Area of darkness overlapping NW rim. It was visible through
this area of obscuration. Sketch. Cameron 2006 extended catalog
ID=376 and Cameron weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1972 Jul 29 UT 00:30-03:30 Observed by Morgan (England, UK)
"Orange spot just W. of c.p. on central ridge; circular area @ 15-25km
diam, larger than c.p. Was bright orange then turned orange-brown
toward center. Central 4,5km was darker than rest; bownish-black with
blue-white specks flashing in center. Obscur. there but ridge clear
elsewhere. The dark spot SW of c.p. could not be seentho outside of
color area. Sketch. It had appearance of dome of atm. thicker at
center. Never seen before in 11y. Next nite brighter. NASA catalog
weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1337. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1970 Feb 24 UTC 07:00? Observed by Thomas & Stump
(Corralitos Observatory, Organ PAss, NM, USA, 24" refletor+Moon Blink)
"Bluring around crater -- vis. in monitor, but not photographed due to
clouds." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #1235.
On 2002 May 30 at UT02:30-02:44 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK) suspected that
Aristarchus crater looked dimmer than normal. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1969 Sep 30 UT 04:46-05:10 Observed by Maley, Saulietis
(Houston, TX, USA, 16" reflector, x130) "Intermittent blue color on SE
wall, verified by others. At 0500h, taking 10s to reach max. then
slowly disappeared. Gap appeared after 1st event. Drawing." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1202. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1964 Feb 02 at UT08:30-09:40 G.Reneau and B.Crowe (2.4"
refractor, x90)observed Ross D to be double. This was during a
time when observers were looking for a Ranger crash plume. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=799 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 May 31 at UT03:45-04:30 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia) noted
that the whole area of Aristarchus, Herodotus, and Schroter's valley
was both blurred and violet. There was hardly any detail seen inside
the crater. Herodotus could hardly be seen either and Schroter's valley
was totally unrecognizable. A sketch was supplied. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=223 and the weight=3.
On 1895 Sep 07 an unknown observer (Lewis Swift?) observed a pale blue
segment on the upper limb - this was apparently confirmed by Faulkes
(Mem. BAA, 1895). Cameron says that this is probably 1895 Sep 08 at UT
06:00 as Sep 07 is local time. She also infers that "upper limb" is the
southern limb and that Swift was at the Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff,
AZ, USA. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=285 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Alphonsus 1972 Jul 30 UT 00:30-03:30 Observed by Morgan (UK
using a reflector) "Orange glow, brighter this nite than last
nite. Following nites were cloudy. Aristarchus and Gassendi
were negative." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1338.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 Aug 12 at UT07:00-10:35 D. Darling and wife (Sun Prarie, WI,
USA, 12.5" reflector, x342, photos, S=9/10) observed a cigar shaped
protruberance in Romer crater that cast a 32km long shadow, nestled in
a valley rille next to Romer. This was a confirmed observation. The
effect persisted intil sunset. The top of the object and two points on
the crater rim were reflecting the Sun's rays. "Top of obj. & 2 pts on
crater rim reflected suns rays. It was as high as the crater rim
whereas the rill wall was not. Took photos. he has studied this area
and never saw such a phenom before. Photos did not show it". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=65 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1985 May 09 at UT 22:50-03:10 P. Foley (Kent, UK) observed
the whole of Aristarchus to be a strong violet color. No
colour was seen elsewhere on the Moon. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID is 272 and the weight is 2. The ALPO/BAA
weight is 2.
On 1985 May 09/10 at UT 22:50-03:10 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) found that
Torricelli B was very bright in Earthshine and was blue in colour. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=272 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1987 Oct 13 at UT14:00-17:00 J. Moeller (Kirkville, NY, USA,
6" reflector) observe and 10x70 binoculars) noted that
Aristarchus was brilliant in the sky and the most striking
feature on the lunar surface (2-3x brighter than Tycho). It
appeared as a hazy white cloud at first. The effect lasted for 3
hours. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=309 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1966 Dec 04 UTC 01:05-01:23 Observed by Whippey (Northolt?
England, 6" reflector, x212) "Abrupt flash of red, setling in
immediately to a pt. of red haze nr. NW (ast.?) wall. Continuous till
0123 (date given was 4-12-66 = European convention?)." NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1000.
Alphonsus 1956 Oct 26 UT 12:54 Observed by Alter (Mt Wilson, CA,
USA, 60" reflector, S=E) "Photog. thru UV & IR filters. Obscur.
of E. 1/2 of floor evident in blue plates -- KodakII-O plate no
filter. 2m later Kodak I-N. One pair of plates best he'd ever
seen. Similar obscuration seen 2X on Linne (this started Kozyrev
on his spectrographic program.)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #653.
On 1980 Jul 05 at 03:20UT P.Moore (Selsey, UK, 12?" reflector)
found Aristarchus to be "Very brilliant indeed". Cameron 2006
TLP catalog ID=100 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Grimaldi 1972 Aug 02 UT 23:42 Observed by Taylor, Findlay, Ford
(Dundee, Scotland, 10" refractor, x180, filters) "Blink in crater,
slight but definite on W. wall. Appeared bright without filters.
Confirmed by Findlay & Ford. Aris., Gass. & prom. Heraclides were
normal." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1339. ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
Aristarchus 1980 Aug 04 UT 11:40-11:53 Observed by Jean
Nicolini (Campinas, SP, Brazil, 6" reflector and 12"
reflector) "Red glow seen on SE exterior of Aristarchus".
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1955 Jul 13 UTC 02:50 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England) "Brilliant in blue & green filters. Didn't seem to be as clear
as other craters." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #598.
Copernicus 1996 Sep 06 UT 01:45 Observed by C Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm
refractor x28, x112, transparency, not good) "Shadows of central
mountains could not be seen although the shadows on the crater ramparts
were visible" BAA Lunar Section report. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Spitzenberg Mountains 1980 Jul 06 UT 02:05-02:26 Observed by Madj
(Newsome, Huddersfield, UK, 70mm OG, Seeing started as I and ended up
as IV) "Obscuration seen near Spitzenberg Mountains" BAA Lunar Section
Report.
Tycho 1990 Dec 10 UT 11:03-12:49 Observed by Darling (Sun Prairie, WI,
USA, 12.5" Newtonian, x63) "Nebulous patch seen where the central peak
should have been in the 90% shadow filled crater. The nebulous patch is
seen to vary in size and a star-like point is seen inside it briefly
for 1 sec. The nebulous patch was a bit like what one expects from a
close-up view of a cometry nucleus. A sketch and an image can be found
on the following web site:
http://www.ltpresearch.org/ltpreports/ltp19901210.htm " An ALPO report.
Herodotus 1955 Jul 15 UT 03:50 Observer by Firsoff (Somerset, England,
6.5" reflector?) "Shadow from apparent c.p. (Orbiter photos don't show
it but Apollo 16 oblique shows a very low hill or hills, but slope is
< 2.5deg" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #599.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1987 Oct 17 at UT17:00-18:00 (in daylight) J. Moeller (Kerkville,
NY, USA, 6" reflector, x80-x135) observed that Aristarchus had a long
trench-like feature going off to the north west limb. On the 18th this
feature was more cloud like, "bright white and opaque. (Trench =
Schrotes Valley? Similar to 10/13/67)". The Cameron 2006 catalof ID=311
and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Feb 12 at UT 12:00 Taboada (Mexico, seeing=excellent) found
that the Aristarchus region had the same characteristics as the
previous days, perhaps a little darker colour brown, but more
remarkable. He used red, blue and green filters and a difference in
colour was noticed in and out of the region. Cameron suspects that
permanent colour was being seen? The cameron 1978 catalog ID=1116 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weigh=2.
On 1969 Oct 14 at UT 00:00-00:30 Celis et al. (Valparaiso,
Chile, seeing=good and transparency=good). observed Aristarchus
and found it to be: "Scintillating in irreg. way. Pulses of 1m
each time changing with normal & irreg. periods. Best time to
see this is 2-3d age. Brightenings comparable to 7.0-7.5 mag.
stars, at age 2.2d;7.6-8.0 mag. at age 3.0 & 8.5-9.0 mag. at
4.2d. Moon obs. from age 1d to 62d with several refr. & refl. in
program of obs. of scintillation in ashen light.
(Atmospheric?)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1203 and weight=1.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 15 at UT 18:00? G. Amery (Reading, UK) found that he could
not see Aristarchus in Earthshine, despite less normally priminent
features being clearly seen. This observation was confirmed. Other
observers were: Moore, Cooks, and Foley. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
203 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1990 Jan 01 at UT 16:55-18:45 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK) observed that
Aristarchus was seen in Earthshine at 16:55UT before the limb (was
visible in Earthshine?). "1705 Aris>>1723 fading 1727 > again." Then:
"1740 Aris << and just visible at 1845". Apparently Foley suspects that
Aristarchus had brightened up before 16:55UT (shwen H. Miles started to
observe) and then gradually retruned to normal. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=385 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Jan 01 at UT 17:29 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK) observed that
Copernicus had a faint glow in it. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=385 and
the weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1822 Jan 27 at UT 20:00? F. Struve (Pulkovo Observatory? Russia)
observed near Aristarchus an 8th magnitude star-like point. Seen
through overcast! (Klado gave date as 1821 but must be in error
according to cameron). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=95 and the weight=4.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Oct 16 at UT 00:00-00:30 Celis (Quilpue, Chile, 3" refractor,
x60, seeing=very good) observed brilliant points at 8.5 magnitude in
Aristarchus. This was not seen the next night or the one after, nor
after 5 days age. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1204 and weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 17 at 19:00?UT G. Amery (Reading, UK) noticed that
Aristarchus was not visible in Earthshine, despite other less prominent
features being seen. The observation was confirmed by other observers.
