Brilliant blue color seen at first for seconds, later for min
2h later, in blue filter. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 (high).
Cameron 1978 catalog ID 572.
Furnerius 1961 May 26 UT 02:20-03:00 Observed by Cameron (Aldephi, MD,
USA, 3.5" Questar reflector x160, S=G) "Crater stood out like
glittering points (small craters on rim?). Many features examined but
effect seen only on this crater and Stevinus (Specular refl. from flat
surface?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #738.
Stevinus 1961 May 26 UT 02:20-03:00 Observed by Cameron (Aldephi, MD,
USA, 3.5" Questar reflector x160, S=G) "Crater stood out like
glittering points (small craters on rim?). Many features examined but
effect seen only on this crater and Stevinus. (Specular refl. from flat
surface?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #738.
Tycho 2971 Nov 28 UT 21:58-22:05 observed by D.B. Taylor (Dundee,
UK, darker area inside the crater (NE and SE floor) in a Moon
Blink device. However the observer does not report through which
filter ir was darker. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1971 Oct 30 UT 19:35-20:55 E.Watkins (Braintree, UK, 4.5"
reflector, x45,x150, x225), thought he saw a faint patch at
19:35 and it still was visible at 19:40. At 19:50-19:55 he saw
what may have been the remainder. At 20:55 he noticed a shadow
in the area. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1969 Nov 20 UT 17:06-17:15 Observed by Duckworth
(Manchester, England, 8" refractor x250) Faint Pinkish
Obscuration on floor. Event in progress at 1706 - left telescope
at 1715 to report it, but TLP gone upon return. Gassendi was
normal from from 1734-1822h. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #1223. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1980 May 25 UT 21:33-22:54 Observed by North (Seaford,
UK, seeing III-IV, 460mm Newtonian) Definite strong reddish
glow along NNW border, definitely much stronger than spurious
colouration and always visible when telescope moved in RA and
Dec to eliminate possible chromatic aberation effects in the
eyepiece. Effect ended by 21:54 UT. BAA Lunar Section Report.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Hyginus N 1944 Apr 04 UT 20:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England,
15" reflector) "Darker than usual. S. edge of great crater valley was
bordered by a narrow dark band for 13km along its length" NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #490.
Gassendi 1969 Nov 20 UT 19:30-19:45 Observed by Becker (Holland, 4"
refractor) "Curious small shadow from NW (ast. ?) wall. (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1224.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 20 UT 19:45-20:05 Observed by Becker (Holland, 4"
refractor) "Sharp whiteness on inner W. (ast. ?) side (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1224.
Daniell 1979 Jul 06 UT 21:15-22:30 Crick (Belgium, 6"
reflector, Seeing=II and transparency=good.) noticed
obscuration on a bright spot on the south east wall. This spot
was quite prominent through a red Wratten 25 filter. The floor
was very dark. Other craters were checked and were normal. A
sketch was supplied and the position was the same as in other
earlier reports. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=60 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Mons Piton 1984 Mar 14/15 UT 19:18-01:48 Observed by Foley
(Kent, England, 12" Reflector seeing I, Transparency Very
Good) "Colouration and brightness seen on Piton (CED used)"
BAA Lunar Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1984 Mar 14/15 UT 19:18-01:48 Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" Reflector seeing I, Transparency Very Good)
"Obscuration and colour seen on Plato" BAA Lunar Section
Report. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Kepler 1954 Nov 07 UT 23:20 Observed by F.A. Lugo (Caracus,
Venezuela, 3.5" scope x125) Bright red star=like point just
outside E.wall - visible for an hour. NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #580. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1987 Feb 10 UT 21:05-22:10. M. Cook (Frimley, UK), "NE
ray distinct & also floor E of it, not distinct as on Dec 13 &
Jan 11, while March 10, 11 & 12 seen by Price, North, Peters,
Foley & M Cook, where rim was clear and sharp." - quote from
the 2006 Cameron Catalog extension - TLP ID=297 and weight=5.
