Aristarchus, Schroter's Valley, Herodotus 1881 Aug 06 UT 00:00?
Observed by Klein (Cologne, Germany, 6" refractor, 5" reflector)
"Whole region between these features appeared in strong violet
light as if covered by a fog spreading further on 7th. Examined
others around & none showed effect. Intensity not altered if
Aris. placed out of view." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #224. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1990 Sep 30 at D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x150) observed a red spot on the west wall (bright
in red filter and faint in the blue filter. No filter
reactions were found elsewhere. Gassendi had much detail
visible. A sketch was made. BAA observers in the UK were
alerted but they could not observe due to cloud. Cameron
2006 extension catalog ID=411 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1982 Jun 02 UT 22:00. Mobberley could not see the
central craterlet on the floor of Plato tonight. Foley notes
that he could only just see the central craterlet on nights of
2-5th Jun and it was of reduced in brightness from normal.
North reported that the floor seemed nearly black, but
brighter in a green filter (x144 magnification used). All
three observers compared the Plato area to other areas for
reference. All the above seems normal, apart from the floor
being brighter in the green filter. Cameron 2006 extension
catalog ID 170 and weight=5. BAA/ALPO weight=1.
On 1985 Mar 02 at 20:00UT? Marshall (Medeline, Colombia, South America)
measured some very low Crater Extinction Device brightness readings of
Censorinus compared to Proclus. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=
261 and the weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
A blue tinge was seen inside and outside the crater
perimeter. The surrounding halo lost brightness that
was observed on 1993 Jan 29. Observed on Apr 19, 20 and 28th.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=213 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1982 Apr 04 at UT 23:30-00:25 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 7cm
refractor & 16cm reflector) noticed the TLP in his refractor
first of all at x25. So stepped up the magnification to x111 and
found the crater brightness not what he was expecting. He tried
different filters but found no difference in brightness. With
the 16cm reflector however some changes in brightness were
dected. The crater has a very pale yellow colour and it was
slightly darker than Lacus Somniorum. P. Foley tried to confirm
at 00:09 but the crater looked normal then. The Cameron 2006
catalog extension TLP ID is 167 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
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.
On 1990 Jan 07 at UT 20:20-20:58 G.North (Herstmonceux, UK) thought
that he detected dullness in Torricelli B crater - Cameron comments
that this cannot be shadow). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=386 and the
weight=3. ALPO\/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aristarchus, Schroter's Valley, Herodotus 1881 Aug 07 UT 00:00?
Observed by Klein (Cologne, Germany, 6" refractor, 5" reflector) "Whole
region between these features appeared in strong violet light as if
covered by a fog spreading further on 7th. Examined others around &
none showed effect. Intensity not altered if Aris. placed out of
view." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #224.
Observed by Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA) "Temporary greyness seen in
interior shadow." ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1955 Oct 28 at UT00:00? Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet Union, 50"
reflector) detected in Aristarchus Fraunhofer lines in UV spectra that
were much narrower than in the solar spectrum. This indicated
luminescent glow which overlapped contour(?) lines. Greatest after Full
Moon, but fluctuated monthly with no indication of solar activity
effect. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=621 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=5.
On 1955 Oct 28 at UT 00:06 W. Taylor saw a naked eye flash on the Moon
in the north east area, on the edge of Mare Vaporum. The flash was
intense and radiated to a large area. The duration was 1/4 seconds.
Aristarchus 1981 Mar 17 UT 22:40-23:25 Observed by Moore
(Selsey, England, 15" reflector, seeing III) "Aristarchus very
bright according to Crater Extinction Device and a coloured
blink detected" BAA Lunar Section TLP report. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 2016 Jun 17 UT 05:00 A.Anunziato (AEA, Argentina Meade ETX
105, seeing 7/10, sketch made) observed a very tiny light spot
where the shadow from topographic relief to the south of
Vallis Schroteri nerges into the crater rim shadow on the
floor of Herodotus. There should be no light spot here.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus Area 2004 Nov 22 UT 04:58-05:49 Observed by Gray
(Winemucca, NV, USA, 152mm f/9 refractor, seeing 4-5, trasparency 4-5,
x114, x228) "Blinked Herodotus with Wratten filters Blue 38A and Red
25. The illuminated west crater wall stood out brilliantly in blue
light, much more so than in white light. This was true also of
Aristarchus. Red light did not increase contrasts in Herodotus any more
than they were in white light. Shadows in Herodotus appeared as black
as the night west of the terminator and remained that way throughout
the observing period. No TLP seen in Herodotus tonight. A possible TLP
was seen to the west of Herodotus near the terminus of Schroters
Valley. It was noted at the beginning of the observing period that
there were four very bright spots of light, one near the end of
Schroters Valley, the other three grouped together a little farther
north. Although not far from the terminator they were definitely east
of it. It was noted that all of them nearly vanished in the Blue 38A
filter while Aristarchus and the rim of Herodotus gleamed brilliantly.
