obscuration on a bright spot on
the south east wall. This spot was quite prominent through a red
Wratten 25 filter. The floor was very dark. Other craters
were checked and were normal. A sketch was supplied and the position
was the same as in other earlier reports. Cameron 2006 catalog
extension ID=60 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3. 6" reflector
used. Seeing=II and transparency=good.
Plato & Pico 1984 Mar 14/15 UT 19:18-01:48 Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" Reflector seeing I, Transparency Very Good) "Obscuration
and colur seen on Plato and colouration and brightness seen on
Piton (CED used)" BAA Lunar Section Report.
Plato & Pico 1984 Mar 14/15 UT 19:18-01:48 Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" Reflector seeing I, Transparency Very Good) "Obscuration
and colour seen on Plato and colouration and brightness seen seen on
Piton (CED used)" on and Colour" BAA Lunar Section Report.
M. Cook of Frimley, "NE ray distinct & also floor E of
it, not distinct as on Dec 13 & Jan 11, while March 10,
11 & 12 seen by Price, North, Peters, Foley & M Cook, where
rim was clear and sharp." - quote from the 2006 Cameron Catalog
extyension - TLP ID=297 and weight=5. Cameron gives the
observers confirming this TLP as: M. Cook, G. North and Davies..
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1972 Oct 19 UT 17:55-18:05 Observed by Gabriel (Wettern,
Belg. 4" refractor, x166, S=E), Hitchens (Stamine Locks, Eng., 8.5"
reflector, S=F), Peters (Kent, Eng., 10" relector), Amery (Reading,
Emg. 10?" reflector), Flynn (england, 12" reflector) "At 17:55h noted
bluish-purple color area just N. of Aris. & it reached just over N.
wall, lasted 2 min. At 1800h color noted again, but not as brilliant &
gone at 1801h. Seen again at 1804h & now was on E. (ast. ?) wall,
lasting M 1min. Sure of its reality but not of lunar origin. All gone
at 1805h. Hitchens noted a very bright spot on W. (IAU?) wall between 2
prominent bands. Blue darkening in W#38 filter, neg. in W#8,25,58 &
integrated light. Other areas gave similar but lesser effects. May be
due to damp geletin. (Moore thinks not LTP but many obs. have rep't
blue in Aris.) Others obs. later (2100, 2215-2300, 2305h) & noted
nothing unusual." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1346.
Kepler 1954 Nov 07 UTC 23:20 Observed by Lugo (Caracus, Venezula)
"Luminous pts. (MBMW say "bright pt.; just outside E.wall).
NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #580.
On 1993 Sep 28 at UT 04:30-06:10 S.Beaumont (Cambridge, UK)observed
that the north east edge of Herodotus appeared as a "highland area
spilling over into" the Cobra's Head border or "overlook". The shadow
on the elevation was contiguous with a similar shadow over the Cobra's
Head "like a darkening of the terrain. Shadow appears softer diffused
without sharp bounds of most Lunar shadows. sketch. S. edge of crater
started to appear at 0615". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=468 and the
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 as the date or UT are wrong.
Plato 1972 Oct 19 UT 20:10 Observed by Taylor, Phillips, Ford, Kennedy
(Dundee, Scot. 10" refractor) "Taylor noted a slight blink on NW wall.
Ford said it was neg. Phillips was not sure. Taylor returned to
telescope & no blink. Kennedy reported neg." NASA catalog weight=1
(very low). NASA catalog ID #1347.
Foley, Kent, UK noted that the floor was slate blue-grey
with no colour seen elsewhere. 12" reflector used, seeing=II.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID 131 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1870 May 12 UTC 22:00 Observed by Birt (England)
"Extraordinary display of lights. Says not effect of sunlight"
However an article by Nigel Logshaw in the Feb 2014 LSC suggests
that it was probably just normal fine scale spots and streaks on
the floor of the crater. NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=
1. NASA catalog ID #167.
Plato 1986 Dec 13 UT 20:30 Observed by A. Cook (Frimley, UK,
seeing III) North East quadrant of Plato the crater was blurred
and ill-defined. Also no craterlets visible anywhere on the
floor of Plato until the central craterlet was just glimpsed
later at 23:00-23:45, though seeing now III-IV (cirrus at times
in the sky). At this later time the NE rim was less blurred than
before. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1981 Jun 14 UT 21:58 Observed by Foley (Kent, England,
11.75" Newtonian, Seeing III, Transparency Good) "Obscuration
Seen" BAA Lunar Section Observation. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Cobra Head 1955 Sep 28 UTC 23:00 Observed by Bestwick (England? 6?"
reflector x240) "Diffused brown patch of smoke or vapor, almost
obscured -- appeared over plain for a short distance."NASA catalog
weight=3. NASA catalog ID #612.
