In 1797 Mar 02 at UT 19:00? Caroche (France?) observed "a volcano on
the Moon near Promontorium Heraclides". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=76
and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Observer: Fallows Observing site: Cape Town, South Africa. Cameron 1978
catalog describes the event as: Bright 8th magnitude star-like point.
A more detailed account is as follows: Early in the year 1821 -- and a
light shone out on the moon -- a bright point of light in the lunar
crater Aristarchus, which was in the dark at the time. It was seen,
upon the 4th and the 7th of February, by Capt. Kater (An. Reg., 1821-
689); and upon the 5th by Dr. Olbers (Mems. R.A.S., 1-159).(25) It was
a light like a star, and was seen again, May 4th and 6th, by the Rev.
M. Ward and by Francis Bailey (Mems. R.A.S., 1-159).(26) At Cape Town,
nights of Nov. 28th and 29th, 1821, again a star-like light was seen
upon the moon (Phil. Trans., 112-237).(27).Cameron 1978 catalog ID=91
and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1968 Dec 24 at UT 03:00-06:00 Kohlenberger (Fullerton, CA, USA), C.
Harris (CA?, USA), and Bunton (Hawaii) observed in Aristarchus:
"Brightening at times, very active. Arist. a star-like; both
brightening simultaneously, pulsing from 0300-0306 & starlike at N.
side at 0323 (Kohlenberger). Harris saw Aris. brightening at times.
(Confirm. ?), Bunton saw nothing unusual (0300-0600) (alerted for tidal
predict. by Middlehurst? apollo 8 watches)". The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1109 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2002 Feb 26th at 18:41:25 UT Michael Hather saw, on the limits of
vision, a brief magnitude 7 white flash about 300 km north west of
Aristarchus, in Earthshine. He was using a 120 mm refractor. No
other observers were observing at this time.
On 1964 Mar 18 at UT00:59 Earl and his brother (St Petersburg, FL, USA,
2.4" refractor, x35. seeing = very good) observed flashes in
Aristarchus crater. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Kepler In 1949 Feb 02 at UT 18:20-19:15 Y.W.I. Fisher (Brussels,
Belgium, 4" refractor) observed in Earthshine a white between
Kepler and Encke, in Earthshine. The glow began to fade at 18:50
and was gone by 19:15. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=513 and the
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Observer: Fallows Observing site: Cape Town, South Africa. Cameron 1978
catalog describes the event as: Bright star-like point.
A more detailed account is as follows: Early in the year 1821 -- and a
light shone out on the moon -- a bright point of light in the lunar
crater Aristarchus, which was in the dark at the time. It was seen,
upon the 4th and the 7th of February, by Capt. Kater (An. Reg., 1821-
689); and upon the 5th by Dr. Olbers (Mems. R.A.S., 1-159).(25) It was
a light like a star, and was seen again, May 4th and 6th, by the Rev.
M. Ward and by Francis Bailey (Mems. R.A.S., 1-159).(26) At Cape Town,
nights of Nov. 28th and 29th, 1821, again a star-like light was seen
upon the moon (Phil. Trans., 112-237).(27).Cameron 1978 catalog ID=92
and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1978 Dec 25 at UT 02:00 Taboada (Mexico) noticed that Aristarchus
appeared to brighten in the dark though less intensely than Copernicus
and Kepler (Cameron comments: älso brightening?). Alerted for tidal
predictions by Middlehurst - Apollo 8 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1111 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jun 30 at UT0246-0319 D. & D. Darling (Sun Praire, WL, USA,
12.5" reflector, 80x and 150x, S=5/10). A weak blue glow seen in the
Aristarchus region. It was fainter than that in May 1979 but was
relatively easier to see. There was one "streamer" going south and
another to the south west, and then smaller ones within the crater.
These streamers started to fade from view at 03:04UT and the blow glow
changed to a blow spot and Aristarchus became normal by 03:19 UT.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=56 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1891 Nov 30 at UT23:00 Observer: Fallows Observing site: Cape Town,
South Africa. Cameron 1978 catalog describes the event as: Bright star-
like point. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=93 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1878 Oct 03 at UT 20:00 an Unknown observer noted that Hyginus Nova
had the most conspicuous of all appearances, and there was no trace of
it on 1878 Oct 04. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=201 and weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Einmart 1913 Jan 15 UTC 00:12 Observed by Pickering (Cambridge,
Massachusets, 11" refractor, x330) "Spreading apron of white material
like a sea of cloud. Not seen again after this date. Crater had been
brightest area on moon between it & limb -- albedo 9. on Aug 5 albedo =
6. His atlas shows it bright. It grew dull after this date. He gave
col. as 117? but FQ was at 1/15/?? at 10h" - note the quality of the
NASA microfische is very bad and probably some of this text has been
incorrectly read?. NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
342.
On 1987 Nov 28 at UT 04:16-04:45 D. Louderback (South Bend, WI, USA,
3"reflector, x150, S=E) observed that the Promontorium Agarum plateau
was rather dull and grayish - usually it was "tannish" "even > sunlit
areas, & twin craters at his point A which are always > spots on
plateau. At 0420 whole plateau sank into complete darkness, hard to
distinguish from mare plain. albedo dropped to 5 from 6.8 reading.
