On 2008 Oct 19 during 05:40-06:30UT D. Holt of Chipping, UK observed an
anomalous patch of illumination just to the west of the centre of the
Posidonius J crater. It is possible that this is just some high ground
on the floor protruding through the shadow filled crater at sunset.
Therefore this has been assigned a weight of 1 for now, just in case it
is a TLP - until proven otherwise.
On 1975 Jul 29 at UT 00:00 Fraser (England, 6" reflector, x70) and
Howick (England, 3.5" reflector) observed the occultation of 51 Pisc.
at emersion - Fraser saw a flash or spike of liht which proceeded
emersion of primary by 0.4sec. The 9.0 mag companion appeared some
moments later. Howick at 1 km away, with 3.5" reflector noted nothing
unusual. Cameron says that no 3rd companion is known. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1411 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Callipus 1952 Sep 09 UT 21:00-21:20 Observed by Moore (England)
"Hazy broad line of light seen fr. NW wall to SE wall over shad.
floor. Gone next nite at 0120. He gave low wt. to obs. (sunlight
between peaks?)." NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #553.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Stochard of Dublin, Ireland, saw naked eye at 10:30UT on
1862 Nov 12 Aristarchus as extraordinarily bright as a bright
spot on the Moon. This was seen in daylight with the waning
crescent. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=6 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
On 1973 Oct 17 at Ut 11:30 Androsan (Edmonton, Canada, 6" reflector,
x230) observed a glow 1-2 sec reappearance of Saturn's rings at a place
of ring's appearance on the dark limb. The observers attributed it to
Saturn and its rings. Cameron speculates that it might be due to gas or
dust at the lunar surface. Eye was attacted to the glow which
delineated the limb at a position angle of 210 deg at emersion, at
Earthshine at Edmonton. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Kepler 1966 DEc 04 UTC 05:10 Observed by de Beraud (Flossmoore,
Ilinois, USA, 6" reflector, x360, S=G) "Saw a bright area thru. blue
filter but could not see it in red filter. Decided it was a bluish
phenomenon." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1001.
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 2009 Sep 11 UT00:15-00:20 and 01:00-01:05 C.Brook (Plymouth, UK, 5"
O.G., x100, seeing tremourlous but definition improving over time)
noticed that the central peak(s) in Alphonsus were brightening
gradually. No effect was seen earlier at UT23:30-23:35. One presumes
that the effect also occured between these two observing times?
The observer suspects that this was not a TLP, but is uncertain.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1878 Oct 18 at UT 21:00? Gaudibert (France?, 4"refractor) observed
Webb's white spot on SW border of Wargentin 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.
UT 08:30 or UT 20:30? SW inner wall of Aristarchus was intesnity
I=0.5, but was I=2.5 on July 2 at Col. 195. Observing conditions were
identical. Band is darkening near col. 180. (Observation made in
daylight?). Cameron 1978 NASA catalog ID=425 and weight=4
(very experienced observer). ALPO/BAA weight=3.
During sunset at this feature, with the interior in shadow
the observer saw that the central peak was nebulous and fuzzy
and not what one would expect. Cameron saw it on 9 Oct 1993
at sunset and noted that it was not nebulous, just a grey patch
although briefly she suspected perhaps two points/peaks?.
The Cameron 2006 extended catalog ID is 467 and the weight is
3. The ALPO/BAA weight is also 1. The observer used an 8"
reflector and conditions were S=4 and T=4.
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.
Mare Numbium 1878 Oct 21 UT 01:02-03:00? Observed by Hirst (England)
"Half of the Moon's term. obliterated for 3h. (that part over dark mare
& blended in?)" NASA catalog weight=0 (very unreliable). NASA catalog
weight=205.
Two observing times are given for two observers, 10:30-11:07 UT and
10:45-10:52UT. Castle (Rock Island, IL, USA, 8" 51x and 102x reflector)
found that the Proclus region was brighter than the rest of the
Earthlit region. They used averted vision at x102 and noticed that
Proclus was the brightest object in the center of a glowing area. The
size of the glowing area was three times that of the diameter of
Proclus in the E-W direction and 4-5 x the diameter in the N-S
direction. East of glow was not so well defined. Darling (Sun Praire,
WI, USA, 3" reftactor x56) noticed a brightening in the Earthshine in
this region and alerted Brit. but they were clouded out.Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=410 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1837 Mar10 UT 13:46 (19:07 local time) T.G. Taylor (Madras,
India) whilst observing a 9th magnitude star being occulted,
noticed a 6th magnitude nebulous spot where Aristarchus
should be. Had never seen anything quite as bright as this on
previous occasions. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 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 1983 May 15 at UT20:30-21:05 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector)
was unable to see Aristarchus in Earthshine, though other craters were
clearly visible. However by 21:30 the Cooks could clearly see
Aristarchus. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=215 and the weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
W.limb 1983 May 15 UT 20:30-21:00 R.Moseley (Coventry,UK, 6"
reflector, x60) observed a faint but extensive brightening of
the W.limb, perhaps a little stronger at PA=80-90 deg. No other
features seen in Earthshine. Observation confirmed br R.Martiott
(Northampton, UK, 8.5" reflector). ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 May 03 at UT 19:00-19:30 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK, 5" refractor,
x30) found the Earthshine to be both pink and bright with prominent
features clearly visible. A "brilliant" star-like point was seen in
Aristarchus crater. There was another, albeit less bright spot near
Darney-Agatharides. Spots pesisted despite various tests. Foley also
confirmed that the Moon looked pink to him as well. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=298 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 May 03 at UT 19:00-19:30 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK, 5" refractor,
x30) found the Earthshine to be both pink and bright with prominent
features clearly visible. A bright spot was seen near Darney-
Agatharides. An even more "brilliant" star-like point was seen in
Aristarchus crater. Spots pesisted despite various tests. Foley also
confirmed that the Moon looked pink to him as well. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=298 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Cape Agarum 1967 Jan 14 UT 17:17-17:35 Observed by Middleton,
Colchester, England, 4" refractor, x240, S=G) "Cape was hazy or
obscured whereas Piccard, Pierce, & Cape Olivium were quite clear. Has
seen this area obscured many times" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1008.
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 1983 May 16 at UT20:35-22:10 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) noted that
Aristarchus was dull in Earthshine (UT21:36-21:40). The floor was a
luminous rose/violet colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=219 and the
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Mar 04 at UT 19:03-19:47 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK, 5" refractor,
x30, S=clear) found at 19:03 that Aristarchus was exceptionally bright
(even without blocking out the sunlit side of the Moon), being the most
easily seen crater on the Moon, and this was despite the sky not yet
being dark. The crater had faded by 19:20UT and at 19:47UT Earthshine
was no longer visible. CED brightness measurements were made and were
less than usual and the inside of the crater may have had a blue/gray
colour (unclear from the Cameron 2006 catalog description). The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=299 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 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.
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 1983 May 17 at UT20:13-20:40 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, x38 and
x63) found that Aristarchus was normal in appearance, but at 20:19 a
blood red disk was seen as bright as a 6th magnitude star. The colour
did not vary but the brightness changed from 4 to 8 over a 1.5-3min
period, on the south west wall. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector)observed
Aristarchus at 22:10 and noted that it had the same rose-violet colour
as had been seen by him a day earlier. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=220
and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 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). Īt 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.
Near Ross D (23E, 12N) 1964 May 18 UT 03:54-04:53 Observed by
Harris, Cross et al. (Whittler, CA, USA, 19" relector x720, 8"
reflector x322, S=G) "White gas obscuration. Moved 20mph,
decreased in extent. Phenom. repeated. Drawing." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID 811. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
White spot near Censorinus 1966 Dec 18 UT 23:40-23:46 Observed by Enie
(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, 8" reflector x100, S=G) "Attention
drawn to pink color in this usually white patch. Brightened to a light
reddish tinge for 2 mins, then faded back to pink, then to white,
Sketch." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1002.
