Alphonsus 1972 Jul 30 UT 00:30-03:30 Observed by Morgan (UK
using a reflector) "Orange glow, brighter this nite than last
nite. Following nites were cloudy. Aristarchus and Gassendi
were negative." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1338.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 Aug 12 at UT07:00-10:35 D. Darling and wife (Sun Prarie, WI,
USA, 12.5" reflector, x342, photos, S=9/10) observed a cigar shaped
protruberance in Romer crater that cast a 32km long shadow, nestled in
a valley rille next to Romer. This was a confirmed observation. The
effect persisted intil sunset. The top of the object and two points on
the crater rim were reflecting the Sun's rays. "Top of obj. & 2 pts on
crater rim reflected suns rays. It was as high as the crater rim
whereas the rill wall was not. Took photos. he has studied this area
and never saw such a phenom before. Photos did not show it". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=65 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
On 1964 Jun 30 at UT 05:50-06:10 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA) observed
the following in Aristarchus: "Nimbus only -- dark viol. hue. S. part
of Aris. floor was granualated & a brown tinge -- changed to yellow & a
brown tinge at 0500. First time he ever saw such a change in color.
(this obs.listed in 210 & MBMW as June 20, but is a misprint)". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=828 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
On 1964 Jan 06 at 02:00? Markov and Khoshlova (Russia) observed
anomalous IR radiation on the Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Alphonsus 1956 Oct 26 UT 12:54 Observed by Alter (Mt Wilson, CA,
USA, 60" reflector, S=E) "Photog. thru UV & IR filters. Obscur.
of E. 1/2 of floor evident in blue plates -- KodakII-O plate no
filter. 2m later Kodak I-N. One pair of plates best he'd ever
seen. Similar obscuration seen 2X on Linne (this started Kozyrev
on his spectrographic program.)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #653.
Grimaldi 1972 Aug 02 UT 23:42 Observed by Taylor, Findlay, Ford
(Dundee, Scotland, 10" refractor, x180, filters) "Blink in crater,
slight but definite on W. wall. Appeared bright without filters.
Confirmed by Findlay & Ford. Aris., Gass. & prom. Heraclides were
normal." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1339. ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
On 1973 Dec 18 at UT06:35-06:38 Pasternak (53deg 20' N and 7deg 30' E,
using 75mm reflector, focal length 700mm, transparency 1 out of 5 and
seeing 2 out of 5) observed a faint brightening in the south wall of
Aristarchus. Published in Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Moon and Planets, 30
(1984) p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Dec 28 at UT03:30-05:00 Moseley (Covington, England, UK,
seeing=V-IV and transparency=good) detected some detail within the
shadow under good moments of seeing. The external brightness was
extended to the east wall at a clock position of 9 O'clock, but did not
go outside the rim. It was less bright at the 11 O'clock position. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=236 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1882 Nov 07 at UT 05:00 Hopkins (UK) observed the dark
eastern limb and a line of light and attributed this to a lunar
atmosphere. Further details can be found in: Reference: Sirius
16, 279, 1883. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=229 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1884 Sep 16 at UT 09:30-10:00 Heywood (Westville, Ohio, 2"
refractor) saw an unusually bright glow covering dark part, nearly
uniform. Thought it was electric because it was too bright for
Earthshine. It obscured features. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1
On 1984 Dec 26 at UT00:30-00:50 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5"reflector, x61, seeing=3 out of 10) found that Aristarchus,
Shroter's Valley (and other lunar features reported separately) were
very bright in blue light. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=257 and the
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Dec 26 at UT00:30-00:50 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5"reflector, x61, seeing=3 out of 10) found that Copernicus (and
other lunar features reported separately) were very bright in blue
light. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=257 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1984 Dec 26 at UT00:30-00:50 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5"reflector, x61, seeing=3 out of 10) detected a bright flash in the
Delambre region. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=257 and the weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Dec 26 at UT00:30-00:50 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5"reflector, x61, seeing=3 out of 10) found that Manilius (and
other lunar features reported separately) were very bright in blue
light. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=257 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1984 Dec 26 at UT00:30-00:50 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5" reflector, x61, seeing=3 out of 10) found that Menelaus (and
other lunar features reported separately) were very bright in blue
light. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=257 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1984 Dec 26 at UT00:30-00:50 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5"reflector, x61, seeing=3 out of 10) found that Promontorium Agarum
(and other features reported separately) were very bright in blue
light. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=257 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1984 Dec 26 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5" reflector,
seeing=3 out of 10) found that Tycho's ray (and many other craters)
appeared to glow brightly in blue in Earthshine. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=257 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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 1990 Aug 26 at UT 02:30-03:30 W. Cameron (Sedona, AZ, USA, 8"
reflector, x110 and x220) observed that Proclus and Piccolomini craters
both had a pink colour inside them. At a higher magnification of x220
Piccolomini was still pink and it was stronger on the central peak's
wesern side. The cameron 2006 catalog ID=407 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1 as the Moon was not above the horizon at the date and UT given.
