On 1964 Jun 29 at UT 07:05-07:33 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4" reflector x240, S=5, T=4) suspected a violet glare? on the
EWBS of Aristarchus, but was too faint to be certain. The bright
art of the floor was granulated and had a ceppery tint. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=827 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Observed by Dachille & daughter (Univ. Park, Pennsylvania, 10.5"
reflector, x75) "Flash -- then a brownish - red color patch. Alt. @
20deg. (MBMW has Oct. 12, but is 13th UT)". NASA catalog weight=5
(very good). NASA catalog ID #674.
Aristarchus 1957 Oct 13 UT 07:00?$ W.Haas, according to the 1978
NASA Catalog is supposed to have seen a bright spot of light --
"explosion" in this crater. Confirmation of activity
in Aristarchus - Three independent observations within 4 hours.
Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5 and TLP ID No.=676. Private
comunication with Haas shows that he recorded nothing unusual
on the 12th or 13th. Therefore an ALPO/BAA weight of 1 has
been given until this matter is cleared up.
Fracastorius 2022 Apr 21 UT 01:35-02:12 A. Amorim (Brazil -
90mm f/10 refractor, 25 & 10mm eyepieces ) observed visually a
little bright spot near the centre of the otherwise completely
shadow filled crater. The bright spot was surrounded by a coma
effect. Clouds intervened but by 02:12 the spot was no longer
visible, just a thin patch of light close to the crater's
centre. Observations started when the Moon's altitude was 15
deg and ended when it was 23 deg above the horizon. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
In 1964 Jan 05 at UT 22:00? Doherty (Stoke-on-Trent, UK, 3" refractor,
8" or 10" reflector) observed aristarchus to be purplish-blue in
colour. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=794 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Callipus 1952 Sep 09 UT 21:00-21:20 Observed by Moore (England)
"Hazy broad line of light seen fr. NW wall to SE wall over shad.
floor. Gone next nite at 0120. He gave low wt. to obs. (sunlight
between peaks?)." NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #553.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Stochard of Dublin, Ireland, saw naked eye at 10:30UT on
1862 Nov 12 Aristarchus as extraordinarily bright as a bright
spot on the Moon. This was seen in daylight with the waning
crescent. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=6 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1966 Dec 04 UTC 01:05-01:23 Observed by Whippey (Northolt?
England, 6" reflector, x212) "Abrupt flash of red, setling in
immediately to a pt. of red haze nr. NW (ast.?) wall. Continuous till
0123 (date given was 4-12-66 = European convention?)." NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1000.
Kepler 1966 DEc 04 UTC 05:10 Observed by de Beraud (Flossmoore,
Ilinois, USA, 6" reflector, x360, S=G) "Saw a bright area thru. blue
filter but could not see it in red filter. Decided it was a bluish
phenomenon." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1001.
On 1983 Jan 05 at UT22:00 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK) noticed some
colour on Aristarchus. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=195 and the weight=
2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Ptolemaeus 1825 UT 23:45 Observed by Schwabe (Germany?) "Bright spot"
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #108. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Jan 08 at UT01:00? P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK) noticed some
colour on Aristarchus. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=196 and the weight=
2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 May 15 at UT20:30-21:05 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector)
was unable to see Aristarchus in Earthshine, though other craters were
clearly visible. However by 21:30 the Cooks could clearly see
Aristarchus. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=215 and the weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
W.limb 1983 May 15 UT 20:30-21:00 R.Moseley (Coventry,UK, 6"
reflector, x60) observed a faint but extensive brightening of
the W.limb, perhaps a little stronger at PA=80-90 deg. No other
features seen in Earthshine. Observation confirmed br R.Martiott
(Northampton, UK, 8.5" reflector). ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 May 03 at UT 19:00-19:30 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK, 5" refractor,
x30) found the Earthshine to be both pink and bright with prominent
features clearly visible. A "brilliant" star-like point was seen in
Aristarchus crater. There was another, albeit less bright spot near
Darney-Agatharides. Spots pesisted despite various tests. Foley also
confirmed that the Moon looked pink to him as well. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=298 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 May 03 at UT 19:00-19:30 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK, 5" refractor,
x30) found the Earthshine to be both pink and bright with prominent
features clearly visible. A bright spot was seen near Darney-
Agatharides. An even more "brilliant" star-like point was seen in
Aristarchus crater. Spots pesisted despite various tests. Foley also
confirmed that the Moon looked pink to him as well. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=298 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1837 Mar10 UT 13:46 (19:07 local time) T.G. Taylor (Madras,
India) whilst observing a 9th magnitude star being occulted,
noticed a 6th magnitude nebulous spot where Aristarchus
should be. Had never seen anything quite as bright as this on
previous occasions. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1991 Dec 09 at UT 22:50 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x36) witnessed a flash in Grimaldi crater. Cameron comments
that others had seen a flash there earlier, and there was a meteor
swarm. Fritschel (madison, WI, USA, naked eye observing) detected 3
flashes in Grimaldi and also at the western limb of the Moon. D. Weier
(Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3" refractor, x36) was also observing. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=436 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 May 15 at UT21:30-22:30 M.C. Cook and J.D. Cook (Frimley, UK)
could clearly see Aristarchus in Earthshine, whereas earlier that night
P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) could not see the crater although other features
were cisible. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=215 and the weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Macrobius 1938 Jun 02 UTC 18:00? Observed by McLeod (England? 5" ?
reflector) "Changes in dark areas. (near Proclus where Green saw
phenomenom. see #443)" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #
444.