Linne 1867 Aug 06 UT 21:00? Observed by Buckingham (England?)
"Crater in darkness, he saw a "rising oval spot". Other obs.
saw it as a triang. Bold black spot pointing to earth, slowly
diffused white & drift of white on slope of pyramid. (indep.
confirmation?)" NASA catalog weight=5 and catalog ID #155.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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 2001 Apr 29 at UT 20:50 R. Braga (Italy) reported that without any
filter, the brightness of the east wall of Torricelli B was halfway
Torricelli C (faintest) and Moltke (brightest). By insering a Wratten
25 red filter though, the crater was slightly more evident. However
using a blue Wratten 39A filter, the crater vanished completely, whilst
Toricelli C remained. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1978 May 14 at UT21:30-22:52 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector,
seeing II and transparency excellent, no spurious colour) observed
Aristarchus to be very bright in Earthshine and bluish. The CED
brightness measuring device gave a very bright reading of 0.9, the
brightest he had ever seen ir before was 0.3. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
29 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Oct 04 at UT 02:15-03:18 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x80) found that Eimmart crater was brighter in blue light
than in red light - however Cape Agarum, and Mare Crisium were too. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=454 and the weight=4. The AlPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1992 Oct 04 at UT 02:15-03:18 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x80) found that Mare Crisium was brighter in blue light
than in red light - however Cape Agarum, and Eimmart were too. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=454 and the weight=4. The AlPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1992 Oct 04 at UT 02:15-03:18 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x80) found that Mons Piton was very bright and was equal
to Proclus (brightness of 9) in white light and 7.5 in violet, and 9.3
in red (Proclus was 9.2 in red). Īn 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 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.
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 1980 Apr 22 at UT20:30 R.Rohslberger (Hittfield, (near Hamburg) West
Germany, 8" reflector, x170 25mm occular used, 300mm focal length?)
took some photographs using projection. One of these recorded an
apparent "ejecta curtain". Cameron considered lens flare, but the other
photographs did not show this. If real then the plume was at a height
of ~40km and the ray was ~130km. Cameron concludes that this was an
impact photograph. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=90 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Ptolemaeus 2020 Feb 01 UT 19:40-19:50 P. Sheperdson (York, UK,
102mm Mak - BAA) saw an "ashen" sliver of bright light across
the floor. Images taken. This maybe normal appearance - though
observer re-observed in May and found the effect different in
that there was no "ashen" like effect. Visual sketches and
time lapse image sequences welcome. If doing visual work - try
using a polaroid filter and rotate it to see if that makes any
difference. For imaging work, please over-expose slightly to
bring out detail on the floor; you could also try colour
imaging of the floor as an interesting experiment - though for
comparison purposes image other terminator features exhibiting
shadow spires. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1952 Nov 24 UT 18:00 A.P. Lenham (Swindon, UK, 3-
inch efractor x120) noted that the usual dark spots were not
visible, but floor ridges and craterlets were surperbly seen.
This may not be a TLP but has been given a TLP category as it
is a curious appearance and needs to be verified on a repeat
repeat illumination apeparance. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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 1916 Sep 05 at UT 19:30 Markov (Russia) observed in Plato light on
shadow of the bands at the bottom of the crater. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=364 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
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.
Pallas-Schroter 1953 Nov 13 UTC 02:00 Observed by L.Stuart (USA)
"Saw and photographed a bright spot on term. between these two
craters. Used Kodak 103aF3." NASA catalog weight=5 and catalog
ID #559. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 2012 Aug 25 UT1944-1952 Eratosthenes crater was imaged by C.
Galdies (Malta,Nexstar 8SE, Philips SPC 900NC camera). 4
Registaxed images were produced covering 19:45, 19:48, 19:49,
and 19:51. All but the first image, once first order spurious
colour had been removed, showed orange on the shaded terraces on
the western illuminated rim (similar to what Paul Abel and
others saw in 2009, albeit just confined to the NW rim), and the
interior floor shadow was slightly smaller in red light. However
orange colour was also seen on the eastern side of mountains to
the south of the crater, which infers that the spurios colour
removal did not fully acomplish its main goal. The effects were
not caused by the registax software as the orange colour is
visible on individual images. Although probably the colour is
not lunar in orgin, its explanation is not fully explaianed,
therfore an ALPO/BAA weight of 1 is used for now.
On 1969 Nov 18 at UT 04:22 Loocks (Valparaiso, Chile, 12" reflector)
observed a flash of light of magnitude 12. Cameron speculates a meteor
and mentions the apollo 12 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1214 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
North (?) (left) Cusp 1912 Jan 28 UT 00:00 (27th 20:00 L.T.) Observed
by Harris (Philadelphia? Pennsylvania?, naked eye?): Intensely black
curved object 400x240km, shaped like a "crow". Cameron 1978 weight=1
(very low) and ID=334. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Eratosthenes: On 2017 May 04 UT 21:50-22:10 N. Longshaw (BAA,
UK, 78mm APO refractor, x125 & x175, seeing II-III,
transparency Good). A brownish (orange) tint was seen on the
inner NW wall light terraces - this was immediately obvious
when first looking at the crater, but as time progressed the
effect became less bright. Other craters were checked for
similar coloured tints, but none were seen elsewhere on the
Moon. UAI observers in Italy (F. Taggogna & A. Tonon) had been
imaging the region in colour 17:57-21:47, but their images do
not show any colour on the inner NW rim terraces, the their
last image is 3 min before Longshaw saw the colour. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Eratosthenes 1947 Jan 30 Mean Col. 16deg. Observed by Hill (UK) "Main
peak of massive central mountain group appeared to be in a shadowless
having regard to it's claimed height of 6,600 ft. The whole of the
floor to the west should have still been in darkness. Instead
immediately to the west was a dark (intensity 1.5-2) region extending
almost to the foot of the bright inner wall and very diffuse in
outline. The observation could not be followed through due to
increasing cloud, but on the following night all was normal."
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=0.
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.
Plato 2005 Dec 10 UT 20:46 Observed by Brook (Plymouth, UK, 4"
refractor. Conditions excellent with the Moon at a high altitude) "2
second duration white flash seen on the floor of the crater" - BAA
Lunar Section Report.
Messier and A 1966 Dec 22 UT 06:00-06:30 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside,
CA, USA, 8" reflector, x200, S=G, T=P) "Blinks on floors of both
craters (blink device not stated)" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA
catalaog ID #1004.
On 1980 Apr 24 at 23:35UT Marco Petek (Porto Alegre, Brazil,
using a 7.5" refractor noticed that the center of Plato was
bright and opaque and the observer thought it was similar in
appearance to Linne. A sketch was made and two other observers
confirmed the appearance. Cameron mentions that Petek is an
experienced observer. Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID=91
and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Daniell 1979 Jun 05 UT 20:15-21:10 Observed by Price (Camberley,
England, 152mm reflector x64 and x128, seeing III, transparency good)
"Obscuration seen" BAA Lunar Section report.
Daniell 1979 Jun 05 UT 20:15-23:00 Observed by Price (Camberley,
England, 152mm reflector x64 and x128, seeing III, transparency good)
observed that Posidonius lacked sharpness.
Plato. 2024 Nov 11 UT 20:33-20:52. T.Smith (Codnor, UK - 16
inch Newtonian, seeing IV) the inner northern rim was an
orange-white colour and this faded, and had vanished by 20:52.