At 5:19UT it was noted that the most brilliant of the four lights, the
one near the terminus of Schroters Valley, had faded almost to
invisibility in white light. When first seen it had been brighter than
Aristarchus. It remained very dim after this through the remainder of
the observing period, and was unchanged at 7:35-7:49UT when I again
examined the area. The other three bright spots remained brilliant and
unchanged."
Aristarchus 1973 Aug 10 UTC 20:14 observed by Baumeister
(48.63N, 9.25E, 110mm reflector, T=2, S=2) "Orange to red
colours at the crater floor disappeared until 21:04" -
Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984),
p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1973 Aug 10 UT 22:45 observed by Robinson (Devon, UK).
Observer noticed that the lighter areas on the floor were more
distinct in red than in the blue filter. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
All observers saw a blue tinge seen inside and outside the
crater. Marshall observed a bright spot in the middle of
the crater floor and thought perhaps that it was a central
peak. No central peak can be found on Lunar Orbiter images.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=214 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
Proclus 1976 Sep 06 UT 02:00 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4.5" reflector 45-300x, S=3, T=5) "Nothing vis. on floor of 2deg
brightness. Usually floor ray & Proc. A are vis. at this col. & c.p. is
5 deg bright. (must have been 2 deg tonite)." NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID #1450.
Gassendi 1939 Aug 27 UT 02:00 Observed by Haas? (NM? USA, 12"
reflector?) "NE part of c.p. was I=6.4, compared with I=9.4 on 9/28/39
(see #462) under similar cond.@ NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID# 458.
Cobra Head, Aristarchus 1964 Feb 25 UT 02:37-02:38, 02:39-02:42
Observed by Budine (Binghamton, New York, USA, 4" refractor, x250, S=6,
T=4) "Red flashes" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
802.
Blanco, J. Vidal, of Gijon, Spain (3" refractor x72)
noticed an unfamiliar very bright center near to Encke.
Cameron suspects that this was Encke B crater
on the basis that it is a prominent small crater
near to Encke. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=410
and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Mons Piton 1984 Mar 14/15 UT 19:18-01:48 Observed by Foley
(Kent, England, 12" Reflector seeing I, Transparency Very
Good) "Colouration and brightness seen on Piton (CED used)"
BAA Lunar Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 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" BAA Lunar Section
Report. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Daniell 1979 Jul 06 UT 21:15-22:30 Crick (Belgium, 6"
reflector, Seeing=II and transparency=good.) 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.
Plato 1987 Feb 10 UT 21:05-22:10. M. Cook (Frimley, UK), "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 extension - TLP ID=297 and weight=5.
Cameron gives the observers confirming this TLP as: M. Cook,
G. North and Davies. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Kepler 1954 Nov 07 UT 23:20 Observed by F.A. Lugo (Caracus,
Venezuela, 3.5" scope x125) Bright red star=like point just
outside E.wall - visible for an hour. NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #580. 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.
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.
Vallis Schroteri 1991 Aug 23 UT 02:19-02:49. Flashing spot at
end of SV fluctuated. Herzog, Darling & Weier confirmed spot
but not fluctuation. Spot brighter in red than blue, but Cobra
Head was bright in blue. No other region was abnormal.
On 1980 Apr 28, Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA using a 8" reflector
and a 2.5" refractor) observed a very bright reg region on top of the
south west rim of Aristarchus crater. This was on the same side as the
ray system between Aristarchus and Herodotus. Louderback noticed some
chromatic aberation - blue where he had seen the red patch before.
Louderback suspects chromatic aberation was the cause although did not
see red in that region ever again. "Patch was between his observation
points A and C. Point C was 5 points brighter in the red filter than in
the blue." A sketch was made. Cameron suspects that the TLP was real.
Cameron 2006 TLP catalog extension ID=92 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1821 Jan 16 at UT 21:00 S. Cooke (Stonehouse, UK) An
effusion of smoke effect, which lasted about a minute, seen.
It appeared like the fluttering of a bird and passed over the
Moon before it evaporated, and must have been foreshortened,
as it seemed in effect to have passed over the whole disc,
starting from west of Menelaus, and near Plinius. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Peter Foley (Kent, UK, 8" reflector, seeing=II) noticed that
the floor beneath the north wall, and the area over the north
wall were indistinct (almost out of focus). Despite looking
elsewhere in the crater and surrounds, no other blurring
(obscuration of detail) could be seen, indeed everywhere else
was sharp and detailed. Foley tried several eyepieces but this
made no difference. He used a crater extinction device but
found no variations in brightness. There was a slight
darkening when he used a red filter in the Moon Blink device.
The obscuration effect weakened between UT20:56 and 21:10,
was difficult to see at 21:13 and had finished by 00:15.
Patrick Moore (12" reflector, Dublin, Ireland) saw nothing
unusual when he started observing at UT 22:00. Cameron says
"Photos marked at location of phenomenon". Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=37 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Louderback observed that the south west wall was a creamy deep yellow.