Cameron gives the observers confirming this TLP as: M. Cook,
G. North and Davies. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1972 Oct 19 UT 17:55-18:05 Observed by Gabriel (Wettern,
Belg. 4" refractor, x166, S=E), Hitchens (Stamine Locks, Eng., 8.5"
reflector, S=F), Peters (Kent, Eng., 10" relector), Amery (Reading,
Emg. 10?" reflector), Flynn (england, 12" reflector) "At 17:55h noted
bluish-purple color area just N. of Aris. & it reached just over N.
wall, lasted 2 min. At 1800h color noted again, but not as brilliant &
gone at 1801h. Seen again at 1804h & now was on E. (ast. ?) wall,
lasting M 1min. Sure of its reality but not of lunar origin. All gone
at 1805h. Hitchens noted a very bright spot on W. (IAU?) wall between 2
prominent bands. Blue darkening in W#38 filter, neg. in W#8,25,58 &
integrated light. Other areas gave similar but lesser effects. May be
due to damp geletin. (Moore thinks not LTP but many obs. have rep't
blue in Aris.) Others obs. later (2100, 2215-2300, 2305h) & noted
nothing unusual." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1346.
Aristillus 1972 Dec 17 UTC 21:50-22:20 observed by Berger (51.5N, 9E,
60mm refractor, T=2, S=3) "Diffuse bright cloud in the NE corner of the
crater" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-
61.
On 1993 Sep 28 at UT 04:30-06:10 S.Beaumont (Cambridge, UK)observed
that the north east edge of Herodotus appeared as a "highland area
spilling over into" the Cobra's Head border or "overlook". The shadow
on the elevation was contiguous with a similar shadow over the Cobra's
Head "like a darkening of the terrain. Shadow appears softer diffused
without sharp bounds of most Lunar shadows. sketch. S. edge of crater
started to appear at 0615". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=468 and the
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 as the date or UT are wrong.
Plato 1972 Oct 19 UT 20:10 Observed by Taylor, Phillips, Ford, Kennedy
(Dundee, Scot. 10" refractor) "Taylor noted a slight blink on NW wall.
Ford said it was neg. Phillips was not sure. Taylor returned to
telescope & no blink. Kennedy reported neg." NASA catalog weight=1
(very low). NASA catalog ID #1347.
Foley, Kent, UK noted that the floor was slate blue-grey
with no colour seen elsewhere. 12" reflector used, seeing=II.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID 131 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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.
Manilius 1939 Jun 30 UT 06:05 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"?
reflector) "Dark area in S. part was I=2.0 but was I=3.7 on 7/30/39.
Obs. conditions were very similar." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #449.
Aristarchus 1975 Sep 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?)
interior corner." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1414.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 22 UT 18:20-21:13 Observed by D. Cutts
(Chester, Eng., 8.5" reflector, x200), Moore (Sussex, Eng., 12"
reflector x425), Miles (Coventry, Eng. 5" refractor), Delaye and
Jourdran (Marseilles, Fr., 8" reflector) "Pulsating patch on W.
wall between 2 radial bands. Faded by 2000h. Returned to normal.
(Cutts). Miles saw strong pink in whole interior at 2112h.
Strong blink. No blink there at 2210-2212h. Gass., Grim., &
Plato were neg. Delaye & Joudan photog. it as very bright. Moore
got neg. results at 2135. (confirm. of activity?, Apollo 12
watch)." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1226. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Cleomedes Alpha 1993 Sep 03 UT2200-22:20 G. North (UK, 18.25"
reflector, x86 & x144) observed it to be a strikingly brilliant
'splodge' seen in the mostly shadow filled interior of
Cleomedes, and around this splodge was a faint halo extending
symetrically in an eastwards direction. The splodge was the
mountain Cleomedes Alpha. Strangely no shadow from the mountain
was seen to be cast onto the halo on the east. Observer alerted
other observers by phone, and upon returning to the scope found
that the splodge had faded in brightness and continued to fade
over the next hour as one would expect from a mountain at
sunset. Some heavy spurious colour was present. J. Cook & M.
Cook (Frimley, UK) observed at 22:20-22:25 and found the bright
splodge, but no halo. M. Cook re-observed later and confirmed
normal fading of splodge. Roscoe observed from 00:30UT next day,
but by that time Cleomedes Alpha had set and was no longer
visible in the shadow filled floor. S. Beaumont had observed
earlier at 20:00 but had recorded all as normal in Cleomedes.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=466 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1955 Oct 04 UT 22:00 Dubois and Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet Union,
50" reflector) observed the following in Aristarchus crater: "Low
disprsion (d=.13 whereas on Oct 28 & Nov d=0.03) Spectogram showing
emiss. in central part nr. H&K". Cameron says that this is a
confirmation of the previous Bartlett TLP? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
619 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 27 UT 20:00? Observed by Miles (coventry, England,
5" refractor, x120) "Strong pink color in N. part; spectacular strong
blink. Did not notice obscur. Bands were vis." NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #1227.