On 1990 Aug 26 at UT 02:30-03:30 W. Cameron (Sedona, AZ, USA, 8"
reflector, x110, x220, seeing=good) observed that the north wall of
Proclus crater was the brightest part of the crater, indeed very
bright. Proclus and Picolomini had pink colours inside them. CED
brightness measurements were as follows: "Proc. at 100x 4.0, 4.0; at
200x 3.4, 3.4; Theop. 3.5, 3.9; 3.5; Herc. 2.5, 2.75; 3.5; Atlas 2.8,
2.5, 3.0; Posidonius 3.0." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=407 and the
weight=3. The BAA/ALPO weight=1 as the Moon was not above
the horizon at the UT given.
On 1990 Aug 26 at UT 02:30-03:30 W. Cameron (Sedona, AZ, USA, 8"
reflector, x110 and x220, seeing=good) observed that the west wall of
Theophilus crater was red (on terminator). However Posidonius was also
on the terminator and no colour was seen elsewhere along the
terminator, however Proclus and Piccolomini had pink interiors. At a
higher power of x220 a prismatic effect was seen on the terminator in
Theophilus and opther craters - "even on W rim of a crater due W of
Theoph.". CED measurements of Theophilus... 3.5, 3.9, 3.5. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=407 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1
because the Moon was below the horizon at this time.
Messier 1981 Feb 10 UT 19:20-20:10 TLP discoevered by Hedley
Robinson (Devon, England) "Messier was brighter than Aristarchus
in both red and blue filters and also appeared indistinct, later
becoming invisible - lost in a bright streak. In comparison
Aristarchus was clear. Another observer, Amery confirmed that
Aristarchus was sharp in appearance but Messier certainly was
not. Cook likewiese found Messier not to be as sharp as Messier
A dueto a big shadow in Messier A. Pedler found that the sun
facing wall of Messier was OK but that the shadow was changing
from black to grey periodically at intervals of 2-3 minutes to a
few seconds. By contrast he found that Messier A remained quite
well defined. He tried red and blue filters but found no blink
effect. At 20:23UT Pedler found that the shadow had stabilized
to a shade of "mid grey" although remaining ill-defined. North
also found that Messier A was distinct but Messier itself was
ill-defined. Moore found the same thing but thinks that this is
normal for Messier under this illumination to appear indistinct.
More also saw the grey interior shadow. Price saw similar
appearance to Moore and suspected that this was normal for this
stage in illumination. Ratcliffe suspected everything normal -
just commenting that Messier was smaller and no detail in
comparison to Messier A. Madej and Taylor provided a sketch that
showed again a grey interior and merging with the east
wall/mare. Foley found Messier's pale grey interior to be un-
focusable but in comparison Messier A was sharp. He says that he
would expect a grey interior and the east wall to merge with the
mare. However the complete loss of deatil and variability were
not normal. Cameron comments that the Kuiper atlas confirms the
fuzzy indistinct appearance of Messier and that a Lunar Orbiter
picture shows a grey shadow. The Cameron extended catalog
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1972 Aug 17 UT 20:05-21:10 Observed by Haiduk (13.25E, 52.5N,
60mm refractor, S=1, T=3) "Well visible bright area at the NE wall, end
of event uncertain for seeing became poor" Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon &
Planets (1984) Vol 30, pp53-61.
On 1990 Aug 30 at UT02:11-02:36 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x90, seeing conditions: "at,. boiling") noted a coloured
area on the west wall of Copernicus that was unusual in appearance -
however other craters along the terminator had a similar effect. There
was also a "dazzling bright spot on the E. rim and he witnessed 6
flashes from the lighted part of Copernicus over a very short time
interval. Cameron comments that the colour may well have been dur to
chromatic aberation because a refractor was used. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=408 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Aug 30 at UT 02:11-02:36 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
reflector, x90, atmosphereic conditions: boiling) found "N rim of Proc.
bright interior uniform gray". The Cameron 2006 catalog report is
slight unclear as the description for thnis 1990 Aug 30 TLP also
includes Copernicus and Censorinus in the list of TLP craters. So one
description which might refere to Copernicus, could possibly have been
meant for Proclus, namely: "Dazling bright spot on E rim. Rotated
eyepiece but no change. N rim of Proc.......". The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=408 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1952 Feb 05 at UT 05:10 J.Carle (USA, 8" reflector, x180)
observed the following in Plato: "A shadow in a depression, or
a cloud, or an optical illus.? Oval dark area nr. center,
disappeared in 15m clear & prominenet at first then vanished.