Observation ceased at 20:56. the effect was not present
earlier at 17:49-18:04, nor during a visual check at
23:14-23:24. No other features on the Moon exhibited this
effect at the time. Colour imagery by C.Longthorn at 20:14 and
A.Cook at 20:54 failed to detect any colour in this region,
but these lay outside Smith's observing window. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Bullialdus 1979 Jun 05 UT 22:00-23:00 Observed by Cook M.C.
and J.D. (Frimley, UK, 12-inch reflector, Seeing III-IV, good
transparency). MC Cook observed internittently over this time
period (due to cloud) and found the crater sharper in a blue
filter than in a red filter. No obscuration seen apart from a
darkish patch on the SW rim and spreading over onto an area
surrounding the rim, which she took to be shadow, though the
main shadow was along the east rim of the crater. JD. Cook
observed an orange colouration seen on eastern and the cleft
on the SW rim. Dark area seen on southern floor of crater,
south of central peak. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Apr 15 at UT06:27-06:40 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA
using a 3" refractor x134 and S=4.5-5 and T=5-0) saw a bright spot on
the western wall of Eimmart (sketch supplied) have an unusual
brightening and shade. Variations occurred over 2-3 minute intervals.
Louderback commented that the spot looked like a flare with its apex
located at the crater wall and there was some blurring effect on the
spot - it decreased in size during the phenomenon. Seeing worsened
later. Apparently on the 18th and 19th of April everything was back to
normal. Cameron comments that there is no bright spot on the Moon at
this location. Lunar Orbiter IV plates 192-3.2 shows evening
conditions. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension TLP ID=130 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weright=3.
Alphonsus 1969 Nov 20 05:27 (UT)? Observed by Argus/Astronet (San
Diego, Sacramento, CA, USA) "Brightening in crater. (San Diego &
Sacramento obs. confirmed, but astronauts did not see anything. Apollo
12 watch)." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1222.
Gassendi 1971 Oct 29 UT 22:15-22:50 observed by J.Coates and
A.R. Neville (Burnley, UK, 6" reflectir, x192, slight fog,
seeing jumpy but good at times). An in ititial Moonblink
search proved negative. However white light observations by
Coates revealed a golden brown colour between the black
interior shadow and the base of the (bright W (IAU?) wall).
Neville confirmed its appearance as a coppery hue and saw the
colour for 5 minutes before it vanished at 22:55UT. ALPO/BAA
weight=2
Gassendi 1967 Jan 21 UT 19:36-20:24 Observed initially by
Moore & Moseley (Armagh, N.Ireland, 10" refractor, x360, S=G),
Ringsdore (England, 10" reflector), Sartory (Farnham, England,
15" reflector?), Duckworth (England), Kilburn (Ashton,
England, 6" reflector), Farrant (England, 8" reflector) "Eng.
moon blink at 1936 (no events from 1750-1815h) outside SE
wall, brighter at 1939h, seen vis. at 1940h, faint at 1946h.
Moved NW at 1950h. At 2000h, Moseley saw it farther W., lost
it at 2008h. Seen again at 2026h further toward group of
hills. Moore saw it faint at 2002h, lost it at 2005h, vis. &
blink at 2007h. Checks again at 2010-50h, 2130-50, 2200-20,
2250-2300, 2325-0000h.Duckworth suspected blink in S.Iridium
nr. Bianchini later, but clouds intervened, after clearing
couldn't see it. Neg. obs. in 11 other features, inc.
Alphonsus & Plato. Confirmed Gass blink 2018-2024h" NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1010. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1990 Sep 30 at D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x150) observed a red spot on the west wall (bright
in red filter and faint in the blue filter. No filter
reactions were found elsewhere. Gassendi had much detail
visible. A sketch was made. BAA observers in the UK were
alerted but they could not observe due to cloud. Cameron
2006 extension catalog ID=411 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1966 Dec 23 UT 06:15-07:10 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 6" reflector, S=P, T=G) and Coralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM,
USA, 24" reflector +Moonblink) "3 brilliant spots on floor, all showed
blinks, (permanent colored Ground features ?). Not confirmed by
Corralitos MB." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1005.
Aristarchus, Schroter's Valley, Herodotus 1881 Aug 06 UT 00:00?
Observed by Klein (Cologne, Germany, 6" refractor, 5" reflector)
"Whole region between these features appeared in strong violet
light as if covered by a fog spreading further on 7th. Examined
others around & none showed effect. Intensity not altered if
Aris. placed out of view." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #224. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Plato 1998 Jul 05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector, x200-
x400, seeing II/III) comments that he is puzzled why the floor
of Plato, which is light gray in shade, looks completely blank
tonight. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England, 6.5" reflector? x240) "Red
glow." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #573.
On 1987 Jan 11 at UT 18:15-23:00 P. Grego (Birmingham, UK, 6"
reflector, seeing=III) sketched Aristarchus crater and saw two
luminous circular patches on the exterior west wall - these
were less bright than the inner wall but brighter than the
outer wall. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=292 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1987 Jan 11 at UT P. Moore (Sussex, UK) found the the floor of Plato
was much more drk than the adjacent Mare Imbrium. Furthemore there was
a blurring of detail over the northeast wall and onto the nearby floor.
detail elsewhere in the crater was OK. By 23:00UT there was less lack
of detail effects. M. Cook (Frimley, UK) at 21:55UT noted the obscured
area but decided that it was narrower than the same effect one month
ago and suspected that she may have been observing towards the end of
this TLP. The effect gradually dimmed between 21:55 and 22:45UT. Other
craters were normal. G. North was affected by poor seeing conditions.
Davies detected a slight obscurtion on the north east corner - it was a
misty gray feature at x200. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID was
292 and the weight was 5. Tha ALPO/BAA weight was 4.
On 1990 Oct 1st at 00:44-01:24UT D Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA)
observed that Gassendi still had a blink effect when viewed through
blue (Wratten 38A) and red (Wratten 25A) filters. No effect was seen on
Aristarchus. Gassendi was brighter in the red filter and this was
confirmed by Weier. Sketches were made and brightness measurements
taken. Both observers used a 12.5" reflector x159. At 01:00UT the NW
wall was 7.5, the SW wall 8.0, the S. wall 7.5, the floor 6.0, the
outer E. wall 8.0, the N. floor 5.5. Gassendi A W. wall was 9.5,l
Aristarchus W. floor was 8.0, NW wall 8.0, shadowed floor 0.0, E. outer
wall 7.0, NBP 5.5, area between Aristarchus and Herodotus 6.0, and the
comet like tail: 8.2 on the E. and 8.5 on the W. The Cameron 2006
catalog extension TLP ID=412 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1889 May 11 at 22:00? UT an unknown observer saw an ink black spot
on the rampart of Gassendi. It had not been seen before ar at the next
lunation or indeed ever again. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=261 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Cobra Head 1949 Feb 10 UT 00:00? Observed by Thorton (Northwich,
England, 18" reflector) "I was examining the Cobra Head of the Schroter
Valley, when I noticed what seemed to be a diffuseed patch of thin
smoke or vapour, apparently originating from the valley on the E. Side
where the landslip is, and spread over the edge on to the plain for a
short distance. Every detail of the edge of the valley was perfectly
clear and distinct except where this patch occurred, but there the
definition was poor and very blurred" NASA catalog
weight=4 and catalog ID #515. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Bullialdus 1974 Sep 27 UT 22:45-23:40 Observed by Findlay, Ford
(Dundee, Scotland, 10" refractor, 150x, 180x, filters) "Saw yellowish-
orange color in crater. After clouds passed at 2300h color still there
& gave a slight blink which no other craters did. Not seen in red
filter, dark in blue. Ford saw it along ridge fr. c.p. to SW wall.
Alert did not bring confirm. as clouds intervened for all others." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1394. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Torricelli B 2005 Jan 22 UT 03:15-03:23 Observed by Raul Salvo
(Montevideo, Uraguay UT 03:15-03:23) showed that Torricelli B
was dark, and there was some brightness variability although the
background setting on these images was low and seeing could
account for the brightness variation? An ALPO report.
Schroter's Valley 1955 Aug 29 UT 19:45 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England, 6.5" reflector x200, S=P-F) "Valley almost completely
invisible in blue" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #605.