Pico 1976 Aug 13/14 20:50-01:00, 03:15 Observed by Foley? or Findlay?
(England, S=E) "Dark line to the E. (IAU?) of Pico obs. & persisted
till 0100h. On 14th the whole area around Pico was gray & diffused. At
0315h detail reappeared & NW corner sparkled. Small brilliant spot
appeared due N. of it & the albdeo exceeded Aristarchus (=9+ ?)" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1443.
1936 Oct 04 UT07:42 W.Haas drew bands, many smaller spots on
floor. Pickering's atlas 9D col 141 shows bands but no bright
spots. Haas' location Aliance, OH, USA. Reference: Haas, W.
J.Royal Astr. Soc. Canada. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=416 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 15 UT 23:00-23:45 Observed by Garbott (2)
(Bedfordshire, England, 10" reflector x500, seeing Antoniadi I)
and by Moore (Sussex, England, 15" reflector, x360, seeing
Antoniadi IV) "Noted blue color on N. wall extending toward
Herod. Also saw orange color in S. region. Confirmed by father.
(similar to many of Bartlett's rept's.), More noted nothing
unusual at 2320h." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1444.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2009 Oct 09 UT11:00-11:04 NASA's LCROSS upper centaur stage,
followed 4 min later by the observation spacecraft, is due to impact
into a the crater Cabeus in the hope of kicking up some dust and
possible frozen volatiles. Note that this description is intended for
observers on the date of impact and it is doubtful that any new
science could be achieved by re-observing the same area months
after the impact. If you are observing on the date of impact, then
please observe around 11:00-11:04UT and ignore the predicted times in
the headings. However this report is included as techniqcally
if something is seen it is a TLP, albeit man-made! For those observing
on the date in question here are a few observing tips to maximize
the science of your observations: (1) If you are imaging, then please
try to obtain images before the impact because you can then subtract
these from images taken during the impact and hence show up faint
changes that you might normally miss. (2) If you have a spare scope and
camera,use this to observe through filters such as UBVR or I, or if you
have narrow band interference filters, try observing in
say Hydrogen Alpha, Methane, OH, or indeed any volatile that you
might expect to see in a comet (the main source of water at the poles).
(3) Please try checking the area long after the impact, just in
case other effects might trigger a TLP. (4) Please go to some trouble
to ensure accurate timings- these will be essential in order to
understand the sequence of events - assuming any are seen. Timings can
be obtained using a short wave radio or via a GPS. Note that you should
always use UT or UTC. (5) Please send any observations that you make
into the upload section of the LCROSS campaign observers web site. If
you belong to an astronomical society e.g. BAA or ALPO, then do please
send copies of your observations to the Lunar Sections of your society
or club. (6) Finally this desription will be updated a day or two after
the planned impact.
On 2009 Sep 09 UT23:31:43 P.Grego (St Dennis, Cornwall, UK, seeing II-
III) suspected a flash south of Cabeus, just beyond the terminator.
It was not bright, and lasted a fraction of a second. Thinks it might
have been illusory as he saw some fainter flashes (cosmic rays?)
during that nights observing session. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1974 Sep 08 UT 04:45-06:30 Observed by Cowan and Johnson
(Dublin, TX, 8" reflector, x59, x152, S=7) "Saw a bright luminous,
blue, misty cloud on th NE rim. Obscur. for 1st hr. then gave way to
pink & features became vis. Cloud was tear-drop shape. No movement to
glow. Pink cloud glowed too. Very tenuous by 0130h. (Nakamura says
there were no seismic events within several hrs. of this time). Another
person saw it without being advised as the where it was." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1393. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1878 Oct 18 at UT 21:00? Gaudibert (France?, 4"refractor) observed
Webb's white spot on SW border of Wargentin to be brilliant, however
this had vanished by Oct 19. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=204 and the
weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Tycho 2006 Jan 22 UT 06:34-06:36 Observed by Fabio Carvalho
(Assis, Sao Paulo Brazil, 25cm f/6 Newtonian) "Green colouration
seen on a rim of Tycho, effect remained visible for only 2
minutes. Attempts to image it shortly afterwards failed as it
had finished by then" An REA-Brasil observational report.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2009 Sep 11/12 UT23:28-00:00 M.C. Cook (Mundesley, UK, 90mm Questar,
x80 and x190, seeing II and transparency moderate-poor) observed
pink on the north west rim of Tycho and green-blue on the inner
SW rim. No sign of colour elsewhere on the Moon except for the
S-E rim of Plato that was red. The Moon was about 20 deg in altitude
at the time. The effect had gone by the end of the observing period.