Herodotus 1969 Jan 01 UT 03:15 Observed by Taboada (Mexico)
"Brightness in edge of crater dimmed & a heavy darkness was
noted thru course of cleft (Schroter's Valley?). (alerted for
tidal predict.?)"NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #
1113. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2016 Jul 17 UT 03:49 P.Zeller (ALPO, Indianapolis, IN, USA)
imaged a pseudo-peak with shadow on the floor of Herodotus,
however the image scale and quality of this colour image were
not great and the observer suspects that it might be an
imaging artefact. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
P. Foley of Kent, UK, using a 12" reflector, seeing=III-II, noticed
that initially that the crater was pretty dull and that the floor
was a slate blue-gray in colour at 22:45UT. A noticeable green spot
inside the crater on the south east appeared at 22:25UT and vanished
at 00:50UT. Cameron notes that one doesn't get green with spurious
colour. Crater Extinction brightness measurements were made at 22:00 UT
(reading=2.8) and at 23:45UT (reading=3.7). The crater dropped in
brightness from 3.7 to 2.8 at 23:50UT and remained lower until 3.0 at
23:50-03:15 UT. A graph was produced and showed Proclus and Censorinus
at similar brightnesses, but Aristarchus variable. The Earthshine was
0.3. Cameron 2006 Extension catalog ID=31 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Variations in vapor column rising from the Cobra Head feature
(seen on several nights in succession) and also in the visibility of
craterlets A, C, F. Sunrise +2d. (time est. fr. gives colongitude).
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=279 and weight=3. Pickering was observing from
the southern station of Harvard University in Arequipa, Peru.
Manilius 1939 Jun 30 UT 06:05 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"?
reflector) "Dark area in S. part was I=2.0 but was I=3.7 on 7/30/39.
Obs. conditions were very similar." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #449.
Aristarchus 1975 Sep 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?)
interior corner." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1414.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 22 UT 18:20-21:13 Observed by D. Cutts
(Chester, Eng., 8.5" reflector, x200), Moore (Sussex, Eng., 12"
reflector x425), Miles (Coventry, Eng. 5" refractor), Delaye and
Jourdran (Marseilles, Fr., 8" reflector) "Pulsating patch on W.
wall between 2 radial bands. Faded by 2000h. Returned to normal.
(Cutts). Miles saw strong pink in whole interior at 2112h.
Strong blink. No blink there at 2210-2212h. Gass., Grim., &
Plato were neg. Delaye & Joudan photog. it as very bright. Moore
got neg. results at 2135. (confirm. of activity?, Apollo 12
watch)." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1226. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Mobberley of Suffolk, UK, and using a 14" reflector and
seeing=I-II saw yellowish/brown streaks within Aristarchus. A
sketch indicates that these extended from a region on the east
floor to the north west corner, and then finally onto the
bands on the west wall. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=132
and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1989 Oct 13 UTC 21:00 Observed by Cook (Frimley, Surrey,
UK, 20cm reflector (visual and video)) "Aristarchus had what appeared
to be a outline of a ghost crater on it's eastern side - quite large
and bright". Cameron 2006 extended catalog TLP ID No=378 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1870 May 13 UT 22:00? Observed by Pratt (---), Elger (Liverpool,
England), (Gledhill (Brighton, England) "Extraordinary display of
lights. 27 seen by Pratt, 28 by Elger, only 4 by Gledhill. (independ.
confirm. ?" NASA catalog weight=5 (very good) NASA catalog ID #168.