Nearby plain was normal 5 so phenomena had not spread to it. At 0424
Cape started to reappear to albedo 6 until 0445, when it returned to
normal, but not sharply defined - like through haze. Detail better in
red than in blue filter, sketches. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=315 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1987 Feb 06 UTC 02:35 Observed by Darling (Sun Praire, Wisconsin, USA,
12.5" Newtonian x342) "I was using a 12.5 f5 Newtonian reflector with a
9mm eyepiece and 2x Barlow with no filters. I had been observing other
features on the Moon when I had panned to the area where the sunrise
was taking place on Mount Piton. The mountain peak looked like a
shimmering block of ice with a phosphorescence luminescence cloud
around the peak. What was really interesting was the shaft of light
streaming across the Lunar Maria that appeared like a cone and it came
to a point near Mount Piton. The Mountain had the appearance of mother
of pearl and the luster or glow that surround the peak only lasted
about 20 minutes." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=296 and gthe weight=4.
the ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Mare Crisium 1989 Jan 14 UTC 19:15 Observed by Hedley-Robinson (Devon,
UK, 5" Coude, Antoniadi II seeing, x150) "Floor blinks indicating
colour - used a Moon blink device". 2 areas of the floor were affected,
The first one was on the far west of Mare Crisium, next to Proclus
crater. The second area was in the NNW, but outside the edge of the
mare. Other features elsewhere checked but gave no colour reaction.
Peters (UK) though did detect colour elsewhere, but his seeing was III-
IV. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=344 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Lubbock 1973 Nov 02 UT 22:10-23:59 Observed by R.Hill
(Greensboro, N. Carolina, USA) "Color in crater changed fro.
gray to brownish -- strong enough change to be noted. Never saw
anything like this 7 yrs. of observing". NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #1379. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1978 May 14 at UT21:30-22:52 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector,
seeing II and transparency excellent, no spurious colour) observed
Aristarchus to be very bright in Earthshine and bluish. The CED
brightness measuring device gave a very bright reading of 0.9, the
brightest he had ever seen ir before was 0.3. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
29 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Oct 04 at UT 02:15-03:18 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x80) found that Eimmart crater was brighter in blue light
than in red light - however Cape Agarum, and Mare Crisium were too. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=454 and the weight=4. The AlPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1992 Oct 04 at UT 02:15-03:18 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x80) found that Mare Crisium was brighter in blue light
than in red light - however Cape Agarum, and Eimmart were too. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=454 and the weight=4. The AlPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1992 Oct 04 at UT 02:15-03:18 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x80) found that Mons Piton was very bright and was equal
to Proclus (brightness of 9) in white light and 7.5 in violet, and 9.3
in red (Proclus was 9.2 in red). Ïn blue both features = (9?). "points
on Piton affected were B, D, and C (S, W & N resp.) D in violet was
fuzzy - ill defined". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=454 and the weight=4.
The AlPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Oct 04 at UT 02:15-03:18 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x80) found that Promontorium Agarum was brighter in blue
light than in red light - however Mare Crisium and Eimmart were too.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=454 and the weight=4. The AlPO/BAA
weight=1.
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.
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.
On 1916 Sep 05 at UT 19:30 Markov (Russia) observed in Plato light on
shadow of the bands at the bottom of the crater. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=364 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Sulpicius Gallus 1867 Jun 10 UT 22:00? Observed by Dawes
(England?) "3 distinct roundish black spots. Absent on 13th"
NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #184. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Eratosthenes 1976 Aug 04 UTC 02:07 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, S=6, T=3, 4.5" reflector 40-450x) "faint spot of light 4 deg
bright seen in shadow on pos. of c.p. which is normally invis. At base
of inner NW wall a faint bluish radiance (gas?) was observed". NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1439.
On 1969 Nov 18 at UT 00:30-02:30 W. Cameron (Greenbelt, MD, USA, 12"
reflector, x80 and x320) using a low power eyepiece, observed that
bright craters (but not all of them) "glittered like diamonds". These
craters were several on the terminator, Proclus, Censorinus, Manillius,
Menelaus and Dionysius. The glitter effect was on the west wall crest
-- like stars. Higher power revealed these areas to be bright but not
star-like (nor glittering). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1212 and the
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Piton 2004 Jan 30 UT 15:52 Observed by a GLR observer (Italy) "CCD
image shows a point of light in the NW shadow - possibly highland
starting to emerge from the shadow?" A GLR report.
Plato 1789 Jul 30 UTC 21:00? Observed by Schroter (Lilienthal, Germany)
NASA Catalog Event #61, NASA Weight=2 (slightly low) Event described
as: "Soon after sunrise saw a kind of fermentation on the floor which
clearly resembled a kind of twilight, (due to some kind of aberration
unknown to the observer?)" For further details see reference:
Middlehurst, B.M., Burley, J.M., Moore, P.A. and Welther, B.L., 1968,
NASA TR R-277.
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.
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.
Goldschmidt 1969 Nov 18 UT 21:59 Observed by Brandi (Wald, Switzerland,
6" reflector x90) "Brightening -- photo. (the author, WSC, cannot
verify LTP on film. Its brightness similar to other features at same
term. dist. Shadow is anomolous if real -- very narrow streak beside it
& beyond main shadow (Apollo 12 watch)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #1218.
Plato 1878 Oct 05 UT 21:40 Observed by Klein (Cologne, Germany, 6?"
refractor) "Fog in W. part of crater. Faint shimmer like thin white
cloud" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #203.
2007 Oct 20 UT 17:31 A.Pink (Basinkstoke, UK) images a flash on
the dark size of the Moon near to Vitello. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1982 Mar 04 at UT 20:00 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Censorinus
(4.6) to be brighter than Proclus (4.0) in white light. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=164 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1982 Mar 04 at UT 20:00 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Proclus
(4.0) to be fainter than Censorinus (4.6) in white light. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=164 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1970 Dec 07/08 UT 23:30-00:45 UT Observed by Fitton (Oldham,
England, 8.5" refkector, x200, S=G) "Floor blank, yet some craters
should be vis. Outer wall craters showed clearly. (similar to
Bartlett's obs on Nov. 8th, #1278" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1279.
Aristillus 1939 Jul 26 UT 02:30 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA, 12?"
reflector) "Dark area to W. part of floor was I=3.7. (see #450, 459 &
461). Used diff. telescopes but can not explain difference)" NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #454.