There was also strong fluorescent blue on the west wall of the Cobra
Head - Schroter's Valley area and this was similar to the violet glare
seen on Aristarchus at times. Violet was seen between Aristarchus and
the Cobra Head. Seeing coditions were poor. Brightening of a point
near C occurred roughly every 10-15 seconds and lasted 0.5 sec -
(Cameron concludes that this was not due to the Earth's atmosphere).
A 0.2 step drop in brightness was seen on point A (twin spots).
Point C had reduced by 0.6 steps. Elsewhere was stable in brightness.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=281 and weight=4. 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.
Plato 1873 Apr 10 UTC 21:00? Observed by Schmidt (Athens, Greece, 6"
refractor) "Under high sun, 2 faint clouds in E. part of crater."
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.
The area west of Helicon not visible despite the area being
fairly bright at Full Moon time. This area was a very bright
patch one night. Cameron notes: comensurability of Full Moon &
Perigee. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=64 and weight=3.
Seeing=7 and transparency=4. 2.4" refractor used. 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=4.
Plato 1937 Jul 22 UT 06:20 Observed by Haas (Alliance, Ohio,
USA, 12" reflector?) "Floor distinctly greenish, but was gray on
June 23, 1937 at 0430 & col.84 (normal?)" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #421. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1916 Oct 10 UT 21:00? Observed by M, Maggeni (Florence
Obs., Italy) "Reddish shadow spread over part of crater. Looked like
vapor (like nitrous vapor) and obscured underlying craters. The Cameron
1978 catalog weight=3 and ID = 365. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus. 2024 Feb 23 UT 19:22. A.Conway (Bootle, UK - 20cm
Newtonian (dobsonian), 9mm Plossl eyepiece, Samsung A33 mobile
phone camera, 36 sec AVI file at 30fps, seeing probably
average-good). Noticed a blue tinge on northern rim of the
crater. This is probably normal, but we are flagging this up
as a weight 1 TLP, in order to obtain some repeat illumination
observations and confirm that the strength of the blueness is
normal.
Aristarchus, Cobra Head, 1969 Dec 23 UT 05:19-05:34 Observed by
A.R. Taylor (Buckinghamshire, UK, 8.5" reflector, 240x, Wratten
25 and 80B) Strong blink in crater at 0519. All traces gone by
0534. Could only see in filters, Plato, Copernicus, Gassendi all
normal. Obscur. also in Cob. Head." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #1230. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Stevinus 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.
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.
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.
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.
Aristarchus 1973 Feb 15 UTC 17:07-19:31 Observed by Theiss (located at
51N 5.67E) "area 4-5 diameters of Aristarchus were coloured clearly
yellow-red" 120mm reflector used. Ref Hilbrecht & Kuveler (1984) Moon
and Planets Vol 30 p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1973 Aug 13 UT 22:25-22:35 observed by Pedler (Devon, UK).
Observer noticed a slight blink on a lighter patch on the floor
just beneath the south(?) rim using Moon blink filters.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
David Darling observed bright glittering on Aristarchus. This
was followed by a flare up in brightness at 00:38:05 UT in the
comet-like ray area of the crater equivalent in intensity to the
central peak. Then he saw another one on the north east rim of
Aristarchus of the same brightness. A third flare was seen at
00:49UT in south of Herodotus, on the comet-like ray. Another
two flares were observed at 00:56UT on the north west rim of
Aristarchus. Darling suspects that these effects were due
to seeing effects and Cameron agrees. However Weier suspects
that they were TLP? Brightness measurements by Weier were for
the south west rim of Herodotus 8.0, for a spot at the Cobra's
Head 9.0 and 7.5 for C.H. Cameron apparently did not see the flashes
but did suspect that the interior of Aristarchus was a bit unusual.
Don Spain did not see anything unsual at all. Cameron 2006 extended
catalog ID=380 and the observation weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1967 Dec 16 UTC 22:00? Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector) "Crater took on an unusual appearance on inner
NE (ast. ?) wall. Showed a very pale blue & the opposite wall a pale
red color seen in no other features. Lasted only 10m & survived a
change of eyepieces." Seeing=I (Antoniadi). NASA catalof weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1056.
On 2002 Mar 29 at 02:20-02:38UT C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm refractor,
x120 - no cloud, slight haze, no wind, seeing good) noticed during
first part of observing period that Aristarchus was getting steadily
brighter, very much brighter than Proclus. This continued until 02:36UT
when it dimmed suddenly over a period of about a minute or so. No
colour effects seen. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2002 mar 29 at 02:20-02:38UT C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm refractor,
x120 - no cloud, slight haze, no wind, seeing good) noticed during
first part of observing period that Aristarchus was getting steadily
brighter, very much brighter than Proclus. This continued until 02:36UT
when it dimmed suddenly over a period of about a minute or so. No
colour effects seen. ALPO/BAA weight=2. Just as an after thought - was
it Aristarchus that was varying, or Proclus?