A bit more of a detailed report is as follows: "Upon the 13th of May,
1870, there was an "extraordinary display," according to Birt: 27
lights were seen by Pratt, and 28 by Elger, but only 4 by Gledhill, in
Brighton. Atmospheric conditions may have made this difference, or the
lights may have run up and down a scale from 4 to 28. As to
independence of sunlight, Pratt says (Rept. B.A., 1871-88), at to this
display, that only the fixed, charted points so shone, and that other
parts of the crater were not illuminated, as they would have been to an
incidence common throughout.(30) In Pratt's opinion, and, I think, in
the opinion of the other observers, these lights were volcanic."
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Plato 1874 Jan 01 UT 20:00? Observed by Pratt (England?)
"Unusual appearance" NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #
183. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Furnerius 1961 May 29 UT 02:45-03:30 Observed by Cameron (Adelphi, MD,
USA, 3.5" reflector, x160, Questar, Seeing=good) "Craters stood out
like glittering points (small craters on rims?). Only anomalies among
many features examined (specular refl. from flat surface?)." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #738. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Eratosthenes 1976 Sep 08 UTC 04:29 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=5-4, T=5) "Psuedo-shadow X3 was present
but X disappeared from wall(same intensity?) which was rated 4 deg.
Disappearance of X so unexpected that he examined inner S wall very
carefully & was certain it was free from psuedo-shad. Had vanished
within 24h. Other pseudo-shadows showed no change. X reappeared next
nite. (X must have been 4deg; &this is much higher than any other
meas.). Variability of wall shadows may habe been what Pickering saw,
suggests Bartlett." Cameron 1978 TLP catalog weight=4 and catalog ID
1452. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Oct 10 at 18:57-19:04 UT I.S.Brukhanov (of Minsk, Belarus,
using a 6" refractor x40 and x98) saw a star like point inside Plato
crater of similar brightness to the central peak of Alphonsus. The
event lasted 90 seconds before weakening and vanishing completely at
19:04UT. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=455 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1981 Apr 18 at UT 19:50-22:10 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, using a
14" reflector, seeing poor and transparency poor) observed faint-yellow
streaks still visible, but less prominent. Cameron mentions that
Bartlett noticed this colour, but in the south floor of Aristarchus.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=133 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus area 1955 Sep 30 UTC 20:45 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England, 6.5" reflector, x200) "Area showed a westward yellow smear,
looked darkish in red, indicating presence of green." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #614. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1972 Oct 21 UT 2:10-22:45 observed by Schnuchal
(52.5N, 13.25E, 600mm f/11.7 reflector, T=1, S=3) "Bright spot
with maximum intensity at 22:10 UT diminution in brightness
well observable" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon &
Planets, 30 (1984),p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1969 Jan 03 UT 03:20-03:50 Observed by
Taboada (Mexico) "Brightness between craters dimmed at 0345.
Change in colouration in N. part of Aris. -- gray & slightly
pinkish. Became more remarkable at 0350 in almost all the
extension of the cleft, (Sch. Vall. ?)." NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #1114. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
G.Amery (Reading, UK, seeing=II) saw a brilliant white rim,
bands and central peak. There was also a clearly seen white
glare like feature over the ESE wall that had a direction
opposite to the crater interior bands. Cameron states that
Foley says that this is usual. High CED brightness readings
obtained. M.Cook of Frimley, UK, took CED measurements at
23:35UT and recorded a brightness of > 4.9. Reported a
reversal of spurious colour - Cameron suspects that this was a
local effect. No spurious colour noticed by anyone else.
However the brightness of the crater was confirmed by other
observers. Mosely suspected a brightness change on the inner
east wall at a relative position of 8 O'Clock. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=259 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1973 Sep 11 UTC 20:48-21:06 observed by Pasternak
(53deg 20'N, 7deg 30'E, 75mm reflector T=1, S=3) "reddish
colours at the S of Aristarchus from 20.48-21.00 U.T., area
spread to the region E of the crater at 20.57 U.T.,
disappeared there at 21.04U.T., no colours after 21.06 U.T." -
Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984),
p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2009 Sep 03 at UT23:15-23:17 B.Gibbs took some hand held digital
SLR images of the Moon (Sky conditions clear). Four images were taken
at: 23:14:53, 23:15:59, 23:16:05 and 23:17:23 (uncertainty +/-15 sec
offset from actual UT). These showed some apparent variation in the
brightness of Aristarchus. However there are ways toexplain this
through image motion blur when the images were taken. However we
cannot be absoultely sure. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1967 Feb 24 UT 04:21 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 8" reflector?) Using an Eng. moon blink device, discovered
red brightest on NNE wall summit - duration 10min. NASA catalog
weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1017. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1961 Jun 27/28 23:00?-01:00? Observed by Granger &
Ring (Italy). "Enhancement of Spectrum in UV at CaII similar to
May obs." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #741. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Enhancement of spectrum in UV and CaI recorded on photoelectric
spectrometer scans by Grainger and Ring in Italy. Effect seen on
Aristarchus and a ray near Bessel (approx 17E, 22N). Cameron
1978 catalog ID=740 and weight=5. ALPO weight=3.