A simulation of spurious colour in different directions
was generated by the BAA Lunar Section and found to possibly account
for these colours, although there should have been some strong colours
seen elsewhere in Tycho and none were. The BAA/ALPO weight=2.
On 1878 Oct 18 at UT 21:00? Gaudibert (France?, 4" refractor) observed
Webb's white spot on SW border of Wargentin that had been brilliant the
previous night, had completely vanished tonight. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=204 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1975 Aug 02 UT 02:23-02:49 Observed by Foley (Kent,
UK, 12" reflector, photos obtained) "Floor of crater was slate
gray/blue & a dense blue-viol. obscur. at NW corner of floor.
Photos show smudge there. Phenom. vanished at 0249h. No alert or
blink in order to get photos before it faded. Crater was
abnormally bright." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #
1412. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1897 Sep 22 UT 00:41 Observed by Molesworth (Trincomali, Shri
Lanka, 9" reflector, conditions very good) "A Glimmering knotted streak seen
beneath and parallel to the W wall. At the centre of the E. Edge of the shadow
was another faint glowing effect – probably coincident with the central peak.
The crater was more than half filled with shadow." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #290. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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 1969 Nov 12/13 at UT23:30-01:30 Celis et al. (Valparaiso, Chile) -
one observer saw Aristarchus with bluish scintillations occuring in an
irregular way - Apollo 12 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1207 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 18 at UT 19:00-22:30 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK) saw two
very bright flashes on the eastern edge of Littrow, spaced 40 seconds
apart. Ricketts observed blue flashes approximately 20-30 sec apart and
Foley saw faint blue. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=86 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
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.
On 1981 Jun 07 at UT02:30-03:00 B. Hobdell (St Petersberg, FL, USA,
10" and 4" reflectors, seeing=I) at 02:30UT saw a flash from
Aristarchus and another one from Schroter's valley. By 02:45UT
Aristarchus was starting to be difficult to see and had occasionally a
bluish cast. By 03:00UT the crater could only barely be seen. This was
odd because visibility on the Earthlit side was really rather good. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=143 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Jun 07 at UT02:30-03:00 B. Hobdell (St Peterberg, FL, USA, 10
and 4" reflectors, seeing=1) saw Copernicus to be very bright in blue.
Clarty of Earthsine was exceptional tonight. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=143 and weight=0. The 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 1881 Sep 27 at UT 19:00 Marokwic (South Africa) observed a comet-
like object pulling across the Mon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=225 and
the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Nov 11/12 at UT23:30-01:00 Mitchell, Celis and Marti (Paso
Hondo, Chile, 10" refractor, x96, 4" refractor, x80, 3" refractor, x60,
seeing = excellent) observed Aristarchus with a blue centre and
irregular form, alternating with normal aspects. Some opacity
(independent confirmation?) - Apollo 12 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1208 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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 1988 Nov 14 at UT 17:25-18:30 H. Miles (St. Minver,
Cornwall, England, UK, 5"refractor? x60 and x120) found
Aristarchus to be a white ill-defined circular patch. At
17:45UT it was a lot brighter (Cameron comments that this
might have something to do with sky darkness). In contrast,
Copernicus was just seen as a white patch and the Jura
mountains could be seen (not as bright). Aristarchus grew
brighter over time and there was a bright point on the west
wall (seen at x60 and x120). Ït was fainter at 1854 & < At
1830. (Foley) said Earthshine cond. Superb with many regions
clearly seen, but Aris. was dull. (Cooks) in hazy condition
could not detect Aris." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=338 and
weight=0. The ALPO weight=1.
In 1879 Oct 20 UT 23:00 (Local time Oct 21 9AM) Hirst (Blue Mountains,
NSW, Australia) saw a large part of the Moon covered with a dark shadow
that was as dark as the Earth's shadow would have been if there had
been an eclipse. Cameron says that this is a confirmed observation.