On 1936 Oct 25 at 01:35 UT W. Haas (Alliance, OH, USA, 12"
reflector) saw small bright spots on the floor of Eratosthenes,
(Pickering's atlas 9A, col. 30deg, shows no spots - according to
Cameron). Cameron 1978 catalog TLP=417 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Copernicus 1966 Mar 01-02 UT 22:06-09:45 Observed by Lovell (Auburn,
OH, 4" refractor, x120m S=E, T=3.5) "As sun rose higher, west (ast.?)
outer wall was bathed in a soft viol. color -- not in evidence on flat
ground below the wall" NASA catalog weight=3, NASA catalog ID #922.
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.
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.
C. Brook of Plymouth UK, using a 4" refractor x216, noticed at UT 20:10
dark patches coming and going (in terms of visibility) on the floor of
Plato. Occasional views of the central cratelet (seen as a white spot)
were glimpsed. The dark patches seen lasted about 1-2 seconds before
fading out during each visibility cycle. Teneriff Mountains were
checked but no sign of seeing effects that might explain the dark floor
patches. By 20:26UT the dark patch effect was fading and by 20:31UT
floor detail was visible. Observations ceased at UT 20:34. Seeing
conditions were II and the Moon was at a high altitude. Other observers
were alerted but came on-line after the effect had finished. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
At approximately 18:43UT observer noticed that Censorinus, and
its bright apron, appeared particularly brighter than normal.
There was some spurious colour present - but just a redness
along the southernmost extent of the apron visible; could not
detect any blue along the northern edge however, he did do not
suspect the colour to be anomalous. A re-examination at 18:51UT
revealed that the crater had faded and was seen to fade visibly
in real time to normal levels (over about a minute) by 18:53UT.
Other features remained constant and so too did the apparent
spurious colour.
Ramsden 1999 May 25 UT 20:57-21:22 Observed by Brook
(Plymouth, UK, 4" refractor, x216, seeing II-III) "Bright spot
on W wall - brightness variation seen. - At the start it was
bright, then it faded, and towards the end of the observation
it was starting to brighten again". BAA Lunar Section
observation. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
U.K. observers: G. North and P. Foley, both saw a wisp of blue
associated with this crater. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=209 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Daniell 1979 Jun 05 UT 20:15-21:10 Observed by Price (Camberley,
England, 152mm reflector x64 and x128, seeing III, transparency good)
"Obscuration seen" BAA Lunar Section report.
Daniell 1979 Jun 05 UT 20:15-23:00 Observed by Price (Camberley,
England, 152mm reflector x64 and x128, seeing III, transparency good)
observed that Posidonius lacked sharpness.
On 2011 Oct 07 UT 21:45 Gassendi observed by P. Grego (St
Dennis, UK,300m Newtonian, x150, seeing III, intermittent cloud)
- whilst producing some sketches of the crater - observer
noticed a faint point of light inside the shadow filled
interior, two thirds of the way out from where the central
peaks should have been, towards the SE rim. Some uncertainty in
being sure about this spot and after interuption by cloud it was
not seen later that evening. ALPO/BAA weight=1 to refelct
uncertainty of observer.
Bullialdus 1979 Jun 05 UT 22:00-23:00 Observed by Cook M.C.
and J.D. (Frimley, UK, 12-inch reflector, Seeing III-IV, good
transparency). MC Cook observed internittently over this time
period (due to cloud) and found the crater sharper in a blue
filter than in a red filter. No obscuration seen apart from a
darkish patch on the SW rim and spreading over onto an area
surrounding the rim, which she took to be shadow, though the
main shadow was along the east rim of the crater. JD. Cook
observed an orange colouration seen on eastern and the cleft
on the SW rim. Dark area seen on southern floor of crater,
south of central peak. 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.
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.
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.
Plato 1998 Jul 05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector, x200-
x400, seeing II/III) comments that he is puzzled why the floor
of Plato, which is light gray in shade, looks completely blank
tonight. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Barker's Quadrangle (Capuanus) 26W, 34S 1949 Feb 9 UT 20:00?
Observed by Moore (England, 12" reflector) :Quadrangle not seen,
apparently misty. (quad. in Capuanus? see Wilkins & Moore, The
Moon, p124)" NASA catalog ID=514, weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3..
M. Cook of Frimley, UK, noticed Torricelli B to have a blue
tinge inside and outside. No colour had been noticed earlier
on 19-21 Mar. Cameron reports also in her catalog that the halo
around Torricelli B had lost its brilliance as seen on 29th Mar.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=210 and weight=5 - apparently being
confirmed by Marshall, Mobberley and Foley. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Torricelli B 2005 Jan 22 UT 01:00 Observed by Serio (Houston, TX, USA,
6" Cassegrain, x150 and x180, Seeing 3, high deck of Cirrus clouds)
"Torricelli B hard to make out in the videos taken, but images taken
through cloud. A check on the image received by the coordinator shows
that Torricelli B is in fact visible, but perhaps not very bright. A
later observational sequence of images by Raul Salvo (Montevideo,
Uraguay UT 03:15-03:23) showed similarly that Torricelli B was dark,
and there was some brightness variability although the
background setting on these was low" An ALPO report.
At 03:30UT observer noticed a hint of yellow colour
on the floor of the crater and by 03:57UT the south
east and central parts of the floor and the circular
feature on the south west floor had turned a deep
yellow colour. The rest of the crater remained colourless.
Other craters also remained colourless. By 04:05UT the colour
was fading and by 04:15UT it was gone. Maurice Collins
in New Zealand took some low resolution colour images about
4 hours later but these failed to show any yellow colour.
Zac Pujic obtained colour images at a different time of
natural surface colour on the Moon and finds that Bullialdus
does actually have a natural yellow cast to most of the floor.