On 1897 Oct 10 at UT 19:00 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass. USA, 15"
refractor?) observed in Shroter's valley and the vicinity, "Variations
in vapor col. change in direction of cloud rising from F is marked
(time est. fr. given colon.)" The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=292 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Censorinus 2002 Mar 29 UT 05:27-05:36 Observed by Darling (Sun Praire,
WI, USA, 12.5" f/5 Newtonian, +Rotating polaroid visual densitometer)
"Observations made following telephone alert call about Brook's report.
Aristarchus, Proclus and Censorinus monitored for brightness variations
from 04:41-05:37UT. Apart form a change in transparency due to cirrus
cloud at 05:11-05:18, there were significant dimmings of the brightness
of Censorinus at 05:36UT. Aristarchus remained constant" ALPO Lunar
Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 2002 Mar 29 UT 05:27-05:36 Observed by Darling (Sun Praire, WI,
USA, 12.5" f/5 Newtonian, +Rotating polaroid visual densitometer)
"Observations made following telephone alert call about Brook's report.
Aristarchus, Proclus and Censorinus monitored for brightness variations
from 04:41-05:37UT. Apart form a change in transparency due to cirrus
cloud at 05:11-05:18, there were significant dimmings of the
brightnesses of Proclus at 05:27. Aristarchus remained constant - this
suggested that Clive Brook's earlier report was not a TLP in
Aristarchus, but possibly in Proclus which he was using as a
comparison" ALPO Lunar Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Manillus 1955 Aug 03 UTC 21:00 Observed by Firsoff (Sommerset, England,
6.5" reflector, x200) "Maniluus very bright in all colors, especially
blue, extraordinarily so" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID
#602.
Timocharis 1955 Aug 03 UTC 21:00 Observed by Firsoff (Sommerset,
England, 6.5" reflector, x200) "Crater was bright in blue, seemed large
& diffused." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #602.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1969 Jan 04 UT 03:00-03:45 Observed by
Taboada (Mexico) & Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA,
24" reflector + Moon Blink) "Brightness increased slightly
around Herod. & cleft (S.V?) became darker than previous day.
The dark gray & pink formed yellowish at 0345h in whole region
of Aris. Bluing around crater in Corralitos MB (photos?)
(confirm. of activity at Aris.?)" NASA catalog weight=5. NASA
catalog ID #1115. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1969 Jan 04 UT 03:00-03:45 Observed by
Taboada (Mexico) & Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM,
USA, 24" reflector + Moon Blink) "Brightness increased
slightly around Herod. & cleft (S.V?) became darker than
previous day. The dark gray & pink formed yellowish at 0345h
in whole region of Aris. Bluing around crater in Corralitos
MB (photos?) (confirm. of activity at Aris.?)" NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1115. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 May 11 (UT 20:30-20:55) C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm
refractor, x28) found Aristarchus to be brighter than he would
have expected. Compared to Proclus and Tycho. He observed from
20:55-22:38 and found it to be normal in brightness over this
time. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1973 Nov 10 UTC 20:00? Observed by Coates (England, 8"
reflector x200, Moon at gigh altitude above horizon). "Attracted to
crater because of an orange hue extending towards Herod. Has seen this
at other times. Thinks not a LTP, but actual color on ground."NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1381.
