Plato - Hibbard (Orlando, FL, USA, 2.5 inch refractor, NASA
catalog quotes: "Whole crater had a bluish tinge, (photos
obtained but out-of-focus -- chrom. aberr?" - NASA catalog
weight=1, NASA catalog ID 903. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Feb 27 at UT21:26-23:32 P.W. Foley (Wilmington, Dartford, Kent,
U.K., 12" reflector) picked up a colour Moonblink blink (brighter in
blue) in Plato crater at 21:36, 22:15 and 23:32UT extended from 11 - 3
o'clock along entire area inside the crater - the effect was
particularly diffuse and obscure, despite the surrounding localities
being sharp. The effect was seen visually and was continuous. A check
was made on star images and these were found to be very sharp and not
pulsating, thuis indicating good atmospheric conditions. This is a BAA
Lunar Section report. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1975 Feb 27/28 UT 22:00-01:00 Observers: Robinson
(Teignmouth, England - 10" reflector), Fitton (Lancashire, England -
8" reflector), Amery (Reading, England - 8" reflector), Mills
Observatory (Dundee, Scotland, 10" reflector) - NASA catalog states:
"Robinson at 2200h got blink on E.wall, stong at 200x till 2225h.
(Fitton) at 2200h (moon low) at 200x saw vivid blue to N., vivid yellow
& orange to S. in Aris., Proc., Menelaus, & many other bright craters
til 2300h. Then Aris. less blue & mare obj. no colors. No blinks in
these craters. No obscur. Polariz. normal till 2330h using many
rotations. At 2330h Aris. blue in N. but fainter. Only Proc. remained
blue till 0020h (28th). Photo-electric scan at 2340h was normal for
Aris. (600 microamps) compared with Tycho (900 microamps), total of 10
scans. all neg. with 15km resolution. Blink neg. but blue still vis. in
N. in white light till 0030h. At 0100h (S=III at 200x) Proc. clear of
blue, Aris. nearly clear, blink neg. (Amery) at 2310h saw blue on N.rim
of Aris., no color in other craters at 300x. No blink in Aris. S. part
of Aris. indistinct but abnormal. No blink till 2350h. (Mills
Observatory) at 0000h checking rep'ts got blink in S.part of Aris. Blue
only in N.part. Similar blue in bright craters in E.hemisphere & blue
halo on S.limb till 0020h. Concluded due to optical effects. Fitton
says due to atm. effects from high press. sys. W. of obs (blue on one
rim & red on other due to chrom. aberr. ? If spurios, should get no
blink & similar crater conditions should exhibit same phenomena all
over Moon). NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog TLP ID No.
1400. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1975 Feb 27/28 UTC 22:00-01:00 Observers: (Fitton) at 2200h
(moon low) at 200x saw vivid blue to N., vivid yellow & orange to S. in
Aris., Proc., Menelaus, & many other bright craters til 2300h. Then
Aris. less blue & mare obj. no colors. No blinks in these craters. No
obscur. Polariz. normal till 2330h using many rotations. Only Proc.
remained blue till 0020h (28th). Photo-electric scan at 2340h was
normal for Aris. (600 microamps) compared with Tycho (900 microamps),
total of 10 scans. all neg. with 15km resolution. Blink neg. but blue
still vis. in N. in white light till 0030h. At 0100h (S=III at 200x)
Proc. clear of blue, Aris. nearly clear, blink neg. Concluded due to
optical effects. Fitton says due to atm. effects from high press. sys.
W. of obs (blue on one rim & red on other due to chrom. aberr. ? If
spurious, should get no blink &similar crater conditions should exhibit
same phenomena all over Moon). NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA
catalog TLP ID No. #1400.
Aristarchus (Bartlett, 1965 Oct 12 UTC 02:15-20:25, 5 inch
reflector x280) - NASA catalog quotes "Nimbus was only a dark
violet hue". NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #904.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1967 Sep 20 UT 21:11-21:46 Observer: Moore & Moseley
(Armagh, N.Ireland, 10" refractor, x254) "Faint blink & red
glow SSW of c.p. at 2111h. At 2118 was fading & moving
slightly N. Gone at 2110. At 2122h suspected blink close to
SW of c.p. Gone at 2123h. At 2143 both obs. suspected a faint
blink someway W of c.p. Lasted only 2.5m. Other craters
examined with no LTP. Observers are dubious of regularity of
phenom". NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1048.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Oct 15 at UT06:03-06:51 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor, seeing=1-2 and transparency=5) observed that the brightenss
of 4 sun lit bright spots differed in red and blue light. "Appeared as
a cross. the 2 points A & D on his sketch (index) were affceted. They
were 10 pts dimmer in red than blue. Not due to seeing as they did not
fluctuate (as did the seeing)." This report came from the Cameron 2006
catalog and had an ID No. of 156 and a weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 May 19 at UT 01:00-02:05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector,
x260) saw at 01:25UT an unmistakable red-orange glow on the south and
south-east rim with the "Spur". Apparently Chapman (Kent, UK) detected
it easily. At 01:33UT the colour was barely visible. No TLP alert was
issued because the souther edge of Mons Pico also exhibited a hint of
colour, and anyway the seeing conditions were poor. Despite this no
other features revealed colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=446 and the
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1992 May 19 at UT 01:00-02:05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector,
x260) noted that the southern slope of Mons Pico had a tint of colour.
No other features revealed colour apart from Aristarcus, where a TLP
was going on. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=446 and the weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2009 Apr 12 at UT 00:00 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 2" refractor, x25,
Edmund Optics filter No. 80 (blue) and No. 47 (light rose/purple))
noted that the rays of Proclus stood out better in light rose/purple
than in blue. Not just the rays crossing Mare Crisium. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Lichtenberg area 1940 Oct 18 UT 07:11 Observed by Barcroft
(Madera, CA, USA, 6" reflector) "Pronouced reddish-brown or
orange color, less marked on next nite, & slight on 22nd, see
#'s 477, 478." NASA catalog weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2. NASA
catalog ID #476.
Aristarchus 1970 Apr 23 UTC 07:00
Observed by Thomas
Alphonsus 1966 Sep 02 UTC 03:16-04:18 Observed by Whippey (Northolt,
UK, 3" refractor) & Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24"
reflector) "A series of weak glows, final flash at 0418h. Not confirmed
by Corralitos MB" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID 971.
Aristarchus and vicinity 1975 Feb 28 UT 03:20-03:45 Observers LeCroy
Jr & Sr (Springfield, VA, USA). NASA catalog states: "Orange flash in
crater that then spread over whole crater then turned to bluish haze at
0320h. Couldn't see surface underneath. All W. hemisphere was brighter
than normal. Blue was only on Aris. Rest of Moon was examined for
phenom. but none seen elsewhere. Gone by 0343h (just a few hrs after
Eng. obs. -- not likely U.S. obs. had temp. inversion high press. sys.
W. of him too). 4.5" reflector 45x, 150x. NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog TLP ID No. #1401. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
In 1790 Mar 03 at 22:00 UT Wilkins (England?) observed Herschel's 1787
lumninous point (Aristarchus) in the same place. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=67 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1966 Sep 02 UT 22:55-02:55 Observed by Moseley, Moore,
Gill, Harris, Frost and Hall (Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10"
refractor + Moon Blink, Seeing=fair) and by Cave (England using
a Moon blink) "Eng. Moonblink sys. detected red glows on c.p. &
around it; seen vis. too. (Corralitos obs.at the time? did not
see anything?)" Note that the Arnagh observers were all using
the same telesope, The observing times of M. Cave are not given
but they saw a blink SW of the central peaks. NASA catalog ID
972. NASA catalog weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Atlas 1969 Aug 01 UT 03:36-04:00 Observed by Pither
(Nottinghamshire, England) NASA catalog reports: "Eng. moon
blink in crater at 0336h close to E. wall, NE of central
feature. Oval in shape & dirty brownish color & hazy. Started
fading at 0345h but may have been due to dawn, Neg results on
other features, (Apollo 11 watch)." 12" x450 reflector used.
NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog TLP ID No. #1195.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Aug 01 UTC 04:40-05:38 Observed by C. Pamplona
e J. Barbosa(Fortaleza, Brazil using 12" x235 and 5" x100
reflectors) - NASA catalog reports: "Enhanced area in SE wall,
no pulsation, no color. Usually NW wall is brightest. After
0538h NW region was brightest again, (Apollo 11 watch, indep.
confirm. ?)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog TLP ID No. #
1196. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1966 Sep 03 UT 01:11-01:46 Observers: Moore (Armagh, N.
Ireland, 5 & 12" reflectors), Moseley (Armagh, N. Ireland, 10"
refractor), Corralitos Observatory (B.Middlehurst, Organ Pass,
NM, USA, 24" reflector), Cave , Gill (UK? 6" reflector x365),
"Eng. moon blink sys. detected red glows on c.p. & round it.
Independently seen by Cave. Not confirmed by Corralitos M.B."
NASA catalog ID#975, NASA weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Macrobius 1971 Mar 15 UT 02:07-03:15 Observed by Sparks (Exmouth, UK,
6" reflector x400) "Strong pink color extending whole curve of crater's
illum. wall, starting & ending in shadow side. Color grew deeper, then
faded & ended at 0315h. Changed eyepieces. No other feature had this
tho. looked for. Survived many separate powers of eyepieces."
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1289.
In 1963 Oct 05/06 at UT 23:35-00:45 Scarfe (Cambridge, UK, 36"
reflector, transparency: hazy - high cirrus) observed very strong
luminescence at 50% of the total light (recorded photo-electrically) at
Hydrogen alpha (656nm), Sodium-D (589nm) and Fe(RMT 15) 539.71nm,
542.97nm, 543.45nm, 544.69nm, 550.15nm, and 550.68nm. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID= and weight=5. The effect was especially strong in
Aristarchus at 545.0nm. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=776 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
In 1963 Oct 05/06 at UT 23:35-00:45 Scarfe (Cambridge, UK, 36"
reflector, transparency: hazy - high cirrus) observed very strong
luminescence in Copernicus at 50% of the total light (recorded photo-
electrically) at Hydrogen alpha (656nm), Sodium-D (589nm) and Fe(RMT
15) 539.71nm, 542.97nm, 543.45nm, 544.69nm, 550.15nm, and 550.68nm. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and weight=5. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=776
and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
In 1963 Oct 05/06 at UT 23:35-00:45 Scarfe (Cambridge, UK, 36"
reflector, transparency: hazy - high cirrus) observed very strong
luminescence in Kepler at 50% of the total light (recorded photo-
electrically) at Hydrogen alpha (656nm), Sodium-D (589nm) and Fe(RMT
15) 539.71nm, 542.97nm, 543.45nm, 544.69nm, 550.15nm, and 550.68nm. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and weight=5. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=776
and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1970 Apr 24 UTC 07:00
Observed by Thomas
On 2009 Jun 11 at UT01:00-01:15 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 2" refractor,
x25, seeing excellent and no cloud or haze) obsrved fluctuations in the
brightness of Aristarchus crater. No brightness fluctuations were seen
elsewhere. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1961 Nov 27 UTC 23:30 Observed by Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet
Union) described in NASA catalog as: "Emission lines in spectrum of
c.p. in red & blue, H2 identified, (he had obtained C2 & Swan bands in
Alphonsus in '58 & '59" 50" reflector used. NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog TLP ID No. #755.
Plato 1982 Sep 07 UT 0330-0430. K.P. Marshall (Columbia, 12"
reflector, seeing III) saw no craterlets on the floor of Plato,
but what he considered unusual was an extremely bright short
section of the north rim of Plato - far brighter than, any other
part of the rim, and only slightly less bright than Mons Piton.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plinius 1889 Sep 13 UTC 23:00? Observed by Thury (Geneva,
Switzerland) NASA Catalog Event #265, NASA Weight=3 (Average)
Event described as: "Unusual black spot with intensely white 4"
border over CP. Normal aspect is 2 craters. #260 says that
Gaudibert saw same thing in Sep. - confirmed". References:
Nature 41, 183, 1890 (April). The ALPO/BAA weight=1, this is
probably perfectly normal.
Plato 1915 Apr 03 UTC 23:00? Observed by Markov (Russia) NASA
catalog describes observation: "Appearance of bright spots
that could even be seen in a 43mm (2-in) tube" 2" refractor
used. NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog TLP ID NO. #350.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
1886 Oct 16 UTC 22:00 Observed by Lihou (France?) "Unusual phenomena ?
(drawing)" Ref Sirius, Vol 20, 45 p69 (1887). NASA catalog weight=1
(very low). NASA catalog ID #252. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Mar 02 at UT05:00-06:18 P.W.Foley (Wilmington, Dartford,
Kent, UK, 12" reflector) observed blueness along the southern
wall of Plato. This is a BAA observation. Note that it
is assumed that this is the same as Cameron's catalog 1975
Mar 02 UT 01:00 or 23:00 report by an Unknown English Observer
who apparently observed colour in Plato (Red or violet). The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1402 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
1964 Jul 29 UT 05:40-06:06 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA) "Nimbus only -- dark viol. hue. S.floor granulated, dull --
6 bright. Faint yellow-brown tinge. Rest of crater 8." S=6, T=3-
2. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #838. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 20 UTC 03:00-05:00 Observed by Foley (Kent, UK, no
spurious colour, Seeing Antoniadi II and transparency good.) -
colouration seen: very bright violet spot on the north west interior.
No brightness variations seen. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=44 and
weight=. The ALPO/BAA weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1979 Nov 09 at 10:30-11:05UT D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, S=
4-2/10, T=P) detected a rapid fade in brightness of south and north
sunlit slopes of Mons Piton. Then the western flank faded and became
obscured in detail. The variations detected were approximately 5 sec in
duration, where as seeing effects were of the order of 15 sec. Mons
Pico and other mountains did not show a similar effect. "It was seen
only in viol. filter tho once seemed blurred in red. No changes,
dimming was like a veil of mist covering the mtn - swiftly, then
dissipating as rapidly. Sketch. Phenomenon went on & off till 11:00UT.
Cloud was cir. In viol & spreadover mtn in 2s. Saw 6 rapid, spinning
motions within the cloud like an explosion or tornado seen from above.
Blurring in red was more elongated. Motion across it was like a heat
wave. Whole event lasted ~35m but disappeared in a few secs. Albedos
7.4 cp, 7.5 pt A, 7 pt B." Cameron 2005 catalog ID=75 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1890 Oct 03 at UT 22:00 Muller of Germany saw in Posidonius an
unusual shadow (Moon low? and crater in dark part-terminator 2 deg past
west wall - according to Cameron). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=267 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Copernicus 1955 May 12 UTC 03:40 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, UK,
6.5" reflector x70) "Pico was invis. in violet filter. Copernicus was
bright in it." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #591.
Mt Pico 1955 May 12 UTC 03:40 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, UK,
6.5" reflector x70) "Pico was invis. in violet filter. Copernicus
was bright in it." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #591.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Agrippa 1966 Sep 05 UTC 04:47-05:00 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector, 283x) "Within the wall shadow, the landslip was
faintly illum., est. at 4, & distinctly brownish". S=6-1, T=3-1. NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #975.