However this does not explain the variability in colour strength
seen by Robin Gray. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Bullialdus 1974 Sep 27 UT 22:45-23:40 Observed by Findlay, Ford
(Dundee, Scotland, 10" refractor, 150x, 180x, filters) "Saw yellowish-
orange color in crater. After clouds passed at 2300h color still there
& gave a slight blink which no other craters did. Not seen in red
filter, dark in blue. Ford saw it along ridge fr. c.p. to SW wall.
Alert did not bring confirm. as clouds intervened for all others." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1394. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England, 6.5" reflector? x240) "Red
glow." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #573.
On 1987 Jan 11 at UT 18:15-23:00 P. Grego (Birmingham, UK, 6"
reflector, seeing=III) sketched Aristarchus crater and saw two luminous
circular patches on the exterior west wall - these were less bright
than the inner wall but brighter than the outer wall. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=292 and weight=5.
On 1987 Jan 11 at UT P. Moore (Sussex, UK) found the the floor of Plato
was much more drk than the adjacent Mare Imbrium. Furthemore there was
a blurring of detail over the northeast wall and onto the nearby floor.
detail elsewhere in the crater was OK. By 23:00UT there was less lack
of detail effects. M. Cook (Frimley, UK) at 21:55UT noted the obscured
area but decided that it was narrower than the same effect one month
ago and suspected that she may have been observing towards the end of
this TLP. The effect gradually dimmed between 21:55 and 22:45UT. Other
craters were normal. G. North was affected by poor seeing conditions.
Davies detected a slight obscurtion on the north east corner - it was a
misty gray feature at x200. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID was
292 and the weight was 5. Tha ALPO/BAA weight was 4.
Cobra Head 1949 Feb 10 UT 00:00? Observed by Thorton (Northwich,
England, 18" reflector) "I was examining the Cobra Head of the Schroter
Valley, when I noticed what seemed to be a diffuseed patch of thin
smoke or vapour, apparently originating from the valley on the E. Side
where the landslip is, and spread over the edge on to the plain for a
short distance. Every detail of the edge of the valley was perfectly
clear and distinct except where this patch occurred, but there the
definition was poor and very blurred" NASA catalog
weight=4 and catalog ID #515. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1889 May 11 at 22:00? UT an unknown observer saw an ink black spot
on the rampart of Gassendi. It had not been seen before ar at the next
lunation or indeed ever again. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=261 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Torricelli B 2005 Jan 22 UT 03:15-03:23 Observed by Raul Salvo
(Montevideo, Uraguay UT 03:15-03:23) showed that Torricelli B
was dark, and there was some brightness variability although the
background setting on these images was low and seeing could
account for the brightness variation? An ALPO report.
On 1990 Oct 1st at 00:44-01:24UT D Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA)
observed that Gassendi still had a blink effect when viewed through
blue (Wratten 38A) and red (Wratten 25A) filters. No effect was seen on
Aristarchus. Gassendi was brighter in the red filter and this was
confirmed by Weier. Sketches were made and brightness measurements
taken. Both observers used a 12.5" reflector x159. At 01:00UT the NW
wall was 7.5, the SW wall 8.0, the S. wall 7.5, the floor 6.0, the
outer E. wall 8.0, the N. floor 5.5. Gassendi A W. wall was 9.5,l
Aristarchus W. floor was 8.0, NW wall 8.0, shadowed floor 0.0, E. outer
wall 7.0, NBP 5.5, area between Aristarchus and Herodotus 6.0, and the
comet like tail: 8.2 on the E. and 8.5 on the W. The Cameron 2006
catalog extension TLP ID=412 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Schroter's Valley 1955 Aug 29 UT 19:45 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England, 6.5" reflector x200, S=P-F) "Valley almost completely
invisible in blue" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #605.
Hobdell, of St Petersburg, FL, USA, using a 2"? refractor?
and Seeing=I-II, saw a bright region on the north west wall
that seemed to change in brightness. In truth, there were
other features elsewhere on the Moon that also fluctuated,
but not as much as Aristarchus was. No colour was noticed.
Cameron suspects fluctuations in our own atmosphere.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID 131 and weight=1. 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.
Johnson, of Des Moines, Iowa, USA, using a 7" reflector and an 8"
refractor, saw a bight streak. The observer looked later, but it was no
longer visible. Cameron thinks that it might have been a reflection
from the wall. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=423 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
D. Darling of (Sun Praire, WI, USA, using a 12.5" reflector at x150,
noticed a hint of red? colour on the south west rim of Aristarchus.
Brightness measurements were normal for Aristarchus and Herodotus. No
colour seen elsewhere e.g. Prom. LaPlace. The colour on Aristarchus had
gone by 01:15UT. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=414 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
A fleeting faint reddish patch was seen in Gassendi
at 21:15UT. This observation has an ALPO/BAA weight of 2.
Rays of(?) (in?) Herodotus 1955 Oct 28 UTC 18:30 Observed by Kozyrev
(Crimea, Russia, 50" reflector, spectragraph) "Spectrum 3934A (K of
Ca). 3964 (H of Ca) change in luminosity. 13% in H, 19% in K, 2% in H,
3% in K. in photo-line-depth method" NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID #622. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
1996 Jun 28 UT 21:04 F. Ferri and D. Zompatori (Anzio), using
a 20cm f/6 reflector, reported that (translation) "Using a
blue filter the area was invisible". This is a UAI observation
from Italy. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Babbage 1974 Sep 29 UT 00:00-01:00 Observed by Lord (St Annes-
on-Sea, UK, 10" refractor, Wratten 25 and 44a filters, 125x,
S=II-III). Activity observed in SW floor between A & W. wall.
Details not obscured in either filter, but slightly more
darker than surroundings in the blue filter. NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1395. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Ross D 1965 Apr 14 UT 06:03-06:22 Observed by Harris (Whittier?, CA?,
USA, 19"? reflector) "Phenomenon description unavailable. Given at an
ALPO meeting" NASA catalog weight=0 (very unreliable). NASA catalog ID
#874.