Aristarchus 1976 Sep 05/06 UT 18:45-01:35 Observed by Prout
(England?, 12" reflector, S=III-II), Foley (England, 12"
reflector), Moore and Spry (Sussex, England, 12" reflector)
"Viol. hue on crater on W. wall, especially NW corner seen by
Prout & 2 Foleys. Moore & Spry did not see color. All obs. noted
that the crater was dull Hobdell, of St Petersburg, FL, USA, using a 2"? refractor?
and Seeing=I-II, saw a bright region on the north west wall
that seemed to change in brightness. In truth, there were
other features elsewhere on the Moon that also fluctuated,
but not as much as Aristarchus was. No colour was noticed.
Cameron suspects fluctuations in our own atmosphere.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID 131 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Proclus 1970 Oct 12 UT 00:54 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4" reflector, 51x-181x) "Floor darkened to intensity 1.5 deg (albedo) &
c.p. became invis. Next day c.p. reappared & was 5 deg bright & 6deg
bright on 15th" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1277.
Schickard 1972 Sep 19 UT 19:45-20:25, 20:00-23:30 Observed by Watkins
(Herts., Eng. 4.5" reflector, x225, S=G) Amery (Reading, Eng.m 12"
reflector?), Fitton (Lancashire, Emg., 8.5" reflector) and Moore
(Selsey, Eng., 12.5" reflector?, 4.5" refractor 45-225x, S=P)
"Luminous, nebulous spot attracted Watkin's att'n. Got brighter.
Checked 'scope--not instru. Obj. had greenish-gray color, size @ 15km.
Amery & Fitton with blink devices noted nothing unusual at later times
(2000-2330h). Aris., Plato, Gass. were neg. at 1930-2025h (date not
given, guessed at fr. available info.). Turbulence, lasting
secs. at a time." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #
1344. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Herodotus 1957 Sep 05 UT 02:55-03:24 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x180, S=1-5, T=5) Pseudo
peak visible within floor shadow at 03:10h" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #671. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2002 Feb 24 UT 05:15-05:35 W. Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA) observed an
obscuration in Herodotus - the shadown was, almost, but not
completely black. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2002 Feb 24 UT 06:05-06:20 W. Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA) observed
that the shadow was, almost, but not completely black. This might have
been related to the observing conditions.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1933 Oct 01 at UT 03:00 Rawstron (USA, 4" refractor, x330) observed
the following in Mons Pico B: "Haze -- much narrower & elongated than
on Sep. 1". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=407 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1955 Oct 28 at UT00:00? Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet Union, 50"
reflector) detected in Aristarchus Fraunhofer lines in UV spectra that
were much narrower than in the solar spectrum. This indicated
luminescent glow which overlapped contour(?) lines. Greatest after Full
Moon, but fluctuated monthly with no indication of solar activity
effect. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=621 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=5.
P. Foley of Kent, UK, using a 12" reflector, seeing=III-II, noticed
that initially that the crater was pretty dull and that the floor
was a slate blue-gray in colour at 22:45UT. A noticeable green spot
inside the crater on the south east appeared at 22:25UT and vanished
at 00:50UT. Cameron notes that one doesn't get green with spurious
colour. Crater Extinction brightness measurements were made at 22:00 UT
(reading=2.8) and at 23:45UT (reading=3.7). The crater dropped in
brightness from 3.7 to 2.8 at 23:50UT and remained lower until 3.0 at
23:50-03:15 UT. A graph was produced and showed Proclus and Censorinus
at similar brightnesses, but Aristarchus variable. The Earthshine was
0.3. Cameron 2006 Extension catalog ID=31 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
A fleeting faint reddish patch was seen in Gassendi
at 21:15UT. This observation has an ALPO/BAA weight of 2.
Cobra Head 1967 Mar 23 UT 18:40-20:47 Observed by Sartory,
Moore, Moseley (Farnham, England, 15" reflector (Sartory) seeing
very poor & 10" refractor in Armagh, N. Ireland (Moore & Mosely)
x360 - seeing Fair to Poor) "Red patch seen intermittently;
moon-blink from 1916-2047h. Position agreed with Sartory who
alerted them to Aris. area; checks on others were neg." NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID 1020. Then Aristarchus 1967
Mar 23 UT 18:40-20:30, 21:30 by Marsh and Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector, x330). "Suspected colour on SW (ast.)
wall. Farrant saw color in crater, completely independently,
(inform. suggests same phenom. as seen by Moore & Moseley tho
they said Cobra head). NASA Catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #
1021. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1967 Mar 23 UTC 18:40-18:50 Observed by Sartory (Farnham,
England, 15" reflector) "Heavy blink on inner S. wall. Moved toward N.
at 1845, faded at 1850." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog
ID #1019.
Johnson, of Des Moines, Iowa, USA, using a 7" reflector and an 8"
refractor, saw a bight streak. The observer looked later, but it was no
longer visible. Cameron thinks that it might have been a reflection
from the wall. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=423 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
D. Darling of (Sun Praire, WI, USA, using a 12.5" reflector at x150,
noticed a hint of red? colour on the south west rim of Aristarchus.
Brightness measurements were normal for Aristarchus and Herodotus. No
colour seen elsewhere e.g. Prom. LaPlace. The colour on Aristarchus had
gone by 01:15UT. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=414 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Rays of(?) (in?) Herodotus 1955 Oct 28 UTC 18:30 Observed by Kozyrev
(Crimea, Russia, 50" reflector, spectragraph) "Spectrum 3934A (K of
Ca). 3964 (H of Ca) change in luminosity. 13% in H, 19% in K, 2% in H,
3% in K. in photo-line-depth method" NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID #622. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
1996 Jun 28 UT 21:04 F. Ferri and D. Zompatori (Anzio), using
a 20cm f/6 reflector, reported that (translation) "Using a
blue filter the area was invisible". This is a UAI observation
from Italy. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Babbage 1974 Sep 29 UT 00:00-01:00 Observed by Lord (St Annes-
on-Sea, UK, 10" refractor, Wratten 25 and 44a filters, 125x,
S=II-III). Activity observed in SW floor between A & W. wall.
Details not obscured in either filter, but slightly more
darker than surroundings in the blue filter. NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1395. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1990 Oct 02 at 02:25-02:45UT D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA using a
12.5" reflector at x159, with red and blue filters), saw a blink
effect on the west wall of Plato i.e. brighter through a blue filter
than through the red. No Colour blinks seen on Gassendi or Aristarchus.
Cameron 2006 Catalog TLP=413 and weight=4.
1954 Aug 11 observed by Firsoff (Somerset, UK, 6.5" reflector,
x200) "Brilliant in red filter, variable)" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #570. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Ross D 1965 Apr 14 UT 06:03-06:22 Observed by Harris (Whittier?, CA?,
USA, 19"? reflector) "Phenomenon description unavailable. Given at an
ALPO meeting" NASA catalog weight=0 (very unreliable). NASA catalog ID
#874.
Schroter's Valley 1897 Oct 08 UT 22:00 Observed by Pickering
(Cambridge, Maas., USA, 15"? refractor) "Variations in vapor col.
Tillsow, C was largest compared with D&E& most conspicuous 1.3 d after
sunrise. Drawing. (time est. fr. given colon.)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #291.