On 1966 Apr 24 at 21:30UT R.Livsey (Scotland, 6" reflector at x275)
observed that Aristarchus was "fluorescent" in Earthshine. It is
uncertain whether the description of "fluorescent" should be involve
this observation being categorized as a TLP, however just for safety it
will be assigned an ALPO/BAA weight=1. This was a BAA Lunar Section
report.
On 1983 May 16 at UT20:35-22:10 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) noted that
Aristarchus was dull in Earthshine (UT21:36-21:40). The floor was a
luminous rose/violet colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=219 and the
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Mar 04 at UT 19:03-19:47 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK, 5" refractor,
x30, S=clear) found at 19:03 that Aristarchus was exceptionally bright
(even without blocking out the sunlit side of the Moon), being the most
easily seen crater on the Moon, and this was despite the sky not yet
being dark. The crater had faded by 19:20UT and at 19:47UT Earthshine
was no longer visible. CED brightness measurements were made and were
less than usual and the inside of the crater may have had a blue/gray
colour (unclear from the Cameron 2006 catalog description). The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=299 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1880 Nov 06 at UT 20:00 an unknown observer observed a TLP at an
unknown location on the Moon. The Cameron catalog has an entry for this
date and time but does not specify the location, the observer or what
was seen. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=218 and the weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
W.limb 1983 May 16 UT 22:00-23:00 R.Moseley (Coventry,UK, 6"
reflector, x60) observed a faint but extensive brightening of
the W.limb, perhaps a little stronger at PA=80-90 deg. No other
features seen in Earthshine although Aristarchus suspected.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1837Mar11 UT 15:27 (20:48 local time) T.G. Taylor (Madras,
India) whilst observing a star being occulted, noticed a
6th magnitude nebulous spot where Aristarchus should be. Had
never seen anything quite as bright as this on previous
occasions (except the day before). ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 May 17 at UT20:13-20:40 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, x38 and
x63) found that Aristarchus was normal in appearance, but at 20:19 a
blood red disk was seen as bright as a 6th magnitude star. The colour
did not vary but the brightness changed from 4 to 8 over a 1.5-3min
period, on the south west wall. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector)observed
Aristarchus at 22:10 and noted that it had the same rose-violet colour
as had been seen by him a day earlier. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=220
and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1984 Nov 28 at UT 17:30-18:05 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK) found that
the crater Hubble had a cream white oval patch for short while that was
2x brighter than it's surroundsings. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=254
and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 Jun 08 at UT01:48-02:45 B. Hobdell (St Petersberg, FL, USA, 10
and 4" reflectors) could hardly see Aristarchus crater, however at
01:48UT it brightened in blue for about 3 minutes. Then at 02:20UT
there was a bright flash, and by 02:25UT the crater was very bright,
but by 02:45UT it was no longer visible. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=144
and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 May 17 Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector)observed
Aristarchus at 22:10 and noted that it had the same rose-violet colour
as had been seen by him a day earlier. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=220
and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Daniell 1979 Apr 02 UT 21:45-22:14 Obseved by Madej (Huddersfield, UK,
158mm reflector, f/4.2, x36-110, seeing II-III) "Obscuration seen" BAA
Lunar Section Report. Cameron says that this was a bright white cloud
that covered three quarters of the crater. A yellow filter was used at
21:48, but the cloud was still white, albeit thinner (at x110). By
22:14UT the TLP was barely visible and again no colour seen. Buczynski
(Lancaster, UK, seeing = poor) saw spurious colour. Later (22:31-
22:46UT?) Mellor obtained some photos, but these revealed no colour.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=48 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Jan 19 at UT 18:00-19:00 G. Amery (Reading, UK) discovered that
Aristarchus could not be seen in Earthshine, this was odd because less
prominent features could be seen. Other observers (Moore and Foley)
confirmed the very low brightness of the crater. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=197 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Jan 19 at UT 18:00-19:00 G.W. Amery (Reading, UK) found that
Messier was difficult to define. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=197 and
the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Near Ross D (23E, 12N) 1964 May 18 UT 03:54-04:53 Observed by
Harris, Cross et al. (Whittler, CA, USA, 19" relector x720, 8"
reflector x322, S=G) "White gas obscuration. Moved 20mph,
decreased in extent. Phenom. repeated. Drawing." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID 811. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
White spot near Censorinus 1966 Dec 18 UT 23:40-23:46 Observed by Enie
(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, 8" reflector x100, S=G) "Attention
drawn to pink color in this usually white patch. Brightened to a light
reddish tinge for 2 mins, then faded back to pink, then to white,
Sketch." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1002.
Linne 1867 Aug 06 UT 21:00? Observed by Buckingham (England?)