On 1985 Sep 04 at UT 22:15 A.V. Arkhipov (Russia) detected a bright
flash in Mare Tranquilitatis that lasted < 1 second and had a diameter
of < 2 arc seconds i.e. the limit of seeing resolution. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=280 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1958 Dec 02 at UT 06:00 an unknown observer detected a TLP on the
Moon. The reference for this is from Palm, 1967 Icarus. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=709 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Mar 04 at UT03:46-06:01 P.W.Foley (Wilmington, Dartford,
Kent, UK, 12" reflector) observed bluesness along the southern
wall of Plato. This is a BAA observation. The Cameron 1978
catalogue ID is #1403 and has a weight of 1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
1965 Oct 16 UTC 08:05-10:00 Observed by McLarin (Huntsville, AL, 20"
reflector), Bates, Hall (Prt. Tobacco, MD, 16" reflector), Hardie
(Nashville, TE, 30" reflector) "Color flashing pulsations
intermittently detected by Trident MB device in Huntsville but not seen
in Md, or vis. by Hardie when alerted. Pulsations in Cassini different
from atmosphere" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #906.
On 1975 Mar 04 UT 04:01-05:30 P.W. Foley (Wilmington, Dartford, Kent,
UK, 12" reflector, seeing excellent, no turbulence, slight frost and
mist) had a suspicion of blue on the entire north wall of Aristarchus
crater - not seen visually but detected with a Moon Blink device.
Crater extremely bright and unable to penetrate it visually.
Surrounding areas charp. No red/orange on south wall. All other areas
proved negative. Photographs taken. No change in appearance over this
time. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1959 Oct 23 UT 02:10-02:35 Observed by Kozyrev
(Crimea, Soviet Union, 50" reflector) "Red glows, emiss.
spect. got C2, C3 (Moore obs. 0100-0300 & saw nothing unusual
in an 8.5" reflector)" NASA catalog ID=723. NASA catalog
weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Triesnecker 1966 Jul 10 UTC 02:00-02:15 Observed by Allen (Cambridge,
England) and other observations by Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass,
NM, USA). Described in NASA catalog as: "Faint illum. of a ridge in
shadow; faded quickly (in BAA judged dubious). Not confirmed by
Corralitos MB." 12?" refractor (x280) used at Cambridge and at
Corralitos 24" reflector. NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog TLP ID No. #956.
In 1930 Sep 15 at UT00:00 Vasilev (Russia) observed the following in
Alphonsus crater: "During SS there was a triangular spot nr. W. wall
until merging with shad. of wall (normal?) (date wrong as age is 3.2d &
should be @ 23d. 9/15/30 would be correct: aux. data for 15th". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=0. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=398 and
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Dec 11 at 05:05-05:28 UT A. Crotts (Princton, NJ, USA, CCD
camera and spectrophotometer) "Spectral Photometer recording - digital
pics. With spectral slit. CED eff 2%." Cameron 2006 catalog ID=77 and
weight=5.
On 1979 Dec 11 at 05:05-05:28 UT A. Crotts (Princton, NJ, USA, CCD
camera and spectrophotometer) TLP detected in Mersenius : "Spectral
Photometer recording - digital pics. With spectral slit. CED eff 2%."
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=77 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1994 Apr 03 at 11:23UT D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA) noticed that
Copernicus crater had a red spot on the west wall (found using Moon
Blink filters Wratten 29 and Wratten 38). The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1970 Jul 26 UT 15:00? Observed by Sekiyuchi (Tokyo, Japan,
36" reflector) "Polarimetric and photoeletric anomalies on Moon" NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1268. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Aristarchus 1965 Oct 18 UTC 07:30-07:36 Observed by George, Dervas
(Huntsville, Alabama, 20" reflector x125) "Color with intermittent
displays, detected with Trident MB device. Observers dubious. NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #907.
Copernicus 1955 May 15 UTC 03:30 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, UK,
6.5" reflector x70) "Almost as bright in violet filter as Aristarchus"
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #592.
On 2009 Jun 16 at UT 03:20-03:40 P. Morgan (UK, 30.5cm reflector, x400,
seeing=6/10 and transparency=5/5) observed a large diffuse ashen-like
effect over the shadow filled floor of Plato. The effect was lighter
towards the south. Observer checked the effect with both left and right
eyes and it remained the same. Unusually no shadow spires from rim
moutain peaks were seen. A check for colour in the region effected
revealed none. As time progressed, terrestrial twilight encroached. A
sketch was made. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1983 Aug 03 UT 0305-0400 Observed by R,Moseley
(Coventry, UK, 6" reflector, seeing II, Transparency very good).
At the start of the observation, the NE wall and immediate
exterior was the brightest area visible (this is normal) and
seemed tinged with a faint blue/violet. At 03:45 the impression
of colour was fading in the brightening sky, but by 03:55 the
colour was back again with a faint violet/purple surrounding the
whole formation from E clockwise to N. The observer found it
difficult to decide whether it was really a colour on the Moon,
or an optical illusion. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1965 Aug 21 UTC 06:55-08:05 Observed by Gilheany, Johnson, Segerstrom
(Port Tobacoo, MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "Color patch
detected by Trident; MB device. Color was pink. Astronauts on Gemini 5
saw terrestrial auroras from space on this date". 16" reflector used.
NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID No.#890.
On 1788 May 01 at UT 01:00? Schroter (Lilienthal, Germany, reflector
used) observed a small depression near Aristarchus, 1, that had a
strong glimmer. The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 and ID=45. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gauss 1968 Sep 18 UT 08:00? Observed by Chilton (Hamilton, Canada, 11"
reflector) "Observing thru polaroid filter, E. (IAU?) wall was invis;
but became vis. when filter was rotated, indicating refl. of polarized
light. Same area examined since, but no such phenomenon." NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1090.
On 1988 Apr 18 at UT 19:00 R. Manske (Madison, WI, USA) observed that
Aristarchus? was glowing in Earthshine. Weier (Madison, WI, USA)
detected it easily in 7x50 binouculars. Spain (Fairfield, KY, USA)
though detected no TLP, nor could he see Aristarchus. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=324 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Feb 28 at UT 00:05-00:13 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, c36) observed Aristarchus "flare up several times 2x >
before". Cameron suspects that this is due to cloud cover reflectivity
on the limb of the Earth. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=391 and the
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Feb 28 at UT 00:05-00:13 D. Fryback (Madison, WI, USA, 8"
reflector) noted that Lambert crater looked like a 9th magnitude star-
like point of light. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=391 and the weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
north shore looked unusually bright compared to other similar
features. BAA Lunar Section observation. ALPO/BAA weight=0.
Proclus 1955 May 25 UT 19:30 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England,
6.5" reflector x240, seing=very good) "E. (IAU?) wall equally bright in
red and green filters, dull in blue, invisible in violet. (in p.c. time
given is 0730UT, but must have been 7:30PM loc. time." NASA catalog
weight=4 (good). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=594 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Bright spot (in dark part of Moon - confirmation of Arkhipov?). Cameron
1978 catalog weight=5 and Cameron 1978 catalog serial No. 418,
On 1970 Jul 07 at UT 23:00-23:30 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=good) observed the following in
Aristarchus: "Similar conditions as last night (#1264) but diminished
in brightness to 40% (to 6deg bright. Real phenom. in the dimming?)".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1265 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1990 Jun 27 at UT02:17-03:00 D. Darling (Sparta, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x36) reported that the crater had "Flared up at 0225 as a
point of light then went down" - the effect was fairly brief.
Earthshine was quite clearly seen and all features elsewhere were
normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=405 and the weight=0. The ALPo/BAA
weight=1.