On 1988 Jan 02 at 05:57-06:13 UT D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
using a 8" reflector, seeing 4 out of 10) observed that points B and D
on Cape Agarum faded suddenly from 7.0 to 6.4 (B) and 6.0 (D). However
these returned to their normal levels at 06:13 UT. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=316 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1977 May 30 at 21:04-02:13UT J.H.-Robinson noted a loss of
detail inside Gassendi, however he did not regard this as a
TLP. The effect was also seen by P.W. Foley. Cameron 2006
extension catalog TLP ID=16 and weight=0 ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Feb 14 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) thought that there was something
odd about Mons Pico in that it looked very bright and gave a good
impression of a crater. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=241 and
weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1984 Feb 14 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) observed that Plato was darker
than the nearby mare and no detail could be seen on the floor or the
eastern wall - the later was obscured. At 23:40UT some dimming was
still present on the north east wall and still no detail on the floor
of Plato. Cook noticed that the eastern floor close to the wall was
misty and also noted no detail on the floor. Amery though noted that
all parts of the floor were sharp although some darkening was visible
in the north west and a hint of obscurtion. The east wall though was
quite sharp. Mosely could see the central craterlet but from 8-6
o'clock tricky to define (Foley says that this effect has been seen at
this colongitude before). Streak ray across the floor of Plato seen
(North) - filter measurements made. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=
241 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Jan 02 at 06:41-07:08 UT D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
using a 8" reflector, seeing 4 out of 10) observed that at 06:56 UT
Aristarchus floor (point F) brightened rapidly from an intensity of 5.2
to 6, however at 07:08 UT the spot returned to normal. He also noticed
that the bands on the walls varied every few minutes. A mist like
appearance was seen on the floor of Aristarchus. Through a red filter
he could see through the haze, but floor detail could not be seen
through a blue filter. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=316 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Vallis Schroteri 1991 Aug 23 UT 02:19-02:49. Flashing spot at
end of SV fluctuated. Herzog, Darling & Weier confirmed spot
but not fluctuation. Spot brighter in red than blue, but Cobra
Head was bright in blue. No other region was abnormal.
Plato 1874 Jan 01 UT 20:00? Observed by Pratt (England?)
"Unusual appearance" NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #
183. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1982 Mar 08 Daniell UT 22:49-22:57 P.Madej (Hudersfield, UK) -
A colour and brightness anomaly was seen a TLP alert was put
out. Cameron 2006 catalog extension weight=165 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
"Brightening in blue filter, 1st for seconds, later for mins". NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #574.
Plato 1971 Nov 01 UT 19:35-20:35 Observed by Kidd (S.Shields,
UK 16" reflector, S=G), Kirsopp (UK), Fitton (Lancashire, UK,
8" reflector x200) "NW (IAU?) rim, small area of obscur. &
bright spot adjacent to it. Was normal at 2035h. Kirsopp
confirmed. Fitton saw nothing unusual in blink patrol. (blink
device detects color rather than brightness)" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1318. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Manilius 1939 Jul 30 UT 06:00 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA, 12?"
reflector) "Dark area in S. part wad I=3.7 comp. with #449. Cond. were
similar. (phase same. real difference?). (normal here?)"
Schickard 1940 May 20 UT 20:00 Observed by Moore (England, 12?"
eflector) "Fog on floor -- milky appearance, less pronounced
than on 8/2/39 (see #456)." NASA catalog ID #465. NASA catalog
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Mare Humboldtianum 1951 Jan 21 20:47-22:00 UT observed by Baum
(Chester, England). The appearance of some mountains on the
limb appeared to change over time, with some mistiness. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Madler 1940 Aug 17 UT 06:45 (Cameron gives 07:30 but Haas says
this is wrong) Observed by Haas (New Mexico?, USA, 12"
reflector?) Bright spot on S. rim had I=5.8 on this date but
8.9 on Aug. 17, when observing conditions were similar (see #
473). NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #470.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1989 Oct 13 UTC 21:00 Observed by Cook (Frimley, Surrey,
UK, 20cm reflector (visual and video)) "Aristarchus had what appeared
to be a outline of a ghost crater on it's eastern side - quite large
and bright". Cameron 2006 extended catalog TLP ID No=378 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Plato 1937 Jul 22 UT 06:20 Observed by Haas (Alliance, Ohio,
USA, 12" reflector?) "Floor distinctly greenish, but was gray on
June 23, 1937 at 0430 & col.84 (normal?)" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #421. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1961 Jun 27/28 23:00?-01:00? Observed by Granger &
Ring (Italy). "Enhancement of Spectrum in UV at CaII similar to
May obs." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #741. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Enhancement of spectrum in UV and CaI recorded on photoelectric
spectrometer scans by Grainger and Ring in Italy. Effect seen on
Aristarchus and a ray near Bessel (approx 17E, 22N). Cameron
1978 catalog ID=740 and weight=5. ALPO weight=3.
Aristarchus 1973 Sep 11 UTC 20:48-21:06 observed by Pasternak
(53deg 20'N, 7deg 30'E, 75mm reflector T=1, S=3) "reddish
colours at the S of Aristarchus from 20.48-21.00 U.T., area
spread to the region E of the crater at 20.57 U.T.,
disappeared there at 21.04U.T., no colours after 21.06 U.T." -
Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984),
p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1955 Aug 03 UTC 04:13-04:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=5) "Floor blackish 2 intensity but
in green filter assumed a distinctly mottled or flocculent appearance
-- seen only in green. Neither blue nor red had any effect, but on
previous eve. green light had not produced such an appearance." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #602. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1967 Feb 24 UT 04:21 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 8" reflector?) Using an Eng. moon blink device, discovered
red brightest on NNE wall summit - duration 10min. NASA catalog
weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1017. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus vicinity 1842 Oct 18 UT 23:00? Observed by
Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany) "Mingling of all colors in small
spots in W. & NW of crater. (interposition of year dates? was #
101 --1842 prob. correct." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #121. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1976 Jun 12 UT 05:21 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore. MD.
USA, 4.5" reflector, 40-225x, S=5, T=3, "Deep viol. tinge in N. 1/2 of
nimbus. Faint blue-viol. radiance (gas ?) on E. - NE wall along crest.
No color elsewhere, nor on plateau m." NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #1435.
F. Graham took some photos of the Cobras Head and found a blue cloud
about 50 km in diameter and scattering light - Cameron says that
this indicates high density. Darling found the Cobra's Head obscure and
variable "clear and bright to diffused". Cameron was alerted observed
(02:40UT) variations with periods of approximately 30 seconds, and
thought that she could see a red tinge on the east rim of Aristarchus -
checks elsewhere found no other colours. Darling found that a blue
filter enhanced the effect and a red filter made it disappear. There
was a blink at 02:55UT but no blink in the Cobra's Head, which looked
fuzzy and lacking in detail. The effect was confirmed by Weier, who
also saw two dark spots in the Cobra Head in blue but not in red light.
The brightness of the Cobras Head was 6.0, Herodotus floor 5.5, NW wall
7.5, South wall, 7.0, Aristarchus south wall 9.0, west wall 9.0, south
wall 7.0, East wall 8.0, and the central peak 10.0. Observer details
were as follows: Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5" reflector, x159,
S=9/10). D. Weier (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5" reflector, x159, S=
9/10), W. Cameron (Sedona, AZ, USA, 8" reflector x110 and x220, T=6 and
S=6) F. Graham (E.Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 7" refractor, thin haze).
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=415 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1897 Oct 10 at UT 19:00 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass. USA, 15"
refractor?) observed in Shroter's valley and the vicinity, "Variations
in vapor col. change in direction of cloud rising from F is marked
(time est. fr. given colon.)" The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=292 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Archimedes 1940 Jun 20 UT 07:30 Observed by Haas (NM, USA, 12?"
reflector) "NE wall (outer) had I=2.5 on this nite but 5.0 on
Aug. 18 (see #471 -- both same phase so real diff. 2.5 normal?)"
NASA weight=4. NASA ID No. #467. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Near Censorinus 1964 Apr 26 UT 20:00? Observed by Hopmann
(Czchoslovakia?) "Surface brightening somewhat similar to Kopal and
Rackham in #779" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #810.
Proclus 1972 Nov 20 UT 20:20 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge, England,
8.5" reflector, x178) "Dark patch in crater. Disappeared by next nite.
The normal ring seemed thickened. On Dec. 7. the crater appeared
bright. Drawings. (prob. real LTP, nr. FM)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1350.