On 1990 Oct 02 at 02:25-02:45UT D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA using a
12.5" reflector at x159, with red and blue filters), saw a blink
effect on the west wall of Plato i.e. brighter through a blue filter
than through the red. No Colour blinks seen on Gassendi or Aristarchus.
Cameron 2006 Catalog TLP=413 and weight=4.
On 1988 Jan 02 at 05:57-06:13 UT D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
using a 8" reflector, seeing 4 out of 10) observed that points B and D
on Cape Agarum faded suddenly from 7.0 to 6.4 (B) and 6.0 (D). However
these returned to their normal levels at 06:13 UT. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=316 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Schroter's Valley 1897 Oct 08 UT 22:00 Observed by Pickering
(Cambridge, Maas., USA, 15"? refractor) "Variations in vapor col.
Tillsow, C was largest compared with D&E& most conspicuous 1.3 d after
sunrise. Drawing. (time est. fr. given colon.)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #291.
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.
1982 Mar 08 Daniell UT 22:49-22:57 P.Madej (Hudersfield, UK) -
A colour and brightness anomaly was seen a TLP alert was put
out. Cameron 2006 catalog extension weight=165 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
"Brightening in blue filter, 1st for seconds, later for mins". NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #574.
Plato 1971 Nov 01 UT 19:35-20:35 Observed by Kidd (S.Shields,
UK 16" reflector, S=G), Kirsopp (UK), Fitton (Lancashire, UK,
8" reflector x200) "NW (IAU?) rim, small area of obscur. &
bright spot adjacent to it. Was normal at 2035h. Kirsopp
confirmed. Fitton saw nothing unusual in blink patrol. (blink
device detects color rather than brightness)" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1318. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Manilius 1939 Jul 30 UT 06:00 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA, 12?"
reflector) "Dark area in S. part wad I=3.7 comp. with #449. Cond. were
similar. (phase same. real difference?). (normal here?)"
Lichtenberg 1951 Jan 21 18:19.2-18:38.5 UT observed by Baum (Chester,
England). Tiny red spot noticed initially and then faded. Location of
spot 31.403N 66.167W. 20cm refractor x90-x100. Seeing fair-extremely
good. NASA catalog assigns a weight of 3. NASA TLP ID No. #
542. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Proclus 1955 Aug 03 UTC 04:13-04:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=5) "Floor blackish 2 intensity but
in green filter assumed a distinctly mottled or flocculent appearance
-- seen only in green. Neither blue nor red had any effect, but on
previous eve. green light had not produced such an appearance." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #602. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus vicinity 1842 Oct 18 UT 23:00? Observed by
Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany) "Mingling of all colors in small
spots in W. & NW of crater. (interposition of year dates? was #
101 --1842 prob. correct." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #121. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
F. Graham took some photos of the Cobras Head and found a blue cloud
about 50 km in diameter and scattering light - Cameron says that
this indicates high density. Darling found the Cobra's Head obscure and
variable "clear and bright to diffused". Cameron was alerted observed
(02:40UT) variations with periods of approximately 30 seconds, and
thought that she could see a red tinge on the east rim of Aristarchus -
checks elsewhere found no other colours. Darling found that a blue
filter enhanced the effect and a red filter made it disappear. There
was a blink at 02:55UT but no blink in the Cobra's Head, which looked
fuzzy and lacking in detail. The effect was confirmed by Weier, who
also saw two dark spots in the Cobra Head in blue but not in red light.
The brightness of the Cobras Head was 6.0, Herodotus floor 5.5, NW wall
7.5, South wall, 7.0, Aristarchus south wall 9.0, west wall 9.0, south
wall 7.0, East wall 8.0, and the central peak 10.0. Observer details
were as follows: Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5" reflector, x159,
S=9/10). D. Weier (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5" reflector, x159, S=
9/10), W. Cameron (Sedona, AZ, USA, 8" reflector x110 and x220, T=6 and
S=6) F. Graham (E.Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 7" refractor, thin haze).
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=415 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
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.
Archimedes 1940 Jun 20 UT 07:30 Observed by Haas (NM, USA, 12?"
reflector) "NE wall (outer) had I=2.5 on this nite but 5.0 on
Aug. 18 (see #471 -- both same phase so real diff. 2.5 normal?)"
NASA weight=4. NASA ID No. #467. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Near Censorinus 1964 Apr 26 UT 20:00? Observed by Hopmann
(Czchoslovakia?) "Surface brightening somewhat similar to Kopal and
Rackham in #779" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #810.
Proclus 1972 Nov 20 UT 20:20 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge, England,
8.5" reflector, x178) "Dark patch in crater. Disappeared by next nite.
The normal ring seemed thickened. On Dec. 7. the crater appeared
bright. Drawings. (prob. real LTP, nr. FM)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1350.
Archimedes 1940 Aug 18 UT 03:25 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) NE outer wall had I=5.0, but was I=2.5 on June 20
(see #467) (similar colong.)" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #471. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1966 Dec 27 UTC 06:30-07:05 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 6" reflector?) "Very faint blink on SW (ast. ?) floor & on another
N. of it on NW floor. Obs. considers obs. very suspect" NASA catalog
weight=1 (very poor). NASA catalog ID #1006.
Aristarchus 1954 Oct 12 UT 00:55-02:10 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5" refractor x100, S=5-6, T=5) "Pale
violet radiance on S.wall SE, E, NE walls, & c.p. At 0409 strong
violet tint E 1/2 of fl.very faint on W. 1/2 of floor & W. wall.