"Crater in darkness, he saw a "rising oval spot". Other obs.
saw it as a triang. Bold black spot pointing to earth, slowly
diffused white & drift of white on slope of pyramid. (indep.
confirmation?)" NASA catalog weight=5 and catalog ID #155.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2000 Feb 11 at UT19:00 G. North (Norfolk, UK) telephoned TLP
coordinator, Patrick Moore, to report a possible colour anomaly in
Aristarchus. Moore had poor conditions in Selsey (UK) and saw nothing
unusual. However by this time North was reporting that, the colour was
fading. Two other BAA members were alerted, but were clouded out. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Ptolemaeus 2020 Feb 01 UT 19:40-19:50 P. Sheperdson (York, UK,
102mm Mak - BAA) saw an "ashen" sliver of bright light across
the floor. Images taken. This maybe normal appearance - though
observer re-observed in May and found the effect different in
that there was no "ashen" like effect. Visual sketches and
time lapse image sequences welcome. If doing visual work - try
using a polaroid filter and rotate it to see if that makes any
difference. For imaging work, please over-expose slightly to
bring out detail on the floor; you could also try colour
imaging of the floor as an interesting experiment - though for
comparison purposes image other terminator features exhibiting
shadow spires. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Apr 08 UT 19:50 Mobberley (14" reflector, x194, seeing
III-IV, Transparency Fair-Poor, Cockfield, UK) found that
Torricelli B's shadow was 1/2 the way across the floor, which
was normal, but that there was a very dar grey/brown shroud
around the carter, out to several radii.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 May 20 at UT00:00-03:00 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia)
noted that Mons Piton was too bright near the terminator and was
surrounded by shadow. A sketch was made. The mountain appeared
segmented with one thin shadow line. The mountain looked like a
Mexican Sombrero hat. This appearance is normal. What was
abnormal was that Piton was brighter than Proclus, and only
slightly fainter than Censorinus. The CED brightness
measurements were normal Piton=3.6, Proclus=3.5 and Censorinus=
3.7. Please check to see whether this is still the case. The
cameron 2006 catalog ID=221 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Dome W. of Manillius 1965 Dec 30 UT 10:35 Observed by Newport (England,
4" refractor x180) "White patch or haze, everything else was sharp"
NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
Plato 1925 Jun 29 UT 20:00? Observed by Markov (Russia) "Light
bands in bottom seen in shadow & did not seem to be elevations.
These have been seen 5X from 1913-1922." NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #391. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1966 Apr 28 UT 21:58 Observed by Smith (England, 10"
reflector) and Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24"
reflector+Moon Blink) "Reddish patches, (not confirmed at Corralitos
with MB tho they give feature as Gassendi in their report)." NASA
catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #930. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Tycho 2003 May 09 UT 21:04 Observer Brendan Shaw (UK) "CCD
image of central peak - Sun's altitude suggested that this
should not have been directly illuminated this early - may
have been from secondary reflectance off illuminated W wall?"
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Dec 01 at UT 20:00 a British Astronomical Association Lunar
Section member (Southam, Warwickshire, UK) found no detail on the floor
of Autolycus, despite there being plenty of detail on the floor of
Aristillus crater. According to Foley, there should be some detail at
this stage of illumination. Grego reports that the observation was from
a Society for Popular Astronomy member and they described "a
homogeneous grey veil over the 20 km floor of the crater". The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=255 and the weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2009 Nov 25 UT18:42-21:03 P.Abel, T.Little and C.North (Selsey, UK,
15" reflector, seeing II-III, transparency very good), all saw visually
a brownish tinge on the north west rim of Eratosthenes crater. P.Abel
made a sketch and T.Little took some high resolution CCD images, some
of which were through coloured filters. Checks were made for spurious
colour, but none was seen elsewhere on the Moon. The eyepiece was
changed but this made no difference. M.C.Cook (Mundesley) was observing
with a smaller scope at the same time, but saw no colour, however
observing conditions were worse. W.Leatherbarrow (Sheffield, UK) was
observing with a instrumenet mid way in size, and saw a brownish tinge
in the NW rim area, but saw a similar colour elsewhere and put this
down to spurious colour. Normally multiple observers seeing the same
thing would result in a weight of 4, however as this was only observers
at Selsey and some of the evidence contradicts, I am allocating an
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Tycho 2003 May 10 UTC 03:15 Observer Robert Spellman (Los Angeles, USA)
- "CCD video of spur-like features coming off N & S edges of central
peak - spurs pointed eastwards". It is now thought that this effect is
almost certainly seeing flare as it is visible on other features in the
image, although to a much lesser extent. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1931 Mar 27 R.Barker (observing from Cheshunt, UK, 12.5" reflector)
found that the central mountain in the brilliant ray crater Tycho was a
curious shade of grey. This was despite the interior of Tycho being
fully in shadow. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=400 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Aristillus 1939 Sep 23 UT 01:00 Observed by Haas? (New Mexico?, USA,
12" reflector?) "Dark area in W. part of floor had I=1.3. comp with I=
1.3, 3.7, 4.0 in #450, 454, & 459, respectively. (albedos disagree at
same phases, so are real anomalies). (normal here?)." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #461.
Alphonsus 1966 Apr 20 UT 22:28 Observed by Smith (Nottingham,
England, 10" reflector) Reddish patch possibly detected on SE
flank of central peaks, but more dubious than that from 28th
Apr. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Mar 09 at UT20:00 M. Mobberley (Sussex, UK) obtained some video
of Mons Pico - apparently these show the mountain with a puzzling
appearance (not sure whether it was the observer who claimed this or
some one who analyzed the tape). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=300 and
the weight=5. ALPO/BAA=1.