Note that the Moon was just before first quarter. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=215 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT 19:25-23:43 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 10" reflector,
seeing II-III) found that Aristarchus was very bright in Earthshine
(also found on the photographs that he took), giving off a blue
"incadescence", the CED brightness reading was 5. Occasionally Foley
could see a star-like point in the south east corner. For comparison in
brightness he used highland terrain near to Grimaldi (CED=2). By
comparison, Buczynski and Lord, could not see Aristarchus. Earlier,
Geenwood saw the crater easily as a star-like point with a diffuse
exterior glow. Cameron says thyat this was confirmed by Buczynski and
Lord (?). At 20:35UT Amery decided that Aristarchus looked brighter
than normal. Pedler though described the crater as "small dim nebulous
blue or blue-green" that was invisible by 20:27UT. At 20:28-22:01 Blair
could not detect Aristarchus, nor could J-H Robinson at 20:40UT though
he did see it at 20:55UT as both diffuse and blue. Ricketts detected a
blow glow with irregularly spaced flashes of roughly 5-10 sec apart.
Cook's at Frimley, UK, saw no features in Earthshine. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=88 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Nov 15 at UT 02:20-03:20 Lagunas (Santiago, Chile, 10"
reflector) observed some brightenings in Aristarchus during the Apollo
12 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1209 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT 19:45-22:45 M.C.Cook (Frimley, UK) - colour
(probably spurious) seen on Piccolomini. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=88 and
weight=4. 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.
Apianus D On 2011 Oct 03 UT 21:00-21:20 F. Power (Meath,
Ireland, 11" SCT) observed changing colours (blue, white, and
red) on the inner western rim of this crater. He changed
eyepieces and moved the scope around to look at dufferent parts
of the Moon, but nowhere else exhibited anything similar. As
another test he asked his wife to have a look without telling
her what he was seeing. She confirmed the same effect. 5 digital
camera images had been taken. Most of these were out of focus
and the first one was saturated, however one of them showed a
approximately 35 km long, by 11 km wide (at the north) lopsided
carrot shaped orange colour to the western rim of Apianus D. No
similar strong colour could be seen anywhere else on the image,
nor on the other 4 images. This TLP is being given an ALPO/BAA
weight of 1 as the Moon was low, but an image taken looks
interesting.
On 1988 Nov 15 UT 19:15 Holmes (Rockdale, UK, 215mm Newtonian) noticed
the Censorinus apron (just east of the crater and including the rim)
was fuzzy but the crater was clear - a sketch was provided. A BAA Lunar
Section observation.Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID=339 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1992 Oct 04 at UT 02:15-03:18 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x80) found that Eimmart crater was brighter in blue light
than in red light - however Cape Agarum, and Mare Crisium were too. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=454 and the weight=4. The AlPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1992 Oct 04 at UT 02:15-03:18 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x80) found that Mare Crisium was brighter in blue light
than in red light - however Cape Agarum, and Eimmart were too. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=454 and the weight=4. The AlPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1992 Oct 04 at UT 02:15-03:18 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x80) found that Mons Piton was very bright and was equal
to Proclus (brightness of 9) in white light and 7.5 in violet, and 9.3
in red (Proclus was 9.2 in red). Ïn blue both features = (9?). "points
on Piton affected were B, D, and C (S, W & N resp.) D in violet was
fuzzy - ill defined". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=454 and the weight=4.
The AlPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1992 Oct 04 at UT 02:15-03:18 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x80) found that Promontorium Agarum was brighter in blue
light than in red light - however Mare Crisium and Eimmart were too.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=454 and the weight=4. The AlPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1983 Mar 21 at UT 21:05-22:00 P. Horne and J. Horne (Hertz, England,
UK, 11" reflector, x180 and x330) found that Mons Piton (totally
illuminated and brightest feature on the Moon - but no variability) was
brighter than Aristarchus (would have been if it had been in sunlight)
and the mountain was contained within a circular illuminated patch.
"Brilliant white and no shadow. Size ~16km." There was no details
visible but the adjacent features had distinct shadows. Hutton was also
observing. Foley examined the photographs and believes that they are
inconclusive. D. Mansbridge was photographing the Moon at 19:30UT and
detects Piton but it is not bright. However in a photograph taken by D.