Dark violet on nimbus & pale violet on Mt. m" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #576. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1989 Oct 14 UT 19:00?, 22:00? P.W. Foley (Kent, U.K., using a 12"
reflector) noted that although the brightness of Aristarchus crater
seemed steady, that there was just too much detil to see inside the
crater than one would expect. Appeared as two craters - Cameron
commented that this was often seen by Bartlett. Several observers
apparently confirmed this TLP? Cameron 1978 catalog extension ID=379
and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1878 Nov 09 UTC 21:00 UTC Observed by Klein (Cologne, Germany,
6" refractor?) "Faint, but unmistakable white cloud not seen before."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #207.
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.
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.
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.
On 1955 Oct 02 at UT 05:30-05:55 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5"
reflector, x100, S=7, T=5) observed the following in Aristarchus
crater: "Viol. gl. on E, NE rim, over EWBS resembled a viol. mist.
Crater itself was hazy, could not get a sharp focus". The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=615 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Mobberley noticed that Torricelli B was bright and had an even brighter
spot on the inner north wall. The observation was made from UT19:45-
21:40 using visual and video techniques. There was also a bright region
NNE of Toricelli B, that was noticed. Foley examined the video and
found that the crater faded in brightness over time and also the bright
area to the NNE was not as bright on video as had been seen visually.
Foley speculates that because the CCD camera was sesnitive to the near
IR that maybe the spot was blue?. Foley observed from 21:12-21:21UT and
also saw the bright spot on the inner north wall - but saw a blue halo
around the crater. Response in blue filter, darkening over whole
region. Brightness measures with a crater extinction device (CED)
indicated that the crater was 80-85% the brightness of Censorinus.
There was a bright area NNE of the region. M. Cook observed 22:10-
22:16UT (15cm reflector and seeing III-IV) and also saw that the crater
was very bright indeed with a spot NNE of the region (same position as
28/28 1985 observation) - suspected that the crater might have been
brighter than Censorinus, but judgement effected by seeing. In a blue
filter the crater dulled leaving the bright spot prominent (but only
during a good moment of seeing) - therefore had some suspicion of
seeing effects. At 01:00-01:04UT M. Cook used a 12" reflector on the
area, but the seeing was even worse - but did manage a check of the
brightness of Torricelli B to Censorinus and now made it one quarter of
that of Censorinus and no sign of the crater dimming in the blue as had
been seen earlier in the 6" refletor. A. Cook (Frimley, seeing V) at
21:15UT (Dec 27) thought that Torricelli B looked normal and saw no
colour. At Dec 28 at UT 00:02-00:25 A. Cook obtained some CCD images
through red+IR (Wratten 25) and IR (Wratten 87) but found no colour
differences, though there was a very slight hint that a brightness fade
may have occurred between those two observing times. Note that this
report does not have an entry in the Cameron 2006 Extension Catalog.
The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1984 Feb 17 at 19:45-22:20UT P. Madej noticed colour in Aristarchus
and telephoned the BAA Lunar Secton TLP network. Mosely at 21:15UT
observed that Aristarchus was both bright and fuzzy - there was some
spurios color (red on south and blue on the north) but this was
replaced by violet. By 21:30UT (transparency=fair) the centre of the
crater was bluish and the west wall creamy white. the north and south
walls were brilliant white. By 22:00-22:30 UT the seeing had improved
and the crater looked unusual - now the centre was violet and the west
wall duller, off-white. By 05:35UT the crater was difficult to define
according to Cook - 4 bands could be seen under II seeing and the north
rim was fuzzy and less bright than the east wall (this was hazy). P.
Moore observed that the crater was normal at 04:00UT. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=242 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1984 Feb 17 at 19:45-22:20UT P. Madej (England, seeing=III-
IV, x50)noticed that the crater Reinhold had a blood red spot
on the northern terraces, at the base of the inner wall in a
summit crater on the last of a crater chain or ridge
descending from the top to floor". Cameron 2006 catalog
extension ID=242 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 11 06:44 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4.5" reflector, 45-300x, S=4-3, T=4) "Pale viol. radiance (gas?) on
plateau m. Dark viol. tinge on nimbus. C.p.=10 deg walls=8deg, & all of
floor=8 deg. W.wall out of focus due to haziness (gas?)." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1441.
Proclus 1972 Nov 21 UT 21:30 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge, England,
8.5" reflector, x130) "Thickened bright ring remained, but the dark
patch had disappeared. (dark patch prob. real temporary phenom. as it
was seen nr. FM when contrasts are strongest, yet disappeared" NASA
catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1351.
CCD images taken through Wratten 25 (red+near IR) and 87
(near IR only) filters. Between 00:02 and 00:25UT there
was some slight evidence that a fade may have taken place
however careful analysis by Cook casts doubt on this.
Probably it was more related to a degradation in image
quality due to seeing than a true TLP. An ALPO/BAA
weight of 1 has been assigned.
Aristarchus 1973 Oct 12 UTC 18:13-18:45 observed by Pasternak "Bright
region of the S. of the crater, color was red." - Hilbrecht and
Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-61. 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.
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 1955 Oct 03 at UT 04:45-05:05 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5"
reflector, x100, S=5, T=3) observed the following in Aristarchus
crater: "Whole cdrater hazy, couldn't focus it. Herodotus unaffected".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=617 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
E. of Picard 1879 Nov 01 UT 00:00? Observed by an unknown observer
(England?) "Bright spot. (Fort admits he has several more of these
records of LTP, but does not give them because they don't fall nr.
Mars'opposition which he tho't was cause of them.) Elevation rising N-
S, with shading toward terminator." NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #214.
