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.
Cobra Head 1955 Sep 28 UTC 23:00 Observed by Bestwick (England? 6?"
reflector x240) "Diffused brown patch of smoke or vapor, almost
obscured -- appeared over plain for a short distance."NASA catalog
weight=3. NASA catalog ID #612.
Herodotus 1969 Jan 01 UT 03:15 Observed by Taboada (Mexico)
"Brightness in edge of crater dimmed & a heavy darkness was
noted thru course of cleft (Schroter's Valley?). (alerted for
tidal predict.?)"NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #
1113. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Foley, Kent, UK noted that the floor was slate blue-grey
with no colour seen elsewhere. 12" reflector used, seeing=II.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID 131 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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.
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 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.
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.
P. Foley of Kent, UK, using a 12" reflector, seeing=III-II, noticed
that initially that the crater was pretty dull and that the floor
was a slate blue-gray in colour at 22:45UT. A noticeable green spot
inside the crater on the south east appeared at 22:25UT and vanished
at 00:50UT. Cameron notes that one doesn't get green with spurious
colour. Crater Extinction brightness measurements were made at 22:00 UT
(reading=2.8) and at 23:45UT (reading=3.7). The crater dropped in
brightness from 3.7 to 2.8 at 23:50UT and remained lower until 3.0 at
23:50-03:15 UT. A graph was produced and showed Proclus and Censorinus
at similar brightnesses, but Aristarchus variable. The Earthshine was
0.3. Cameron 2006 Extension catalog ID=31 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cobra Head 1967 Mar 23 UT 18:40-20:47 Observed by Sartory,
Moore, Moseley (Farnham, England, 15" reflector (Sartory) seeing
very poor & 10" refractor in Armagh, N. Ireland (Moore & Mosely)
x360 - seeing Fair to Poor) "Red patch seen intermittently;
moon-blink from 1916-2047h. Position agreed with Sartory who
alerted them to Aris. area; checks on others were neg." NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID 1020. Then Aristarchus 1967
Mar 23 UT 18:40-20:30, 21:30 by Marsh and Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector, x330). "Suspected colour on SW (ast.)
wall. Farrant saw color in crater, completely independently,
(inform. suggests same phenom. as seen by Moore & Moseley tho
they said Cobra head). NASA Catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #
1021. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1967 Mar 23 UTC 18:40-18:50 Observed by Sartory (Farnham,
England, 15" reflector) "Heavy blink on inner S. wall. Moved toward N.
at 1845, faded at 1850." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog
ID #1019.
Johnson, of Des Moines, Iowa, USA, using a 7" reflector and an 8"
refractor, saw a bight streak. The observer looked later, but it was no
longer visible. Cameron thinks that it might have been a reflection
from the wall. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=423 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
D. Darling of (Sun Praire, WI, USA, using a 12.5" reflector at x150,
noticed a hint of red? colour on the south west rim of Aristarchus.
Brightness measurements were normal for Aristarchus and Herodotus. No
colour seen elsewhere e.g. Prom. LaPlace. The colour on Aristarchus had
gone by 01:15UT. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=414 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
A fleeting faint reddish patch was seen in Gassendi
at 21:15UT. This observation has an ALPO/BAA weight of 2.
Rays of(?) (in?) Herodotus 1955 Oct 28 UTC 18:30 Observed by Kozyrev
(Crimea, Russia, 50" reflector, spectragraph) "Spectrum 3934A (K of
Ca). 3964 (H of Ca) change in luminosity. 13% in H, 19% in K, 2% in H,
3% in K. in photo-line-depth method" NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID #622. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
1996 Jun 28 UT 21:04 F. Ferri and D. Zompatori (Anzio), using
a 20cm f/6 reflector, reported that (translation) "Using a
blue filter the area was invisible". This is a UAI observation
from Italy. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1954 Aug 11 observed by Firsoff (Somerset, UK, 6.5" reflector,
x200) "Brilliant in red filter, variable)" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #570. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Babbage 1974 Sep 29 UT 00:00-01:00 Observed by Lord (St Annes-
on-Sea, UK, 10" refractor, Wratten 25 and 44a filters, 125x,
S=II-III). Activity observed in SW floor between A & W. wall.