Louderback, of South Bend, WA, USA observed a bright area over
Mons Anguis and Eimmart - it resembled a comet and had a bluish
colour and varied in brightness. The colour was confirmed as it
was not seen in a red filter but could be seen in blue and white
light. Other features were checked but did not show anything
similar although a violet glare was suspected in the blue filter. A
sketch was made. Observer made Eimmart 8 in brightness at 07:30UT.
Noted that the area around Eimmart appeared opaque at times and less so
at other times. At 08:52UT the phenomenon was seen again. On May 2nd
a bright spot was still seen in the region but it was not changing
dimensions. During the observation on Apr 30th the atmospheric
transparency was excellent. A 2.5" refractor was used. Reference:
Personal communication from Louderback to Cameron on 1980 Jul 16th.
The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID of this TLP was 93 and the
weight was 4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1978 Aug 18 at UT 22:00 Coates (England?, UK, 3" refractor,
seeing=II) found that the inner bands of Aristarchus were hard to see,
this was odd because the seeing conditions were good and he usually
sees them? However he did not believe that there was any obscuration
going on. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=37 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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.
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.
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 1978 Aug 19 at UT02:45-04:00 Porter (Naragansetts, RI, USA, using a
6" reflector, Seing = 6/10) noticed blue on the north east corner of
Aristarchus and an orange glow on the south east wall. They detected no
movement or change in brightness. The observer used both eyes, to make
sure it was not an eye defect, and three filters: red Wratten 25, blue
Wratten 82 and Violet Wratten 47. Porter found that the colours faded
for a duration of 5 minutes and then returned. Their right eye gave a
good view and using their left eye they suspected that it was 0.5 steps
brighter than the remainder of the crater. The suspected colour
remained visible, even under moments of good seeing conditions. The
colour eventually faded over time and was eventually gone. Porter
reportd seein gcolour here on the following night. Apparently other
bright spots showed no colour. Fitton suggests that the filters used
confirm that the south east wass was definitely red in colour. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=37 and the weight=0. 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.
Proclus 1955 Nov 01 UTC 02:50-03:05 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 3.5" reflector x100, S=6, T=5) "Proc. D normally 5 deg bright
was vis. tonite only in blue light, whereas usually is vis. in
integrated light. However at col. 110.5 deg it was a dark spot (see #
816) C.p. tonite was normal 5 deg bright but in Oct. lun. was dark".
NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #625. Note Proclus D does
not refer to the crater Proclus D as defined by the IAU, but probably
to a spot inside the crater that Bartlett designated D!
Enhancement of spectrum in UV and CaI recorded on photoelectric
spectrometer scans by Grainger and Ring in Italy. Effect seen on
Aristarchus. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=740 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA
weight=5.
Aristarchus 1962 May 20 UTC 08:00? Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson,
CA ?, 60" reflector? Photometer) "Reddish color in Aris. 0.88
magnitudes brighter than normal (photometry)." NASA catalog weight=5
(very good). NASA catalog ID #758. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Bullialdus 1962 May 20 UTC 08:00? Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson,
CA ?, 60" reflector? Photometer) "1.05 magnitudes brighter than normal
(photometry)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #758.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Kepler 1962 May 20 UTC 08:00? Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA
?, 60" reflector? Photometer) "1.03 magnitudes brighter than normal
(photometry)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #758.
On 1970 Nov 14 UT20:10 J.Coates (Burnley Astromical Society,
8.5" reflector, x102 and x204) saw a dirty green colour on the
NW region of the crater, in patches, with a green area nearby.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1969Jan04 UT19:30-20:00 W.Deane (Hendon, UK, 2" refractor)
observed a bright yellow spot just E of Aristarchus, stretching
from the S. end of Montes Harbinger to the S. wall of Prinz. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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.
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. NASA catalog ID #165.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3.
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.
Aristarchus 1969 Dec 26 UT 03:35-03:45 Observed by Kilburn (England,
6" x192) "Suspected faint blink & glow outside of SW(IAU?) wall. Large
area was gray toward Herod. Another blink inside between 2 bands
at0330h. At 0345h neither blinks seen. Blink seen in blue (=red
event?). Next nite crater was normal." NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1231.
Plato 1971 Dec 04 UT21:00-21:10 D.B.Taylor (Dundee, UK, 10"
refractor, conditions poor and turbulent). Observer suspected
colour orange colour near bright spot on north wall. Observation
ceased due to being clouded out. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1968 Dec 07 UT 07:00? observed by Corralitos Observatory
(Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector+Moon Blink) "Bluing around 3
craters, strongest at Aris. Lasted several days. Photos show 30% more
intensity in blue filter than in red or neutral. Moon's declination
northerly. Obs. think it was due to atm. effects" NASA catalog weight=5
(very high). NASA catalog ID #1105.
On 1968 Dec 07 at UT 07:00? Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM,
USA, 24" reflector and Moon Blink device) observed a bluing around
three craters, one of which was Kepler. This effect lasted several
days. Photographs were taken that show30% more intensity in the blue
filter than in red or neutral. The Moon's decination was northerly. The
observers suspect that it was an atmospheric efect and not a TLP. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1105 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1940 Jul 22 UT 05:00 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) "Largest bright spot in SE part of floor had I=8.6,
but 6+ on other dates. (see #472, 474 & 475). (8.6 is normal?)"