On 1885 Feb 19 at UT 19:00-20:00, Gray of England?, saw a small crater
(in it?) that was dull red with vivid contrast. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID is 247 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1970 Jul 08 at UT 23:00-23:30 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=excellent) observed the following at
Aristarchus: "Conditions again similar (to #1264). Brighter tonite(8
deg) than last nite. but not as bright as on the 6th. Pin pts. of light
very accentuated. The radial open hand extended fingers form not so
frequently, perhaps because of the larger crescent illum. now.".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1266 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
McClure vicinity 1976 Apr 04 UT 19:36-2009 Observed by McKay
(England, 3" refractor, x160), Savill (England, 10x50
binoculars), Moore (Sussex, England, 15" reflector, x360, seeing
II), Buss (England, 6" reflector), Brady (England, 8"
reflector), Ross (England), Foley (Kent, England, 12" reflector)
"Noted a fuzzy, glowing spot at 1936h at 160x. 2 min later, spot
grew larger & flashed up to very bright. Changed power to 106x,
& 80x, still vis. Spot faded 10 m later, then suddenly flashed
up again. 5 m later it faded again & disappeared at 1959h. At
2006h returned to fuzzy, glowing spot then disappeared at 2009h,
never to reappear. Some obs. confirmed, others did not. Photos
afterward don't show anything, nor did blink aftwerward." Moore
though nothing unusual. NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #
1431. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1965 Oct 30 at UT 0200 Eastman (Palos Verdes, CA, USA, 12"
reflector) observed a brightening in Aristarchus in ashen light. The
photographs that were taken show it. The phenomenon was seen each
lunation since July. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=908 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1855 Jun 20 at UT 21:00 T.W. Webb (England) observed a trace of
twilight (Cameron says also seen by Gruithuisen, Henry and others at
times). Webb gives a low weight to his own observation, saying "for
want of better optical means". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=130 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1965 Oct 30 at 23:30-23:50UT Fehring and Garris (Parasmus, NJ, USA,
using a 2.4" refractor x88, seeing very good) saw a fuzzy area --
variations in shape and distinctness, seen in an area east of Atlas
crater. A drawing was made. It was noted that no other area had a
similar effect. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=909 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1994 Apr 17 at UT02:00 R. Zit (Madison, WI, USA) whilst observing a
grazing lunar occultation, found that Aristarchus (and the surrounding
region) was glowing in Earthshine. This was confirmed by D. Weier
(Madison, WI, USA) at 02:00 UT also. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1881 May 04 at UT 20:00? Trouvelot (Meudon, France)
observed an unexplained light inside Eudoxus crater. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=222 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 2012 Mar 28 at UT 20:45-20:50 Two unknown Italian
observers, reported on an on-line formum that they had
independently seen a distinct glow with a comma/drop shape.
One of them moved the Moon and the glow moved with the Moon.
It is uncertain how experienced the observers where. A chart
was provided which shows the lcoation of the glow in the
western side of Mare Imbrium. It is just possible that this
was Aristarchus in Earthshine, though that is very slightly
further west and south than the observers reported. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 2012 Mar 28 P. Grego (Cornwall, UK, seeing II, 100mm
refractor, x132) observed a patch of light just inside the NW
rim of Menelaus on the shadowed wall or floor. Computer
visulaiztions of the illumination conditions using a digital
elevation model failed to produce this effect. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Pitiscus 1981 Sep 05 UT ??:?? but assumed to be AM? which would make
it 00:00-03:00UTC. Observed by Slayton (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA,
8" reflector, ASA 64EK7 f/170, Kodak Kodachrome) photographed a bright
glow in the crater that appeared to move. Observer also reported seeing
it visually noting that it looked gray with a tinge of red. For further
information see p266 of Sky & Telescope (1991, March). Note that
Cameron gives the date and UT at 1981 Sep 06 UT 01:00-01:30, or one day
later. I will use this date and time from now on. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=152 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1877 Mar 21 UT 20:00? Observed by Barrett (England?)
described in NASA catalog as: "Brilliant illum. -- not from
sun". NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog event ID=#188.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Albategnius 1972 Jun 18 UTC 19:20-19:25 Observed by Schnuchel (13.25E,
52.5N, 20x60 binoculars?) "Bright area at the inner N wall, diminution
of brightness well observable" S=4 T=4. Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon &
Planets (1984) Vol 30, pp53-61.
Proclus 1972 Jun 18 UTC 20:50-21:15 Observed by Kern (8.75E, 48.25N,
60mm refractor) "Yellow to white bright pattern at the NW wall, visible
only occasionally" S=4, T=3 Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon & Planets
(1984) Vol 30, pp53-61.
Plato 1918 May 20 UT 18:00? Observed by Markov (Russia) "Brightness in
shadow of the light sector & 1 spot" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #369. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1970 Jul 11 UT 20:35-20:45 Observed by Dean, Jamieson,
Sparks (Ruislip, ------, England, 6" relector x156) "Dean saw
something in Proclus, alerted Jamieson who saw nothing unusual
at 2043h, but tho't Secchi was quite bright. At 2035 Sparks saw
Proc. fluctuate. Red & blue filters showed some reduction in
brightness. E. edge showed darkening, but not as dark as in
shadows. 10 min later, returned to normal. (Sparks confirmed
Dean)." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1267. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
1970 Jul 11 UT 20:35-20:45 During a TLP alert for Proclus, Jamieson
saw nothing unusual, but found instead that Secchi was quite bright.
NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #1267. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1982 Jul 28 at UT20:38-20:48UT A.C. Cook (Frimley, Surrey, UK, 12"
reflector, seeing IV-V, some spurious colour prsent) observed that the
central peak of Alphonsus was brighter in red light than in blue, so
much so that at the start of the session the peak could hardly be seen
in blue light. The central peak varied in brightness in red light but
not in white light. The central peak of arzachel was brighter than that
of Alphonsus in white light but had no colour - Arzachel's central peak
did however appear to fade in brightness over time (or was it Alphonsus
getting brighter?). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=177 and weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
SW of Pico 1844 Apr 25 UT 20:00? Observed by Schmidt (Athens,
Greece, ? refractor) "A bluish glimmering patch of light not
quite within the dark side" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #123. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Purbach 1970 Apr 14 UT 12:00-14:00 Observed by Osawa (Awajt-Shima,
Japan, 8" reflector, x288) "Photos in blue and orange taken. Ill-
defined obscur. in blue photo in S. part of crater compared with
orange. (neg. is so faint it is doubtful. Apollo 13 watch. Similar to
Alter's findings in Alphonsus)." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA
catalog ID #1250.
On 1965 Jul 08 at 01:00?UT a white streak was seen in Grimaldi,
extended towards the limb. This was observed by Rubens de
Azevedo, et. al., Brazil. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=884 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Peirce A (Swift=IAU name) 1937 Mar? 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. Note this is almost certainly supposed
to be 1934 Dec 23!
Piton 1961 Jan 25? UTC 00:00? Observed by Schneller (Cleveland, Ohio,
USA, 8" x53) "Red obscuration concealing peak, @10mi sq (if near SR,
date is 27th; ancilary data given for 27th -- date not given)" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #731.
Alphonsus 1968 May 05 UT 20:00 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector, x220, Seeing: Good). "Did not see gray patch SE
(ast. ?) of c.p. Noted W. (ast. ?) dark patch was invis. while S. one
was seen easily, emerging from shadow. On 7th all seen easily, emerging
from shadow. On 7th all 3 clearly vis. with the darkest one the invis.
one on 5th." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1071. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
SE of Ross D 1964 Aug 16 UT 04:18-05:20 Observed by Harris and
Cross (Whittler, CA, USA, 19" reflector?) "Bright area.