Piton 1958 Sep 23 UT 00:00? Observed by Moore? (UK?) "Enveloped
in an obscuring cloud-like mist" NASA catalog ID 697. NASA
catalog weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Messier and A 1966 Dec 22 UT 06:00-06:30 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside,
CA, USA, 8" reflector, x200, S=G, T=P) "Blinks on floors of both
craters (blink device not stated)" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA
catalaog ID #1004.
Gassendi 1966 Apr 30 UT 21:30-23:28 Observed by Sartory,
Ringsdore (England, 8.5" reflector, S=E), Moore, Moseley
(Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, S=VG), Coralitos
Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon Blink)
"English moon blink system detected red spots with vis.
confirm. Ringsdore says no color but saw obscuration. (LRL
60-in photos showed nothing unusual by my casual inspection).
Indep. confirm. (even E. wall was in dark). Corralitos did
not confirm by MB." N.B. event had finished by the time
Corralitos came on-line. NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog
ID #931. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Eratosthenes 1968 Nov 01 UT 01:50-02:06 Observed by Chilton
(Hamilton, Canada, 12" reflector, 300x) "Red glow in the crater.
Weak blink beyond ESE (IAU?) wall. Visually, area would not
focus & gave impression of fog cascading down slope, but no
motion was vis. (Moore has misprint in time in his cat.
extension -- should be 0150-0206)." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID 1106. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
Sinus Iridum 1996 Apr 28 UT 20:00 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
UK, 60mm refractor, x112, seeing III, slight breeze, twilight)
"dark shaded area on floor ~1/4 diameter of Sinus Iridum on
western interior by rim" BAA Lunar Section Observation.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Bulialdus 1979 Aug 03 UT 21:36-21:48 Observed by Cook (Frimley, UK,
seeing III, Moonblink device) "Bullialdus eastern side of the crater
looked brighter in red i.e. rim and exterior, extending to the south
slightly and this reddish areas was slightly hazy. At 21:41 it clouded
over but at 21:47-21:48 it cleared briefly and effect was noted again.
Also Darney appeared very visible through the red filter. Probably
spurious colour as the Moon was -18 deg in declination and the whole
Moon had a slight brownish tinge" ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Darney observed by Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing III, Moonblink device)
See TLP report for Bullialdus (eastern side) concerning reddish
areas. At 21:41 it clouded over but at 21:47-21:48 it
cleared briefly and the effect was noted on Bulialdus again.
Also Darney appeared very visible through the red filter.
Probably both effects were spurious colour related as the Moon
was -18 deg in declination and the whole Moon had a slight
brownish tinge. An ALPO/BAA weight of 1 is assigned to this TLP."
In 1820 Oct 17 at UT 20:00 an unkown observer reported in Mare Imbrium,
south of Sinus Iridum (30W, 40N) some brilliant spots. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=80 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
W. of Mare Humorum (50W, 25S) UTC 00:00? Observed by Mac Farline
(England?) "Bright Point" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID
719.
Plato 1966 Dec 23 UT 06:15-07:10 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 6" reflector, S=P, T=G) and Coralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM,
USA, 24" reflector +Moonblink) "3 brilliant spots on floor, all showed
blinks, (permanent colored Ground features ?). Not confirmed by
Corralitos MB." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1005.
Gassendi 1977 May 28/29 UT 20:45-21:15 Observed by D. Sims
(Dawlish, Devon, UK) saw a hazy area on the south east floor
that was normal in red and white light but darker in blue.
This was partly confirmed by J-H Robinson (Devon, England, 10"
reflector) 21:24-23:12 who saw the south east floor of
Gassendi to have a loss of detail - but no colour seen,
although at 21:57-21:58 it was slightly brighter in red than
in blue briefly. P. Doherty (22:45-23:15) did not see anything
ususual. D. Jewitt (22:22-22:55) did not reveal anything
ususual, apart from spurious colour. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=3 and ID=1463. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1939 Sep 25 UT 01:30 Observed by Haas (New Mexico? 12"
reflector?) "NE part pf c.p. had I=9.4 comp. with I=6.4 (normal? in #
458. under similar obs. cond. (& phase. thus real diff.)" NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #462.
Aristarchus 1966 May 01 UT 21:55-22:45 Observed by Paterson,
Brown, Sartory, Ringsdore (England, 12" reflector x252 for the
former and 8.5"? reflector for the latter) "Eng. moon blink
system detected red spots with vis. by all but Ringsdore. Brown
saw intense white spot NW of crater wall" NASA catalog weight=5.
NASA catalog ID 933. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1980 Jul 24 at UT02:00 F. Graham (East Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 6"
reflector) took some photos (albeit out of focus) that showed a bright
spot on the west rim. Cameron comments that this spot was sharp
compared to the rest of the photograph, so was probably a photographic
artifact. The effect was not seen in the finder scope. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=103 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
M. Cook of Frimley, UK observed a brightening of the crater during
this observing session. The cameron 2006 extended catalog ID=346 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1967 Mar 22 UTC 19:39-19:43 Observed by Mosely (Armagh, N.
Ireland, 10" refractor, x360) "Red color & blink strongly suspected
in small area centred on junction of 3 clefts 1/2 way from c.p. &
ESE wall. Well-defined & did not note change during obs. period.
Clouds terminated obs. till 2120 when it was not seen." NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1018.