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #469. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1956 Jul 25 UTC 06:16-06:33 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=3-5, T=4) "C.p.
distinctly vis. within floor shadeo, est. 5 deg bright but no
trace of it at col. 122.37deg in Oct, '55(Oct. 4?)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #645. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Four bright spots seen in Mare Crisium. There was also peculiar
behaviour of the terminator. Source: Midlehurst 1968 catalog TLP ID=16.
Ref Web 1962 p62-76. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3.
Daniell 1894 Feb 23 UT 00:00? Observed by Krieger (Germany)
"Strong, brownish-red coppery hue." NASA catalog weight=4 and
catalog ID #281. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1894 Feb 23 UT 00:00(?) Posidonius N. Wall observed by
Krieger (Germany) "Strong, brownish-red coppery hue." NASA
catalog weight=4 and catalog ID #281. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Near Bacon, Barocius, Nicolai i.e. 16E-25E, 52S-42S 1878 Nov 13 UTC
02:30 Observed by Hammes & others (Oskaloose, Iowa, USA, 6.5"
reflector) "Lunar volcano (drawing) (investigation & correspondence
cast doubt on location)" NASA catalog weight=? NASA
catalog ID #208.
LeCroy Jr. and Sr. (Springfield, VA, 4.5" reflector, x75, S=VG, T=3)
observed the following in the Aristarchus and Herodotus region: "Prior
to 0542h the 2 craters were 2 bright spots within bright areas. Then a
brightness developed merging them together into one big bright area
with no discernable details. Returned to normal at 0554h. Sketches.
Albedo=10+ where normal albedo is 9.5". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
1413 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2006 Dec 08 at UT 17:32 (+/- 2 min) M. Collins (Palmerston
North, New Zealand, 3.5" Maksutov, 40mm eyepiece, seeing III-IV)
observed during daylight hours an extremely bright flash south of
Godin. It flared up and down over a fraction of a second an appeared
three times brighter than the Moon background itself. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1877 Nov 23 UT 22:00? Observed by Crain, Klein, Eng.
officer (France?, Cologne, Germany, England?, 6" refractor?) "A
luminous triangular object on floor & each craterlet on floor
outlined as a lum. pt. (indep. confirm.?)" NASA catalog weight=5
(very high). NASA catalog ID #199. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1955 Oct 04 UT 22:00 Dubois and Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet Union,
50" reflector) observed the following in Aristarchus crater: "Low
disprsion (d=.13 whereas on Oct 28 & Nov d=0.03) Spectogram showing
emiss. in central part nr. H&K". Cameron says that this is a
confirmation of the previous Bartlett TLP? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
619 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 27 UT 20:00? Observed by Miles (coventry, England,
5" refractor, x120) "Strong pink color in N. part; spectacular strong
blink. Did not notice obscur. Bands were vis." NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #1227.
Pico 1976 Aug 13/14 20:50-01:00, 03:15 Observed by Foley? or Findlay?
(England, S=E) "Dark line to the E. (IAU?) of Pico obs. & persisted
till 0100h. On 14th the whole area around Pico was gray & diffused. At
0315h detail reappeared & NW corner sparkled. Small brilliant spot
appeared due N. of it & the albdeo exceeded Aristarchus (=9+ ?)" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1443.
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.
Theophilus 1971 Dec 06 UT 21:35-23:20 Observed by Findlay, Ford,
Taylor, Robbie (Dundee, Scotland, 10" reflector x180), Bolger
(Chester, England), Fitton (Lancashire, England, 8" reflector).
"Red-orange patch on E. (IAU?) floor even without a blink.
Others confirmed. Dimmed by 2105h but still seen. Dimmer yet at
2230h & gone at 2300h. Baum saw brownish-red patch at 25.5E,
12.5S. Taylor saw reddish patch SE of crater, fainter at 2220h,
gone at 2300h. Fitton saw image very dull,yellow & steady.
Filters showed nothing unusual, & nothing seen at 2320h." NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1320. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristillus 1939 Sep 03 UT 05:00 Observed by Haas? (New
Mexico?) "Dark area in W. part of floor was I=4.0, comp. with
I=1.3, & I=3.7 (see #450, & #454). Used different telescope,
but can't explain diff. in albedo, since phase is similar in 2
& dist. from term. similar in all (normal?)." NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #459. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristillus 1939 Jul 06 UT 05:00 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA,
12" reflector?) "Dark area in W. part of floor was I=1.3 but
other dates were brighter. or same. yet cond. similar (see #
454, 459 & 461)" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #450.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Fracastorius 1975 Jul 27 UT 22:45 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England) "Blink seen. Floor brighter in red than in blue. Suspects
colour is spurious". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID
#1410.
Plato 1975 Jul 27 UT 22:45 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth, England)
"Blink seen. Floors brighter in red than in blue". NASA catalog weight=
1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1410.