Details not obscured in either filter, but slightly more
darker than surroundings in the blue filter. NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1395. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Ross D 1965 Apr 14 UT 06:03-06:22 Observed by Harris (Whittier?, CA?,
USA, 19"? reflector) "Phenomenon description unavailable. Given at an
ALPO meeting" NASA catalog weight=0 (very unreliable). NASA catalog ID
#874.
On 1990 Oct 02 at 02:25-02:45UT D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA using a
12.5" reflector at x159, with red and blue filters), saw a blink
effect on the west wall of Plato i.e. brighter through a blue filter
than through the red. No Colour blinks seen on Gassendi or Aristarchus.
Cameron 2006 Catalog TLP=413 and weight=4.
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.
Mobberley of Suffolk, UK, and using a 14" reflector and
seeing=I-II saw yellowish/brown streaks within Aristarchus. A
sketch indicates that these extended from a region on the east
floor to the north west corner, and then finally onto the
bands on the west wall. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=132
and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
Plato 1874 Jan 01 UT 20:00? Observed by Pratt (England?)
"Unusual appearance" NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #
183. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1982 Mar 08 Daniell UT 22:49-22:57 P.Madej (Hudersfield, UK) -
A colour and brightness anomaly was seen a TLP alert was put
out. Cameron 2006 catalog extension weight=165 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
"Brightening in blue filter, 1st for seconds, later for mins". NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #574.
Plato 1971 Nov 01 UT 19:35-20:35 Observed by Kidd (S.Shields,
UK 16" reflector, S=G), Kirsopp (UK), Fitton (Lancashire, UK,
8" reflector x200) "NW (IAU?) rim, small area of obscur. &
bright spot adjacent to it. Was normal at 2035h. Kirsopp
confirmed. Fitton saw nothing unusual in blink patrol. (blink
device detects color rather than brightness)" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1318. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Manilius 1939 Jul 30 UT 06:00 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA, 12?"
reflector) "Dark area in S. part wad I=3.7 comp. with #449. Cond. were
similar. (phase same. real difference?). (normal here?)"
Schickard 1940 May 20 UT 20:00 Observed by Moore (England, 12?"
eflector) "Fog on floor -- milky appearance, less pronounced
than on 8/2/39 (see #456)." NASA catalog ID #465. NASA catalog
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1971 Jan 10 UTC 20:17-20:42 Observed by Taylor (Slough, England,
8.5" reflector) "Blink (dark gray to black), 13x3km diam. on E. wall &
floor in indentation in wall. Smaller by 2028 h. gone at 2035h.
Reappeared at 2028h & gone completely at 2042h)." NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1282.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Proclus 1955 Aug 03 UTC 04:13-04:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=5) "Floor blackish 2 intensity but
in green filter assumed a distinctly mottled or flocculent appearance
-- seen only in green. Neither blue nor red had any effect, but on
previous eve. green light had not produced such an appearance." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #602. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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 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 vicinity 1842 Oct 18 UT 23:00? Observed by
Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany) "Mingling of all colors in small
spots in W. & NW of crater. (interposition of year dates? was #
101 --1842 prob. correct." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #121. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
F. Graham took some photos of the Cobras Head and found a blue cloud
about 50 km in diameter and scattering light - Cameron says that
this indicates high density. Darling found the Cobra's Head obscure and
variable "clear and bright to diffused". Cameron was alerted observed
(02:40UT) variations with periods of approximately 30 seconds, and
thought that she could see a red tinge on the east rim of Aristarchus -
checks elsewhere found no other colours. Darling found that a blue
filter enhanced the effect and a red filter made it disappear. There
was a blink at 02:55UT but no blink in the Cobra's Head, which looked
fuzzy and lacking in detail. The effect was confirmed by Weier, who
also saw two dark spots in the Cobra Head in blue but not in red light.