On 1989 Sep 12 at UT00:58-02:25 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x159, S=7/10) observed similar light conditions to 1989 Jul
15. At 02:00 he observed pink on the south west wall of Aristarchus
crater. At 01:24UT the Aristarchus ray was yellowish, however the
entire Moon had a grey-yellow tinge of colour. Chromatic aberation was
observed at 01:56UT. By comparison Gassendi was checked and had no
colour. At 02:10 the crater wall of Aristarchus was unusual and was
quite different in appearance to rims of other craters. The cameron
2006 catalog ID=375 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
G. Ward (a lunar observer for 15 years) observed an area just south
west of Mersenius C to be blurred and in a greenish cloud. The green
colour was more like that of dead grass than one gets from a neon bulb.
The effect was seen from 04:50-04:57UT, but could have been going on
before it was first noted at 04:50-UT. Seeing was 6-7/10 4" Refractor
(2 element). refractor had been used hundreds of hours before (over a
10 year period) with no similar colour was seen. The observer checked
other areas but did not see any similar effects. They also rotated and
changed eyepieces, but this made no difference to the TLP. The TLP site
seen was picked up on an image taken earlier at 04:47UT by W. Bailley,
from Sewell, NJ, USA. Unfortunately the area concerned, a mountain on
the image, was saturated and so we cannot tell if a colour was present
there and the seeing was poor.
Aristarchus 1975 Oct 16 UT 20:00? Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?)
interior corner." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #
1413. 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.
Aristarchus 1971 Sep 01 UT 20:45-21:05 Observed by Neville,
Cunnington (Nottingham, UK, 4" refractor x180, altitude, low)
"Saw a bright glow, especially in E. wall (Confirm. but not
indep.?)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1310.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1970 Oct 12 UT 00:54 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4" reflector, 51x-181x) "Floor darkened to intensity 1.5 deg (albedo) &
c.p. became invis. Next day c.p. reappared & was 5 deg bright & 6deg
bright on 15th" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1277.
Aristarchus 1976 Sep 05/06 UT 18:45-01:35 Observed by Prout
(England?, 12" reflector, S=III-II), Foley (England, 12"
reflector), Moore and Spry (Sussex, England, 12" reflector)
"Viol. hue on crater on W. wall, especially NW corner seen by
Prout & 2 Foleys. Moore & Spry did not see color. All obs. noted
that the crater was dull Deslandre - 1965 May 12 at UT 19:10 E. Penzel
(Rodewisch, East Germany) was taking a sequence of images
during the impact of the Soviet Lunik 5 (upper stage of the
carier rocket?). He detected a tens of km scale elongated
cloud after the impact over a duration of 9.5 minutes. This
was near to Deslandre crater. However there are differences
between the images elsewhere on the Moon, possibly due to
different exposures or some other effects and it is not 100%
sure that what he detected was impact debris/cloud?. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Observed by Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA) "Temporary greyness seen in
interior shadow." ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1933 Oct 01 at UT 03:00 Rawstron (USA, 4" refractor, x330) observed
the following in Mons Pico B: "Haze -- much narrower & elongated than
on Sep. 1". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=407 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
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.
Cobra Head 1967 Mar 23 UT 18:40-20:47 Observed by Sartory,
Moore, Moseley (Farnham, England, 15" reflector (Sartory) seeing
very poor & 10" refractor in Armagh, N. Ireland (Moore & Mosely)
x360 - seeing Fair to Poor) "Red patch seen intermittently;
moon-blink from 1916-2047h. Position agreed with Sartory who
alerted them to Aris. area; checks on others were neg." NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID 1020. Then Aristarchus 1967
Mar 23 UT 18:40-20:30, 21:30 by Marsh and Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector, x330). "Suspected colour on SW (ast.)
wall. Farrant saw color in crater, completely independently,
(inform. suggests same phenom. as seen by Moore & Moseley tho
they said Cobra head). NASA Catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #
1021. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1967 Mar 23 UTC 18:40-18:50 Observed by Sartory (Farnham,
England, 15" reflector) "Heavy blink on inner S. wall. Moved toward N.
at 1845, faded at 1850." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog
ID #1019.
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.
Aristarchus. 2024 Mar 22 UT 22:08. G.Vega (Argentina, Oro
Verde - 20cm f/5 Newtonian on an EQ5 Goto mount - two colour
cameras used: a Player One Ceres C & a Nikon D5100).
Colour images show a region of blueness from the W. rim of
Aristarchus and the NE of Herodotus (maybe also on the inner
SE rim of Herodotus?) i.e. generally SE of the Cobra's Head.
Blue colour is usually present on the rim of Aristarchus and
to the north - but I don't recall seeing such strong blue
colouration in this region before? No other craters exhibit
this blue colour. As the colour is present in two images,
taken with different cameras it looks genuine. Two other
colour images, at lower resolution, were taken from Oro Verde,
by W.Elias, at 23:06 and 23:18, but neither of these exhibit
this blue colour - but that maybe a resolution issue? ALPO/BAA
weight=3.0
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.
Mersenius 1975 Jun 21 UT 21:50-22:45 Observed by McConnell
(Northern Ireland, 6" reflector) Moore? (Sussex, Enland, 15"
reflector, 5" refractor, S=F), Reading (Rushden, England, ?