Theophilus 1975 Jul 27 UT 22:45 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England) "Blink seen. Floor brighter in red than in blue". NASA catalog
weight=1 (very low). NASa catalog ID #1410.
On 1979 Jul 14 at UT 00:24-01:10 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 15cm
reflector, x35, x52, x73 and x110, seeing IV-V, transparency very
good). Note that the observing date was also written as Jul 18th in the
original report? Puiseaux was very clear in white light, but could not
see the cenrtral peak. The central peak though was visible through a
Waretten 15 (yellow) filter. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1904 Aug 01 at 05:00? Pickering (Echo Mt., CA, USA) UT Plato:
"Bright hazy obj., 2" diam. on floor, Obs before & after were normal".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=318 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Messier A 1951 Oct 20 UT 00:00? Observed by Moore (England)
"Brilliant white circular patch in it. has seen it & Messier
blurred several times." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA
catalog ID #545 Note that the date and time given are probably
wrong as the Sun is ~7deg below the local horizon at this time.
ALPO/BAA weight=1 to reflect this error.
Eratosthenes 1976 Sep 14 UTC 04:24 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector, 45-300x, S=6, T=3 hazy) "Pseudo shadow F
disappeared & wall here is same intensity as whole inner crater wall, =
4deg. No change in X, X3 or X2 (4 deg much brighter than normal)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). Cameron c1978 atalog ID=1453 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1956 Jul 28 UT 05:20-05:55 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=4) "Vivid blue-
viol. gl. on c.p., band across E. floor, & EWBS, E. & NE wall".
N.B. The effect had vanished by 07:20UT. NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID 646. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1975 Jul 29 at UT 00:00 Fraser (England, 6" reflector, x70) and
Howick (England, 3.5" reflector) observed the occultation of 51 Pisc.
at emersion - Fraser saw a flash or spike of liht which proceeded
emersion of primary by 0.4sec. The 9.0 mag companion appeared some
moments later. Howick at 1 km away, with 3.5" reflector noted nothing
unusual. Cameron says that no 3rd companion is known. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1411 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 15 UT 23:00-23:45 Observed by Garbott (2)
(Bedfordshire, England, 10" reflector x500, seeing Antoniadi I)
and by Moore (Sussex, England, 15" reflector, x360, seeing
Antoniadi IV) "Noted blue color on N. wall extending toward
Herod. Also saw orange color in S. region. Confirmed by father.
(similar to many of Bartlett's rept's.), More noted nothing
unusual at 2320h." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1444.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2009 Oct 09 UT11:00-11:04 NASA's LCROSS upper centaur stage,
followed 4 min later by the observation spacecraft, is due to impact
into a the crater Cabeus in the hope of kicking up some dust and
possible frozen volatiles. Note that this description is intended for
observers on the date of impact and it is doubtful that any new
science could be achieved by re-observing the same area months
after the impact. If you are observing on the date of impact, then
please observe around 11:00-11:04UT and ignore the predicted times in
the headings. However this report is included as techniqcally
if something is seen it is a TLP, albeit man-made! For those observing
on the date in question here are a few observing tips to maximize
the science of your observations: (1) If you are imaging, then please
try to obtain images before the impact because you can then subtract
these from images taken during the impact and hence show up faint
changes that you might normally miss. (2) If you have a spare scope and
camera,use this to observe through filters such as UBVR or I, or if you
have narrow band interference filters, try observing in
say Hydrogen Alpha, Methane, OH, or indeed any volatile that you
might expect to see in a comet (the main source of water at the poles).
(3) Please try checking the area long after the impact, just in
case other effects might trigger a TLP. (4) Please go to some trouble
to ensure accurate timings- these will be essential in order to
understand the sequence of events - assuming any are seen. Timings can
be obtained using a short wave radio or via a GPS. Note that you should
always use UT or UTC. (5) Please send any observations that you make
into the upload section of the LCROSS campaign observers web site. If
you belong to an astronomical society e.g. BAA or ALPO, then do please
send copies of your observations to the Lunar Sections of your society
or club. (6) Finally this desription will be updated a day or two after
the planned impact.
Aristarchus 1974 Sep 08 UT 04:45-06:30 Observed by Cowan and Johnson
(Dublin, TX, 8" reflector, x59, x152, S=7) "Saw a bright luminous,
blue, misty cloud on th NE rim. Obscur. for 1st hr. then gave way to
pink & features became vis. Cloud was tear-drop shape. No movement to
glow. Pink cloud glowed too. Very tenuous by 0130h. (Nakamura says
there were no seismic events within several hrs. of this time). Another
person saw it without being advised as the where it was." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1393. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Copernicus 1939 Sep 06 UTC 06:00 Observed by Haas? (New Mexico?, 12"
reflector) "Dark area at foot of N. inner wall had I=4.8 comp. with I=
1.8 in #451. (same phase so a real difference)." NASA catalog weight=4
(good). NASA catalog ID #460.