The brightness of the Cobras Head was 6.0, Herodotus floor 5.5, NW wall
7.5, South wall, 7.0, Aristarchus south wall 9.0, west wall 9.0, south
wall 7.0, East wall 8.0, and the central peak 10.0. Observer details
were as follows: Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5" reflector, x159,
S=9/10). D. Weier (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5" reflector, x159, S=
9/10), W. Cameron (Sedona, AZ, USA, 8" reflector x110 and x220, T=6 and
S=6) F. Graham (E.Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 7" refractor, thin haze).
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=415 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Near Censorinus 1964 Apr 26 UT 20:00? Observed by Hopmann
(Czchoslovakia?) "Surface brightening somewhat similar to Kopal and
Rackham in #779" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #810.
Archimedes 1940 Jun 20 UT 07:30 Observed by Haas (NM, USA, 12?"
reflector) "NE wall (outer) had I=2.5 on this nite but 5.0 on
Aug. 18 (see #471 -- both same phase so real diff. 2.5 normal?)"
NASA weight=4. NASA ID No. #467. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1972 Nov 20 UT 20:20 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge, England,
8.5" reflector, x178) "Dark patch in crater. Disappeared by next nite.
The normal ring seemed thickened. On Dec. 7. the crater appeared
bright. Drawings. (prob. real LTP, nr. FM)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1350.
Archimedes 1940 Aug 18 UT 03:25 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) NE outer wall had I=5.0, but was I=2.5 on June 20
(see #467) (similar colong.)" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #471. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Lichtenberg 1951 Jan 22 18:19.2-18:38.5 UT observed by Baum
(Chester, England). Tiny red spot noticed initially and then
faded. Location of spot 31.403N 66.167W. 20cm refractor x90-
x100. Seeing fair-extremely good. NASA catalog assigns a
weight of 3. NASA TLP ID No. #542. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1966 Dec 27 UTC 06:30-07:05 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 6" reflector?) "Very faint blink on SW (ast. ?) floor & on another
N. of it on NW floor. Obs. considers obs. very suspect" NASA catalog
weight=1 (very poor). NASA catalog ID #1006.
Aristarchus 1954 Oct 12 UT 00:55-02:10 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5" refractor x100, S=5-6, T=5) "Pale
violet radiance on S.wall SE, E, NE walls, & c.p. At 0409 strong
violet tint E 1/2 of fl.very faint on W. 1/2 of floor & W. wall.
Dark violet on nimbus & pale violet on Mt. m" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #576. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1989 Oct 14 UT 19:00?, 22:00? P.W. Foley (Kent, U.K., using a 12"
reflector) noted that although the brightness of Aristarchus crater
seemed steady, that there was just too much detil to see inside the
crater than one would expect. Appeared as two craters - Cameron
commented that this was often seen by Bartlett. Several observers
apparently confirmed this TLP? Cameron 1978 catalog extension ID=379
and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1878 Nov 09 UTC 21:00 UTC Observed by Klein (Cologne, Germany,
6" refractor?) "Faint, but unmistakable white cloud not seen before."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #207.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Proclus 1958 Aug 30 UT 06:30-06:45 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4" reflector, x240, S=6, T=5) "Proc. Q. a bright spot on NE rim
apparently a crater presented a very abnormal aspect. Extraordinarily
large & at least 9 deg bright -- like EWBS on Aris. This spot is
subject to large unexplained variations. At 97 deg col. in July, Q was
also 9 deg bright but very small. At col.96 deg, 5 in May '58,
col.99deg in Feb.'50, & 96 deg in Nov. '55 it was not seen at all.
Assoc. with tonite was a distinct blue glare on NE rim, extending for
short dist. & @ 2x as far as S." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #894.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 23 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographed
due to clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
On 1955 Oct 02 at UT 05:30-05:55 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5"
reflector, x100, S=7, T=5) observed the following in Aristarchus
crater: "Viol. gl. on E, NE rim, over EWBS resembled a viol. mist.