4 of 14 spots nr. center continuously seen while remaining
ones seen only momentarily. (seeing?) Drawing includes sketch
on March 7. His sketch shows 18 spots, 13 same as here". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=549 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Alphonsus 1966 Nov 22 UT 03:17-03:40 Observed by kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 8" relector x300) "Seen first with (Eng.) moon blink, red filter
but not in the green. Not seen at 03:42h" NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #998.
Atlas 1966 Dec 21 UT 17:10 Observed by Andre (Belgium, 3" refractor)
"Bright spot on SE part of floor, not seen in photo on 12/18/66" NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1003.
Aristarchus 1976 Jun 06 UT 21:30-21:40 S.Spencer and R. Hunt
(60mm refractor, x150 and x60) both observed red on the SW
corner of Aristarchus. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1960 Aug? 01 at UT 22:00? an unknown observer detected that Vitello
was illuminated -it should have been in shadow? Cameron says that if
several days before sunrise then the date could have been July through
to December, with August 1st most likely, and ancilary data is
therefore given for this date. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=729 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Ross D 1966 Nov 23 UT 04:50-05:02 Observed by Cross (Whittier,
CA, USA, 19" reflector, x250 & 2390, S=4-5 (sometimes 6), T=4,
excellent contrast) Activity level 5, eastern third of Ross D's
circumference possibly partly obscured. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1964 Jan 24 at 20:00? Scarfe (UK) obtained spactra showing
luminescence? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=796 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Plato 1906 Mar 06 UT 22:00? Observed by Fauth (Germany? 6" refractor)
"Color (brightness?) greatly enhanced as it was to be on the next
nite" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #324.
Peice A (Swift=IAU name?) 1927 May 12 UT 22:03 Observed by Wilkins
(England, 15" reflector) "Complete obscuration of crater. Saw no trace
of it. It was vis. May 11 & faint on May 13. 3x in 1948 Moore saw whole
area misty gray & devoid of detail, whereas surroundings were sharp &
clear. Birt also found it invis. at times in late 1800's" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #394. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Near Hyginus 1959 Sep 13 UT Observed by Bradford (S.Shields,
England, 15"? reflector), Feist, Lovas (Hungary), Moore, Wilkins
(Kent, England, 7" refractor, x500) "Obliterated by a hovering
cloud (Feist disagrees). Budapest obs. saw a cloud at 21:02:30,
lasting 5 m. Moore & Wilkins saw burst of light & dust cloud at
21:02:35 (confirm.) Drawing by Lovas." NASA catalog weight=5 and
catalog ID #722. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Littrow, 1959 Sep 13 UT Observed by Bradford (S.Shields,
England, 15"? reflector), Feist, Lovas (Hungary), Moore, Wilkins (Kent,
England, 7" refractor, x500) "Obliterated by a hovering cloud (Feist
disagrees). Budapest obs. saw a cloud at 21:02:30, lasting 5 m. Moore &
Wilkins saw burst of light & dust cloud at 21:02:35 (confirm.) Drawing
by Lovas." NASA catalog weight=1 and catalog ID #722. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1990 Jan 08 at UT00:55 D. Weier (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x159) observed an "anomalous black bar across Aris. Nearly
digonal to terminator." The nearby crater Prinz had curious shadow
patterns, perhaps related to the rising sun projecting shadows from the
eastern rim and "reflected down"? "At 0224 W wall had a break in it & a
diffuse glow where it should not be. Manske thinks it was Earthshine
effect. At 0305 Weier saw Manske's bar - with diffused light and
flicker like an aurora - like a gas with electric charge. At 0325 saw a
strange glow in Aris. but may be due to atm. though thought it to be a
LTP. Darling had never seen such effects before (flickering implies a
medium in it)." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=387 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Jul 23 at UT22:00 G.W. Amery (Reading, UK, 8" reflector, x144
and x207, seeing=III-V and transparency=fair) found that the interior
shadow was a light grey. BAA TLP coordinator (Foley) suggests that this
was light reflecting from the illuminated walls? Cameron 2006 catalog
TLP ID=102 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus visible just past terminator. West wall was
brighter than normal. Bright flash seen in/on NW wall -
apparently in the same place as Pedler's May 17th sketch.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=146 and weight=4.