The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=204 and the weight=2. The
ALPo/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 17 at 19:00?UT G. Amery (Reading, UK) noticed that
Messier was ill-defined. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=204 and
the weight=2. The ALPo/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Jan 08 at UT16:30-18:40 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, seeing=III) could
not see Aristarchus in Earthsine, despite, Tycho and the mare regions
being plainly visible. Foley (Kent, UK) found Aristarchus to be a "soft
blue patch" and North (seeing IV-V) found the crater to be one of the
brightest features on the Moon. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=237 and the
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Kant 1873 Jan 04 UT 23:00? Observed by Trouvelot (Cambridge, Mass, 8"
refractor) "Luminous puplish vapors" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #180.
G Johnson of Swanton, MD, USA used a 2" refractor at f/12.
Aristachus revealed as a red spot on a photo of the Moon. This
was similar to another photo obtained on 1988 Apr 21st. Frame (with 3
exposures present)reveals a dim star like point near Campanus on
exposure 1. Expsoure 2 shows it a little east on the Earth-lit
part. Exposure 3 shows it off the south-east limb. Apparently 20
minutes later took 2 exposures and frame 18 was a double. The
second exposure revealed an object farther from the limb but the
first exposure does not show the object. The two high power exposures
do not show it. Cameron could not see the spots that Johson describes
on his slides, but did see several spots (defects?) on the
8 and 12 second exposures near Hevelius and also on the 20 second
exposure near to Hecataeus only. BAA members observed star like
flashes a few hours earlier - near Aristarchus. One BAA member, Madej,
had seen a green glow in Arisarchus in two places in two eyepieces.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=265 and weight=2.
G Johnson of Swanton, MD, USA used a 2" refractor at f/12.
Aristachus revealed as a red spot on a photo of the Moon. This
was similar to another photo obtained on 1988 Apr 21st. Frame (with 3
exposures present)reveals a dim star like point near Campanus on
exposure 1. Expsoure 2 shows it a little east on the Earth-lit
part. Exposure 3 shows it off the south-east limb. Apparently 20
minutes later took 2 exposures and frame 18 was a double. The
second exposure revealed an object farther from the limb but the
first exposure does not show the object. The two high power exposures
do not show it. Cameron could not see the spots that Johson describes
on his slides, but did see several spots (defects?) on the
8 and 12 second exposures near Hevelius and also on the 20 second
exposure near to Hecataeus only. BAA members observed star like
flashes a few hours earlier - near Aristarchus. One BAA member, Madej,
had seen a green glow in Arisarchus in two places in two eyepieces.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=265 and weight=2.
G Johnson of Swanton, MD, USA used a 2" refractor at f/12.
Aristachus revealed as a red spot on a photo of the Moon. This
was similar to another photo obtained on 1988 Apr 21st. Frame (with 3
exposures present)reveals a dim star like point near Campanus on
exposure 1. Expsoure 2 shows it a little east on the Earth-lit
part. Exposure 3 shows it off the south-east limb. Apparently 20
minutes later took 2 exposures and frame 18 was a double. The
second exposure revealed an object farther from the limb but the
first exposure does not show the object. The two high power exposures
do not show it. Cameron could not see the spots that Johson describes
on his slides, but did see several spots (defects?) on the
8 and 12 second exposures near Hevelius and also on the 20 second
exposure near to Hecataeus only. BAA members observed star like
flashes a few hours earlier - near Aristarchus. One BAA member, Madej,
had seen a green glow in Arisarchus in two places in two eyepieces.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=265 and weight=2.
G Johnson of Swanton, MD, USA used a 2" refractor at f/12.
Aristachus revealed as a red spot on a photo of the Moon. This
was similar to another photo obtained on 1988 Apr 21st. Frame (with 3
exposures present)reveals a dim star like point near Campanus on
exposure 1. Expsoure 2 shows it a little east on the Earth-lit
part. Exposure 3 shows it off the south-east limb. Apparently 20
minutes later took 2 exposures and frame 18 was a double. The
second exposure revealed an object farther from the limb but the
first exposure does not show the object. The two high power exposures
do not show it. Cameron could not see the spots that Johson describes
on his slides, but did see several spots (defects?) on the
8 and 12 second exposures near Hevelius and also on the 20 second
exposure near to Hecataeus only. BAA members observed star like
flashes a few hours earlier - near Aristarchus. One BAA member, Madej,
had seen a green glow in Arisarchus in two places in two eyepieces.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=265 and weight=2.
On 1989 Feb 11 at UT23:30-01:39 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x159, seeing=7/10) observed a linear east to west feature in
Proclus. D. Weier (WI, USA, 11" reflector, x378) found the NNW part of
the crater to be brighter than expected and confirmed the prescence of
the east to west feature - this crossed the shadow on the east floor
and over into Mare Crisium. R. Manske (WI, USA) detected another
"streak" parallel to this. All observers suspect that the linear
features were due to raised topography on the floor of Proclus -
however Cameron comments that there does not seem to be any linear
features on the floor of Proclus to cause these effects. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=351 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1967 Apr 15 at UT 19:15-21:00 Classen (Pulsnitz Observatory, East
Germany, 8" refractor) found that Aristarchus was very bright and the
atmospheric seeing was very good until 21:00UT. Nothing unsual was seen
on 16th and 17th April. Cameron reports that this was the first TLP
seen by this group. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1022 and the weight=3.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1794 Mar 07 at UT 20:00 Stretton and Wilkins (England, UK)
observed Aristarchus appearing as a light like a star in
Earthsine to the naked eye(independent confirmation according
to Cameron?). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=73 and 74 and the
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 18 at 19:00?UT P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) noted that the
southern Mare Crisium appeared to be obscured by a pale grey haze.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=205 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 18 at 19:00?UT P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) noted that Toricelli B
was steel blue in colour and this spread 10-15 miles outside the
crater. This was odd because Torricelli B was only 6 miles in size.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=205 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
SE of Ross D 1964 Feb 19 UT 03:00 Observed by Bender (Whittier, CA,
USA, 19?" reflector) "Variations in the ring" NASA catalog weight=1.
NASA catalog ID #800. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Apr 19 at 21:45UT M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) reported that
Censorinus' exterior white patch was grayish at this time and there was
a "momentary glow outisde the crater to the North West. The Crater
Extinction Device brightness measurement for Censorinus was 4.0 whereas
Proclus was 4.4. Cook was expecting a lower CED brightness measurement.
Foley notes that Censorinus is usually brighter than Proclus. On 1983
Jan 29 Chapman obtained a very high brightness measurement for this
spot. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=212 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 19 at 20:00UT P.W. Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK, 12"
reflector) noticed a deep steel blue colour inside Toricelli B with a
lighter colour about 10-15 miles outside. Foley came to the conclusion
that this was too visible for its size. Cameron 2006 Catalog extension
ID=206 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1997 Apr 14 at UT 20:00-22:00 F. Paolo (Legnano, Italy)
photographed a lunar flare on the lunar limb.
Archimedes 1966 Mar 29 UT 21:00 Observed by Hill (England, 24"
reflector, x250, S=E) "Brightening of E-W bands across floor.
(Obscuration accord. to Moore)" NASA catalog ID #923. NASA
catalog weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Ptolemaeus 1978 Apr 15 UTC 21:54-22:20 Observed by A.Cook
(Frimley, Surrey, UK, 12" reflector x240, S=IV (Antoniadi))
"Small triangular area on the NW floor of the crater, at the
foot of the rim, was slightly brighter in blue light than in red
(Moonblink used). Suspected this was due to the poor observing
conditions. Certainly blink reaction was not unmistakable".
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1986 Nov 09 at UT 23:00 Quinn (Glebview, IL, USA, 8" reflector, x49-
x305) found īn the vicinity of an unnamed ridge points toward Pico- two
bright points about 5 magnitudes brighter than any other part of the
Moon. The Alpine valley points directly between these two points. "Came
from apparently featureless area. Both points about the same size, but
different shapes ~ width of alpine valley" The observer used 4
different eyepieces and the points were brightest in the lowest power.
Other specks of light could be seen in the darkness wound the N point.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=289 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
In 1922 May 04 at UT Burnerd (England?) discovered three long mounds in
Archimedes crater (rays?). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=385 and weight=
0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 May 04 at 21:30-22:00UT Coates detected a star-like point
inside Hipparchus L crater using averted vision. Cameron in her 2006
catalog extension comments that Hipparchus L is a highlands impact
crater with a rille on the western ejecta blanket. The crater is the
smallest one in a chain that are sequenced to be half the size of the
previous crater in the chain. Apparently the largest crater in the
chain is Hind with a largely landslide covered floor - although on the
south is a dome? with a summit crater. Cameron's 2006 catalog extension
gives this TLP an ID of 51 and a weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 20 at 20:00UT P.W. Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK, 12"
reflector) noticed a deep steel blue colour inside Toricelli B with a
lighter colour about 10-15 miles outside. Foley came to the conclusion
that this was too visible for its size. Cameron 2006 Catalog extension
ID=206 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Montes Teneriffe 1854 Dec 27 UT 18:00-23:00, Observed by
Hart & others (Glasgow, Scotland, 10" reflector), "2 luminous
fiery spots on bright side on either side of a ridge,
contrasting color. Seemed to be 2 active volcanoes. Ridge was
normal color. Spots were yellow or flame color. Never seen
before in 40 yrs. of observing." Please try to observe this
when the Moon is low on the horizon to see if this mimics
the effects seen? NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #129.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2003 Apr 10 at 00:40UT a GLR observer G. Jasmin (Quebec, Canada,
using a 10" F-10 Schmidt Cassegrain) took a photograph of Alphonsus
crater on Kodak 400ASA film with an exposure of 1/30th sec. There was a
light visible (diameter 10 km) inside Alphonsus and the effect was
present for 5 minutes. The observer commented that they have seen a
light in this crater many times before, but never as long as 5 minutes.