Mansbrdige and 20:30UT the mountain is much brighter than any other
sunward facing slopses on the northern part of the Moon's terminator.
R. Mosley had been observing earlier at 18:10-19:40 and although
finding the mountain to be shining briliantly beyond the terminator, he
also comments that this is normal. Cameron though has seen the
photographs taken and thinks it might be a real TLP. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=208 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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 1988 Nov 16 at UT 18:20 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) observed that a ray
north east of censorinus appeared to be very diffuse and this did not
change during the observation. This was odd because proclus ray
material remained clear. The apron material of Censorinus was diffuse
E-W and the northern part was dull, but not fuzzy. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=340 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Nov 16 at UT 18:20 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) observed that
Torricelli B changed in brightness (at times), but thinks that this was
due to atmospheric transparency. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=340 and
the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Near Ross D (24E, 11N) 1964 Mar 21 UT 05:00-06:20 Observed by
Harris, Crow, Cross (Whittier, CA, USA) - negative confirmation
from Las Cruces. NASA catalog weight=0 (unreliable). NASA catalog
ID #805. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1789 Jul 30 UTC 21:00? Observed by Schroter (Lilienthal, Germany)
NASA Catalog Event #61, NASA Weight=2 (slightly low) Event described
as: "Soon after sunrise saw a kind of fermentation on the floor which
clearly resembled a kind of twilight, (due to some kind of aberration
unknown to the observer?)" For further details see reference:
Middlehurst, B.M., Burley, J.M., Moore, P.A. and Welther, B.L., 1968,
NASA TR R-277.
Sulpicius Gallus 1867 Jun 10 UT 22:00? Observed by Dawes
(England?) "3 distinct roundish black spots. Absent on 13th"
NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #184. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1969 Nov 18 at UT 00:30-02:30 W. Cameron (Greenbelt, MD, USA, 12"
reflector, x80 and x320) using a low power eyepiece, observed that
bright craters (but not all of them) "glittered like diamonds". These
craters were several on the terminator, Proclus, Censorinus, Manillius,
Menelaus and Dionysius. The glitter effect was on the west wall crest
-- like stars. Higher power revealed these areas to be bright but not
star-like (nor glittering). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1212 and the
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Eratosthenes 1976 Aug 04 UTC 02:07 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, S=6, T=3, 4.5" reflector 40-450x) "faint spot of light 4 deg
bright seen in shadow on pos. of c.p. which is normally invis. At base
of inner NW wall a faint bluish radiance (gas?) was observed". NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1439.
Eratosthenes 1952 Nov 25 UT 16:30 A.P. Lenham (Swindon, UK, 3-
inch refractor x150, Definition Good) noted that there was
faint/slightly bright detail inside the interior shadow -
observer comments "presumably peaks of central mountains & W.
Wall ridge, but very faint" - however this is worth checking
out. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Plato 1970 Dec 07/08 UT 23:30-00:45 UT Observed by Fitton (Oldham,
England, 8.5" refkector, x200, S=G) "Floor blank, yet some craters
should be vis. Outer wall craters showed clearly. (similar to
Bartlett's obs on Nov. 8th, #1278" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1279.
Aristillus 1939 Jul 26 UT 02:30 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA, 12?"
reflector) "Dark area to W. part of floor was I=3.7. (see #450, 459 &
461). Used diff. telescopes but can not explain difference)" NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #454.
On 1936 Oct 25 at 01:35 UT W. Haas (Alliance, OH, USA, 12"
reflector) saw small bright spots on the floor of Eratosthenes,
(Pickering's atlas 9A, col. 30deg, shows no spots - according to
Cameron). Cameron 1978 catalog TLP=417 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Copernicus 1966 Mar 01-02 UT 22:06-09:45 Observed by Lovell (Auburn,
OH, 4" refractor, x120m S=E, T=3.5) "As sun rose higher, west (ast.?)
outer wall was bathed in a soft viol. color -- not in evidence on flat
ground below the wall" NASA catalog weight=3, NASA catalog ID #922.
Alphonsus 1969 Nov 19 UT 03:30 Observed by Argus/Astronet (CA?, USA)
Brightening in W. rim & S. central floor, seen by 2 obs. (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight 3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1219.