Condensations varying with time" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #840. ALPO/BAA weight=3
Proclus 1984 Jul 06 UT 20:29-20:43 light green spot observed by Madej
(England) in the central region. No colour seen elsewhere. At 20:10
Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector) had seen a small extending of darkening
in the south east floor (not present 2 hours before) and a lot of fine
detail - though everything was normal again by 22:50UT. At 22:15 Amery
(Reading, UK) found a large dark spot on the south east floor. Other
observers: J and A.cook (Frimley, England) could not confirm but their
seeing was IV and tranparency was poor" Mobberley found no colour and
also no detail on the floor. BAA Lunar Section Report. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=248 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1972 Jun 19 UT 21:40-22:30 Observed by S.A. Jones
(Swansea, Wales, 12" reflector x150) and Moore (Selsey, England,
12.5" reflector x450) "Noted a bright area in the center. Moore
noted nothing unusual & he tho't obs. saw one of permanent light
patches" NASA catalog weight=0 (very low). NASA catalog ID #
1336. ALPO/BAA weight=1
Plato 1952 Apr 04 UT 02:45 Observer: T.A.Cragg (Mt Wilson, CA,
USA, 31cm reflector, x420, seeing fairly good, transparency
fair) - Obscur. of floor (seen a few hours after Wilkins & Moore
obs. confirm.?) " - indeed Haas in Stolling Astronomer 2002 Vol
45, p29 states that Cragg was amazed to see Plato's floor with
absolutely nothing on it! He was able to draw details elsewhere
in other features. NASA catalog weight=5. NASA TLP ID No. #551.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Jun 09 at UT 18:52 G. Kolovos, Thessaloniki, 40.63111N,
22.9597W, height 28m, Greece) photographed two blue spots on the
terminator region of the Moon in one of a series of Ektachrome film
pictures. The rest of the Moon was a white-yellow colour. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1994 Apr 20 at UT 01:31 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA) found that
Picard crater was surrounded by a dark nebulous patch - it was
impossible to resolve detail inside this dark zone. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Alphonsus 1966 May 28 UT 23:00-01:00 Observed by Smith (England, 10"
reflector) Birney (VA?, USA, 8" refactor + Moonblink) Corralitos Obs.
(NM, USA, 24" reflector + Moonblink) "Red patches (Smith), Trident Moon
Blink device suspected(?? log)earlier at 22:40. Birney observed at
2300-0100?, and gave indep. confirm? Corralitos did not confirm MB
(however they report Gassendi-- misident. ?)" NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #938. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1965 Jul 08 at 01:00?UT a white streak was seen in Grimaldi,
extended towards the limb. This was observed by Rubens de
Azevedo, et. al., Brazil. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=884 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1960 Feb 06 at UT14:30 Morozov (Moscow, Russia) saw with the naked
eye a bright point inmovable but with brightness variations in dark
part of Moon, 3days past first quarter, 2days before SR! (says
Cameron). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=728 and weight=3.
Copernicus 1939 Mar 29 UT 19:00-19:15 Observed by Wilkins (Kent,
England, 6" reflector) "C.P. diffuse light spot, faint glow s as
tho in a luminous mist (3h before SR) Some indication of
E.terraces, then vanished." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #447. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1976 Nov 30 UT 19:15 T. Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 29cm
reflector, Wratten 25 and 44a filters) observed that there
were two whitish semi-circular tide like marks enclosing two
dark patches adjoining the interior west wall The observer was
puzzled because if these were two masses of spawning foot
hills, then why would the cental areas, presumably the higher
parts, be dark - when the contrary is usually the case?
ALPO.BAA weight=1.
Copernicus 1976 Nov 30 UT 19:40 T. Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 29cm
reflector, Wratten 25 and 44a filters) observed that the
Copernicus craterlet chains werebetter seen through a red
filter than a blue. ALPO.BAA weight=1.
Purbach 1976 Nov 30 UT 19:40 T. Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 29cm
reflector, Wratten 25 and 44a filters) observed that the
crater interior was better see through a red filter than a
blue. ALPO.BAA weight=1.
On 1974 Jan 03 at UT 18:30 a Norwegian amateur astronomer,
Hoydalsvik (Hakonsgate, in West Norway, 60mm refractor)
photographed the Moon using High Speed Ektacrome (400ASA) film
with good focus. The TLP was located on the southern slope of
Sasserides H and was pink in colour with some bluish in it.
The coloured area was circular with a diameter of 0.5 minutes
of arc. Only one exposure was taken. The photograph was
checked by the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics,
University of Oslo. Although they thought it was probably
genuine (could have been an impact flash?) suggestions by the
BAA lunar section favoured static electrical discharge on the
film. It is uncertain whether the film was ever examined by a
Photographic developing lab such as Kodak, who would be able
to tell if it was real or an artefact. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Tycho 1998 Feb 06 UT 22:48-22:54 R. Braga (Corsica (MI),
Italy, 102mm f8.8 refractor, x180, with diagonal, Wratten 23A,
80A and an OR5 filter, seeing II, Transparency good). Observer
noticed that the floor darkened towards the NW (IAU),
particularly with the blue Wratten 80A filter. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1991 May 24 at UT 00:05-00:08 UT Romualdo Lourencon (Sao
Paulo, Brazil, 60mm refractor, seeing=III) detected a circular
cloud in Jansen B and H? (Gazateer report says F and K). "The
crater of the event 100km diam. compared to Copernicus, dark
with crescent obscured region below it. Was S of Jansen. A
circular depression there was before LTP in darkness. Wonders if
circ. depr. was shadow of cloud? The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
428a and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1968 May 07 UTC 20:48-21:05 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector x220) "Red color No. of landslip in W. wall seen
in blink & vis. Vanished by 2105h. Had not returned at 2125. (Moore has
wrong date in his extended catalog.)." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #1074.
On 1984 Jul 08 at UT 20:10-22:05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, seeing IV-V)
suspected that the floor of Proclus was slightly darker than normal.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=249 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
South of Copernicus 1972 Feb 24 UT 19:30-20:00 Observed by McConnell
(England, 6" reflector, x195, seeing=good) "White spot just S. of Cop.
about same size as Copernicus H (@ 5km), (there is a bright area or mt.
SW of Cop. H)." NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID 1323.
On 1994 Apr 21 at UT 06:00 W, Cameron (Sedona, USA) detected a reddiah
colour on Pronontorium Laplace, This is TLP event No. 9 in the ALPO
Clementine LTP program Nov 1994. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Callipus and vicinity 1973 Feb 13 UT 23:16-23:50 Observed by Frank
(E.Pepperell, Massachusetts, USA, 6" reflector x100, Seeing=good,
altitude=45 deg). "Large dark patch, albedo=3 present E. of Calippus.
Drawing. (Shows it into Callippus also). Never seen before or since.
Albedo normal (4.5) at 2350h. (obs. monitors Callippus in ALPO-LTP
program)." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1362.
Gassendi - 1966 Sep 25 UT 20:20-20:50 observed by Moore and
Moseley(Armagh, N.Ireland, 10" refracfor x140) "Reddish patches,
regarded dubious, owing to low altitude of the Moon". NASA
catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #981. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 May 24 at UT 23:10 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found the
apron region of Censorinus had a very dull white apron, but was
not diffuse. A sketch was supplied by this experienced observer.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=428b and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 1872 Jul 16 UTC 21:00? Observed by Pratt (England?) "NW portion
of floor was hazy" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
179.
A.S.Williams of West Brighton, UK, using a 5.25" Calver, x150 and
definition fairly good. Observer noticed that the Mare seemed covered
with a close network of innumerable streaks, and spotted with countless
numbers of light specks, so that it would hardly be possible to
delineate them all in one night. The spots and streaks together must
have numbered ~1000. The observer had never seen anything like the
number of spots and streaks. Peirce A, was not at all easy to see and
neighboring spots almost as bright made it difficult to distinguish
which one was Peirce A. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1982 Aug 01 at 00:00-01:00 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia, 12"
reflector, seeing I-II) noted shading on the east floor of Plato that
was apparently lighter than the rest of the floor and this was seen at
both low and high magnifications. Foley notes that this was unusual.