This report was submitted to the GLR group in Italy. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Thaetetus 1952 Dec 24 UT 20:00? Observed by Moore (England?)
"Bright spot, hazy line of light" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID 556. ALPO/BAA weigh=2.
On 2009 Aug 28 at UTC 17:00:15-17:00:42 S. Khachatryan (Yerevan,
Armenia, 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain, x171, seeing 9 (1=worst and 10-
best), Transparency 5-6 on a scale of 1 to 6) observed in the Chacornac
area a series of fiery sparks (dot like with tiny rays), slightly
elongated with the multitudinal rays orientated towards the south west
direction. The colour was mostly red, with some yellow. The final flash
was the most clear. The TLP was tiny in area, but "was distinctly
bright against any other object on the Moon". The positional
uncertainty of the location of the spark effect was approximately +/-
150 km, based upon an examination of an atlas afterwards. Just prior to
the spark effect, something dark, small and fuzzy (only just discrnable
to the eye, through the eyepiece) was seen to pass from the west across
the Moon in a slight curve, round the surface of the Moon to the east
(post observation estimate: seen for 3.5 sec and covered roughly 8% of
the lunar diameter in that time). The area of the dark object was
comparable in size to (or slightly less than?) craters such as
Autolycus F (diameter 3km) or le Monnier E (diameter 4km) i.e. on the
limits of vision of the scope used. The location of the flash was not
exactly at the same location as the dark object passed across, but gave
the impression of starting from it? A back of the envelope calculation
of the lunar diameter covered in the time quoted gives an approximate
speed (at the lunar distance) of 80km/s or on the very high end of
typical meteor streams that pass by. At closer distances, and
recalculated velocities, it is unlikely to be a satellite in low Earth
orbit (20m/sec at 100km distance), but could perhaps be a bird or
insect at a few km range? So was this dark object something in our
atmosphere by chance passing across the field of view close to the time
of the TLP flare or was at the lunar distance and related to the TLP?
Incidentally, no attempt was made during this observation to move the
scope to check that the TLP remained stationary against the Moon. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1889 Jun 06 at 22:00 UT Lade of France (8" refractor) saw two
extremely bright spots (Plato B & D). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=262 and
weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 Feb 25 at UT20:00? P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector) found
that Aristarchus was very bright (especially in the UV end of the
spectrum) despite other features not being seen in Earthshine. The
cameron 2006 catalog ID=318 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Although the crater was on the night side, a small bright spot
was seen. This was blue, almost UV, and equivalent to a star of
magnitude 2. It flashed over intervals of about 30 seconds
and changed in colour from UV to blue. The BAA Lunar Section
TLP network was alerted. Mobberly and J.Cook did not see much
although J. Cook may have seen something, but located else where?
Cameron lists this as a confirmed? observation? The Cameron
2006 TLP xtension catalog has this TLP with an ID No. of 258
and a weight of 4. The ALPO/BAA weight is 2.
Ross D 1964 Apr 21 UT 04:23-05:01 Observed by the Capens (CA,
USA, 16" and 6", seeing 3-5, transparency 5+) "Obscuration of
its rim" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #808. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1983 Apr 21 at UT 21:55-22:05 N. King (Winnersh, Berkshire,
UK, using a 150cm f/8 reflector, with seeing I and
transparency good, little spurious colour, just a little in
Plato). Although observing since 21:25UT the observer noticed
a just detectable faint green colour just after the dark shade
around the inner eastern crater rim. The effect faded and by
22:05UT had completely gone. This report is not in the Cameron
2006 catalog. It is a BAA report. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 21 at 20:00UT P.W. Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK, 12"
reflector) noticed a deep steel blue colour inside Toricelli B with a
lighter colour about 10-15 miles outside. Foley came to the conclusion
that this was too visible for its size. Cameron 2006 Catalog extension
ID=206 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 2004 Feb 29 UT 19:00-19:15 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Checked central peak of Alphonsus using 60mm OG
x120 + right angle prism. Moon at very high elevation, seeing excellent
once clouds had dispersed, transparency also excellent. Time of
observation 19-00 hrs UT to 19-15 hrs UT. Noticed fluctuation of
brightness of A's central peak compared with the peak of Arzachel.
Alphonsus' peak generally brighter." BAA Lunar Section report. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 2010 Aug 19 at UT 00:50-01:02 J.Albert (Lakeworth, FL, USA,
C11, Transparency 3, Seeing 7-8, 86F and very humid. Oberver
checking out repeat illumination condition appearence for Tycho
concerning LTP #468 in the 1978 Cameron catalog. Did not see the
effect from the original TLP report, but did see, immediately at
looking at Tycho a very faint hint of redness in a pencil thin
arc (< 1/4 circumference of the rim) confined to the top of the
rim of the well-lit north east wall. Coloured arc similar in
thickness to Rupes Recta, but not as sharply defined. The outer
(E) edge was perhaps sharper than the inner edge. The redness
was more on the inside of the top of the rim. The outside of the
rim was bright white. This effect was seen in three different
eyepieces, at 311x, 224x and 400x. Checked for the effect on
other craters nearby but could not see this effect anywhere
else. The colour had dissapeared by 01:02UT. The fade took about
1-2 minutes. Observation of Tycho continued until 01:06UT, but
all seemed normal. Quick checks were made again on Tycho
periodically until 02:50UT but the colour was not seen again.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Linne 1868 Jul 28 UT 20:00? Observed by Tacchini (Palermo, Italy)
"Shadow not so marked-had a light penumbra, indicated a feeble cavity.
Other craters had a black shad. On 29th appeared completely white.
Crater normal on 26th. (letter to Madler Sep. 16, 1868)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #159.
On 1979 Jul 03 at UT 20:55-21:20 J-H. Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
10" reflector, seeing II) observed that Messier was brighter than
Messier A. No colour was observed. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID is 58
and the weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1964 Feb 22 at UT 05:00 Harris (Whittier, CA, 19" reflector, x100)
observed the appearance of a ring to the south east of Ross D. Cameron
says that 7 persons have seen this over a 2.5 year period. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=801 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Copernicus 1955 Jul 28 UT 20:20 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England,
6.5" reflector x200) "Great brilliance of the terraces in E(IAU?) wall
system(?) gets specular refl. (he gave 0820UT, but must have meant
2020" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog No. #600.
Aristarchus 1976 Jun 06 UT 21:30-21:40 S.Spencer and R. Hunt
(60mm refractor, x150 and x60) both observed red on the SW
corner of Aristarchus. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Atlas 1966 Dec 21 UT 17:10 Observed by Andre (Belgium, 3" refractor)
"Bright spot on SE part of floor, not seen in photo on 12/18/66" NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1003.
On 1990 Aug 30 at UT02:11-02:36 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x90, seeing conditions: "at,. boiling") noted a coloured
area on the west wall of Copernicus that was unusual in appearance -
however other craters along the terminator had a similar effect. There
was also a "dazzling bright spot on the E. rim and he witnessed 6
flashes from the lighted part of Copernicus over a very short time
interval. Cameron comments that the colour may well have been dur to
chromatic aberation because a refractor was used. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=408 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Aug 30 at UT 02:11-02:36 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
reflector, x90, atmosphereic conditions: boiling) found "N rim of Proc.
bright interior uniform gray". The Cameron 2006 catalog report is
slight unclear as the description for thnis 1990 Aug 30 TLP also
includes Copernicus and Censorinus in the list of TLP craters. So one
description which might refere to Copernicus, could possibly have been
meant for Proclus, namely: "Dazling bright spot on E rim. Rotated
eyepiece but no change. N rim of Proc.......". The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=408 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
2012 Sep 24 UT 22:00-23:00 Copernicus. E. Horner (Salisbury,
UK, 15cm reflector) observed a prominent red arc where the
sunlit part of the interior wall met the shadow. Sometimes the
arc was 1/4 the way around the interior, and sometimes half of
the way around. Telescope moved, but the red arc stayed where
it was. Eyepieces change, but the effect remained. Other parts
of the Moon checked, but no red seen. There were however
splashes of green e.g. Longomontanus on the terminator,
elsewhere further inland from the termionator, and little
splashes of green on Mare Frigoras - but lasting a brief time.
The red colour was as strong as a red LED and the green similar
to that of the northern lights. The observer's husband was asked
to independetly check Copernicus and remarked that he could see
a little bit of green at the top and some red near the bottom,
along the line of the internal shadow. Although there were
checks for red elsewhere on the Moon and none were seen, the
Moon was starting to get low and it is typical of spurious
colour in a few respects. Therefore the ALPO/BAA weight=1 for
safety.
On 1952 Feb 05 at UT 05:10 J.Carle (USA, 8" reflector, x180)
observed the following in Plato: "A shadow in a depression, or
a cloud, or an optical illus.? Oval dark area nr. center,
disappeared in 15m clear & prominenet at first then vanished.
4 of 14 spots nr. center continuously seen while remaining
ones seen only momentarily. (seeing?) Drawing includes sketch
on March 7. His sketch shows 18 spots, 13 same as here". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=549 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Mons la Hire 1972 Nov 15 UT 09:45-10:18 M.Geisel (Brisbane,
Australia, 12.5" f/8 reflector, x90) discovered the TLP, P.
Anderson (9.5" reflector) independently confirmed that the TLP
had an effect in his Moon Blink device - but the effect
(suspected that the blink was caused by the extreme nrightness
of the mountain?) was weak and thought it not worth further
investigation. Photographs taken by Anderson. Geisel believes
the effect to be real and states that the area remained sharp
and clear throughout. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) got an abnormally low brightness reading for
Proclus, despite nearby Censorinus being normal. Crater Extinction
Device used. The Cameron 2006 Extension catalog ID was 163 and the
weight was 3. The ALPO/BAA weight was 2 too.