Observed by M. Price of Camberley, Surrey, UK with
a 6" reflector and a Moon Blink device. Seeing=III.
Plato 1981 Jun 13 UT 20:48-21:08 Observed by Price (Camberley, England,
152mm reflector, seeing III) Possible Moon blink (red) seen
on north wall. Also the craterlets on the floor could be seen
despite the observing conditions not being optimal. BAA Lunar Section
observation. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=146 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Observer noted a bright spot on the interior west wall that seemed
brighter than what they would have expected. unfortunately the precise
time of this observation was not recorded so the moon-rise and
midnight UT values are used to place a limit on the time of
observation. Images by Shaw taken at UT 1754, 18:45 and 23:13
do not exhibit the effect.
On 1984 Jan 14 at UT 20:00 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) observed that
Aristarchus was brighter than it normally is at sunrise. No
quantitative measurements were made though. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=238 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1977 Apr 29 at UT21:40-23:20 an unknown UK observer reported a TLP
in Gassendi crater. The following are reports by observers attempting
to confirm activity: J.W. Napper (Didcot, UK, 30cm reflector, x287,
Wratten 25 and 44a, conditions clear 5+) received a telephone alert
call at 22:00 but the sky was cloudy until 22:30. An initial look
revealed nothing unusual, then at 22:54 he observed a colour blink just
inside the north wall, appearing bright in red and normal in blue or
white light. No loss of detail seen and the effect lasted only 2
minutes. A sketch was made. However the observer stresses that the very
bad seeing casts some doubt on this observation. L. Fitton observed
using a 8.5" reflector, with Moon blink device at x200, seeing was I-
II. All areas negative, including Gassindi from 21:40-21:55 and again
22;00-22:25 and finally 22:50-23:30 negative. Mike Brown (Huntington,
York, UK, 30cm reflector, x220 and x350, seeing 3-4/5, and transparency
5/5) - observed from 22:00-23:25UT no colour seen, nor obsecuration,
all filters negative, despite seeing a lot of fine setail inside this
crater.
Gassendi 1976 Oct 04 UT 20:55-20:58 Observed by Robinson (Devon,
England) - observer noted that the east outside wall was bright in red
and normal in blue. Note that the Moon was 30 deg above the horizon at
the time of the observation. The crater returned to normal at 20:58.
Also seen by Moore (Selsey, UK) and Foley (Kent, UK). At 21:25-21:50 D.
Sims (Dawlish, UK, 25cm reflector, x300, seeing IV and some cloud at
times) noticed a possible obscuration over the southern part of
Gassendi. He had been observing earlier at 18:40-19:30 but had not
detected a TLP in Gassendi then. 22:11UT Robinson notices that the spot
outside the east wall is again bright in red., though by 22:25 it had
faded and was gone by 22:28UT. The Cameron 1978 catalog further
quotes: "Vivid red spots & general red color seen around rim by 2 obs.
At 2209h blood red small area was seen. 1 h later the most westerly
(IAU?) of the peaks had become hazy white all other areas were sharp.
(Indep. confirm.)." Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5 and catalog ID #1454.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1966 May 01 UT 19:30-00:21 Observed by Sartory (UK,
8.5" reflector, x500, S=G), Moore, Moseley (Northern Ireland,
12.5" reflector x350, S=E) and by Corralitos Observatory
(Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector + moon blink) "Eng.
moonblink & obscuration, also vis. confirm (Moore & Moseley
alerted by Sartory. Corralitos MB did not confirm. - but they
may not have been observing at the ame time?)." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #932. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1978 May 18 at UT20:45-21:53 J.D. Cook (Frimley, UK, 12"
reflector, x240) observed Promitorium Laplace to have
visually a brown colour - though no Moon Blink (red and blue
filters) effect was detected. Cameron comments that this is
probably a subjective effect - also others have reported
something similar at times. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=30
and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1998 Jul 05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector, x200-
x400, seeing II/III) comments that he is puzzled why the floor
of Plato, which is light gray in shade, looks completely blank
tonight. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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.
Plato 1906 Mar 07 UT 22:00? Observed by Fauth (Germany? 6" refractor)
"Color (brightness?) greatly enhanced as on the previous nite" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #324.