Daniell 1979 Jun 05 UT 20:15-21:10 Observed by Price (Camberley,
England, 152mm reflector x64 and x128, seeing III, transparency good)
"Obscuration seen" BAA Lunar Section report.
Daniell 1979 Jun 05 UT 20:15-23:00 Observed by Price (Camberley,
England, 152mm reflector x64 and x128, seeing III, transparency good)
observed that Posidonius lacked sharpness.
U.K. observers: G. North and P. Foley, both saw a wisp of blue
associated with this crater. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=209 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Ramsden 1999 May 25 UT 20:57-21:22 Observed by Brook
(Plymouth, UK, 4" refractor, x216, seeing II-III) "Bright spot
on W wall - brightness variation seen. - At the start it was
bright, then it faded, and towards the end of the observation
it was starting to brighten again". BAA Lunar Section
observation. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
At approximately 18:43UT observer noticed that Censorinus, and
its bright apron, appeared particularly brighter than normal.
There was some spurious colour present - but just a redness
along the southernmost extent of the apron visible; could not
detect any blue along the northern edge however, he did do not
suspect the colour to be anomalous. A re-examination at 18:51UT
revealed that the crater had faded and was seen to fade visibly
in real time to normal levels (over about a minute) by 18:53UT.
Other features remained constant and so too did the apparent
spurious colour.
Plato. 2024 Nov 11 UT 20:33-20:52. T.Smith (Codnor, UK - 16
inch Newtonian, seeing IV) the inner northern rim was an
orange-white colour and this faded, and had vanished by 20:52.
Observation ceased at 20:56. the effect was not present
earlier at 17:49-18:04, nor during a visual check at
23:14-23:24. No other features on the Moon exhibited this
effect at the time. Colour imagery by C.Longthorn at 20:14 and
A.Cook at 20:54 failed to detect any colour in this region,
but these lay outside Smith's observing window. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Bullialdus 1979 Jun 05 UT 22:00-23:00 Observed by Cook M.C.
and J.D. (Frimley, UK, 12-inch reflector, Seeing III-IV, good
transparency). MC Cook observed internittently over this time
period (due to cloud) and found the crater sharper in a blue
filter than in a red filter. No obscuration seen apart from a
darkish patch on the SW rim and spreading over onto an area
surrounding the rim, which she took to be shadow, though the
main shadow was along the east rim of the crater. JD. Cook
observed an orange colouration seen on eastern and the cleft
on the SW rim. Dark area seen on southern floor of crater,
south of central peak. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Barker's Quadrangle (Capuanus) 26W, 34S 1949 Feb 9 UT 20:00?
Observed by Moore (England, 12" reflector) :Quadrangle not seen,
apparently misty. (quad. in Capuanus? see Wilkins & Moore, The
Moon, p124)" NASA catalog ID=514, weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3..
M. Cook of Frimley, UK, noticed Torricelli B to have a blue
tinge inside and outside. No colour had been noticed earlier
on 19-21 Mar. Cameron reports also in her catalog that the halo
around Torricelli B had lost its brilliance as seen on 29th Mar.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=210 and weight=5 - apparently being
confirmed by Marshall, Mobberley and Foley. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Torricelli B 2005 Jan 22 UT 01:00 Observed by Serio (Houston, TX, USA,
6" Cassegrain, x150 and x180, Seeing 3, high deck of Cirrus clouds)
"Torricelli B hard to make out in the videos taken, but images taken
through cloud. A check on the image received by the coordinator shows
that Torricelli B is in fact visible, but perhaps not very bright. A
later observational sequence of images by Raul Salvo (Montevideo,
Uraguay UT 03:15-03:23) showed similarly that Torricelli B was dark,
and there was some brightness variability although the
background setting on these was low" An ALPO report.
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.
At 03:30UT observer noticed a hint of yellow colour
on the floor of the crater and by 03:57UT the south
east and central parts of the floor and the circular
feature on the south west floor had turned a deep
yellow colour. The rest of the crater remained colourless.
Other craters also remained colourless. By 04:05UT the colour
was fading and by 04:15UT it was gone. Maurice Collins
in New Zealand took some low resolution colour images about
4 hours later but these failed to show any yellow colour.
Zac Pujic obtained colour images at a different time of
natural surface colour on the Moon and finds that Bullialdus
does actually have a natural yellow cast to most of the floor.
However this does not explain the variability in colour strength
seen by Robin Gray. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.