Crater itself was hazy, could not get a sharp focus". The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=615 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
W.Humboldt 1897 Dec 09 UTC 23:00? Observed by Goodacre (Crouch End,
England, 12" reflector) "Shadow anomaly. Chocolate penumbral shade
edging black shadow on E. wall." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA
catalog ID #296.
Mobberley noticed that Torricelli B was bright and had an even brighter
spot on the inner north wall. The observation was made from UT19:45-
21:40 using visual and video techniques. There was also a bright region
NNE of Toricelli B, that was noticed. Foley examined the video and
found that the crater faded in brightness over time and also the bright
area to the NNE was not as bright on video as had been seen visually.
Foley speculates that because the CCD camera was sesnitive to the near
IR that maybe the spot was blue?. Foley observed from 21:12-21:21UT and
also saw the bright spot on the inner north wall - but saw a blue halo
around the crater. Response in blue filter, darkening over whole
region. Brightness measures with a crater extinction device (CED)
indicated that the crater was 80-85% the brightness of Censorinus.
There was a bright area NNE of the region. M. Cook observed 22:10-
22:16UT (15cm reflector and seeing III-IV) and also saw that the crater
was very bright indeed with a spot NNE of the region (same position as
28/28 1985 observation) - suspected that the crater might have been
brighter than Censorinus, but judgement effected by seeing. In a blue
filter the crater dulled leaving the bright spot prominent (but only
during a good moment of seeing) - therefore had some suspicion of
seeing effects. At 01:00-01:04UT M. Cook used a 12" reflector on the
area, but the seeing was even worse - but did manage a check of the
brightness of Torricelli B to Censorinus and now made it one quarter of
that of Censorinus and no sign of the crater dimming in the blue as had
been seen earlier in the 6" refletor. A. Cook (Frimley, seeing V) at
21:15UT (Dec 27) thought that Torricelli B looked normal and saw no
colour. At Dec 28 at UT 00:02-00:25 A. Cook obtained some CCD images
through red+IR (Wratten 25) and IR (Wratten 87) but found no colour
differences, though there was a very slight hint that a brightness fade
may have occurred between those two observing times. Note that this
report does not have an entry in the Cameron 2006 Extension Catalog.
The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Cobra Head 1955 Oct 31 UTC 19:00 Observed by Milligan (England?) "Dark
blue obscuration" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID 624.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 11 06:44 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4.5" reflector, 45-300x, S=4-3, T=4) "Pale viol. radiance (gas?) on
plateau m. Dark viol. tinge on nimbus. C.p.=10 deg walls=8deg, & all of
floor=8 deg. W.wall out of focus due to haziness (gas?)." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1441.
On 1983 Jan 29/30 at UT20:35-01:00 Sykes (UK?) observed that
Linne appeared to brighten for approximately 20 min and had the
appearance of a point (confirmed). This observation was made
during a major Torricelli B TLP. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198
and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Torricelli B 1983 Jan 29/30 UTC 20:35-02:30 Observed by Foley (12"
reflector, seeing Antoniadi II, Transparency=good, no spurious colour
seen), Moberley (14" reflector, seeing Antoniadi II, transparency
excellent, spurious colour strong), Cook, J & M (12" reflector, seeing
Antoniadi II-III, transparency moderate). All observers based in
southern England. "Initially crater brightest feature on the Moon, then
it faded. Strong colour also seen by all observers e.g. green-blue to
violet. Report of observations written up in JBAA Vol 100, No. 3, p117
123, (2000) - probably one of the best reorted TLP". The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=198 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
On 1955 Oct 03 at UT 04:45-05:05 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5"
reflector, x100, S=5, T=3) observed the following in Aristarchus
crater: "Whole cdrater hazy, couldn't focus it. Herodotus unaffected".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=617 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1978 May 24 at 00:40-01:05UT P. Moore (Sussex, UK, and using a
12.5" reflector at x300-400 - seeing IV) saw colour in Aristarchus (red
on the south east wall and southern "horn" of the crater. He could not
detect colour elsewhere, but felt that the effect might have been
spurious colour. With the increasing altitude of the Moon the light
effect decreased. Moore detected red the next night as well (May 25th)
and on May 27th, but it was not present on May 29th. The Cameron 2006
Extension catalog ID=33 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
E. of Picard 1879 Nov 01 UT 00:00? Observed by an unknown observer
(England?) "Bright spot. (Fort admits he has several more of these
records of LTP, but does not give them because they don't fall nr.