Observed by Bartlett (Batimore, MD, USA, S=4, T=5) "E.wall? blue
glare. He was uncertain @it. Couln't focus it. Herodotus
unaffected." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID 581.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus was not normal, but all the following features were: Mare
Crisium, Proclus, Sinus Iridium, Grimaldi, and Tycho. Observed by
Mellor and Fitton, UK. Observer notes that Aristarchus is brighter than
Tycho when normal. Estimated variation was 25%. However the Moon was
low and the Moon was yellow. Despite this the observer decided that the
effect was real. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=32 and weight=2.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
P Moore, Selsey, Sussex, UK, used a 5" x250 scope and between
23:50UT on Jul 1st 1977 and 00:10UT on Jul 2nd 1977 observed
Aristarchus. The south wall of the crater was reddish, extending
down to the outer south east wall (IAU). However seeing was no
better than III-IV and he was 99% sure that the colour was
spurious. His report was submitted only in case any other
observers reported something similar. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1958 Aug 30 UT 06:30-06:45 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4" reflector, x240, S=6, T=5) "Proc. Q. a bright spot on NE rim
apparently a crater presented a very abnormal aspect. Extraordinarily
large & at least 9 deg bright -- like EWBS on Aris. This spot is
subject to large unexplained variations. At 97 deg col. in July, Q was
also 9 deg bright but very small. At col.96 deg, 5 in May '58,
col.99deg in Feb.'50, & 96 deg in Nov. '55 it was not seen at all.
Assoc. with tonite was a distinct blue glare on NE rim, extending for
short dist. & @ 2x as far as S." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #894.
Aristarchus 1954 Nov 12 UTC 02:20-03:05 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, S=5-6, T=3-4) "Blue-violet glare on EWBS &
whole length of E. wall. Suspected viol. tint on VA; uncertain @
m" NASA catalog weight=4. This had faded later by 05:07. NASA
catalog ID #582. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Copernicus 1975 Jul 24 UT 22:52 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England, 10" ? reflector or 4" refractor?) "Copernicus indistinct in
red and blue filters" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID
#1409.
Fracastorius 1975 Jul 24 UT 22:52 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England, 10" ? reflector or 4" refractor?) "Fracastorius had a blink
(red or blue?)" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1409.
Tycho 1975 Jul 24 UT 22:52 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth, England,
10" ? reflector or 4" refractor?) "Tycho indistinct in red and blue
filters" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1409.
On 1996 Jul 31 at 22:40UT P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector, x300)
noticed a lack of detail in the Cape Agarum area - he would normally
have expected to have seen some craterlets. However he would not rate
this observation much because the seeing was only III and he does not
think that it was an obscuration. However just in case he wanted to
record this report in the archives. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphazen Alpha 1972 Oct 23 UT 22:10?-22:13? (Stoke-on-Trent, UK,
21cm Newtonian, x217, seeing very good). Flickering colours seen
on the north field of Alhazen Alpha mountain. Above UTs
estimated by the observer, but the duration of the effect was 3
minutes. Colouration centred on the hills that run north to
south between Mare Anguis and Mare Crisium. The colour
alternated from east to west about 2 or 3 times per second. The
colour was not apparent to the north or south, or indeed on any
other features. Telescope field of view moved, but effect stayed
in the same place on the Moon. Moon't terminator scanned for 15
minutes afterwards, but the effect did not recur. The colour
seen was mostly red, with a band of orange, and a strip of
yellow nearest the hills, the proportions being 6:2:1. The bands
seemed to arc up steep above the Moon's surface and flatten out
over the mare surface either side of the hill features. No
filters were used in the observation. Observer suspects some
kind of diffraction spectrum to explain the larger dispersion in
the red end of the spectrum. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Schroter's Valley: Cobra Head 1824 Nov 08 UTC 00:00? Observed by
Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany) "Mingling of all colors in small spots.
Described a violet glimmer near Cobra Head & plateau that spreads;
starts just after sunrise. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 and catalog
ID=103. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
Plato 1870 Mar 19 UT 00:00? Observed by Gledhill? (halifax, England,
9" refractor) "Same group (of craters) as in Feb. illuminated. (if
phase same as Apr. 1970 then date is Mar 19" NASA catalog weight=2
(low). NASA catalog ID #165.