Plato 1976 Sep 04 UT 02:35-03:35 Observed by Porter
(Sarragansett?, Rhode Island, USA, 6" reflector x100, S=5,
T=?) "At 0235h albedo of floor was est. at 3. At 0325h the pt.
was albedo =1, 2 whole steps darker than earlier & noticeable
to the obs. 10-15 min later it returned to normal. (the few
meas. of albedo for this age were 1.5-2 which suggests that
the meas. of 3 was the anomalous one. Another pt. did
darken -- as reported). NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID
#1448. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Ross D vicinity 1964 Apr 22 UT 05:43-0637 Observed by Cross et
al. (Whittier, CA, USA, 19" reflector, x800-1200 & filters, S=7-
8, T=1) "Gas cloud over it & its companion; everywhere else was
fine detail" NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #809.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Daniell 1979 Jul 04 UT 20:40-21:19 Observed by Saxton (UK?, 216mm
refractor?, seeing III, transparency: Good) "noticed that the east
end of Daniell was bright and fuzzy and had somewhat poorly defined
edge to the bright part. A sketch was made, and possibly shows
the same as in past reports" BAA Lunar Section Report. Cameron
2006 extension catalog ID=59 and weight=3. Observer located in
Leeds, England and used a 9" reflector x250. Seeing=III and
transparency=good. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
H. Davies (Llamandel, Swansea, UK, using a 3" refractor,
detected a short duration reddish hue along the inner NE-NW?
rim (4-7 O'Clock location. Sketch supplied to Foley (BAA
coordinator). No similar effect seen elsewhere. A.C. Cook
(Frimley, UK) detected spurious colour on several craters,
including Plato that night. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID=
337 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Colour seen, mostly blueness on south rim and exterior of south
rim at Bullialdus crater. Blueness seen too on Plato on inner SSW
rim, but no colour reported on any other craters. Seeing III,
12" reflector used x200 and x360.
Colour seen, mostly blueness on inner SSW rim. Blueness also seen
on south rim and exterior of south rim at Bullialdus crater. No colour
reported on any other craters. Seeing III, 12" reflector used x200 and
x360.
Arsyukhin and others (Moscow, USSR), with naked eye and binouculars
saw three dark spots suddenly appear on Mare Crisium and disappear
approximately 30 minutes later. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=145
and catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Arsyukhin and others (Moscow, USSR), with naked eye and binouculars
saw TLP activity in Plato that Cameron thinks confirms what UK
observers saw later. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=145
and catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1966 Apr 01 UT(?) 03:00-03:20 Observed by Jenning,
Harris (Coral Estates, CA, USA, 12" reflector) "Red patch from
c.p. to W. wall (no confirm. from Corralitos obs. moon blink
device & obs. at that time)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #924. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Agrippa and vicinity 1878 Dec 04 UT 20:00? Observed by Capron (France?)
"Odd, misty look as if vapor were in or about them" NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #209.
Observed by G.H. Johnstone of Albuquerque, NM, USA on 1954 Nov 05 UT
20:00 (according to Cameron), but 02:00-04:00 according to the
original observation and at colongitudes 34.7 to 35.7 deg. 4"
reflector, x150 used. The obsewrver reported that the western part
(about 1/3rd of the interior) was pitch black with shadow. However
there was a zone about as wide, or perhaps only a fourth of the total
width that was distinctly a lighter bluish shade, almost like twilight.
The shadows of the peaks on the western edge of the rim were clearly
seen crossing this bluish shadowed area. Then this area ended sharply,
and the farside was bathed in light from the rising sun. The shadows of
the peak were sharply defined across the twilight zone, and the edge of
the pitch black shadow was easily defined but not as sharp as the
darker shadows crossing the the blue twilight zone. The observer
checked other craters but did not see this condition in any of them -
they all had the abrupt division between black and white that we would
normally expect to see. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=579 and weight=2.
Reference 1962 edition of ALPO's Journal: The Stolling Astronomer.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
P. Moore at 21:10 found the southern wall (and ontothe southern floor)
of the crater to be indistinct. Elsewhere in the crater everything was
sharp. The effect was still seen at 21:42UT, but less strong. A check
was made for colour with aq Moonblink device, but none was seen. There
was still a trace of this effect at 21:44UT, although detail was now
becoming visible. By 21:48UT vertical streaks were seen crossing
the floor from the obscuration area and these were more visible in the
red filter and not in the blue. Cameron comments that undefined patches
on the floor of Plato are not normal. By 21:55UT some craterlets on the
floor started to become visible and the TLP for Moore ended by UT22:23.
P.Foley was alerted by Moore and saw a "amssive dense obsecuration
on the south wall, south floor and south outer glacis to the Mare".
Foley noted that by 21:50UT the effect was fading and finished by
22:03UT. Foley reported an orange translucent haze covering half of the
floor, but floor craterlets could be seen on and off - however his
atmospheric seeing conditions were IV. At 22:00 UT Foley reported the
floor close to the north wall to be "milky or misty". No detail was
visible at 21:15UT and variability in the floor continued until
23:10UT. Hedly-Robinson was aleted at 21:35UT and found no difference
between red and blue views of the area, however he did find that the
south rim was indistinct although this effect had lessened by 22:00 UT
and was normal by 22:17UT. M. Mobberly saw a white spot on the floor at
21:20 UT, whereas he normally would have expected to see craterlets.
Mobberly was alerted at 21:40 UT and took some colour photos. He also
made sketches that showed variability in the floor and dark lines and
patches in the north west corner. However the altitude of the Moon was
low. Cameron mentions that two of the photos show loss of detail at the
south wall and beyond.and also a change in the floor markings.The north
wall at 21:50UT was strangely reddish (didn't think this was spurious
colour). The rest of the wall was sharp at 22:20UT through a yellow
filter. Large bright patch in the centre and rest of the floor was
apparently of the same shading as Mare Imbrium. The above notes are
based upon the Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID 145 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
A blue tinge was seen inside and outside the crater
perimeter. The surrounding halo lost brightness that
was observed on 1993 Jan 29. Observed on Apr 19, 20 and 28th.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=213 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1990 Jan 07 at UT 20:20-20:58 G.North (Herstmonceux, UK) thought
that he detected dullness in Torricelli B crater - Cameron comments
that this cannot be shadow). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=386 and the
weight=3. ALPO\/BAA weight=2.
Brilliant blue color seen at first for seconds, later for min
2h later, in blue filter. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 (high).
Cameron 1978 catalog ID 572.
Tycho 2971 Nov 28 UT 21:58-22:05 observed by D.B. Taylor (Dundee,
UK, darker area inside the crater (NE and SE floor) in a Moon
Blink device. However the observer does not report through which
filter ir was darker. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1971 Oct 30 UT 19:35-20:55 E.Watkins (Braintree, UK, 4.5"
reflector, x45,x150, x225), thought he saw a faint patch at
19:35 and it still was visible at 19:40. At 19:50-19:55 he saw
what may have been the remainder. At 20:55 he noticed a shadow
in the area. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Peice A (Swift=IAU name?) 1927 May 12 UT 22:03 Observed by Wilkins
(England, 15" reflector) "Complete obscuration of crater. Saw no trace
of it. It was vis. May 11 & faint on May 13. 3x in 1948 Moore saw whole
area misty gray & devoid of detail, whereas surroundings were sharp &
clear. Birt also found it invis. at times in late 1800's" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #394. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1906 Mar 06 UT 22:00? Observed by Fauth (Germany? 6" refractor)
"Color (brightness?) greatly enhanced as it was to be on the next
nite" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #324.
On 1990 Jan 08 at UT00:55 D. Weier (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x159) observed an "anomalous black bar across Aris. Nearly
digonal to terminator." The nearby crater Prinz had curious shadow
patterns, perhaps related to the rising sun projecting shadows from the
eastern rim and "reflected down"? "At 0224 W wall had a break in it & a
diffuse glow where it should not be. Manske thinks it was Earthshine
effect. At 0305 Weier saw Manske's bar - with diffused light and
flicker like an aurora - like a gas with electric charge. At 0325 saw a
strange glow in Aris. but may be due to atm. though thought it to be a
LTP. Darling had never seen such effects before (flickering implies a
medium in it)." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=387 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus visible just past terminator. West wall was
brighter than normal. Bright flash seen in/on NW wall -
apparently in the same place as Pedler's May 17th sketch.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=146 and weight=4.
Observed by M. Price of Camberley, Surrey, UK with
a 6" reflector and a Moon Blink device. Seeing=III.
Plato 1981 Jun 13 UT 20:48-21:08 Observed by Price (Camberley, England,
152mm reflector, seeing III) Possible Moon blink (red) seen
on north wall. Also the craterlets on the floor could be seen
despite the observing conditions not being optimal. BAA Lunar Section
observation. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=146 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Observer noted a bright spot on the interior west wall that seemed
brighter than what they would have expected. unfortunately the precise
time of this observation was not recorded so the moon-rise and
midnight UT values are used to place a limit on the time of
observation. Images by Shaw taken at UT 1754, 18:45 and 23:13
do not exhibit the effect.
On 1980 Jul 23 at UT22:00 G.W. Amery (Reading, UK, 8" reflector, x144
and x207, seeing=III-V and transparency=fair) found that the interior
shadow was a light grey. BAA TLP coordinator (Foley) suggests that this
was light reflecting from the illuminated walls? Cameron 2006 catalog
TLP ID=102 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1984 Jan 14 at UT 20:00 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) observed that
Aristarchus was brighter than it normally is at sunrise. No
quantitative measurements were made though. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=238 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1969 Nov 20 UT 19:30-19:45 Observed by Becker (Holland, 4"
refractor) "Curious small shadow from NW (ast. ?) wall. (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1224.