Mars'opposition which he tho't was cause of them.) Elevation rising N-
S, with shading toward terminator." NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #214.
Peirescius 1985 Dec 28 UT ~20:56 (Col. 112.5) H. Hill (UK)
observed that this crater was piercingly bright. Repeat
colongitude observations on later dates failed to show a
similar effect. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1940 Aug 20 UT 03:25 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) "Largest bright spot on SE pt. of floor had I=8.6
(real changes? see @ '#649, 474, & 475, all similar change)."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #472. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 12 UT 07:30 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=6=3, T=5) "Nimbus around c.p.=2deg,
S.floor=6deg & was red; rest of floor=8deg. This is only tint in
Aris.). Tonite saw a pale red glow suffasing the S. region of the
crater. Bright blue radiance (gas?) on ENE wall. Viol. radiance on
plateau m gone tonite. Red glow on 13th & the region was yellow-
brown." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1442.
In 1941 Jul 11 at UT 04:00? Haas (New Mexico?, USA, 12" reflector)
observed near Hansteen "Moving luminous speck, estimated 0.1" diam.,
mag 8 (rept. date was 10. Lunar meteor?". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
487 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1986 Feb 26 at 05:00UT a photograph was obtained by T. Kohman of
Pittsburgh, PA, USA (3.5" Questar and 0.25 sec exposure) that had two
bands above the limb, resembling ejecta plumes. Cameron suspects that
these are probably flare from the eyepiece optics. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=282 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Madler 1962 Apr 22 UTC 11:48 Observed (2nd mesurement) by Wildey, Pohn
(Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60" reflector with photometer) "Photometric
measures show change in brightness from Vmag=3.79 to V=4.40. The
average brightness for age 17d is V=3.99. Crater faded from .2 mag
brighter than av. to .4 mag. fainter (@1.5 times fainter) than av., a
range of .6 magnitude, or @ 1.5 times diff. in brightness". NASA
catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #757.
On 1897 Oct 13 at UT 20:00 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass. USA, 15"
refractor?) observed in Shroter's valley and the vicinity, "Variations
in vapor column" The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=292 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
In 1955 Oct 05 at UT 03:40-03:48 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 5"
reflector, x180, S=6, T=5) observed in aristarchus an itenseley bright
blue-violet glare on EWBS, E, and NE wall. The Cameron 1978 catalog IF=
620 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Near Kepler 1966 Dec 31 UT 03:00? Observed by Petrova,
Pospergelis (Pulkova Observatory, Russia) "Special glow in this
area. Confirmed by photoelectric method (Petrova) & polarimetric
(Pospergelis?) almost simultaneously recorded by both" NASA
catalog weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1007.
On 1989 Jan 26 at UT 03:45 De Groof (Belgium) noted a white few second
long flash from Copernicus crater. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=347 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
On 2008 Oct 19 during 05:40-06:30UT D. Holt of Chipping, UK observed an
anomalous patch of illumination just to the west of the centre of the
Posidonius J crater. It is possible that this is just some high ground
on the floor protruding through the shadow filled crater at sunset.
Therefore this has been assigned a weight of 1 for now, just in case it
is a TLP - until proven otherwise.
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 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.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 01:55-02:45 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness and definition of
A of about 1/4 to 1/2 minute period. Rest of field unaffected. Checked
for cloud wih naked eye during fades - negative. Checked for misting
and tear salt on eyepiece by shifting A around the field - negative."