On 1978 May 24 at 00:40-01:05UT P. Moore (Sussex, UK, and using a
12.5" reflector at x300-400 - seeing IV) saw colour in Aristarchus (red
on the south east wall and southern "horn" of the crater. He could not
detect colour elsewhere, but felt that the effect might have been
spurious colour. With the increasing altitude of the Moon the light
effect decreased. Moore detected red the next night as well (May 25th)
and on May 27th, but it was not present on May 29th. The Cameron 2006
Extension catalog ID=33 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1940 Aug 20 UT 03:25 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) "Largest bright spot on SE pt. of floor had I=8.6
(real changes? see @ '#649, 474, & 475, all similar change)."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #472. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 12 UT 07:30 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=6=3, T=5) "Nimbus around c.p.=2deg,
S.floor=6deg & was red; rest of floor=8deg. This is only tint in
Aris.). Tonite saw a pale red glow suffasing the S. region of the
crater. Bright blue radiance (gas?) on ENE wall. Viol. radiance on
plateau m gone tonite. Red glow on 13th & the region was yellow-
brown." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1442.
On 1983 Jan 30 at UT 23:45 Chapman (England, UK) observed that
Censorinus was low in brightness. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=199 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Jan 30 at UT 23:45 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector)
measured that the brightness of the region around Toricelli B was 2.3
(high) and there was a slight blue colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
199 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1941 Jul 11 at UT 04:00? Haas (New Mexico?, USA, 12" reflector)
observed near Hansteen "Moving luminous speck, estimated 0.1" diam.,
mag 8 (rept. date was 10. Lunar meteor?". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
487 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1986 Feb 26 at 05:00UT a photograph was obtained by T. Kohman of
Pittsburgh, PA, USA (3.5" Questar and 0.25 sec exposure) that had two
bands above the limb, resembling ejecta plumes. Cameron suspects that
these are probably flare from the eyepiece optics. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=282 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1870 Apr 17 UT 22:00? Observed by Gledhill? (Halifax, England,
9" refractor) "Group 1 again in illum. as in Aug., Sep. 1869
observations." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #166.
Gassendi 1967 Jan 28 UT 00:04-01:06 Observed by Moseley (Armagh,
Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x350, Seeing=Good) "Small moon blink
(Eng.) not quite concentric with the crater, half way from c.p. to SE
(IAU?) wall. Lasted till 0007h then clouds. Seen again at 0100h-0106h,
then lost with poor seeing. Looked again at 0148, 0230, 0310, but neg.
Other areas also neg." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #
1013.
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.
Madler 1962 Apr 22 UTC 11:48 Observed (2nd mesurement) by Wildey, Pohn
(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.
On 1897 Oct 13 at UT 20:00 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass. USA, 15"
refractor?) observed in Shroter's valley and the vicinity, "Variations
in vapor column" The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=292 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 13 UT 07:30 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=6=3, T=5) "Nimbus around c.p.=2deg,
S.floor=6deg & was red; rest of floor=8deg. This is only tint in
Aris.). Tonite saw a pale red glow suffasing the S. region of the
crater. Bright blue radiance (gas?) on ENE wall. Viol. radiance on
plateau m gone tonite. Red glow on 13th & the region was yellow-
brown." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1442.
On 1985 Dec 29th at UT 23:23-23:58, M. Mobberley (Bury St. Edmunds,
Suffolk, UK, seeing II-III) made a video scan of the Moon. P.W. Foley
examined the tape and noted something that Mobberley had not seen
visually. Two scans of Totticelli B had taken place, one at 23:23 and
the other at 23:58UT. In the first a brilliant point appeared briefly,
on the western rim, positioned at 3o'clock. In the second video
sequence this brilliant spot was present continuously and wandered
along the rim. It was possible to monitor frequency of turbulence
present, this apparent movement did not ppear to conform, although
judgement here was extremelydifficult as the feature was at absolute
point of resolution, a little better than 0.5 mile. Also considered was
the implication of the equipment effect, this did not seem to fit
either as other nerby craters in the same configuration, 30% shadow
filled with sunlight on exterior of western walls. A point to watch for
in future. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Janssen K 1992 Sep 14 UTC 21:30-0025 Observed by Brook (Plymouth, UK,
4" reflector, Antoniadi II seeing). "Crater > & similar one was sharp
EW wall especially bright. Floor in shadow. No obscuration on floor but
no detail in bright part could be seen. At 23:20 had dimmed slightly,
continued to do so. At 00:40 was noticeably < Began to see detail
00:25, TLP over. G. North (Herstmonceux, 18" reflector) took photos in
this time K was grayish, not very bright. C. Brook noticed K very
bright condition its rays 1/2 length. L. Harris (UK, 10" Reflector with
CCD camera). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=453 and weight=5.
In 1897 Oct 14 at UT 00"50 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass. USA, 15"
refractor?) observed "Refractive displacement of lunar atm. at
bright limb was 0.4" (time is for occultation of Alctone in
Pleiades)" The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=294 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1. Note this may? refer to an occultation, in
which case it will be pointless to observe again for a
particular illumination.
Grimaldi 1937 Sep 23 UT 05:00 Observed by Firsoff (Glastonbury,
England, 6" reflector + filter) "Variations in green. Strong green on
this date. Other dates of variation are:
Date Time Color
4/29/37 0930 slight
3/23/38 09?30 strong
7/24/38 0830 gray-green
NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #424.
On 1944 Mar 12 at UT 23:00 H.P. Wilkins (Kent, UK, 8.5" reflector)
observed that Plato appeared incomplete - the central crater had it's
north wall obscured. cameron comments that maybe this was due to the
low altitude of the Moon? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=491 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Birt 1972 Sep 25 UT 23:20-23:45 Observed by Doherty (Stoke-on-Trent,
England, 10" reflector x280, S=VG) "All bright areas were similar in
intensity (albedo) but 2 larger ones at times seemed brighter. N & S.
The E. IAU? wall of the small craterlet showed most prominently & at
times suspected a faint pt. of light just W. of its center. This was
very suspect however." NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog
ID #1345.
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.
Near Kepler 1966 Dec 31 UT 03:00? Observed by Petrova, Pospergelis
(Pulkova Observatory, Russia) "Special glow in this area. Confirmed by
photoelectric method (Petrova) & polarimetric (Pospergelis?) almost
simultaneously recorded by both" NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID #1007.