There were three craterlets visible on the floor - the central one was
the brightest. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=178 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Gassendi 1967 Jun 18 UT 21:10-22:30 Observed by Whippey
(Northalt, England, 6" reflector?) "Faint redness outside NE &
SE wall of crater." Moore (10" Armagh refractor, x360) was
observing too 22:10-22:40, with and without a Moon Blink but
detected no redness, however his observing conditions were not
very good at the time. NASA catalog ID #1039. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO.BAA weight=2.
On 1976 Apr 10 at 21:15-21:49UT S.Spencer (60mm refractor x60, seeing
quite good) noticed a faint red glow at the south west wall of Gassendi
covering a span of about 35 deg arc. The observer had some doubts about
this because they were using a small telescope, but thought that they
ought to report it, just in case. A BAA Lunar Section report. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1966 Sep 25 UT 23:12-23:35 Observed by Moseley (Armagh, Nortern
Ireland, 10" refractor, x140) "Eng. moon blink sys. blinks inside the
crater. Very dubious due to low alt. of moon." NASA catalog weight=1
(very low). NASA catalog ID #982.
Gassendi 1967 Jun 18 UT 22:50-23:59 Observed by Whippey
(Northalt, England, 6" reflector?) "Faint redness outside NE &
SE wall of crater." Moore (10" Armagh refractor, x360) was
observing earlier 22:10-22:40, with and without a Moon Blink but
detected no redness, however his observing conditions were not
very good at the time. NASA catalog ID #1039. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO.BAA weight=2.
On 1985 May 30 at UT 20:10-23:54 P.Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector)
and at the same time Doherty (Sussex, UK, 15" reflector) observed a
strangely bright and pink/red north rim of Aristarchus crater during
UT20:20 and 20:36UT. The effect reduced between ~20:39 and 20:44UT.
M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found the northern wall to have a red/purple
colour but the effect vanished after 50 minutes. Cook also saw a "V"-
like notch in the NW crater shadow and this appeared to be bigger than
normal. G. North (Sussex, UK) saw a tinge of pink colour on the
northern rim and a bit later a "ruby red" colour on the north-west wall
- again this effect lasted 50 minutes. Moseley verified the colour.
Finally M. Hather (Yorkshire, UK) suspected the north wall of
Aristarchus to be blue in colour. Cameron suspects that this TLP is not
spurious colour because it is in the wrong place. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=276 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Posidonius 1952 Jul 03 UT 19:13-19:27 Observed by Dzaplashvili,
Ksanforalif, Negrelishvili (Georgia, Soviet Union, 13" reflector,
polarimeter, S=clear) "Making polariz. mess. of it. Aristotles.
Eudoxus. & Aristillus. only Pos. gave higher rdgs. & oscillated while
others gave repeatedly same results. 40 other times Pos. was normal.
Never had seen such behavior Table gives deflections. Obs. repeated 2X
Obs. from 1843-1947h." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog
ID #552. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 1985 May 30 P.Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 77mm refractor, x111
and x250, seeing II-III, transparency good) whole spectrum of
colours seen on the central peak area, visible in both
eyepieces, and was more prominent at the higher magnification.
Not aware if the observer checked for this effects on other
terminator peaks? xALPO/BAA weight =1.
On 1984 Nov 05 at UT18:00 Marshall (England) noted that there was no
normal brightening on the floor just next to the southern most
craterlet. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=251 and the weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1982 Aug 01 at UT20:50 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, 14" reflector,
seeing III-IV) found that LaPlace A was significantly more prominent
than usual - comparisons were made with photographs in books. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=178 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1990 Mar 09 UT 00:12-00:13 Observed by Marie Cook (Frimley, UK,
3.5" Questar telescope) observed a "long plume of light" the brightness
was the same as the wall region. It went from the southern rim about
half of the way across to the centre in the "northerly". The plume
feature was not seen at higher magnifications. Change in brightness
also noted. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=394 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1994 Apr 23 at UT02:41 D. Fryback (Madison, WI, USA) observed a
starlike flash in Alphonsus crater. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Herodotus 1998 Dec 30 UT 18:50-19:10 observed by J.Knott
(Liverpool, UK 22cm Newtonian, x216, seeing II, transparency
good). Observer reports a bright spot, as bright as the
central peak in Aristarchus on the NW rim of Herodotus at
19:10 (still there at 19:15, but the curious thing was that it
was not visible earlier at 18:50? Now there is a bright
craterlet here, and the observer doubted if what he had seen
was unusual - though we have the rise in brightness o20
minutes to account for? The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1994 Apr 23 at UT 03:30 the US Navy Clementine Spacecraft, in orbit
around the Moon, obtained images of the Cobra Head region of
Aristarchus crater that suggested a ~15x colour ratio increase (0.4
microns / 1.0 microns) in comparison with images obtained on 1994 Mar
03. This was presented as a poster paper 18.04 at AAS 31st DPS meeting.
However it was later suggested that this was due to incorrect
radimetric calibration procedures being followed. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus 1965 Nov 06 UTC 03:20-03:50, 05:50 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3" refractor x300, S=6, T=5) "Strong blue-viol.
glare on E. & NE wall; dark viol. hue in nimbus. (absent at 0320-0350.
Listed as 11/8/55 in both ref. 210 & MBMW, but should be 1965). NASA
catalog weight=4, NASA catalog ID #911.
In 1950 Aug 25 at UT 10:55 T.Saheki (Osaka, Japan) observed a
stationary yellow-white flash on the Moon of duration 0.2 sec
and mag 6.5. Cameron suggests that this was a meteor. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=536 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1985 May 31 at UT 20:23-22:00 G. North (Sussex, UK, turbulent
seeing) found Torricelli B at 20:23 to be mauve in colour and to be
very bright. However the colul had gone by 20:29UT. "Varied in albedo
2s then image blurred at 5-10s (atm) at 2034 became pink). At 21:35UT
M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK) found a white patch in the crater centre and
a mag 8 flash was seen (confirmed independently by a 2nd observer ~
113km away)- there was no shadow. At UT 20:30 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK,
12"reflector, seeing excellent) found no colour, but the brightness was
changiong and he confirmed the bright patch on the crater's floor,
variable 22:15-22:25UT, "then expanded over rim". The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=277 and weight=5. the ALPO/BAA weight=4.
SE of Langrenous 1947 Aug 28 UT 21:00? Observed by Baum
(Chester, England) A long mountain mass, on limb to the SE of
Langrenus crater, had a decidedly bluish cast. To the north, on
the limb, were several ordinary peaks appearing in profile and
some were sharp and pointed. NASA catalog ID=498. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1788 May 17 at UT 21:00 Schroter (Lilleanthal, Germany, 210x
reflector) observed small depression, 1, near Aristarchus to be a
bright spot, similar to Cameron 1978 catalog ID report #45. The Cameron
catalog ID=48 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 2015 Mar 03 UT 23:58 Brendan Shaw (UK) saw a flash
on the NW rim of Aristarchus on his computer screen - the camera
was working in the near IR. Seeing was not very good at the
time. Unfortunately this flash occurred in between imaging
sessions. No other flashes seen, despite looking. The observer
considerd the possibility that it might have been a cosmic ray
detection, but cannot say for sure. The ALPO/BAA TLP weight=1.