Archimedes 1940 Aug 18 UT 03:25 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) NE outer wall had I=5.0, but was I=2.5 on June 20
(see #467) (similar colong.)" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #471. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Lichtenberg 1951 Jan 22 18:19.2-18:38.5 UT observed by Baum
(Chester, England). Tiny red spot noticed initially and then
faded. Location of spot 31.403N 66.167W. 20cm refractor x90-
x100. Seeing fair-extremely good. NASA catalog assigns a
weight of 3. NASA TLP ID No. #542. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1966 Dec 27 UTC 06:30-07:05 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 6" reflector?) "Very faint blink on SW (ast. ?) floor & on another
N. of it on NW floor. Obs. considers obs. very suspect" NASA catalog
weight=1 (very poor). NASA catalog ID #1006.
Aristarchus 1954 Oct 12 UT 00:55-02:10 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5" refractor x100, S=5-6, T=5) "Pale
violet radiance on S.wall SE, E, NE walls, & c.p. At 0409 strong
violet tint E 1/2 of fl.very faint on W. 1/2 of floor & W. wall.
Dark violet on nimbus & pale violet on Mt. m" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #576. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1989 Oct 14 UT 19:00?, 22:00? P.W. Foley (Kent, U.K., using a 12"
reflector) noted that although the brightness of Aristarchus crater
seemed steady, that there was just too much detil to see inside the
crater than one would expect. Appeared as two craters - Cameron
commented that this was often seen by Bartlett. Several observers
apparently confirmed this TLP? Cameron 1978 catalog extension ID=379
and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1878 Nov 09 UTC 21:00 UTC Observed by Klein (Cologne, Germany,
6" refractor?) "Faint, but unmistakable white cloud not seen before."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #207.
Aristarchus 1973 Feb 15 UTC 17:07-19:31 Observed by Theiss (located at
51N 5.67E) "area 4-5 diameters of Aristarchus were coloured clearly
yellow-red" 120mm reflector used. Ref Hilbrecht & Kuveler (1984) Moon
and Planets Vol 30 p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1973 Aug 13 UT 22:25-22:35 observed by Pedler (Devon, UK).
Observer noticed a slight blink on a lighter patch on the floor
just beneath the south(?) rim using Moon blink filters.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus was not normal, but all the following features were: Mare
Crisium, Proclus, Sinus Iridium, Grimaldi, and Tycho. Observed by
Mellor and Fitton, UK. Observer notes that Aristarchus is brighter than
Tycho when normal. Estimated variation was 25%. However the Moon was
low and the Moon was yellow. Despite this the observer decided that the
effect was real. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=32 and weight=2.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1958 Aug 30 UT 06:30-06:45 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4" reflector, x240, S=6, T=5) "Proc. Q. a bright spot on NE rim
apparently a crater presented a very abnormal aspect. Extraordinarily
large & at least 9 deg bright -- like EWBS on Aris. This spot is
subject to large unexplained variations. At 97 deg col. in July, Q was
also 9 deg bright but very small. At col.96 deg, 5 in May '58,
col.99deg in Feb.'50, & 96 deg in Nov. '55 it was not seen at all.
Assoc. with tonite was a distinct blue glare on NE rim, extending for
short dist. & @ 2x as far as S." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #894.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 23 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographed
due to clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
Mobberley noticed that Torricelli B was bright and had an even brighter
spot on the inner north wall. The observation was made from UT19:45-
21:40 using visual and video techniques. There was also a bright region
NNE of Toricelli B, that was noticed. Foley examined the video and
found that the crater faded in brightness over time and also the bright
area to the NNE was not as bright on video as had been seen visually.
Foley speculates that because the CCD camera was sesnitive to the near
IR that maybe the spot was blue?. Foley observed from 21:12-21:21UT and
also saw the bright spot on the inner north wall - but saw a blue halo
around the crater. Response in blue filter, darkening over whole
region. Brightness measures with a crater extinction device (CED)
indicated that the crater was 80-85% the brightness of Censorinus.
There was a bright area NNE of the region. M. Cook observed 22:10-
22:16UT (15cm reflector and seeing III-IV) and also saw that the crater
was very bright indeed with a spot NNE of the region (same position as
28/28 1985 observation) - suspected that the crater might have been
brighter than Censorinus, but judgement effected by seeing. In a blue
filter the crater dulled leaving the bright spot prominent (but only
during a good moment of seeing) - therefore had some suspicion of
seeing effects. At 01:00-01:04UT M. Cook used a 12" reflector on the
area, but the seeing was even worse - but did manage a check of the
brightness of Torricelli B to Censorinus and now made it one quarter of
that of Censorinus and no sign of the crater dimming in the blue as had
been seen earlier in the 6" refletor. A. Cook (Frimley, seeing V) at
21:15UT (Dec 27) thought that Torricelli B looked normal and saw no
colour. At Dec 28 at UT 00:02-00:25 A. Cook obtained some CCD images
through red+IR (Wratten 25) and IR (Wratten 87) but found no colour
differences, though there was a very slight hint that a brightness fade
may have occurred between those two observing times. Note that this
report does not have an entry in the Cameron 2006 Extension Catalog.
The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1955 Oct 02 at UT 05:30-05:55 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5"
reflector, x100, S=7, T=5) observed the following in Aristarchus
crater: "Viol. gl. on E, NE rim, over EWBS resembled a viol. mist.
Crater itself was hazy, could not get a sharp focus". The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=615 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
W.Humboldt 1897 Dec 09 UTC 23:00? Observed by Goodacre (Crouch End,
England, 12" reflector) "Shadow anomaly. Chocolate penumbral shade
edging black shadow on E. wall." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA
catalog ID #296.
Cobra Head 1955 Oct 31 UTC 19:00 Observed by Milligan (England?) "Dark
blue obscuration" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID 624.
On 1984 Feb 17 at 19:45-22:20UT P. Madej noticed colour in Aristarchus
and telephoned the BAA Lunar Secton TLP network. Mosely at 21:15UT
observed that Aristarchus was both bright and fuzzy - there was some
spurios color (red on south and blue on the north) but this was
replaced by violet. By 21:30UT (transparency=fair) the centre of the
crater was bluish and the west wall creamy white. the north and south
walls were brilliant white. By 22:00-22:30 UT the seeing had improved
and the crater looked unusual - now the centre was violet and the west
wall duller, off-white. By 05:35UT the crater was difficult to define
according to Cook - 4 bands could be seen under II seeing and the north
rim was fuzzy and less bright than the east wall (this was hazy). P.
Moore observed that the crater was normal at 04:00UT. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=242 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1984 Feb 17 at 19:45-22:20UT P. Madej (England, seeing=III-
IV, x50)noticed that the crater Reinhold had a blood red spot
on the northern terraces, at the base of the inner wall in a
summit crater on the last of a crater chain or ridge
descending from the top to floor". Cameron 2006 catalog
extension ID=242 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 11 06:44 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4.5" reflector, 45-300x, S=4-3, T=4) "Pale viol. radiance (gas?) on
plateau m. Dark viol. tinge on nimbus. C.p.=10 deg walls=8deg, & all of
floor=8 deg. W.wall out of focus due to haziness (gas?)." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1441.
On 1983 Jan 29/30 at UT20:35-01:00 Sykes (UK?) observed that
Linne appeared to brighten for approximately 20 min and had the
appearance of a point (confirmed). This observation was made
during a major Torricelli B TLP. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198
and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Torricelli B 1983 Jan 29/30 UTC 20:35-02:30 Observed by Foley (12"
reflector, seeing Antoniadi II, Transparency=good, no spurious colour
seen), Moberley (14" reflector, seeing Antoniadi II, transparency
excellent, spurious colour strong), Cook, J & M (12" reflector, seeing
Antoniadi II-III, transparency moderate). All observers based in
southern England. "Initially crater brightest feature on the Moon, then
it faded. Strong colour also seen by all observers e.g. green-blue to
violet. Report of observations written up in JBAA Vol 100, No. 3, p117
123, (2000) - probably one of the best reorted TLP". The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=198 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Proclus 1972 Nov 21 UT 21:30 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge, England,
8.5" reflector, x130) "Thickened bright ring remained, but the dark
patch had disappeared. (dark patch prob. real temporary phenom. as it
was seen nr. FM when contrasts are strongest, yet disappeared" NASA
catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1351.