BAA Lunar Section report.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 03:00 Observed bt Michael Amato (West Haven,
CT, USA, 127mm Maksutov, x123) "The brightness variation (as seen by
Brook earlier) was very apparent. One thing never seen before by Amato
was a thin short bright ray that extended out in the opposite direction
as Aristarchus bright ray". The higher the Moon climbed in the sky the
more obvious this short thin bright ray became. An ALPO report.
Aristarchus 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.
Plato 1975 Jun 29/30 UT 23:05-00:30. Foley (Wilmington, UK, 12"
reflector, seeing, III, good clarity transparency). At 23:05,
blue was seen on the inner wall:floor southern boundary, and red
on the corresponding northern floor:wall boundary. However by
00:30, blue was now on the W floor:wall boundary, and red on the
E 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.
S. Beaumont of Windemere, England noted that the crater appeared
to be divided into two. Cameron 2006 Extension catalog ID=381
and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
P.Foley (Nettlestead, UK, 12" reflector) noticed a translucent bluish
glow in Earthshine coming from this crater, despite it being close to
the nright terminator. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=200 and
weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Marcus Price (Camberley, Surrey, UK) noted that Aristarchus
was extremely bright. A 6" reflector was used. The Cameron
2006 Catalog ID is #98 and the weight is 1. The ALPO/BAA weight
is 1 too.
On 1997 Jul 25/26 at UT 23:00-00:00 S. Fox (Dundee Tayside, Scotland,
UK, 15cm f/5 reflector with x4 Barlow). A series of photographs were
taken that show a glow just beyond the terminator, near to Callipus
crater. Almost certainly this is lens flare from the Barlow lens. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Eratosthenes 1976 Jun 20 UT 07:57 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 4.5" refractor, 40-450x, S=6.5, T=4-3)
"Floor covered with shadow & c.p. seen as 5deg bright spot.
Another minute spot 5deg bright on SE floor in shadow. (only low
hills on floor in SE. spot on terrace?" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID 1436.
Eratosthenes 1976 Aug 18 UT 06:12 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" refractor, 45, 225x, S=6, T=3-2) "Again, c.p. is vis. within
shadow but much brighter than on Aug, 4 (4 deg) & similar to June at
same col. The 2nd bright spot seen in June was not seen tonite.
(roughness on walls seen in LO IV & V pics show why these pseudo-
shadows appear)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1445.
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.
Aristarchus 1969 Jan 12 UT 12:00 Observed by Taboada (Mexico,
Seeing Excellent) "Region showed same characteristics as
previous days, perhaps a little darker color brown but more
remarkable. Used red, blue & green filters & difference in color
noted in & out of region. (permanent ground color seen?)." NASA
catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1116. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Condorcet (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Delambra (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Macrobius (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Manilius (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Mare Crisium (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Maskelyne A (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Menelaus (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Proclus (and other features - 12 in total)
were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the centres
(at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Promontorium Agarum (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Tisserand (and other features - 12 in total)
were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the centres
(at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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 UT04:30 (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.
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.
Mare Crisium 1951 Oct 26 UT 08:48:15 L.T. Johnson (USA)
suspected a mag 6 flash in Earthshine in Mare Crisium. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
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.
Plato 1976 Sep 20 UT 20:25 Observed by J.H-Robinson
(Teignmouth, UK, 26cm Newtonian, Wratten 25 and 44a filters,
x200, seeing unsteady, Moon low). Light areas in Plato were
clearer in red than in blue light. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 May 01 at UT 10:00 B. Hobdell (St Petersburg, FL, USA,
2?" refractor) observed in Lacus Mortis, some blue flashes for about
two minutes at 10:00UT. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=134 and weight=1.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 May 01 at UT10:05 B. Hobdell (St Petersburg, FL, USA, 2?"
refractor) observed a small blue flash in Plinius? The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=134 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In about 557AD (Month, Day and UT unknown), Gregory of Tours
observed a light on the Moon near the centre. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1. Note some say this was during the Dec 11 lunar
eclipse.