Plato 1870 May 11 UTC 22:00 Observed by Birt (England) "Extraordinary
display of lights. Says not effect of sunlight" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #167.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 20 UT 19:45-20:05 Observed by Becker (Holland, 4"
refractor) "Sharp whiteness on inner W. (ast. ?) side (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1224.
Gassendi 1976 Oct 04 UT 20:55-20:58 Observed by Robinson (Devon,
England) - observer noted that the east outside wall was bright in red
and normal in blue. Note that the Moon was 30 deg above the horizon at
the time of the observation. The crater returned to normal at 20:58.
Also seen by Moore (Selsey, UK) and Foley (Kent, UK). At 21:25-21:50 D.
Sims (Dawlish, UK, 25cm reflector, x300, seeing IV and some cloud at
times) noticed a possible obscuration over the southern part of
Gassendi. He had been observing earlier at 18:40-19:30 but had not
detected a TLP in Gassendi then. 22:11UT Robinson notices that the spot
outside the east wall is again bright in red., though by 22:25 it had
faded and was gone by 22:28UT. The Cameron 1978 catalog further
quotes: "Vivid red spots & general red color seen around rim by 2 obs.
At 2209h blood red small area was seen. 1 h later the most westerly
(IAU?) of the peaks had become hazy white all other areas were sharp.
(Indep. confirm.)." Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5 and catalog ID #1454.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1973 Aug 10 UTC 20:14 observed by Baumeister
(48.63N, 9.25E, 110mm reflector, T=2, S=2) "Orange to red
colours at the crater floor disappeared until 21:04" -
Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984),
p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1973 Aug 10 UT 22:45 observed by Robinson (Devon, UK).
Observer noticed that the lighter areas on the floor were more
distinct in red than in the blue filter. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus Area 2004 Nov 22 UT 04:58-05:49 Observed by Gray
(Winemucca, NV, USA, 152mm f/9 refractor, seeing 4-5, trasparency 4-5,
x114, x228) "Blinked Herodotus with Wratten filters Blue 38A and Red
25. The illuminated west crater wall stood out brilliantly in blue
light, much more so than in white light. This was true also of
Aristarchus. Red light did not increase contrasts in Herodotus any more
than they were in white light. Shadows in Herodotus appeared as black
as the night west of the terminator and remained that way throughout
the observing period. No TLP seen in Herodotus tonight. A possible TLP
was seen to the west of Herodotus near the terminus of Schroters
Valley. It was noted at the beginning of the observing period that
there were four very bright spots of light, one near the end of
Schroters Valley, the other three grouped together a little farther
north. Although not far from the terminator they were definitely east
of it. It was noted that all of them nearly vanished in the Blue 38A
filter while Aristarchus and the rim of Herodotus gleamed brilliantly.
At 5:19UT it was noted that the most brilliant of the four lights, the
one near the terminus of Schroters Valley, had faded almost to
invisibility in white light. When first seen it had been brighter than
Aristarchus. It remained very dim after this through the remainder of
the observing period, and was unchanged at 7:35-7:49UT when I again
examined the area. The other three bright spots remained brilliant and
unchanged."
All observers saw a blue tinge seen inside and outside the
crater. Marshall observed a bright spot in the middle of
the crater floor and thought perhaps that it was a central
peak. No central peak can be found on Lunar Orbiter images.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=214 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
Proclus 1976 Sep 06 UT 02:00 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4.5" reflector 45-300x, S=3, T=5) "Nothing vis. on floor of 2deg
brightness. Usually floor ray & Proc. A are vis. at this col. & c.p. is
5 deg bright. (must have been 2 deg tonite)." NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID #1450.
Gassendi 1939 Aug 27 UT 02:00 Observed by Haas? (NM? USA, 12"
reflector?) "NE part of c.p. was I=6.4, compared with I=9.4 on 9/28/39
(see #462) under similar cond.@ NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID# 458.
Cobra Head, Aristarchus 1964 Feb 25 UT 02:37-02:38, 02:39-02:42
Observed by Budine (Binghamton, New York, USA, 4" refractor, x250, S=6,
T=4) "Red flashes" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
802.
Proclus 1972 Dec 17 UTC 18:30 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge, England,
8.5" reflector) "Crater appeared very bright (Apollo 17 Watch)." NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1359.
Blanco, J. Vidal, of Gijon, Spain (3" refractor x72)
noticed an unfamiliar very bright center near to Encke.
Cameron suspects that this was Encke B crater
on the basis that it is a prominent small crater
near to Encke. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=410
and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Daniell 1979 Jul 06 UT 21:15-22:30 Crick (Belgium, 6"
reflector, Seeing=II and transparency=good.) noticed
obscuration on a bright spot on the south east wall. This spot
was quite prominent through a red Wratten 25 filter. The floor
was very dark. Other craters were checked and were normal. A
sketch was supplied and the position was the same as in other
earlier reports. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=60 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1987 Feb 10 UT 21:05-22:10. M. Cook (Frimley, UK), "NE
ray distinct & also floor E of it, not distinct as on Dec 13 &
Jan 11, while March 10, 11 & 12 seen by Price, North, Peters,
Foley & M Cook, where rim was clear and sharp." - quote from
the 2006 Cameron Catalog extension - TLP ID=297 and weight=5.
Cameron gives the observers confirming this TLP as: M. Cook,
G. North and Davies. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1949 Nov 03 UT 01:06 J.Bartlett (3.5" refractor, x100) noted that
the floor of Herodotus was very dark, the east wall was very bright,
and the floor contained a central bright peak. The BAA/ALPO weight=3.
Kepler 1954 Nov 07 UT 23:20 Observed by F.A. Lugo (Caracus,
Venezuela, 3.5" scope x125) Bright red star=like point just
outside E.wall - visible for an hour. NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #580. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristillus 1972 Dec 17 UTC 21:50-22:20 observed by Berger (51.5N, 9E,
60mm refractor, T=2, S=3) "Diffuse bright cloud in the NE corner of the
crater" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-
61.
On 1993 Sep 28 at UT 04:30-06:10 S.Beaumont (Cambridge, UK)observed
that the north east edge of Herodotus appeared as a "highland area
spilling over into" the Cobra's Head border or "overlook". The shadow
on the elevation was contiguous with a similar shadow over the Cobra's
Head "like a darkening of the terrain. Shadow appears softer diffused
without sharp bounds of most Lunar shadows. sketch. S. edge of crater
started to appear at 0615". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=468 and the
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 as the date or UT are wrong.
Plato 1906 Mar 07 UT 22:00? Observed by Fauth (Germany? 6" refractor)
"Color (brightness?) greatly enhanced as on the previous nite" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #324.
Foley (Kent, UK) saw the west wall dull and stongly coloured. Moore
(Sussex, UK) saw the wall as normal. However Cameron points out that
Foley (Kent, UK) is a lot more Blue/UV sensitive than Moore. Mosely
(Covington, UK) at 22:10 UT noticed a brightening on the East wall and
at 01:10-01:25 UT suspected that the interior had a weak yellow-green
cast to it. Cook (Frimley, UK) states that orange colour was within the
interior crater, but green beyond the east rim at the 9 O'Clock and
the south east corner to floor blue/mauvre beyond the northern rim
NW/WSW. Foley sstates that orange and blue/mauvre might be spurious
colour, but green one cannot get this way. Cameon suggests chromatic
aberatons as a possibility but thinks that the observers concerned were
experienced enough to recognize this if it were the cause. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=239 and weight=0. Moore used a 15?" refletor and
Foley used a 12" refletor. Mosely experienced II seeing and good
transparency. Cook had III seeing and also good transparency. P.
Grego made an observation this night too. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1870 May 12 UTC 22:00 Observed by Birt (England)
"Extraordinary display of lights. Says not effect of sunlight"
However an article by Nigel Logshaw in the Feb 2014 LSC suggests
that it was probably just normal fine scale spots and streaks on
the floor of the crater. NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=
1. NASA catalog ID #167.
On 1980 Jul 24 at UT22:10-22:55 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector,
x360 and x400) found an area just south east of the central peak (and
upto the wall) to be quite dark in blue light, but normal brightness in
red light or in white light. All other features were normal colour-
wise. At 22:55UT Tycho was normal again. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=103
and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1986 Dec 13 UT 20:30 Observed by A. Cook (Frimley, UK,
seeing III) North East quadrant of Plato the crater was blurred
and ill-defined. Also no craterlets visible anywhere on the
floor of Plato until the central craterlet was just glimpsed
later at 23:00-23:45, though seeing now III-IV (cirrus at times
in the sky). At this later time the NE rim was less blurred than
before. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1981 Jun 14 UT 21:58 Observed by Foley (Kent, England,
11.75" Newtonian, Seeing III, Transparency Good) "Obscuration
Seen" BAA Lunar Section Observation. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2016 Jul 17 UT 03:49 P.Zeller (ALPO, Indianapolis, IN, USA)
imaged a pseudo-peak with shadow on the floor of Herodotus,
however the image scale and quality of this colour image were
not great and the observer suspects that it might be an
imaging artefact. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1821 Jan 16 at UT 21:00 S. Cooke (Stonehouse, UK) An
effusion of smoke effect, which lasted about a minute, seen.