CCD images taken through Wratten 25 (red+near IR) and 87
(near IR only) filters. Between 00:02 and 00:25UT there
was some slight evidence that a fade may have taken place
however careful analysis by Cook casts doubt on this.
Probably it was more related to a degradation in image
quality due to seeing than a true TLP. An ALPO/BAA
weight of 1 has been assigned.
On 1983 Jan 29 at UT22:09 M.Mobberley (Sulfolk, UK, 14" reflector)
noted that Arago B had a slight tinge of violet colour, and was a lot
less (bright?) than Torricelli B's blueness. Other craters checked but
were not showing any blue colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1983 Jan 29 at UT22:09 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK), found that Moltke
crater was "exceptionally bright". Other craters (apart from Arago B
Torricelli B etc) appeared normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198 and
the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1973 Oct 12 UTC 18:13-18:45 observed by Pasternak "Bright
region of the S. of the crater, color was red." - Hilbrecht and
Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1962 May 20 UTC 08:00? Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson,
CA ?, 60" reflector? Photometer) "Reddish color in Aris. 0.88
magnitudes brighter than normal (photometry)." NASA catalog weight=5
(very good). NASA catalog ID #758. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Bullialdus 1962 May 20 UTC 08:00? Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson,
CA ?, 60" reflector? Photometer) "1.05 magnitudes brighter than normal
(photometry)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #758.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Kepler 1962 May 20 UTC 08:00? Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA
?, 60" reflector? Photometer) "1.03 magnitudes brighter than normal
(photometry)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #758.
Enhancement of spectrum in UV and CaI recorded on photoelectric
spectrometer scans by Grainger and Ring in Italy. Effect seen on
Aristarchus. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=740 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA
weight=5.
On 1970 Nov 14 UT20:10 J.Coates (Burnley Astromical Society,
8.5" reflector, x102 and x204) saw a dirty green colour on the
NW region of the crater, in patches, with a green area nearby.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1955 Nov 01 UTC 02:50-03:05 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 3.5" reflector x100, S=6, T=5) "Proc. D normally 5 deg bright
was vis. tonite only in blue light, whereas usually is vis. in
integrated light. However at col. 110.5 deg it was a dark spot (see #
816) C.p. tonite was normal 5 deg bright but in Oct. lun. was dark".
NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #625. Note Proclus D does
not refer to the crater Proclus D as defined by the IAU, but probably
to a spot inside the crater that Bartlett designated D!
On 1978 May 24 at 00:40-01:05UT P. Moore (Sussex, UK, and using a
12.5" reflector at x300-400 - seeing IV) saw colour in Aristarchus (red
on the south east wall and southern "horn" of the crater. He could not
detect colour elsewhere, but felt that the effect might have been
spurious colour. With the increasing altitude of the Moon the light
effect decreased. Moore detected red the next night as well (May 25th)
and on May 27th, but it was not present on May 29th. The Cameron 2006
Extension catalog ID=33 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
E. of Picard 1879 Nov 01 UT 00:00? Observed by an unknown observer
(England?) "Bright spot. (Fort admits he has several more of these
records of LTP, but does not give them because they don't fall nr.
Mars'opposition which he tho't was cause of them.) Elevation rising N-
S, with shading toward terminator." NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #214.
On 1955 Oct 03 at UT 04:45-05:05 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5"
reflector, x100, S=5, T=3) observed the following in Aristarchus
crater: "Whole cdrater hazy, couldn't focus it. Herodotus unaffected".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=617 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Peirescius 1985 Dec 28 UT ~20:56 (Col. 112.5) H. Hill (UK)
observed that this crater was piercingly bright. Repeat
colongitude observations on later dates failed to show a
similar effect. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1940 Aug 20 UT 03:25 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) "Largest bright spot on SE pt. of floor had I=8.6
(real changes? see @ '#649, 474, & 475, all similar change)."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #472. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 12 UT 07:30 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=6=3, T=5) "Nimbus around c.p.=2deg,
S.floor=6deg & was red; rest of floor=8deg. This is only tint in
Aris.). Tonite saw a pale red glow suffasing the S. region of the
crater. Bright blue radiance (gas?) on ENE wall. Viol. radiance on
plateau m gone tonite. Red glow on 13th & the region was yellow-
brown." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1442.
In 1941 Jul 11 at UT 04:00? Haas (New Mexico?, USA, 12" reflector)
observed near Hansteen "Moving luminous speck, estimated 0.1" diam.,
mag 8 (rept. date was 10. Lunar meteor?". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
487 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1986 Feb 26 at 05:00UT a photograph was obtained by T. Kohman of
Pittsburgh, PA, USA (3.5" Questar and 0.25 sec exposure) that had two
bands above the limb, resembling ejecta plumes. Cameron suspects that
these are probably flare from the eyepiece optics. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=282 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1870 Apr 17 UT 22:00? Observed by Gledhill? (Halifax, England,
9" refractor) "Group 1 again in illum. as in Aug., Sep. 1869
observations." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #166.
On 1983 Jan 30 at UT 23:45 Chapman (England, UK) observed that
Censorinus was low in brightness. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=199 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Jan 30 at UT 23:45 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector)
measured that the brightness of the region around Toricelli B was 2.3
(high) and there was a slight blue colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
199 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1967 Jan 28 UT 00:04-01:06 Observed by Moseley (Armagh,
Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x350, Seeing=Good) "Small moon blink
(Eng.) not quite concentric with the crater, half way from c.p. to SE
(IAU?) wall. Lasted till 0007h then clouds. Seen again at 0100h-0106h,
then lost with poor seeing. Looked again at 0148, 0230, 0310, but neg.
Other areas also neg." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #
1013.
Aristarchus 1969 Dec 26 UT 03:35-03:45 Observed by Kilburn (England,
6" x192) "Suspected faint blink & glow outside of SW(IAU?) wall. Large
area was gray toward Herod. Another blink inside between 2 bands
at0330h. At 0345h neither blinks seen. Blink seen in blue (=red
event?). Next nite crater was normal." NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1231.
On 1897 Oct 13 at UT 20:00 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass. USA, 15"
refractor?) observed in Shroter's valley and the vicinity, "Variations
in vapor column" The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=292 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Madler 1962 Apr 22 UTC 11:48 Observed (2nd mesurement) by Wildey, Pohn
(Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60" reflector with photometer) "Photometric
measures show change in brightness from Vmag=3.79 to V=4.40. The
average brightness for age 17d is V=3.99. Crater faded from .2 mag
brighter than av. to .4 mag. fainter (@1.5 times fainter) than av., a
range of .6 magnitude, or @ 1.5 times diff. in brightness". NASA
catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #757.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 13 UT 07:30 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=6=3, T=5) "Nimbus around c.p.=2deg,
S.floor=6deg & was red; rest of floor=8deg. This is only tint in
Aris.). Tonite saw a pale red glow suffasing the S. region of the
crater. Bright blue radiance (gas?) on ENE wall. Viol. radiance on
plateau m gone tonite. Red glow on 13th & the region was yellow-
brown." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1442.