On 1878 Oct 18 at UT 21:00? Gaudibert (France?, 4"refractor) observed
Webb's white spot on SW border of Wargentin to be brilliant, however
this had vanished by Oct 19. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=204 and the
weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Tycho 2006 Jan 22 UT 06:34-06:36 Observed by Fabio Carvalho
(Assis, Sao Paulo Brazil, 25cm f/6 Newtonian) "Green colouration
seen on a rim of Tycho, effect remained visible for only 2
minutes. Attempts to image it shortly afterwards failed as it
had finished by then" An REA-Brasil observational report.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Vitello 1939 Jul 10 UT 09:30 Observed by Haas? (NM? USA, 12?"
reflector) "S.part of dark area was I=2.5 but diff. values other times.
(see #453, &457). Cond. were similar" NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #452.
On 1979 Jul 18 at UT 00:24-01:10 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 15cm
reflector, x35, x52, x73 and x110, seeing IV-V, transparency very
good). Note that the observing date was also written as Jul 14th in the
original report? Puiseaux was very clear in white light, but could not
see the cenrtral peak. The central peak though was visible through a
Wratten 15 (yellow) filter. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1878 Oct 18 at UT 21:00? Gaudibert (France?, 4" refractor) observed
Webb's white spot on SW border of Wargentin that had been brilliant the
previous night, had completely vanished tonight. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=204 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Vitello 1939 Jul 11 UT 09:30 Observed by Haas? (NM, USA, 12"?
reflector) "S. part of dark area was I=2.5, but diff. values other
times. (see #453, & #457). Cond. were similar." NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #452.
Aristarchus 1975 Aug 02 UT 02:23-02:49 Observed by Foley (Kent,
UK, 12" reflector, photos obtained) "Floor of crater was slate
gray/blue & a dense blue-viol. obscur. at NW corner of floor.
Photos show smudge there. Phenom. vanished at 0249h. No alert or
blink in order to get photos before it faded. Crater was
abnormally bright." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #
1412. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1897 Sep 22 UT 00:41 Observed by Molesworth (Trincomali, Shri
Lanka, 9" reflector, conditions very good) "A Glimmering knotted streak seen
beneath and parallel to the W wall. At the centre of the E. Edge of the shadow
was another faint glowing effect – probably coincident with the central peak.
The crater was more than half filled with shadow." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #290. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1968 Dec 23 at UT 01:30-01:56 Wick (Rapid City, SD, USA) noted
Aristarchus as 9-10-8th magnitude, dimming and brightening. Pulsating
was a pin point. 5-7 sec bluish-green at 01:36-01:56. Lehmann (Rapid
City, SD, USA) saw an increase near the centre at 01:56UT (Cameron says
confirmation?). At 02:00-02:30 UT Kohlenberger Fullerton, CA, USA) saw
Aristarchus B bright and prominent, 1/2 magnitude, gradually brighter
than before; then diminished 1, 1/2 magnitude. C. Harris (CA, USA) at
02:00-02:30UT saw gradual brightenings, 4-5sec to come up of whole
crater (Cameron Suggests confirmation).Schroter's valley was almost
same brightness but Aristarchus got brighter then dimmed. Cameron says
that these observations were during the Apollo 8 watch. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=1108 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1968 Dec 23 at UT 02:00-02:30 C. Harris (CA, USA) saw the south east
quadrant of Grimaldi brighten up 3-4 times on "rim & area elliptical
out SE". This was confirmed by Wilmington. No changes seen in India
at UT 14:00-16:00 by Sinvhal (Kodai Kanal, India) - though cameron does
not state excatly whether they were looking at Grimaldi, Aristarchus or
elsewhere on the Moon. The cameron 1978 catalog ID=1108 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1987 Feb 02 at UT 00:15 D. Darling of Sun Prairre, WI, USA (12.5"
reflector x70, seeing=excellent and Transparemcy=4/10), saw Aristarchus
as the brightest feature in Earthshine glowing at about magnitude 5-6
with a sea-blue colour, against the darker background of Earthshine.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=294 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Feb 02 at UT 00:15 D. Darling of Sun Prairre, WI, USA (12.5"
reflector x70, seeing=excellent and Transparemcy=4/10), saw Copernicus,
Delambra and Tycho ray looked like a glowing aurora streamer (confirmed
by photos from Ossola (of Switzerland). Copernicus brightness less than
Aristarchus, against the darker background of Earthshine. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=294 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Feb 02 at UT 00:15 D. Darling of Sun Prairre, WI, USA (12.5"
reflector x70, seeing=excellent and Transparemcy=4/10), saw Copernicus,
Delambra and Tycho ray looked like a glowing aurora streamer (confirmed
by photos from Ossola (of Switzerland). Delambra brightness less than
Aristarchus, against the darker background of Earthshine. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=294 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Feb 02 at UT 00:15 D. Darling of Sun Prairre, WI, USA
(12.5" reflector x70, seeing=excellent and Transparemcy=4/10),
saw Manilius glowing sea-blue in brightness, matching Menelaus in
brightness, but less than Aristarchus, against the darker
background of Earthshine. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=294
and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Feb 02 at UT 00:15 D. Darling of Sun Prairre, WI, USA
(12.5" reflector x70, seeing=excellent and Transparemcy=4/10),
saw Manilius glowing sea-blue in brightness, matching Manilius in
brightness, but less than Aristarchus, against the darker
background of Earthshine. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=294
and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Feb 02 at UT 00:15 D. Darling of Sun Prairre, WI, USA (12.5"