Colour seen between Aristarchus and Herodotus by P. Moore
and G. North. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1994 Apr 24 at UT 03:50 R. Manske (Waunakee, WI, USA) found that the
Cobra Head appeared to have an obscuration on the top eastern half. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1959 Nov (Day unknown) at UT 21:15-22:15 Bradford (South Shields,
UK, 15" reflector, x480) observed in Littrow: "Cocealed by a dusky cloud.
Appeared to be stream or smoke. No change in 1h. Following week no
trace. (SR Nov 5, SS Nov 18. Says he obs. at time of unmanned landing,
but there were none in Nov.) Similar to #722". The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=726 and weight=2. The ALPOS/BAA weight=2.
Lichtenberg 1966 Jun 02 UTC 03:05-03:35 Observed by Schneller
(Cleveland, Ohio, 8" reflector, slit spectrascope) "Red glow on W. wall
(Schnller thinks this is "normal" reddening at SR; however, these vary
according to Ricker), (This rep't is the only positive one from alert
sent out to observe for J.Green's tidal predictions, See list of neg.
obs.)" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #944
Aristarchus 1966 Jun 02 UTC 04:06-04:20 Observed by Jaeger (Hammond,
Indianna, 6" reflector) "Brownish-yellow edge on ? rim. 2 other obs.
this site saw nothing unusual." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA
catalog ID #945.
On 1789 Jan 10 at UT 00:00 Seyffer (Germany) observed "a lunar
volcano". Cameron comments that this must have been bright as it was
near full Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=56 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Vieta 1923 Sep 23 UTC 19:00? Observed by Cernov (Russia, 2 refractors?
x94?) "Both dark spots merged together even with 94x magnification.
(due to libration &/or seeing?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (low). NASA
catalog ID #389.
Marius 1881 Jan 13 UTC 20:00? Observed by Williams (England?,
5.5" reflector) "Speck of light in crater". NASA catalog weight=
3 and catalog ID #220. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1994 Apr 24 UT08:15 A.T. Brakel (ACT, Australia) noticed that
Mare Frigoris appeared darker than the day before. This was
during a Clementine watch. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1972 Feb 27 UT 23:15-00:10 Observed by A.Kemp (Cheshire,
UK, 8.5" reflector x286) "Suspicion of blink between Gass. c.p. &
Gass A. Clouds prevented confirm. Hedley-Robinson didn't see
anything unusual earlier (20:00-20:20)." Note that the duration
of the event, or indeed precise UT at which it was seen is not
given. NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #1324. 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.
Aristarchus 1966 Jun 03 UT 01:00-01:45 Observed by Gordon (2), Delano
(Ackerman, PR?, 5" reflector / Massachussets, 3" (x92) & 10" reflector
T=4) "Deep blue color on N. wall. S.part of crater was brownish, (not
on alert). Delano saw E.wall bright spot unusually bright, confirm, ?"
NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #947. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Aug 25 at UT06:55-07:10 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 4.5"
reflector, x40-150, seeing=4 and transparency=4) found the west wall
bands of Aristarchus to be faint initially and at 07:00 a pale red
colour appeared suddenly (and lasted for 2 minutes) on the inner south
east wall, and then into south west BS to the west BS. "BS" meaning in
Bartlett's notation a bright spot. There was no violet glare this time.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=106 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Timocharis 1955 Jun 4-5 UT 23:30-00:00 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England, 5" reflector x70, seeing=poor) "Bright in red filter" NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #595.
Aristarchus 1973 Jun 15 UT 06:12-06:21 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 3" refractor x54, x100, x300, x360, S=3, T=3) "Pinkinsh-red
glow on F., wall -- weher he usually sees the violet glare. (TLP
albedo=7?, normal=5?, nearby plain=1?). All along rim nr. crest & went
over EWBS. Wanted to compare a bright spot on Lyell with Aris. wall
brighteness. At 0612h pink glow changed to a rust-brown, fading rapidly
& gone at 0615h. First time he had ever obs. a red glow. (in 20 yrs)."
NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1369.
Aristarchus 1969 Apr 01 UT 18:35 Observed by Kozyrev (Crimea,
Ukraine, 40" reflector). "Spectrograms of an unusual red spot on
W. slope at ?=.405, eta=.680. Spot = 1-2 km in diam. Molecules
identified were N2 & C2. Later thru clouds crater was bluer in
Corralitos (New Mexico) MB (confirm. of activity at Ariz. ?)."
NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1119. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 1984 ??? ?? at UT11:00-12:00 Jean Nicolini (Campinas, Brazil)
saw a daylight TLP in Aristarchus crater. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1972 Jun 25 UTC 22:42-22:51 Observed by Quindeau (8deg 35'
E, 51deg 25' N, 60mm refractor) "Bright point at NE wall of crater".
Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler, Earth Moon & Planets, Vol 30, pp53-61 (1984).
On 1977 Mar 04 at UT 20:55-21:18 JH Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
26cm reflector, x200, Wratten 25 and 44a filters, seeing steady,
transparency varies from fair to very poor and cloud eventually halted
observations). Copernicus was very indistinct. All other features
examined were normal. This is a BAA Lunar Section observation. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1977 Mar 04 at UT 20:55-21:18 JH Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
26cm reflector, x200, Wratten 25 and 44a filters, seeing steady,
transparency varies from fair to very poor and cloud eventually halted
observations). The floor of Fracastorius is significantly brighter in a
red filter than in a blue filter. This is a BAA Lunar Section
observation. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1959 Mar 24 UT 02:24-02:35 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 4" reflector x180, S=3, T=5) "Strong blue &
blue-viol. gl. on E.wall, EWBS, SWBS with intermittent display.
At this time he noted in his 5-in L a total disappearance of
viol. gl. & reappear. 1 min. later. Altogether, found 4 such
occurences in his records, in '54, '57, ' & '59."NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #716. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1985 Sep 28 UTC 20:54-23:52 P.W. Foley (Suffolk, UK) found (actually
before 20:54 UT) brightness variance in Torricelli B. J.D. Cook
(Frimley, UK) observed a brief blue coloured patch somewhere in the
Torricelli B region, but could not pin it down precisely. At 22:50UT
M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, 30cm reflector, seeing III - occasionally V,
transparency moderate to good) Found the crater to have an elongated
appearance (in SSW-NNE direction) in white light, similar to the
previous night. A bright elongated spot was seen on the NNE floor,
close to where the wall should be. Not able to define the rim. There
was a very dark surrounding area to the crater, similar to what it was
on the previous night (roughly 1/4 brightness of Censorinus). 23:04UT
brighter in yellow, then red, then blue. At 23:10 it was seen that blue
filter dulled the crater - this was odd because both Censorinus and
Proclus were brighter in blue, which is what he would normally expect.
At23:15 UT Censorinus was brighter in blue, then yellow then red
filters and some orange spurious colour seen to the south of
Censorinus. At 23:23UT no spurious colour seen on Proclus or
Censorinus. 23:46UT Torricelli B elongated as before, but a very faint
ray might have been seen to the south west of the rim. This report is
not in the 2006 Cameron catalog. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1893 Sep 25 at UT 21:00? Gaboreau (Paris, France), saw a shaft
of light projecting from the Moon. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=281
and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1944 Sep 03 UTC 03:40 - A.W. Mount (Fort Worth, TX, USA,
Conditions good, seeing 6/10) saw a small white bright point of
light appear suddenly close to the W. wall of Plato glowed
briefly as by far the most conspicuous object in the lunar field
of view and vanished quickly after approximately 2 sec. It was
star-like in appearance and was stationary on the Moon's surface
- about magnitude 6? Angular diameter of the flash was <= 1".
Observing conditions good enough to see the central craterlet in
Plato. 20cm reflector used. Ref. DJALPO Vol 45, p28 Spring 2003.