C.Brook (Plymouth, UK) noticed that the east wall of this crater was
brighter than the walls of nearby craters. Cameron comments that Foley
says that this is normal and agrees. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID=
433 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plinius 1937 Jul 27 UT 04:37 Observed by Haas (Alliance, OH,
12"? reflector) "E. end of c.p. varied in intensity at similar
lighting conditions. Intensity was low est on this nite, being
at I=5.0. Other nites were:
Date Time col. I
6/23/37 0600 84 8.5
7/20/37 0200 58 6.0
7/22/37 0300 78 6.5
9/22/37 0700 114 6.0
9/24/37 0830 142 6.5
10/17/37 0100 59 8.5
10/21/37 0500 109 8.5
NASA catalog weight=4 (good) on this and the nights listed. NASA
catalog ID #422. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Dec 28 UT 00:24 Observed by Kilburn (England, 6"
reflector x192) "Blink in same place as #1231. Very faint and large
area." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1232.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 01:55-02:45 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness and definition of
A of about 1/4 to 1/2 minute period. Rest of field unaffected. Checked
for cloud wih naked eye during fades - negative. Checked for misting
and tear salt on eyepiece by shifting A around the field - negative."
BAA Lunar Section report.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 03:00 Observed bt Michael Amato (West Haven,
CT, USA, 127mm Maksutov, x123) "The brightness variation (as seen by
Brook earlier) was very apparent. One thing never seen before by Amato
was a thin short bright ray that extended out in the opposite direction
as Aristarchus bright ray". The higher the Moon climbed in the sky the
more obvious this short thin bright ray became. An ALPO report.
S. Beaumont of Windemere, England noted that the crater appeared
to be divided into two. Cameron 2006 Extension catalog ID=381
and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 03 UT 00:00-01:00 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness in Aristarchus
still present but less pronounced than yesterday. Also saw the bright
short ray on the opposite side to the main ray in Aristarchus that
Amato saw yesterday - but this may be normal?" BAA Lunar Section
report.
P.Foley (Nettlestead, UK, 12" reflector) noticed a translucent bluish
glow in Earthshine coming from this crater, despite it being close to
the nright terminator. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=200 and
weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1997 Jul 25/26 at UT 23:00-00:00 S. Fox (Dundee Tayside, Scotland,
UK, 15cm f/5 reflector with x4 Barlow). A series of photographs were
taken that show a glow just beyond the terminator, near to Callipus
crater. Almost certainly this is lens flare from the Barlow lens. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing=III-II) noticed that the crater had a
blue/green colour and that this varied, filling a large circular patch,
brightly illuminating to the ESE-SSE (IAU?) spilling over the wall and
the rim. Shadows inside the crater were large and elongated. The filter
response was greater in the blue than through a yellow or red
Microfiche. Spurious colour was noticed elsewhere but not in
Aristarchus. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=313 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3
On 1821 Nov ? at UT 19:00 an unknown observer (in England) reported
"Bright spots on the moon. (if early phase, date would be 26th-29th) 4
other instances mentioned. Fixed streaks of light in dark part -- first
one stated as moving. The cameron 1978 catalog ID=94 and weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Messier A 1976 Sep 15 UT 21:05 Observed by J.H-Robinson
(Teignmouth, UK, 26cm Newtonian, Wratten 25 and 44a filters,
x200, seeing very poor). Messier A was fainter than Messier in
blue light. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Eratosthenes 1976 Aug 18 UT 06:12 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" refractor, 45, 225x, S=6, T=3-2) "Again, c.p. is vis. within
shadow but much brighter than on Aug, 4 (4 deg) & similar to June at
same col. The 2nd bright spot seen in June was not seen tonite.
(roughness on walls seen in LO IV & V pics show why these pseudo-
shadows appear)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1445.
Eratosthenes 1976 Jun 20 UT 07:57 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 4.5" refractor, 40-450x, S=6.5, T=4-3)
"Floor covered with shadow & c.p. seen as 5deg bright spot.
Another minute spot 5deg bright on SE floor in shadow. (only low
hills on floor in SE. spot on terrace?" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID 1436.
Tycho 1992 Aug 21 UT 07:58-10:59 Observed by Darling (Wisconsin,
USA, 16" & 11" reflectors, visual, photographic, CCD video
observations made) "At 08:56UT a V-shaped glow started to appear
in the shadow to the east of the central peak" ALPO TLP report.
See: http://www.ltpresearch.org/ltpreports/ltp19920821.htm
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2012 Oct 08 UT12:00 C. Hastorf (Chuck's Bobcat, AZ, USA, 5"
SCT, seeing 3.5-4 out of 5). Strange lightness seen on
shadowed floor of Plato. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Vitello 1939 Aug 09 UT 08:00 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA, 12?"
Reflector) "S.part of dark area was I=4.0 comp. with #452 & #453, when
cond. were similar on all 3 dates (phase similar too -- normal
tonite?)" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #457.
2012 Sep 09 UT 23:11-23:37 A.Mineev (Russia) observed a bright
flash near to Encke. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Herodotus 1976 Aug 21 UT 08:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector, 45-300x, S=4-3, T=6) "Pseudo peak seen as 5deg
bright spot lying on diagonal dark band that crosses the floor from NE
to SW & becomes vis. only at low sun. Never saw the pseudo peak in
afternoon before -- usually vis. only nr. sunrise, (this would be
expected if it is a low hill as seen on Apollo oblique pics). Other
times c.p. seen were May 11 (6deg), Jun 10 (13 deg), Sep 6 (8 deg),
Sep 7 (21 deg) & Sep 19 (10 deg) solar altitudes. (21 deg seems too
high a slope for the hills)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #1446. ALPO/BAA weight=3.