On 1980 Jul 24 at UT22:10-22:55 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector,
x360 and x400) found an area just south east of the central peak (and
upto the wall) to be quite dark in blue light, but normal brightness in
red light or in white light. All other features were normal colour-
wise. At 22:55UT Tycho was normal again. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=103
and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Foley (Kent, UK) saw the west wall dull and stongly coloured. Moore
(Sussex, UK) saw the wall as normal. However Cameron points out that
Foley (Kent, UK) is a lot more Blue/UV sensitive than Moore. Mosely
(Covington, UK) at 22:10 UT noticed a brightening on the East wall and
at 01:10-01:25 UT suspected that the interior had a weak yellow-green
cast to it. Cook (Frimley, UK) states that orange colour was within the
interior crater, but green beyond the east rim at the 9 O'Clock and
the south east corner to floor blue/mauvre beyond the northern rim
NW/WSW. Foley sstates that orange and blue/mauvre might be spurious
colour, but green one cannot get this way. Cameon suggests chromatic
aberatons as a possibility but thinks that the observers concerned were
experienced enough to recognize this if it were the cause. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=239 and weight=0. Moore used a 15?" refletor and
Foley used a 12" refletor. Mosely experienced II seeing and good
transparency. Cook had III seeing and also good transparency. P.
Grego made an observation this night too. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1981 Jun 14 UT 21:58 Observed by Foley (Kent, England,
11.75" Newtonian, Seeing III, Transparency Good) "Obscuration
Seen" BAA Lunar Section Observation. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2016 Jul 17 UT 03:49 P.Zeller (ALPO, Indianapolis, IN, USA)
imaged a pseudo-peak with shadow on the floor of Herodotus,
however the image scale and quality of this colour image were
not great and the observer suspects that it might be an
imaging artefact. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Cobra Head 1966 May 02 UT 20:05 Observed by Sartory (England, 8.5"
reflector x400) "Eng. moon blink detected red spots, seen visually
also". NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #934.
Gassendi 1966 May 02 UT 20:18-20:19 Observed by Sartory (England, 8.5"
reflector x400) "Eng. moon blink detected red spots, seen visually
also." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #935.
P. Foley of Kent, UK, using a 12" reflector, seeing=III-II, noticed
that initially that the crater was pretty dull and that the floor
was a slate blue-gray in colour at 22:45UT. A noticeable green spot
inside the crater on the south east appeared at 22:25UT and vanished
at 00:50UT. Cameron notes that one doesn't get green with spurious
colour. Crater Extinction brightness measurements were made at 22:00 UT
(reading=2.8) and at 23:45UT (reading=3.7). The crater dropped in
brightness from 3.7 to 2.8 at 23:50UT and remained lower until 3.0 at
23:50-03:15 UT. A graph was produced and showed Proclus and Censorinus
at similar brightnesses, but Aristarchus variable. The Earthshine was
0.3. Cameron 2006 Extension catalog ID=31 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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.
Gassendi 1976 Oct 06 UT 21:30 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, x400,
seeing poor) observed redness in the c.p. area. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1981 Jun 15 UTC 21:30 Observed by Amery (Reading, England, 25cm
reflector, seeing Antoniadi IV-V) At the 4 O'Clock position on the
North West corner?, there was a dark smudge which reached from the
floor across and over the wall and onto the terrain outside the crater.
Foley, alerted by Amery, saw a dark show-like patch in the crater's
north west corner, again lying across the rim. 2006 Cameron catalog
extension ID=148 and weight=4. Foley used a 12" reflector and seeing
was III-V. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1870 May 13 UT 22:00? Observed by Pratt (---), Elger (Liverpool,
England), (Gledhill (Brighton, England) "Extraordinary display of
lights. 27 seen by Pratt, 28 by Elger, only 4 by Gledhill. (independ.
confirm. ?" NASA catalog weight=5 (very good) NASA catalog ID #168.
A bit more of a detailed report is as follows: "Upon the 13th of May,
1870, there was an "extraordinary display," according to Birt: 27
lights were seen by Pratt, and 28 by Elger, but only 4 by Gledhill, in
Brighton. Atmospheric conditions may have made this difference, or the
lights may have run up and down a scale from 4 to 28. As to
independence of sunlight, Pratt says (Rept. B.A., 1871-88), at to this
display, that only the fixed, charted points so shone, and that other
parts of the crater were not illuminated, as they would have been to an
incidence common throughout.(30) In Pratt's opinion, and, I think, in
the opinion of the other observers, these lights were volcanic."