14" reflector) and Foley (Kent, England, 12" reflector, S=P)
"McConnell saw an obscur. starting at 2150h which disappeared
at 2245h. Moore(?) alreted, saw no anomaly in 15 in refl. &
5-in refr. under fair conditions from 2209-2228h. Reading
reported neg. fr. 2250-2345h (after phenom.). Foley reported
color in it but also a crater to S. of it & Aris., prob. due
to seeing conditions." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog
ID#1408. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1954 Aug 11 observed by Firsoff (Somerset, UK, 6.5" reflector,
x200) "Brilliant in red filter, variable)" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #570. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1995 October 6 at UT 21:30 R. Lena (Rome, Italy - a UAI observer,
11.4cm reflector) saw 4 or 5 flashes from Herodotus crater. Light
intensities (mag?) ranged from 9 to 8 and they were brighter through a
red filter. There is no 2006 Cameron catalog entry for this observation
- it has come from the UAI web site. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1971 Sep 02 UTC 20:00 Observed by Ayeau
(Paris, France, 12" reflector, x100) "Brownish-red or maroon
seen on Aris. W.wall ridge to Herod. on S.wall of Herodotus"
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1311.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1995 Oct 06/07 at UT 22:45-00:00 P. Mirteto (a UAI
observer, RI, Italy, 20cm reflector) observed some brightness
changes in Herodotus. Please note that this description is a
summary of the material on the UAI web site. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1995 Oct 06/07 at UT 23:05-00:00 P. Mirteto (a UAI observer, RI,
Italy, 20cm reflector) observed some brightness changes in Prinz.
Please note that this description is a summary of the material on the
UAI web site. The 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 1988 Sep 23 at 19:40-19:55 & 20:36-20:41 G. North (760mm
Coude Rrefractor, x250, Royal Grenwwich Observatory,
Herstmonceux, UK, seeing V, Transparency: Fair). 19:40-19:55
image very unsteady. All seems normal in other crtaters with
the exception of Arcimedes. Much of the rim seems indistinct
apart from a 1/4 length of the west rim. Strongly suspected
that this was due to a combination of seeing and illumination.
UT 20:02-20:06 - checked the area with a lower magnification
10" Astrographic Refractor - the crater seems more normal, so
suggesting that the theory was correct. 20:36-20:41 returned
to the 30" reflector, and the crater appeared similar to the
start of the session. This is almost certainly not a TLP, but
it would be helpful to have some images or sketches to check
this theory out. Weight=1.
On 1987 Mar 13 at UT02:00-03:00 De Groof (Belgium, 8" reflector x150,
seeing=clear) noted that the north west part of Aristarchus had a blood
red shimmering filling the whole crater. A video by Mobberley some 18
hours later, shows variation in Aristarchus. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
301 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1977 May 30 at 21:04-02:13UT J.H.-Robinson noted a loss of
detail inside Gassendi, however he did not regard this as a
TLP. The effect was also seen by P.W. Foley. Cameron 2006
extension catalog TLP ID=16 and weight=0 ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Amery (Reading, England) saw blue in Aristarchus but a photograph did
not show the colour. Foley thinks this was spurious colour. Cameron
2006 extension catalog ID=27. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Promotorium Laplace: 1978 Apr 20 UT19:30-22:35 Peter Foley
observed a tiny yellow-brown region close the tip of the cape,
north east of the precipitous west edge, in the face of the
north facing slope. The area concerned was diffuse and varied
in density despite the surroundings not varying. Foley notcied
no colour elsewhere on the Moon, though Amery thought that he
saw some in Aristarchus, but Foley thinks this was spurious.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=27 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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.
On 1987 Mar 13 at UT 20:52 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, S=VG) obtained
some video that shows variation in Aristarchus crater e.g. ä visual
oddity in the SE corner" (Foley was interpreting the video). H.Hatfield
took some film of the TLP (Unstudied yet). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
301 and the weight=5.
On 1987 Mar 13 at UT 20:52 M. Mobberley (Sussex, UK) found that Mons
Pico varied in its north east section. This was recorded on video tape.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=301 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1975 Oct 18 UTC 20:00? Observed by Foley (Kent, England,
12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?) interior corner."
NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1415.
Godin UT 02:15-03:05 Observed by Porter (Narragansett, Rhode Island,
USA, 6" refletor, 45, 90x, S=P?, T=2) "Albedo change in some pts.
yellow-orange color on rim. Wondered if it were atmos. LTP albedo=
7,7,7,6.5. Normal albedos=7,7.5,6.5,6.5 for same pts. Nearby plain
albedos =6. LTP from 0250-0300h. Intensity normal at first;pts in W.
decreased & N.pt increased. No difference in intensity in red filter
till suddenly it jumped out & became vis. above the high background
albedo. Sketch. He thinks it was atm. seeing" NASA catalog weight=2
(low). NASA catalog ID #1370.
Aristarchus and Herodotus UT 20:00? Observed by Areau (Paris, France,
12" reflector x100) "Maroon color covering the ridge(?) E (ast. ?) &
the ridge(?) S. of Herod. In 3 or 5 secs. Cloud disappeared after 10
min." NASA catalog weight=3 (average) NASA catalog ID #1312.