On 1985 Dec 29th at UT 23:23-23:58, M. Mobberley (Bury St. Edmunds,
Suffolk, UK, seeing II-III) made a video scan of the Moon. P.W. Foley
examined the tape and noted something that Mobberley had not seen
visually. Two scans of Totticelli B had taken place, one at 23:23 and
the other at 23:58UT. In the first a brilliant point appeared briefly,
on the western rim, positioned at 3o'clock. In the second video
sequence this brilliant spot was present continuously and wandered
along the rim. It was possible to monitor frequency of turbulence
present, this apparent movement did not ppear to conform, although
judgement here was extremelydifficult as the feature was at absolute
point of resolution, a little better than 0.5 mile. Also considered was
the implication of the equipment effect, this did not seem to fit
either as other nerby craters in the same configuration, 30% shadow
filled with sunlight on exterior of western walls. A point to watch for
in future. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Janssen K 1992 Sep 14 UTC 21:30-0025 Observed by Brook (Plymouth, UK,
4" reflector, Antoniadi II seeing). "Crater > & similar one was sharp
EW wall especially bright. Floor in shadow. No obscuration on floor but
no detail in bright part could be seen. At 23:20 had dimmed slightly,
continued to do so. At 00:40 was noticeably < Began to see detail
00:25, TLP over. G. North (Herstmonceux, 18" reflector) took photos in
this time K was grayish, not very bright. C. Brook noticed K very
bright condition its rays 1/2 length. L. Harris (UK, 10" Reflector with
CCD camera). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=453 and weight=5.
In 1897 Oct 14 at UT 00"50 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass. USA, 15"
refractor?) observed "Refractive displacement of lunar atm. at
bright limb was 0.4" (time is for occultation of Alctone in
Pleiades)" The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=294 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1. Note this may? refer to an occultation, in
which case it will be pointless to observe again for a
particular illumination.
Messier & A 1972 Aug 27 UT 08:51-09:21 Observed by Hansen (LeMoore, CA,
USA, 6" reflector, x200) "Perculiar thread of shadow connecting the 2
craters. Sun's elev. @ 6deg. Drawing (possibly a high peak on E.wall of
A casting a shadow?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID
#1342.
Grimaldi 1937 Sep 23 UT 05:00 Observed by Firsoff (Glastonbury,
England, 6" reflector + filter) "Variations in green. Strong green on
this date. Other dates of variation are:
Date Time Color
4/29/37 0930 slight
3/23/38 09?30 strong
7/24/38 0830 gray-green
NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #424.
On 1944 Mar 12 at UT 23:00 H.P. Wilkins (Kent, UK, 8.5" reflector)
observed that Plato appeared incomplete - the central crater had it's
north wall obscured. cameron comments that maybe this was due to the
low altitude of the Moon? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=491 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Birt 1972 Sep 25 UT 23:20-23:45 Observed by Doherty (Stoke-on-Trent,
England, 10" reflector x280, S=VG) "All bright areas were similar in
intensity (albedo) but 2 larger ones at times seemed brighter. N & S.
The E. IAU? wall of the small craterlet showed most prominently & at
times suspected a faint pt. of light just W. of its center. This was
very suspect however." NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog
ID #1345.
Darling, alerted by Keyes saw Aris >> brighter obj on moon (as
it normally is) Comet ray & N rim of Herod. >> could see no
detail - Aris. except two bands, moon was pale yellow (low alt.)
with halo around it. Nothing unusual elsewhere. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID #384 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1,
just in case there is some merit in this report?
Near Bacon, Barocius, Nicolai i.e. 16E-25E, 52S-42S 1878 Nov 13 UTC
02:30 Observed by Hammes & others (Oskaloose, Iowa, USA, 6.5"
reflector) "Lunar volcano (drawing) (investigation & correspondence
cast doubt on location)" NASA catalog weight=? NASA
catalog ID #208.
C.Brook (Plymouth, UK) noticed that the east wall of this crater was
brighter than the walls of nearby craters. Cameron comments that Foley
says that this is normal and agrees. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID=
433 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plinius 1937 Jul 27 UT 04:37 Observed by Haas (Alliance, OH,
12"? reflector) "E. end of c.p. varied in intensity at similar
lighting conditions. Intensity was low est on this nite, being
at I=5.0. Other nites were:
Date Time col. I
6/23/37 0600 84 8.5
7/20/37 0200 58 6.0
7/22/37 0300 78 6.5
9/22/37 0700 114 6.0
9/24/37 0830 142 6.5
10/17/37 0100 59 8.5
10/21/37 0500 109 8.5
NASA catalog weight=4 (good) on this and the nights listed. NASA
catalog ID #422. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Dec 28 UT 00:24 Observed by Kilburn (England, 6"
reflector x192) "Blink in same place as #1231. Very faint and large
area." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1232.
Something resembling a cigar shaped shiny object seen
on S rim - hanging over a smaller crater. It looked like a bright
aluminum can in the sun & cast a shadow onto the rim. The length
was 8-10 miles long x 1 mile wide at the central point.
It appeared tapered to points at both ends. Observer studied it
for several hours. S term. ~60-70miles away. Apparently not related
to topog. Alt. 8deg. Cameron 2006 Extension catalog weight=3.
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=1.
Observed by Bartlett (Baltimire, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x150) "N. half
of crater hazy & ill-defined". S=5, T=4. NASA catalog weight=4 (good).
NASA catalog ID 571.
Schroter's Valley & Vicinity 1897 Oct 15 UT 19:00 Observed by
Pickering (Cambridge, Mass. USA, 15"? refractor) "Variations in vapor
col. change in direction of cloud rising from F is marked - (time est.
from given colon.)" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
292.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 01:55-02:45 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness and definition of
A of about 1/4 to 1/2 minute period. Rest of field unaffected. Checked
for cloud wih naked eye during fades - negative. Checked for misting
and tear salt on eyepiece by shifting A around the field - negative."
BAA Lunar Section report.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 03:00 Observed bt Michael Amato (West Haven,
CT, USA, 127mm Maksutov, x123) "The brightness variation (as seen by
Brook earlier) was very apparent. One thing never seen before by Amato
was a thin short bright ray that extended out in the opposite direction
as Aristarchus bright ray". The higher the Moon climbed in the sky the
more obvious this short thin bright ray became. An ALPO report.
Aristarchus 1973 Oct 16/17 UT 22:16-01:00 Observed by Morgan
(England) "Invis. of NW wall bands. Seeing by no means
perfect" NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #1376.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus region 1955 Sep 07 UT 03:00 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England, 6.5" reflector x200, S=VG) "A dirty brown misty effect on the
area NE (Ast. ?) of crater. Darkened in blue & yellow filters alike."
NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #608.
Copernicus 1955 Sep 07 UT 03:20 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England,
6.5" reflector x200, S=VG) "Brightening up of crater in the blue
filter" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #607.
S. Beaumont of Windemere, England noted that the crater appeared
to be divided into two. Cameron 2006 Extension catalog ID=381
and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
P.Foley (Nettlestead, UK, 12" reflector) noticed a translucent bluish
glow in Earthshine coming from this crater, despite it being close to
the nright terminator. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=200 and
weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Marcus Price (Camberley, Surrey, UK) noted that Aristarchus
was extremely bright. A 6" reflector was used. The Cameron
2006 Catalog ID is #98 and the weight is 1. The ALPO/BAA weight
is 1 too.
On 1997 Jul 25/26 at UT 23:00-00:00 S. Fox (Dundee Tayside, Scotland,
UK, 15cm f/5 reflector with x4 Barlow). A series of photographs were
taken that show a glow just beyond the terminator, near to Callipus
crater. Almost certainly this is lens flare from the Barlow lens. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Taurus Mts 1955 Sep 08 UT 01:35 (Sep 08 EDT 07:35) Lahbert (Irenton,
Ohio, USA, small telescope x 90) observed: "Attention directed to mts.,
saw 2 distinct flashes 1/4s apart that came from edge of those mts.
(mts. in dark)." Cameron 1978 catalog weight=3 (average) and ID = 611.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.