It appeared like the fluttering of a bird and passed over the
Moon before it evaporated, and must have been foreshortened,
as it seemed in effect to have passed over the whole disc,
starting from west of Menelaus, and near Plinius. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus-Cobra Head, 1967 Nov 15 UT 05:40-06:00 Observed by Cross,
Tombaugh (Las Cruces, NM, 12" reflector x800) and Harris (Tucson, AZ),
and Dunlap (Organ Pass, NM, 24" reflector with Moonblink). "Obs.
reddish color N. & E. of Aris. & more intense color nr. E.(IAU?) rim of
Cobra Head. Red color nr.C.H. confirmed by Tombaugh. Obtained 10 photos
between 0543-0549h in 3 spectral bands (blue, yellow, red, & integ.
light). No change dur. obs. per. but spot got smaller at moments of
good seeing. Isodensitometry of photos. At Corralitos 0152-0155 on 24-
in image intensifier & filter sys. photoos at 0320-0330h. Harris at
Tucson got spectra. Neither of latter 2 show anything unusual. Its
edges were nebulous even at best seeing. Size @ that of Cobra's Head."
NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #1053.
Peter Foley (Kent, UK, 8" reflector, seeing=II) noticed that
the floor beneath the north wall, and the area over the north
wall were indistinct (almost out of focus). Despite looking
elsewhere in the crater and surrounds, no other blurring
(obscuration of detail) could be seen, indeed everywhere else
was sharp and detailed. Foley tried several eyepieces but this
made no difference. He used a crater extinction device but
found no variations in brightness. There was a slight
darkening when he used a red filter in the Moon Blink device.
The obscuration effect weakened between UT20:56 and 21:10,
was difficult to see at 21:13 and had finished by 00:15.
Patrick Moore (12" reflector, Dublin, Ireland) saw nothing
unusual when he started observing at UT 22:00. Cameron says
"Photos marked at location of phenomenon". Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=37 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Apr 28, Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA using a 8" reflector
and a 2.5" refractor) observed a very bright reg region on top of the
south west rim of Aristarchus crater. This was on the same side as the
ray system between Aristarchus and Herodotus. Louderback noticed some
chromatic aberation - blue where he had seen the red patch before.
Louderback suspects chromatic aberation was the cause although did not
see red in that region ever again. "Patch was between his observation
points A and C. Point C was 5 points brighter in the red filter than in
the blue." A sketch was made. Cameron suspects that the TLP was real.
Cameron 2006 TLP catalog extension ID=92 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Louderback observed that the south west wall was a creamy deep yellow.
There was also strong fluorescent blue on the west wall of the Cobra
Head - Schroter's Valley area and this was similar to the violet glare
seen on Aristarchus at times. Violet was seen between Aristarchus and
the Cobra Head. Seeing coditions were poor. Brightening of a point
near C occurred roughly every 10-15 seconds and lasted 0.5 sec -
(Cameron concludes that this was not due to the Earth's atmosphere).
A 0.2 step drop in brightness was seen on point A (twin spots).
Point C had reduced by 0.6 steps. Elsewhere was stable in brightness.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=281 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus normal in red and blue filters however the
Cobra Head part of Schroter's Valley was brighter in blue.
Indeed it was very dull in red - Louderback says that this
was not surprising as the whole areas around Aristarchus is
brighter in blue. Louderback is an experienced observer
of the Aristarchus area of more than 10 years. Cameron 2006
extended catalogID=63 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Manilius 1939 Jun 30 UT 06:05 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"?
reflector) "Dark area in S. part was I=2.0 but was I=3.7 on 7/30/39.
Obs. conditions were very similar." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #449.
Plato 1873 Apr 10 UTC 21:00? Observed by Schmidt (Athens, Greece, 6"
refractor) "Under high sun, 2 faint clouds in E. part of crater."
Aristarchus 1975 Sep 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?)
interior corner." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1414.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 22 UT 18:20-21:13 Observed by D. Cutts
(Chester, Eng., 8.5" reflector, x200), Moore (Sussex, Eng., 12"
reflector x425), Miles (Coventry, Eng. 5" refractor), Delaye and
Jourdran (Marseilles, Fr., 8" reflector) "Pulsating patch on W.
wall between 2 radial bands. Faded by 2000h. Returned to normal.
(Cutts). Miles saw strong pink in whole interior at 2112h.
Strong blink. No blink there at 2210-2212h. Gass., Grim., &
Plato were neg. Delaye & Joudan photog. it as very bright. Moore
got neg. results at 2135. (confirm. of activity?, Apollo 12
watch)." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1226. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Gassendi 1976 Oct 04 UT 21:30 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, x400,
seeing poor) observed redness in the c.p. area. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1870 May 13 UT 22:00? Observed by Pratt (---), Elger (Liverpool,
England), (Gledhill (Brighton, England) "Extraordinary display of
lights. 27 seen by Pratt, 28 by Elger, only 4 by Gledhill. (independ.
confirm. ?" NASA catalog weight=5 (very good) NASA catalog ID #168.
A bit more of a detailed report is as follows: "Upon the 13th of May,
1870, there was an "extraordinary display," according to Birt: 27
lights were seen by Pratt, and 28 by Elger, but only 4 by Gledhill, in
Brighton. Atmospheric conditions may have made this difference, or the
lights may have run up and down a scale from 4 to 28. As to
independence of sunlight, Pratt says (Rept. B.A., 1871-88), at to this
display, that only the fixed, charted points so shone, and that other
parts of the crater were not illuminated, as they would have been to an
incidence common throughout.(30) In Pratt's opinion, and, I think, in
the opinion of the other observers, these lights were volcanic."
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Plato 1981 Jun 15 UTC 21:30 Observed by Amery (Reading, England, 25cm
reflector, seeing Antoniadi IV-V) At the 4 O'Clock position on the
North West corner?, there was a dark smudge which reached from the
floor across and over the wall and onto the terrain outside the crater.
Foley, alerted by Amery, saw a dark show-like patch in the crater's
north west corner, again lying across the rim. 2006 Cameron catalog
extension ID=148 and weight=4. Foley used a 12" reflector and seeing
was III-V. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1964 Jan 27 at 21:00? Scarfe (UK) obtained spactra showing
luminescence? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=797 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2009 Jan 09 at UT 20:00 P. Brierley (UK) took a CCD image of the
Aristarchus area - P.Grego upon examining this comments that he thinks
that Schiaparelli crater looked "muted in brightness -- it is normally
quite bright to look at". Though Grego comments that it might have
something to do with the image processing aplied to the image. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Manilius 1968 Nov 04 UT 00:15-00:30 Observed by Jean et al. (Montreal,
Canada, 4" refractor, 6" reflector) "Extremeley bright flash on Men. &
Man. each." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1101.
Menelaus 1968 Nov 04 UT 00:15-00:30 Observed by Jean et al. (Montreal,
Canada, 4" refractor, 6" reflector) "Extremeley bright flash on Men. &
Man. each." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1101.
Alphonsus 1966 May 03 UTC 21:30 Observed by Smith (England, 10"
reflector) and Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24"
reflector, Moonblink) "Reddish patches. Not confirmed by Corralitos MB
(but in their report they give the feature as Gassendi)." NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID #936. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1965 May 15 UTC 01:40-02:15 Observed by Weresuik, McClench,
Johnson (Pt. Tobacco, MD, USA, 16" reflector x240, S=F, T=G) and Delano
(Massachusetts, USA, 12" reflector). "Crater had color(red?) detected
by Trident MB & photos were obtained. There were pulsations. Delano saw
E. wall of crater unusually bright (confirm. if at same time)." NASA
catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #876.
Aristarchus, Cobra Head, 1969 Dec 23 UT 05:19-05:34 Observed by
A.R. Taylor (Buckinghamshire, UK, 8.5" reflector, 240x, Wratten
25 and 80B) Strong blink in crater at 0519. All traces gone by
0534. Could only see in filters, Plato, Copernicus, Gassendi all
normal. Obscur. also in Cob. Head." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #1230. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Eratosthenes 1976 Sep 08 UTC 04:29 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=5-4, T=5) "Psuedo-shadow X3 was present
but X disappeared from wall(same intensity?) which was rated 4 deg.
Disappearance of X so unexpected that he examined inner S wall very
carefully & was certain it was free from psuedo-shad. Had vanished
within 24h. Other pseudo-shadows showed no change. X reappeared next
nite. (X must have been 4deg; &this is much higher than any other
meas.). Variability of wall shadows may habe been what Pickering saw,
suggests Bartlett." Cameron 1978 TLP catalog weight=4 and catalog ID
1452. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Oct 10 at 18:57-19:04 UT I.S.Brukhanov (of Minsk, Belarus,
using a 6" refractor x40 and x98) saw a star like point inside Plato
crater of similar brightness to the central peak of Alphonsus. The
event lasted 90 seconds before weakening and vanishing completely at
19:04UT. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=455 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus area 1955 Sep 30 UTC 20:45 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England, 6.5" reflector, x200) "Area showed a westward yellow smear,
looked darkish in red, indicating presence of green." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #614. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1972 Oct 21 UT 2:10-22:45 observed by Schnuchal
(52.5N, 13.25E, 600mm f/11.7 reflector, T=1, S=3) "Bright spot
with maximum intensity at 22:10 UT diminution in brightness
well observable" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon &
Planets, 30 (1984),p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1969 Jan 03 UT 03:20-03:50 Observed by
Taboada (Mexico) "Brightness between craters dimmed at 0345.
Change in colouration in N. part of Aris. -- gray & slightly
pinkish. Became more remarkable at 0350 in almost all the
extension of the cleft, (Sch. Vall. ?)." NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #1114. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1964 Jan 28 at 21:00? Scarfe (UK) obtained spactra showing
luminescence? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=798 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1968 Mar 14 UT 01:32-02:06 Observed by Olivarez, Maley,
Etheridge (Edinburgh, TX, USA, 17" reflector, x125 + Moon Blink) and
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon Blink)
"S=5 (F-G) for the TX observations. "Trident Moon Blink on S. wall
creet & c.p. & white spots in crater. No color seen vis. Blink not seen
earlier or later. Other craters blinked some but not as strongly.