On 1979 Aug 06 at 22:24-22:54 P.Madej (Hudersfield, UK, 6"
reflector. Purple Wratten 35, and Yellow Wratten 15 filters
used) Orange glow seen (at x73) on west side of crater, near the
central peak. The central peak was coloured too at x110. At
22:32 (x75) the central peak was brighter than the rest of the
area wrough the yellow filter. At 22:34UT at x73 everything
looked OK through the purple filter. The TLP was still visible
at 22:54. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Schroter's Valley 1955 Jul 03 UT 22:00 Observed by Firsoff
(Somerset, England, 6.5" reflector x200) "Drawing contains a
star-like pt. at N. part of valley." NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID #597. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Schickard 1940 May 20 UT 20:00 Observed by Moore (England, 12?"
eflector) "Fog on floor -- milky appearance, less pronounced
than on 8/2/39 (see #456)." NASA catalog ID #465. NASA catalog
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1971 Jan 10 UTC 20:17-20:42 Observed by Taylor (Slough, England,
8.5" reflector) "Blink (dark gray to black), 13x3km diam. on E. wall &
floor in indentation in wall. Smaller by 2028 h. gone at 2035h.
Reappeared at 2028h & gone completely at 2042h)." NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1282.
Mare Humboldtianum 1951 Jan 21 20:47-22:00 UT observed by Baum
(Chester, England). The appearance of some mountains on the
limb appeared to change over time, with some mistiness. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Madler 1940 Aug 17 UT 06:45 (Cameron gives 07:30 but Haas says
this is wrong) Observed by Haas (New Mexico?, USA, 12"
reflector?) Bright spot on S. rim had I=5.8 on this date but
8.9 on Aug. 17, when observing conditions were similar (see #
473). NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #470.
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.
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 1961 Jun 27/28 23:00?-01:00? Observed by Granger &
Ring (Italy). "Enhancement of Spectrum in UV at CaII similar to
May obs." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #741. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Enhancement of spectrum in UV and CaI recorded on photoelectric
spectrometer scans by Grainger and Ring in Italy. Effect seen on
Aristarchus and a ray near Bessel (approx 17E, 22N). Cameron
1978 catalog ID=740 and weight=5. ALPO weight=3.
On 1964 May 26 UT 04:10-04:35 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, S=5, T=5).
observed that Aristarchus had a strong blue-violet glow on the east
wall and EWBS, with a strong violet tinge on the nimbus. Crater was
hazy, could not focus it in red, green or blue light. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID= and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1976 Jun 12 UT 05:21 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore. MD.
USA, 4.5" reflector, 40-225x, S=5, T=3, "Deep viol. tinge in N. 1/2 of
nimbus. Faint blue-viol. radiance (gas ?) on E. - NE wall along crest.
No color elsewhere, nor on plateau m." NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #1435.
On 1984 Dec 07 at UT 19:30-23:30 M. Mobberley (St Edmunds, UK,
seeing=IV-V, transparency=good, spurious colour seen) found 2
bright pathces on the east rim on alternate sides of a bright region.
The band from the central 16km wide region was dark on the east side.
Foley (Kent, UK, 12"reflector, seeing=II-III) found Aristarchus to be
not as bright as normal, apart from the band that Mobberley found (1
hour later). The dark regions were a murky green colour (bright through
green, blue and yellow filters and dark through red and orange
filters). Cook (Frimley, UK, transparency=excellent, CCD camera used)
found a bright "bulge"on the eastern side. Apparently data suggests
that the band was brighter in red than in near IR light. Cook's
calibrated brightness measurements suggest that there was no change in
brightness over the crater with time. Two other bright points were
seen: one at the Cobra's Head and another half way between the east rim
of Aristarchus and passes Herodotus. Wratten 29 (deep red), Wratten 87
(near IR) and combined Wratten 29 and Wratten 87 were used. In the red
Wratten 29 filter the brightness falls at22:20 at Shroters valley and
then rises in the bright ray. They return to normal at 22:30UT. There
was however a lot of measurement noise from the brightness readings of
points B and D. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=256 and the weight=5. The
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 2000 Jun 16 UT 20:37 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm
refractor, x117 & x40, seeing good, transparency excellent)
observed abright spot on the north rim of Mare Crisium (57E,
25N). It was comparable to the illuminated rim of Proclus in
brightness. No colour seen. The spot was not visible the next
night. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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.
Lichtenberg 1951 Jan 22 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=3.
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.
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.
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.
Plato 1967 Nov 17 UTC 18:36-18:50 Observed by Moore, Moseley
(Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor x260) "Faint blink
under SW wall. Nothing seen vis. Gone by 1839h. Reappeared at
1841, then gone by 1850h. Checks till 0200h were neg. Obs.
dubious of reality of phen." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog
ID #1054. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 23 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographed
due to clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
W.Humboldt 1897 Dec 09 UTC 23:00? Observed by Goodacre (Crouch End,
England, 12" reflector) "Shadow anomaly. Chocolate penumbral shade
edging black shadow on E. wall." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA
catalog ID #296.
Cobra Head 1955 Oct 31 UTC 19:00 Observed by Milligan (England?) "Dark
blue obscuration" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID 624.