reflector x70, seeing=excellent and Transparemcy=4/10), saw Copernicus,
Delambra and Tycho ray looked like a glowing aurora streamer (confirmed
by photos from Ossola (of Switzerland). Tycho brightness less than
Aristarchus, against the darker background of Earthshine. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=294 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Mare Tranquilitatis 1951 Dec 01 UT 01:08 L.T. Johnson (USA)
suspected a flash near Cruger in Earthshine. Not sure whether
stationary or moving. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1961 Apr 19 at UT 20:00? an unknown observer reported in Aristarchus
a light flash for 15 seconds. Cameron suspects a meteor? The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=735 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 Apr 08 at UT 21:45-22:00 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector)
found Aristarchus to be very bright, blue and variable. For example a
CED brightness measurement at 21:45 was 0.5 and at 22:00 was 0.2. He
also saw some white flashes on the eastern wall lasting each 2 sec in
duration, Cameron 2006 catalog ID=128 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Jun 06 at UT 21:30 G.W. Amery (Reading, UK, 10" reflector,
seeing III) observed that Aristarchus was "quite distinctly even in
twilight & Moon's altitude. Remaining dark areas were just visible".
The 2006 Cameron catalog ID=142 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Feb 03 at 00:30UT J. de Carlo (Little Falls, NJ, USA, 4.5"
refractor, x260, x350, seeing-very good) observed a very bright yellow
light in the centre of Mare Crisium (near a raised crevice), almost
like a "gigantic nuclear bomb explosion "which expanded (to 1/8th the
diameter of mare Crisium) and then reduced in size. The flare fickered
at a rate of 1/10s. apparently the edge of this TLP looked rough,
almost like emittyed debris. The TLP was fixed in position on the Moon.
TLP confirmed by observer's father. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=295 and
the weight=3. the ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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 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.
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.
Theophilus 1966 Jan 28 UTC 01:24-03:45 Observed by Cross &
Ariola (Whittier, CA, USA, 19" reflector, x300, S=6-4, T=4, "3
red patches appearing and dissappearing at different times.
Obscurred at sunrise on it. Later, red patch appeared on the
floor." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #920. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Ross D 1967 Dec 8 UT 02:30-02:40 Observer: Harris (Tucson?,
AZ?), colourless bright area SW of Ross D with repeated
condensations that appeared then dissipated in thirty seconds to
a minute. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 2003 February 8,2003 UTC 02:09-03:07 Observed by Gray
(Winnemucca, NV, USA, 152mm F9 refractor Seeing 6-7, Transparency 6
305x) "Blinked Proclus with Wratten Red 25 and Blue 38A filters.
Features seen through the red filter were basically seen with the same
degree of clarity as in white light, in the case of sunlit walls, maybe
a little bit better in the red. With the Blue 38A filter only the
brightest part of the crater walls (north end) was visible-the rest of
Proclus was dark shadow. At 3:07UT I compared the brightest parts of
Proclus with Censorinus and Dionysius. The brightest parts of Proclus
and Dionysius were comparable. Censorinus was much less bright than
either of the above craters-the halo and crater were much faded over
its usual brilliant appearance. Both Censorinus and Censorinus A
were visible as distinct craters at 114x. The black shadow covering the
east 40% of Proclus last night had broken up into three patches
separated from each other by lighter bands. These were confined to
the east crater wall. Only the central patch was black, the other two
were considerably lighter. Running along the southwest edge of the
crater floor of the crater floor appeared to be a hill to the north
of which was a less elevated plateau. As the observing period
progressed part of the brilliantly illuminated north crater wall
developed a darker area which gradually became more prominent. As
the sun is getting higher I would expect shadows and dark areas to
diminish-what was happening here is unknown. However, this is not an
unusual event for this part of Proclus". The 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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=3.
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.
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.
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.
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 1882 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 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.
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.
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. NASA catalog ID #1216.
ASLPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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. NASA
catalog ID #203. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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 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=2.
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=1.
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.
Plato. 2024 Nov 11 UT 20:33-20:52. T.Smith (Codnor, UK - 16
inch Newtonian, seeing IV) the inner northern rim was an
orange-white colour and this faded, and had vanished by 20:52.
Observation ceased at 20:56. the effect was not present
earlier at 17:49-18:04, nor during a visual check at
23:14-23:24. No other features on the Moon exhibited this
effect at the time. Colour imagery by C.Longthorn at 20:14 and
A.Cook at 20:54 failed to detect any colour in this region,
but these lay outside Smith's observing window. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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.