On 2006 Jan 16 at 05:44UT T. Bakowski (Orchard Park, NY, USA) observed
a round dark object in 1 of 21 frames from a camera. The exposure was
1/250th sec. Seeing conditions were bad. The dark spot is east of Mons
Vinogradov, at or near crater J. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Schickard 1939 Aug 02 UT 00:01 Observed by Moore (England,
12?" reflector) "Floor milky, walls almost vis. 2 bright pts.
in area. not extending to extreme w.part of floor" NASA
catalog ID #456. NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1958 Jul 03 UT 06:18-07:15 Obsrved by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=3) "Proc. C a remarkable phenom. of
which he is certain. At beginning of obs. C was 5 deg bright &
conspicuous -- its normal appearance at or nr. SS. At 0620 it suddenly
became dull so as to almost vanish. By 0640 C was very dull-- 3.5 deg.
An indep. check was made at 0715 with same instru. & it was still at
3.5 deg. Note C does not mean Proclus C but a notation system developed
by Bartlett for features in and around Proclus". Cameron's 1978
NASA catalog weight=4 (high). Cameron's 1978 NASA catalog ID #688.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1993 Sep 02 UT2250-23:30 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 70mm
refractor, x100, seeing=III) noted that Cleomedes A was
exceptionally bright and compared it with plate 4C in Henry
Hatfield's Atlas. He had noticed it was bright earlier in the
evening, but his attention was drawn to it at 22:50UT. By
23:07UT it was dimmer, with patches of cloud coming up and a
slight deterioration in seeing. By 22:30 UT the crater was no
longer exceptionally bright. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=466 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Dec 03 at UT23:00-01:30 M.C. Cook (Frimley, Surrey, UK) noticed
that the central peak of Aristarchus was quite bright and extended to a
circular region in the east in the crater "sprout" area - Cameron
suggests that this is Bartletts self defined EWBS area?. Beyond the rim
to the east was very bright. However no colour effect was seen in
filters. A sketch was supplied. Cameron notes the coincidence of
perigee and full Moon. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID is 416 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1955 Oct 03 UTC 02:10-02:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector x180, S=1-0?, T=4) "Proc. D (his ID) normally a
bright white spot on E. floor disappared as a dark spot, I=2.5 & barely
disting. from 3deg gray. In July lunation it was seen as normal bright
spot at col. 347.57, 359.36, 36.74 & 61.83 but vanished after 61.83.
C.p. abnormally dark & close to floor intensity. At 1st failed to find
it I=2.5 whereas it is normally 5.0." The cameron 1978 catalog ID=616
and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
East of Plato 1961 Jun 29/20 23:00?-01:00 Observed by Granger
and Ring (both in Italy) "Enhancement of spectrum in UV & Ca I
recorded on photoelectric spectrometer scans" NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #742. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cleomedes Alpha 1993 Sep 03 UT2200-22:20 G. North (UK, 18.25"
reflector, x86 & x144) observed it to be a strikingly brilliant
'splodge' seen in the mostly shadow filled interior of
Cleomedes, and around this splodge was a faint halo extending
symetrically in an eastwards direction. The splodge was the
mountain Cleomedes Alpha. Strangely no shadow from the mountain
was seen to be cast onto the halo on the east. Observer alerted
other observers by phone, and upon returning to the scope found
that the splodge had faded in brightness and continued to fade
over the next hour as one would expect from a mountain at
sunset. Some heavy spurious colour was present. J. Cook & M.
Cook (Frimley, UK) observed at 22:20-22:25 and found the bright
splodge, but no halo. M. Cook re-observed later and confirmed
normal fading of splodge. Roscoe observed from 00:30UT next day,
but by that time Cleomedes Alpha had set and was no longer
visible in the shadow filled floor. S. Beaumont had observed
earlier at 20:00 but had recorded all as normal in Cleomedes.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=466 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Madler 1962 Apr 22 UTC 08:24 Observed by Wildey, Pohn (1st measurement)
(Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60" reflector with photometer) "Photometric
measures show change in brightness from Vmag=3.79 to V=4.40. The
average brightness for age 17d is V=3.99. Crater faded from .2 mag
brighter than av. to .4 mag. fainter (@1.5 times fainter) than av., a
range of .6 magnitude, or @ 1.5 times diff. in brightness". NASA
catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #757.