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 1983 Jan 29/30 at UT20:35-01:00 Sykes (UK?) observed that
Linne appeared to brighten for approximately 20 min and had the
appearance of a point (confirmed). This observation was made
during a major Torricelli B TLP. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198
and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Torricelli B 1983 Jan 29/30 UTC 20:35-02:30 Observed by Foley (12"
reflector, seeing Antoniadi II, Transparency=good, no spurious colour
seen), Moberley (14" reflector, seeing Antoniadi II, transparency
excellent, spurious colour strong), Cook, J & M (12" reflector, seeing
Antoniadi II-III, transparency moderate). All observers based in
southern England. "Initially crater brightest feature on the Moon, then
it faded. Strong colour also seen by all observers e.g. green-blue to
violet. Report of observations written up in JBAA Vol 100, No. 3, p117
123, (2000) - probably one of the best reorted TLP". The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=198 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 1983 Jan 29 at UT22:09 M.Mobberley (Sulfolk, UK, 14" reflector)
noted that Arago B had a slight tinge of violet colour, and was a lot
less (bright?) than Torricelli B's blueness. Other craters checked but
were not showing any blue colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1983 Jan 29 at UT22:09 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK), found that Moltke
crater was "exceptionally bright". Other craters (apart from Arago B
Torricelli B etc) appeared normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198 and
the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
On 1983 May 28 at UT 01:50-03:00 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia)
observed the whole region of Aristarchus, Herodotus and Shroter's
Valley all to have a brightness of 3 and all blue and impossible to
focus on (he had never seen it like this before). Also the interior of
Aristarchus was invisible. Brightness measurement taken and a sketch
was made. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=222 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
On 1978 Apr 23 at UT20:35 (Rawlings, UK, finderscope, x50)
observed a bright flash (~0.3 sec duration) near to Copernicus (20W,
9N) with rays to the south east whilst he looked through a finder
scope. Moore, who studied the drawing, suggests that the area of the
flash was near Copernicus. However Cameron says this cannot be the case
if the flash was in darkness as mentioned in the BAA Lunar Section
circular. She comments that it might have been a meteor? The Cameron
2005 catalog ID=28 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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!
Littrow 1915 Jan 31 UTC 22:00? Observer: unknown (England?) "6 to 7
spots arranged like a gamma first seen on this nite. (Kuiper atlas.
Rect. 14-c shows spots in form of a 7 or a cap. gamma backwards, but
not l.c. gamma)". NASA catalog weight=0 (almost certainly not a TLP).
NASA catalog ID #349. 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.
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.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 24 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographe due to
clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
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.
Peirescius 1985 Dec 28 UT ~20:56 (Col. 112.5) H. Hill (UK)
observed that this crater was piercingly bright. Repeat
colongitude observations on later dates failed to show a
similar effect. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
LaLande 1973 Jul 17 UT 03:30-03:45 Observed by Galgoey (Washington, NJ,
USA, 2" refractor x46, x117), S=VG, T=5) "Star-like pt., variations, 1-
2s, seen only at 40x, not at higher powers. LTP albedo =10, normal=8,
nearby plain =6 (geom, instrum. & atm. & refl. material at site
effects?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1371.
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.
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x180) "Strong violet glare on
E. rim, changing to brown. At 0220 dark viol. in nimbus, at 0235
viol. changed to brown. At 0255 viol. suddenly reappeared, but
faded to invis. at 0300. Again at 0308 reapp. Only time he ever
saw such color changes." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID
583. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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.
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.
Plato 1870 Feb 18 UTC 00:00? Observed by Gledhill (Halifax, England,
9" refractor) "Illum. of another group of craters different from group
in Aug. & Sep. obs. (date is F18 if phase is similar to Ap 1870)
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #164.
Area of darkness overlapping NW rim. It was visible through
this area of obscuration. Sketch. Cameron 2006 extended catalog
ID=376 and Cameron weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Messier & A 1972 Aug 27 UT 08:51-09:21 Observed by Hansen (LeMoore, CA,
USA, 6" reflector, x200) "Perculiar thread of shadow connecting the 2
craters. Sun's elev. @ 6deg. Drawing (possibly a high peak on E.wall of
A casting a shadow?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID
#1342.
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.
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.
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.
Darling, alerted by Keyes saw Aris >> brighter obj on moon (as
it normally is) Comet ray & N rim of Herod. >> could see no
detail - Aris. except two bands, moon was pale yellow (low alt.)
with halo around it. Nothing unusual elsewhere. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID #384 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1,
just in case there is some merit in this report?
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.
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. ALPO/BAA weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1007.
On 1989 Jan 26 at UT 03:45 De Groof (Belgium) noted a white few second
long flash from Copernicus crater. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=347 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
On 1964 Feb 02 at UT08:30-09:40 G.Reneau and B.Crowe (2.4"
refractor, x90)observed Ross D to be double. This was during a
time when observers were looking for a Ranger crash plume. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=799 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Something resembling a cigar shaped shiny object seen
on S rim - hanging over a smaller crater. It looked like a bright
aluminum can in the sun & cast a shadow onto the rim. The length
was 8-10 miles long x 1 mile wide at the central point.
It appeared tapered to points at both ends. Observer studied it
for several hours. S term. ~60-70miles away. Apparently not related
to topog. Alt. 8deg. Cameron 2006 Extension catalog weight=3.
ALPO/BAA catalog 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.
Observed by Bartlett (Baltimire, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x150) "N. half
of crater hazy & ill-defined". S=5, T=4. NASA catalog weight=4 (good).
NASA catalog ID 571.