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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aristarchus 1975 Nov 15 UT 06:34 Observed by Rule (Edinburgh, Scotland,
4" reflector x36) "Blue patch in crater (similar to many of Bartlett's
obs.?)" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1383.
Plato 1975 Jun 28/29 UT 23:00-01:20. Foley (Wilmington, UK, 12"
reflector, seeing, III, good clarity transparency). At 23:00,
00:30, and 01:15 blue was seen on the inner wall:floor southern
boundary, and red on the corresponding northern floor:wall
boundary. However by 01:20, blue was now on the S-NW floor:wall
boundary, and red on the NE-SE floor:wall boundary. Atmospheric
spectral dispersion existed in many regions, but did not change
like the colours in Plato. Similar appearance craters such as
Grimaldi, Schickard, and Riccioli, were checked for a similar
change in colour, but no change was noticed in these. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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.
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.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 03 UT 00:00-01:00 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness in Aristarchus
still present but less pronounced than yesterday. Also saw the bright
short ray on the opposite side to the main ray in Aristarchus that
Amato saw yesterday - but this may be normal?" BAA Lunar Section
report.
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.
M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing=III-II) noticed that the crater had a
blue/green colour and that this varied, filling a large circular patch,
brightly illuminating to the ESE-SSE (IAU?) spilling over the wall and
the rim. Shadows inside the crater were large and elongated. The filter
response was greater in the blue than through a yellow or red
Microfiche. Spurious colour was noticed elsewhere but not in
Aristarchus. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=313 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3
Messier A 1976 Sep 15 UT 21:05 Observed by J.H-Robinson
(Teignmouth, UK, 26cm Newtonian, Wratten 25 and 44a filters,
x200, seeing very poor). Messier A was fainter than Messier in
blue light. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2012 Oct 08 UT12:00 C. Hastorf (Chuck's Bobcat, AZ, USA, 5"
SCT, seeing 3.5-4 out of 5). Strange lightness seen on
shadowed floor of Plato. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Vitello 1939 Aug 09 UT 08:00 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA, 12?"
Reflector) "S.part of dark area was I=4.0 comp. with #452 & #453, when
cond. were similar on all 3 dates (phase similar too -- normal
tonite?)" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #457.
2012 Sep 09 UT 23:11-23:37 A.Mineev (Russia) observed a bright
flash near to Encke. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1788 Sep 29 at UT04:25) Schroter (Lillienthal, Germany) noted a
bright point 26" north of Aristarchus crater. Note that the year might
have been 1789? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=50 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Schroter, from Lillenthal in Gemany, in 1788 (possibly it was 1789) Sep
26 UT 04:30 saw a small nebulous bright spot on the northern edge of
Mare Crisium. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=50 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1788 Sep 29 at UT04:30 (Cameron gives 04:25?) Schroter (Lillienthal,
Germany) noted 1'18.5" south east of plato was a whitish bright spot
shining somewhat hazily, 4-5"in diameter and at 5th magnitude. He never
saw this again. The spot became conspicuous at times and then
disappeared. There was nothing else similar in Earthshine. Note that
the year might have been 1789? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=50 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Herodotus 1976 Aug 21 UT 08:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector, 45-300x, S=4-3, T=6) "Pseudo peak seen as 5deg
bright spot lying on diagonal dark band that crosses the floor from NE
to SW & becomes vis. only at low sun. Never saw the pseudo peak in
afternoon before -- usually vis. only nr. sunrise, (this would be
expected if it is a low hill as seen on Apollo oblique pics). Other
times c.p. seen were May 11 (6deg), Jun 10 (13 deg), Sep 6 (8 deg),
Sep 7 (21 deg) & Sep 19 (10 deg) solar altitudes. (21 deg seems too
high a slope for the hills)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #1446. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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.
On 1994 Jun 14 UT 21:45-22:00 G.Rogers (Crendon, UK, 3" Zeiss
refractor, sky conditions perfectly clear) reported seeing three
very large whitish clouds against the Moon. The strongest seemed
to "stem" from the vicinity of Santbech crater (crater
identified the next day from an atlas), and was a milk chocolate
colour near the stem. The other two large clouds were to the
north - in the general area of Mare Fecunditatis and Mare
Crisium though perhaps slightly further west and in contact with
the terminator? The effect was confirmed (independently) by 4
other observers using the same telescope. The telescope was
moved but the clouds remained in the same position over the
Moon. This report comes from The Astronomer Jan 2013 p 230.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Menelaus 1976 Sep 01 UT 00:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4.5" reflector, 45-300x) "Upper 1/2 of W.wall bright white (8deg).
Lower 1/2 much duller at 4 deg & distinctly bluish-gray. Same as seen
in Aris. & Grimaldi & thinks it is due local agency (gas?)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1447.
On 1987 Nov 27 at 19:35-21:04 UT M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK,
seeing IV-V) saw spurious colour on the crater floor and also
on the rim. Two bright spots were seen on the west rim (the
brightest one was on the NW rim). Saw >>N-NW lip 21:00UT
blink in red. The was apparently confirmed by A.C. Cook
(according to Cameron) at 21:04UT. The ALPO/BAA weight, in
view of the poor observing conditions is 1.
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.
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.
Variations in vapor column rising from the Cobra Head feature
(seen on several nights in succession) and also in the visibility of
craterlets A, C, F. Sunrise +2d. (time est. fr. gives colongitude).
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=279 and weight=3. Pickering was observing from
the southern station of Harvard University in Arequipa, Peru.
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.
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.