Only Aris. areas blinked when Moon blink was moved around. Observers
consider blinks real. Alt. of moon was 50 deg. Drawings. Corralitos
say they did not confirm, but they rep't Copernicus, not Aris." NASA
catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #1062.
Aristarchus 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.
G.Amery (Reading, UK, seeing=II) saw a brilliant white rim,
bands and central peak. There was also a clearly seen white
glare like feature over the ESE wall that had a direction
opposite to the crater interior bands. Cameron states that
Foley says that this is usual. High CED brightness readings
obtained. M.Cook of Frimley, UK, took CED measurements at
23:35UT and recorded a brightness of > 4.9. Reported a
reversal of spurious colour - Cameron suspects that this was a
local effect. No spurious colour noticed by anyone else.
However the brightness of the crater was confirmed by other
observers. Mosely suspected a brightness change on the inner
east wall at a relative position of 8 O'Clock. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=259 and weight=4. 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 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 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.
Aristarchus 1967 Dec 16 UTC 22:00? Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector) "Crater took on an unusual appearance on inner
NE (ast. ?) wall. Showed a very pale blue & the opposite wall a pale
red color seen in no other features. Lasted only 10m & survived a
change of eyepieces." Seeing=I (Antoniadi). NASA catalof weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1056.
David Darling observed bright glittering on Aristarchus. This
was followed by a flare up in brightness at 00:38:05 UT in the
comet-like ray area of the crater equivalent in intensity to the
central peak. Then he saw another one on the north east rim of
Aristarchus of the same brightness. A third flare was seen at
00:49UT in south of Herodotus, on the comet-like ray. Another
two flares were observed at 00:56UT on the north west rim of
Aristarchus. Darling suspects that these effects were due
to seeing effects and Cameron agrees. However Weier suspects
that they were TLP? Brightness measurements by Weier were for
the south west rim of Herodotus 8.0, for a spot at the Cobra's
Head 9.0 and 7.5 for C.H. Cameron apparently did not see the flashes
but did suspect that the interior of Aristarchus was a bit unusual.
Don Spain did not see anything unsual at all. Cameron 2006 extended
catalog ID=380 and the observation weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1978 Aug 18 at UT 22:00 Coates (England?, UK, 3" refractor,
seeing=II) found that the inner bands of Aristarchus were hard to see,
this was odd because the seeing conditions were good and he usually
sees them? However he did not believe that there was any obscuration
going on. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=37 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 2002 Mar 29 at 02:20-02:38UT C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm refractor,
x120 - no cloud, slight haze, no wind, seeing good) noticed during
first part of observing period that Aristarchus was getting steadily
brighter, very much brighter than Proclus. This continued until 02:36UT
when it dimmed suddenly over a period of about a minute or so. No
colour effects seen. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2002 mar 29 at 02:20-02:38UT C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm refractor,
x120 - no cloud, slight haze, no wind, seeing good) noticed during
first part of observing period that Aristarchus was getting steadily
brighter, very much brighter than Proclus. This continued until 02:36UT
when it dimmed suddenly over a period of about a minute or so. No
colour effects seen. ALPO/BAA weight=2. Just as an after thought - was
it Aristarchus that was varying, or Proclus?
Louderback, of South Bend, WA, USA observed a bright area over
Mons Anguis and Eimmart - it resembled a comet and had a bluish
colour and varied in brightness. The colour was confirmed as it
was not seen in a red filter but could be seen in blue and white
light. Other features were checked but did not show anything
similar although a violet glare was suspected in the blue filter. A
sketch was made. Observer made Eimmart 8 in brightness at 07:30UT.
Noted that the area around Eimmart appeared opaque at times and less so
at other times. At 08:52UT the phenomenon was seen again. On May 2nd
a bright spot was still seen in the region but it was not changing
dimensions. During the observation on Apr 30th the atmospheric
transparency was excellent. A 2.5" refractor was used. Reference:
Personal communication from Louderback to Cameron on 1980 Jul 16th.
The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID of this TLP was 93 and the
weight was 4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 2002 Mar 29 UT 05:27-05:36 Observed by Darling (Sun Praire, WI,
USA, 12.5" f/5 Newtonian, +Rotating polaroid visual densitometer)
"Observations made following telephone alert call about Brook's report.
Aristarchus, Proclus and Censorinus monitored for brightness variations
from 04:41-05:37UT. Apart form a change in transparency due to cirrus
cloud at 05:11-05:18, there were significant dimmings of the
brightnesses of Proclus at 05:27. Aristarchus remained constant - this
suggested that Clive Brook's earlier report was not a TLP in
Aristarchus, but possibly in Proclus which he was using as a
comparison" ALPO Lunar Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Censorinus 2002 Mar 29 UT 05:27-05:36 Observed by Darling (Sun Praire,
WI, USA, 12.5" f/5 Newtonian, +Rotating polaroid visual densitometer)
"Observations made following telephone alert call about Brook's report.
Aristarchus, Proclus and Censorinus monitored for brightness variations
from 04:41-05:37UT. Apart form a change in transparency due to cirrus
cloud at 05:11-05:18, there were significant dimmings of the brightness
of Censorinus at 05:36UT. Aristarchus remained constant" ALPO Lunar
Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Manillus 1955 Aug 03 UTC 21:00 Observed by Firsoff (Sommerset, England,
6.5" reflector, x200) "Maniluus very bright in all colors, especially
blue, extraordinarily so" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID
#602.
Timocharis 1955 Aug 03 UTC 21:00 Observed by Firsoff (Sommerset,
England, 6.5" reflector, x200) "Crater was bright in blue, seemed large
& diffused." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #602.
On 1978 Aug 19 at UT02:45-04:00 Porter (Naragansetts, RI, USA, using a
6" reflector, Seing = 6/10) noticed blue on the north east corner of
Aristarchus and an orange glow on the south east wall. They detected no
movement or change in brightness. The observer used both eyes, to make
sure it was not an eye defect, and three filters: red Wratten 25, blue
Wratten 82 and Violet Wratten 47. Porter found that the colours faded
for a duration of 5 minutes and then returned. Their right eye gave a
good view and using their left eye they suspected that it was 0.5 steps
brighter than the remainder of the crater. The suspected colour
remained visible, even under moments of good seeing conditions. The
colour eventually faded over time and was eventually gone. Porter
reportd seein gcolour here on the following night. Apparently other
bright spots showed no colour. Fitton suggests that the filters used
confirm that the south east wass was definitely red in colour. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=37 and the weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1973 Nov 10 UTC 20:00? Observed by Coates (England, 8"
reflector x200, Moon at gigh altitude above horizon). "Attracted to
crater because of an orange hue extending towards Herod. Has seen this
at other times. Thinks not a LTP, but actual color on ground."NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1381.
On 1988 May 11 (UT 20:30-20:55) C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm
refractor, x28) found Aristarchus to be brighter than he would
have expected. Compared to Proclus and Tycho. He observed from
20:55-22:38 and found it to be normal in brightness over this
time. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1969 Jan 04 UT 03:00-03:45 Observed by
Taboada (Mexico) & Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA,
24" reflector + Moon Blink) "Brightness increased slightly
around Herod. & cleft (S.V?) became darker than previous day.
The dark gray & pink formed yellowish at 0345h in whole region
of Aris. Bluing around crater in Corralitos MB (photos?)
(confirm. of activity at Aris.?)" NASA catalog weight=5. NASA
catalog ID #1115. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1969 Jan 04 UT 03:00-03:45 Observed by
Taboada (Mexico) & Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM,
USA, 24" reflector + Moon Blink) "Brightness increased
slightly around Herod. & cleft (S.V?) became darker than
previous day. The dark gray & pink formed yellowish at 0345h
in whole region of Aris. Bluing around crater in Corralitos
MB (photos?) (confirm. of activity at Aris.?)" NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1115. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Observed by Bartlett (Batimore, MD, USA, S=4, T=5) "E.wall? blue
glare. He was uncertain @it. Couln't focus it. Herodotus
unaffected." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID 581.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
P Moore, Selsey, Sussex, UK, used a 5" x250 scope and between
23:50UT on Jul 1st 1977 and 00:10UT on Jul 2nd 1977 observed
Aristarchus. The south wall of the crater was reddish, extending
down to the outer south east wall (IAU). However seeing was no
better than III-IV and he was 99% sure that the colour was
spurious. His report was submitted only in case any other
observers reported something similar. 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.
Plato 1967 Nov 17 UTC 18:36-18:50 Observed by Moore, Moseley
(Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor x260) "Faint blink
under SW wall. Nothing seen vis. Gone by 1839h. Reappeared at
1841, then gone by 1850h. Checks till 0200h were neg. Obs.
dubious of reality of phen." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog
ID #1054. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 23 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographed
due to clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
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.
On 1984 Feb 18 at 05:35UT Moseley (Coventry, UK, 6" reflector,
x120, seeing II-III, transparency very poor to good) found that
the crater was difficult to define. However observing conditions
variable. P. Moore observed that the crater was normal at
04:00UT. Moseley found the crater well defined later. Cameron
2006 catalog extension ID=242 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1992 Jul 16 at UT 03:32-09:31 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x134) detected yellow on the southern rim of Aristarchus,
and the colour looked "darker" through a yellow filter and the region
was "duller" than normal. The region was 1 intesnsity step brighter on
the 2nd measurement, "on all points in it". The comet tail-like ray had
3 sections and was "mottled" in appearance. Finally the Cobra Head
region had possible variations in brightness. The cameron 2006 catalog
ID=451 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Copernicus 1975 Jul 24 UT 22:52 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England, 10" ? reflector or 4" refractor?) "Copernicus indistinct in
red and blue filters" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID
#1409.
Fracastorius 1975 Jul 24 UT 22:52 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England, 10" ? reflector or 4" refractor?) "Fracastorius had a blink
(red or blue?)" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1409.