40.5W, 45.7N 1965 Nov 09 UTC 04:59 Observed by McCord (Mt Wilson, CA,
USA, 60" reflector + spectrograph) "Line depth anomaly, low compared
with 23 other areas". NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog
ID #912.
On 1980 Sep 24 at UT 21:13-23:50 P.Moore (Selsey, UK) at 22:45 saw loss
of detail in the north west wall, especially in red light, but also
slightly in blue light too. By 22:48 there was activity on the crater
floor i.e. the four bright spots were visible in white light but not in
red. In blue the central spot was seen and there were dark radial
streaks to the south wall and south east. At 22:50 there was a loss of
detail. Other craters were normal. At 23:08 the floor was dark in red,
but some details were visible in blue. the effect had finished by
23:35. At21:34 J-H Robinson found Plato to be normal and no blinks,
though floor clearer in red than in blue, however the floor detail had
gone by 21:57. Blair suspected a dusty patch in north of Plato,
especially in red light. at 21:57 and it started spreading at 21:13,
then east at 21:15 and then north. Though it faded at 21:25 but was
back again at 21:35, and Moon blink colour filters still gave a
reaction at 21:50 - the TLP remained strong until 23:50UT. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=110 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1980 Sep 24 at UT21:34 J-J. Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK, 10"
reflector, x200, seeing=III) found, using a Moon Blink device, that
Fracastorius blinked on the northern side in the red filter. Cameron
2006 catalog ID=110 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1981 Dec 12 at UT 00:31 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK) saw some flashes
between Plato and Mons Pico. The cameron 2006 catalog ID=160 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1938 Nov 08 UTC 20:00 Observed by Green (England? Seeing =
good) "2 bright spots in Schmidt & Wilkins' craterlets. Was struck by
whitish aspect of parts of floor -- possibly mists. S.wall concealed by
these strong white patches, as if breached ring." NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #443.
Aristarchus & A 1965 Nov 10 UTC 01:25-01:57 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 4" reflector, S=6, T=6) "Viol. tinge & radiance
around nimbus; used red filter. Aris. A became larger." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #913.
Macrobius 1938 Nov 08 UTC 18:00? Observed by McLeod (England? 5" ?
reflector) "Changes in dark areas. (near Proclus where Green saw
phenomenom. see #443)" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #
444.
Aristarchus 1969 May 03 UTC 07:00? Observed by Smith, Gallivan
(Corralitos Observatory, Organ Pass, NM, 24" reflector, photos) "Bluing
around crater. Visible on monitor, but immeasurable in photos" NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1125
On 1956 Dec 19 at UT 00:00? an unknown observer apparently saw a TLP
somewhere on the Moon. Cameron gives the reference for this as an
unnamed AGU meeting. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=659 and weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Sep 25 atUT 20:20-22:14 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15"? reflector,
seeing=III) found that Mons Pico was bright and had a reddish glow to
its south west. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=111 and weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Sep 25 at UT20:20-22:14 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) noticed that the
central craterlet was more visible in red than in blue. There was also
a streak on the floor that was "shifted to S & W." The floor was dark
and Mons Pico was bright. Peters found Plato's floor (and central
craterlet) to be dark, and darker in blue than in red, however he was
suffereing from spurious colour at his observing site. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=111 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Sep 25 at UT 20:20-22:14 Peters (Kent,UK, x240 and x120,
seeing=III) observed Proclus to have an orange tint, however there was
a lot of spurious colour in the area. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=111
and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1977 Oct 28 UT 19:25 V.M. Chernov (Soviet Union) observed that
Copernicus was brighter than normal i.e. brighter than Kepler but less
bright than Aristarchus. In January and February 1977 both Copernicus
and Kepler were of the same brightness. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1869 Aug 23/24? UTC 23:00-01:00? Observed by Gledhill? (Halifax,
England, 9" refractor) Group I of craterlets (as designated by several
famous obs. before) exhibited notable illumination, accompanied by a
single light on a distinct spot. (if obs. similar to Ap 1870 obs. then
date =Au 23-24). NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #162.
On 1975 Dec ?? at 19:00UT P.W.Foley (Kent, UK), and possibly P. Moore?
(Selsey, UK) - unusual events were reported which might have been due
to minor structral changes. Albedo=76% (=7.6?). Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1425 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1975 Dec 19 UT 22:45 Observed by Foley (Kent, England)
"Suspected anomaly in it", NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #1424.
On 1984 Nov 10 at UT19:15-19:50 R. Moseley (Coventry, UK, the Moon's
altitude was low) noticed that the region from the central peak and
over and onto the east wall looked unusual. 8 bands were visible, "two
on E. wall of c.p. strongest, surrounding collar grey increasing
intensely outward. Band at 2 o'clock position was very dark. Bright
spot on W. wall at 4 o'clock position." A sketch was made that
illustrates bands on either side with bright patch. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=252 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Jul 31 at UT 07:09-08:10 D. Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA,
12.5"reflector, seeing=7/10 and T=3) did not detect the dark region on
the south east floor of Proclus (the TLP from a few days earlier), but
did see 2 "linear mounds". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=335 and the
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2011 Jan 21 at 22:30UT N.Longshaw (UK, 4" Achromatic
refractor, x128 & x160, Seeing III, transparancy average)
suspected on the eastern edge of Geminus, on the border of the
crater filled shadow and the eastern illuminated rim, a
brownish, almost speia hue. This extended for a short distance
from the floor shadow into the illuminated rim width and spanned
from the north to the south of the crater. For a comparison,
Cleomedes was checked but nothing unusual was noticed in its
shadow. The observer notes that Elger also saw a warm brown or
sepia tone. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1966 Nov 11 at UT05:55-1000 Hall and Johnson (Port Tabacoo, MD, 16"
x400, S=VG), Nordling (MD, USA), Genatt (Greenbelt, MD, USA, 6"
refractor, x50, 20" reflector x400) and Wagman (Pittsburgh, PA, 30"
refractor) observed the folloowing on Aristarchus: "Color ob c.p.
detected with Trident MB, not seen vis. at Port Tobacoo. Network
alerted & 6 responded. 4 did not see anything unusual; 2 others did &
saw red on c.p. in 6-in refr., but not in 20-in refl. at 400x; other
saw indistinctness. Port Taboacoo obs. took 5 rolls of film in blue &
red & neutral. Phenom. not detectable on them, but focus poor. Blue
images had most detail, whereas would expect red or neutral to. Phenom.
still present at dawn in Moon Blink device". The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=914 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 1986 Apr 26 at UT 21:00 etimated) H. Miles (Cornwall?, UK)
found that Aristarchus was "still brighter in moments of
better seeing". The rim could be seen as a complete circle.
The Cameron catalog ID=283 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Messier A 1951 Aug 20 UT 01:48-03:00 Observed by P.Moore
(England, 8.5" reflector, x350). Bright cloud like circular
patch seen on S wall of Messier A. It was the brightest object
in the vicinity. Observations ceased due to the Moon setting
behind a tree. W.Haas thinks that this effect is not unusual at
similar colongitudes. Moore checked again under similar
illumination and still considers the Aug 20 appearance abnormal.
NASA weight=4. NASA catalog ID #545. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1993 Dec 31 at UT 05:00-07:40 S. Beaumont (Cambridge, UK, 12"
reflector) "saw a patch of hazy light to NW (from c.p. alpha) at 0550
craters B & J shadow of alpha had not reached E wall yet, but at 0536
it did. Alpha > at 0550. Craters B & J to SE had faded, vanished at
0630. Hazy patch remained around peak, alpha low mainly to NE like a
comet's tail. Slightly reddish fringe to E wall. (shown in sketch)".
The above has been quoted in full from the Cmeron catalog because the
catalog desription is slightly ambiguous and any attempted summary
might make the description more unreliable. The cameron 2006 catalog
ID=470 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.