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1964 Jan 27 at 21:00? Scarfe (UK) obtained spactra showing
luminescence? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=797 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2009 Jan 09 at UT 20:00 P. Brierley (UK) took a CCD image of the
Aristarchus area - P.Grego upon examining this comments that he thinks
that Schiaparelli crater looked "muted in brightness -- it is normally
quite bright to look at". Though Grego comments that it might have
something to do with the image processing aplied to the image. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Manilius 1968 Nov 04 UT 00:15-00:30 Observed by Jean et al. (Montreal,
Canada, 4" refractor, 6" reflector) "Extremeley bright flash on Men. &
Man. each." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1101.
Menelaus 1968 Nov 04 UT 00:15-00:30 Observed by Jean et al. (Montreal,
Canada, 4" refractor, 6" reflector) "Extremeley bright flash on Men. &
Man. each." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1101.
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.
On 1964 Jan 28 at 21:00? Scarfe (UK) obtained spactra showing
luminescence? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=798 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1968 Mar 14 UT 01:32-02:06 Observed by Olivarez, Maley,
Etheridge (Edinburgh, TX, USA, 17" reflector, x125 + Moon Blink) and
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon Blink)
"S=5 (F-G) for the TX observations. "Trident Moon Blink on S. wall
creet & c.p. & white spots in crater. No color seen vis. Blink not seen
earlier or later. Other craters blinked some but not as strongly.
Only Aris. areas blinked when Moon blink was moved around. Observers
consider blinks real. Alt. of moon was 50 deg. Drawings. Corralitos
say they did not confirm, but they rep't Copernicus, not Aris." NASA
catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #1062.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus was not normal, but all the following features were: Mare
Crisium, Proclus, Sinus Iridium, Grimaldi, and Tycho. Observed by
Mellor and Fitton, UK. Observer notes that Aristarchus is brighter than
Tycho when normal. Estimated variation was 25%. However the Moon was
low and the Moon was yellow. Despite this the observer decided that the
effect was real. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=32 and weight=2.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On 1990 Dec 03 at UT23:00-01:30 M.C. Cook (Frimley, Surrey, UK) noticed
that the central peak of Aristarchus was quite bright and extended to a
circular region in the east in the crater "sprout" area - Cameron
suggests that this is Bartletts self defined EWBS area?. Beyond the rim
to the east was very bright. However no colour effect was seen in
filters. A sketch was supplied. Cameron notes the coincidence of
perigee and full Moon. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID is 416 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
East of Plato 1961 Jun 29/20 23:00?-01:00 Observed by Granger
and Ring (both in Italy) "Enhancement of spectrum in UV & Ca I
recorded on photoelectric spectrometer scans" NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #742. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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.
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.
Plato 1938 Jul 15 UTC 06:50 Observed by Haas (12" reflector?) "Floor --
definitely green under same conditions as 5/17/38 (see #437). Kaiser
after 90 obs. couldn't find any regularity to appearance of the brown
color in Plato. I=3.7 comp. with I=2.0 on 6/15/38 (see #439-- color of
ground?)." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #440.
Peirce A (Swift=IAU name?) 1937 Dec 23 UTC 22:00 Observed by Wilkins
(England, UK, 12.5" reflector) "Obscuration on floor if crater. Crater
invis. (similar to #394, 396)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #412.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 25 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 1961 Jul 01 at UT 00:00? an unknown Miranova (Russia or
Israel) obtained some spectral photometry of lunar objects. A
spectral plate in 425 -> 500nm bands. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=743 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
In 1955 Oct 05 at UT 03:40-03:48 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 5"
reflector, x180, S=6, T=5) observed in aristarchus an itenseley bright
blue-violet glare on EWBS, E, and NE wall. The Cameron 1978 catalog IF=
620 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Near Kepler 1966 Dec 31 UT 03:00? Observed by Petrova,
Pospergelis (Pulkova Observatory, Russia) "Special glow in this
area. Confirmed by photoelectric method (Petrova) & polarimetric
(Pospergelis?) almost simultaneously recorded by both" NASA
catalog weight=5. 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 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.
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.
Jansen 2013 Aug 26 UT 00:30-01:30 P. Grego (Cornwall, UK, 20cm
SCT, x200, seeing II, transparency good) observed a dark patch
just east of Jansen D. He had not seen this before. There maybe
a depression here hinted at in LOLA ndata. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.