Plato 1938 Jul 15 UTC 06:50 Observed by Haas (12" reflector?) "Floor --
definitely green under same conditions as 5/17/38 (see #437). Kaiser
after 90 obs. couldn't find any regularity to appearance of the brown
color in Plato. I=3.7 comp. with I=2.0 on 6/15/38 (see #439-- color of
ground?)." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #440.
On 1961 Jul 01 at UT 00:00? an unknown Miranova (Russia or
Israel) obtained some spectral photometry of lunar objects. A
spectral plate in 425 -> 500nm bands. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=743 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1936 Oct 04 UT07:42 W.Haas drew bands, many smaller spots on
floor. Pickering's atlas 9D col 141 shows bands but no bright
spots. Haas' location Aliance, OH, USA. Reference: Haas, W.
J.Royal Astr. Soc. Canada. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=416 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1955 Oct 05 at UT 03:40-03:48 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 5"
reflector, x180, S=6, T=5) observed in aristarchus an itenseley bright
blue-violet glare on EWBS, E, and NE wall. The Cameron 1978 catalog IF=
620 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Jansen 2013 Aug 26 UT 00:30-01:30 P. Grego (Cornwall, UK, 20cm
SCT, x200, seeing II, transparency good) observed a dark patch
just east of Jansen D. He had not seen this before. There maybe
a depression here hinted at in LOLA ndata. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2008 Oct 19 during 05:40-06:30UT D. Holt of Chipping, UK observed an
anomalous patch of illumination just to the west of the centre of the
Posidonius J crater. It is possible that this is just some high ground
on the floor protruding through the shadow filled crater at sunset.
Therefore this has been assigned a weight of 1 for now, just in case it
is a TLP - until proven otherwise.
On 2009 Sep 09 UT23:31:43 P.Grego (St Dennis, Cornwall, UK, seeing II-
III) suspected a flash south of Cabeus, just beyond the terminator.
It was not bright, and lasted a fraction of a second. Thinks it might
have been illusory as he saw some fainter flashes (cosmic rays?)
during that nights observing session. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1973 Oct 17 at Ut 11:30 Androsan (Edmonton, Canada, 6" reflector,
x230) observed a glow 1-2 sec reappearance of Saturn's rings at a place
of ring's appearance on the dark limb. The observers attributed it to
Saturn and its rings. Cameron speculates that it might be due to gas or
dust at the lunar surface. Eye was attacted to the glow which
delineated the limb at a position angle of 210 deg at emersion, at
Earthshine at Edmonton. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2009 Sep 11 UT00:15-00:20 and 01:00-01:05 C.Brook (Plymouth, UK, 5"
O.G., x100, seeing tremourlous but definition improving over time)
noticed that the central peak(s) in Alphonsus were brightening
gradually. No effect was seen earlier at UT23:30-23:35. One presumes
that the effect also occured between these two observing times?
The observer suspects that this was not a TLP, but is uncertain.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1998 May 18 UT 02:00-03:16 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm
refractor, x112, seeing III) observed an obscuration of the
central peaks of this crater. Copernicus ramparts were clearly
visible. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
UT 08:30 or UT 20:30? SW inner wall of Aristarchus was intesnity
I=0.5, but was I=2.5 on July 2 at Col. 195. Observing conditions were
identical. Band is darkening near col. 180. (Observation made in
daylight?). Cameron 1978 NASA catalog ID=425 and weight=4
(very experienced observer). ALPO/BAA weight=3.
During sunset at this feature, with the interior in shadow
the observer saw that the central peak was nebulous and fuzzy
and not what one would expect. Cameron saw it on 9 Oct 1993
at sunset and noted that it was not nebulous, just a grey patch
although briefly she suspected perhaps two points/peaks?.
The Cameron 2006 extended catalog ID is 467 and the weight is
3. The ALPO/BAA weight is also 1. The observer used an 8"
reflector and conditions were S=4 and T=4.
Mare Numbium 1878 Oct 21 UT 01:02-03:00? Observed by Hirst (England)
"Half of the Moon's term. obliterated for 3h. (that part over dark mare
& blended in?)" NASA catalog weight=0 (very unreliable). NASA catalog
weight=205.