Tycho 1975 Jul 24 UT 22:52 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth, England,
10" ? reflector or 4" refractor?) "Tycho indistinct in red and blue
filters" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1409.
Aristarchus 1954 Nov 12 UTC 02:20-03:05 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, S=5-6, T=3-4) "Blue-violet glare on EWBS &
whole length of E. wall. Suspected viol. tint on VA; uncertain @
m" NASA catalog weight=4. This had faded later by 05:07. NASA
catalog ID #582. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1996 Jul 31 at 22:40UT P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector, x300)
noticed a lack of detail in the Cape Agarum area - he would normally
have expected to have seen some craterlets. However he would not rate
this observation much because the seeing was only III and he does not
think that it was an obscuration. However just in case he wanted to
record this report in the archives. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphazen Alpha 1972 Oct 23 UT 22:10?-22:13? (Stoke-on-Trent, UK,
21cm Newtonian, x217, seeing very good). Flickering colours seen
on the north field of Alhazen Alpha mountain. Above UTs
estimated by the observer, but the duration of the effect was 3
minutes. Colouration centred on the hills that run north to
south between Mare Anguis and Mare Crisium. The colour
alternated from east to west about 2 or 3 times per second. The
colour was not apparent to the north or south, or indeed on any
other features. Telescope field of view moved, but effect stayed
in the same place on the Moon. Moon't terminator scanned for 15
minutes afterwards, but the effect did not recur. The colour
seen was mostly red, with a band of orange, and a strip of
yellow nearest the hills, the proportions being 6:2:1. The bands
seemed to arc up steep above the Moon's surface and flatten out
over the mare surface either side of the hill features. No
filters were used in the observation. Observer suspects some
kind of diffraction spectrum to explain the larger dispersion in
the red end of the spectrum. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Schroter's Valley: Cobra Head 1824 Nov 08 UTC 00:00? Observed by
Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany) "Mingling of all colors in small spots.
Described a violet glimmer near Cobra Head & plateau that spreads;
starts just after sunrise. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 and catalog
ID=103. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3.
Plato 1870 Mar 19 UT 00:00? Observed by Gledhill? (halifax,
England, 9" refractor) "Same group (of craters) as in Feb.
illuminated. (if phase same as Apr. 1970 then date is Mar 19"
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #165.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1958 Jul 03 UT 06:18-07:15 Obsrved by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=3) "Proc. C a remarkable phenom. of
which he is certain. At beginning of obs. C was 5 deg bright &
conspicuous -- its normal appearance at or nr. SS. At 0620 it suddenly
became dull so as to almost vanish. By 0640 C was very dull-- 3.5 deg.
An indep. check was made at 0715 with same instru. & it was still at
3.5 deg. Note C does not mean Proclus C but a notation system developed
by Bartlett for features in and around Proclus". Cameron's 1978
NASA catalog weight=4 (high). Cameron's 1978 NASA catalog ID #688.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2006 Jan 16 at 05:44UT T. Bakowski (Orchard Park, NY, USA) observed
a round dark object in 1 of 21 frames from a camera. The exposure was
1/250th sec. Seeing conditions were bad. The dark spot is east of Mons
Vinogradov, at or near crater J. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Schickard 1939 Aug 02 UT 00:01 Observed by Moore (England,
12?" reflector) "Floor milky, walls almost vis. 2 bright pts.
in area. not extending to extreme w.part of floor" NASA
catalog ID #456. NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1990 Dec 03 at UT23:00-01:30 M.C. Cook (Frimley, Surrey, UK) noticed
that the central peak of Aristarchus was quite bright and extended to a
circular region in the east in the crater "sprout" area - Cameron
suggests that this is Bartletts self defined EWBS area?. Beyond the rim
to the east was very bright. However no colour effect was seen in
filters. A sketch was supplied. Cameron notes the coincidence of
perigee and full Moon. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID is 416 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1955 Oct 03 UTC 02:10-02:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector x180, S=1-0?, T=4) "Proc. D (his ID) normally a
bright white spot on E. floor disappared as a dark spot, I=2.5 & barely
disting. from 3deg gray. In July lunation it was seen as normal bright
spot at col. 347.57, 359.36, 36.74 & 61.83 but vanished after 61.83.
C.p. abnormally dark & close to floor intensity. At 1st failed to find
it I=2.5 whereas it is normally 5.0." The cameron 1978 catalog ID=616
and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1993 Sep 02 UT2250-23:30 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 70mm
refractor, x100, seeing=III) noted that Cleomedes A was
exceptionally bright and compared it with plate 4C in Henry
Hatfield's Atlas. He had noticed it was bright earlier in the
evening, but his attention was drawn to it at 22:50UT. By
23:07UT it was dimmer, with patches of cloud coming up and a
slight deterioration in seeing. By 22:30 UT the crater was no
longer exceptionally bright. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=466 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
East of Plato 1961 Jun 29/20 23:00?-01:00 Observed by Granger
and Ring (both in Italy) "Enhancement of spectrum in UV & Ca I
recorded on photoelectric spectrometer scans" NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #742. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 24 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographe due to
clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
Aristarchus 1968 Dec 07 UT 07:00? observed by Corralitos Observatory
(Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector+Moon Blink) "Bluing around 3
craters, strongest at Aris. Lasted several days. Photos show 30% more
intensity in blue filter than in red or neutral. Moon's declination
northerly. Obs. think it was due to atm. effects" NASA catalog weight=5
(very high). NASA catalog ID #1105.
On 1968 Dec 07 at UT 07:00? Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM,
USA, 24" reflector and Moon Blink device) observed a bluing around
three craters, one of which was Kepler. This effect lasted several
days. Photographs were taken that show30% more intensity in the blue
filter than in red or neutral. The Moon's decination was northerly. The
observers suspect that it was an atmospheric efect and not a TLP. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1105 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1990 Jan 13 at UT 22:15-23:05 J. Pedler (Bristol, UK, seeing=III and
transparency=excellent, no spurious colour) detected a blue region on
the north of Aristarchus, varying in sharpness/diffuseness. The crater
rim in this region could not be descerned. Eleswhere the crater rim was
normal as too were other features. When a Moon blink device was used,
no colour blink was detected, however through the blue filter the
suspected area was bright and the crater rim indistinct. Whereas
through the red filter the area looked perfectly normal. At 22:30UT the
effect had vanished and everywhere was normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=388 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1956 Jul 25 UTC 06:16-06:33 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=3-5, T=4) "C.p.
distinctly vis. within floor shadeo, est. 5 deg bright but no
trace of it at col. 122.37deg in Oct, '55(Oct. 4?)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #645. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Gassendi 1940 Jul 22 UT 05:00 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) "Largest bright spot in SE part of floor had I=8.6,
but 6+ on other dates. (see #472, 474 & 475). (8.6 is normal?)"
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #469. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Four bright spots seen in Mare Crisium. There was also peculiar
behaviour of the terminator. Source: Midlehurst 1968 catalog TLP ID=16.
Ref Web 1962 p62-76. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Jan 14 at UT 01:14-01:55 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing=poor)
observed that Aristarchus did not appear normal for this illumination.
the northern half of Aristarchus was "2x>" than the southern half of
the crater. There were two white patches of apron material near to the
crater Herodotus that were 50% of the brightness of the southern half
of Aristarchus. Furthermore the southern half of Aristarchus had a
circle - "dull patch on inner S wall with a bright point shining
through it. (Bartlett's EWBS?)". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=389 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3.
Daniell 1894 Feb 23 UT 00:00? Observed by Krieger (Germany)
"Strong, brownish-red coppery hue." NASA catalog weight=4 and
catalog ID #281. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1894 Feb 23 UT 00:00(?) Posidonius N. Wall observed by
Krieger (Germany) "Strong, brownish-red coppery hue." NASA
catalog weight=4 and catalog ID #281. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cleomedes Alpha 1993 Sep 03 UT2200-22:20 G. North (UK, 18.25"
reflector, x86 & x144) observed it to be a strikingly brilliant
'splodge' seen in the mostly shadow filled interior of
Cleomedes, and around this splodge was a faint halo extending
symetrically in an eastwards direction. The splodge was the
mountain Cleomedes Alpha. Strangely no shadow from the mountain
was seen to be cast onto the halo on the east. Observer alerted
other observers by phone, and upon returning to the scope found
that the splodge had faded in brightness and continued to fade
over the next hour as one would expect from a mountain at
sunset. Some heavy spurious colour was present. J. Cook & M.
Cook (Frimley, UK) observed at 22:20-22:25 and found the bright
splodge, but no halo. M. Cook re-observed later and confirmed
normal fading of splodge. Roscoe observed from 00:30UT next day,
but by that time Cleomedes Alpha had set and was no longer
visible in the shadow filled floor. S. Beaumont had observed
earlier at 20:00 but had recorded all as normal in Cleomedes.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=466 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Madler 1962 Apr 22 UTC 08:24 Observed by Wildey, Pohn (1st measurement)
(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.
Peirce A (Swift=IAU name?) 1937 Dec 23 UTC 22:00 Observed by Wilkins
(England, UK, 12.5" reflector) "Obscuration on floor if crater. Crater
invis. (similar to #394, 396)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #412.
On 1961 Jul 01 at UT 00:00? an unknown Miranova (Russia or
Israel) obtained some spectral photometry of lunar objects. A
spectral plate in 425 -> 500nm bands. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=743 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 25 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographe due to
clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
Plato 1938 Jul 15 UTC 06:50 Observed by Haas (12" reflector?) "Floor --
definitely green under same conditions as 5/17/38 (see #437). Kaiser
after 90 obs. couldn't find any regularity to appearance of the brown
color in Plato. I=3.7 comp. with I=2.0 on 6/15/38 (see #439-- color of
ground?)." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #440.