Thales 1892 Apr 04 UT 04:00-04:30 Observed by Barnard (Lick
Observatory, CA, USA, 36" refractor?, S=4/5) "Filled with pale luminous
haze tho all surrounding features were sharp & normal. Walls also hazy
(Drawing)" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalogue ID #276.
Taruntius on 1980 Apr 18 UT 22:33 P.Madej (Huddersfield, UK)
noticed that this crater changed from dark black to almost a
light grey over a period of about 30 seconds. Observation
started at 22:27 and ended at 22:37. When the observer saw this
effect in that 10min period is not given, so the UT above is the
nid UT of the observing period. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1971 Jan 01 UTC 19:00-20:25 Observed by Marchart (Aldershot,
England, 8" refractor x500). "Color patch on N wall, red & green on
inside, even tho eyepieces were rotated & changed. (chrom aberr. ?)
(experienced observer)." NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog
ID #1280.
On 1977 Sep 17 at 16:30UT V.M. Chernov (Soviet Union) observed the
northern cusp of the Moon to be elongated more than 180deg ashen light.
This was 4.3 days after new Moon. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1982 May 27 at UT 17:05-17:35 E.V. Arsyukhin (Moscow, Russia, 3"
reflector) found Endymion had a dark spot in the middle for about 30
min. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=169 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1982 May 27 at UT 17:05-17:35 E.V. Arsyukhin (Moscow, Russia, 3"
reflector) found Lacus Sominorum was very bright, misty and the colour
varied. It was back to normal on the 28th and abnormal on 29-31st. -
had a dark spot in the middle for about 30 min. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=169 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Lyell 1972 Nov 10 UTC 23:43 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
3" refractor x54, x100, x200S=3, T=5) "At apparent center of floor &
edge of morning shadow an elongated, N-S irreg. obj. dull whitish-gray,
albedo=4 like a c.p. (photo in Kwasan atlas in 1963 taken at col. 339.3
deg has a faint suggestion of a bright spot in that place- (plate 20)
LO IV66 h2 & 73 H2, sun elev. @ 20deg show an even, dark floor with a
very small crater right in center -- unresolvable at earth. Kwasan
photo's spot could be an artifact" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1349.
On 1986 Mar 15 UT 19:51-19:55 A. Cook (Frimley, UK, Naked Eye
and 12" reflector, x60, seeing IV, transparancy poor)
observed a naked eye flash at 19:50.5 UT in the Mare Nubium
area. The flash was white in colour and lasted not longer
than 0.5 sec and was about magnitude 2 at most in brightness.
There was no rise or fade associated with this flash. Upon
checking the area with the telescope, the observer reproted
seeing a faint fuzzy small patch that came and went over
several seconds in the same general area - but this may have
been due to the seeing conditions and/or glare from the
bright side of the Moon. The patch area was about the same
size as Aristarchus, i.e. approx 40 km across. Note however
that observing conditons were too poor that night to see
Aristarchus. At later observing sessions from 20:30UT
onwards, the patch was not seen. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Leibnitz Mountains 1948 Apr 14 UT 20:00? Observed by Wilkins
(Kent, England, 12.5" reflector) " S.cusp prolonged -- detached
peaks -- starlike pts. connected by fine filaments brighter than
earthshine. (Barcroft, Haas, Vaughan, Moore & Firsoff also have
seen similar phenom.)(just sunlight catching high peaks?)." NASA
catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #502. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1983 Jan 19 UT 20:36-21:00 Observed by Cook (Frimley, UK,
Seeing III, Transparency, Moderate) "Colouration seen". BAA Lunar
Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
A faint white pinpoint flash seen and also in the same position
a whitish glow around the crater. No futher flashes seen after the
first one. From UT2117-2130 the glow was still visible but faded
making it more difficult to locate. When Foley observed he found
Aristarchus not very visible in Earthshine, despite Plato, Grimaldi,
and several other features being visible. Both observers used
12" reflectors. Cameron's 2006 catalog Extension ID=124 and
weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1948 Apr 15 UT 20:00? Observed by Thorton (Northwitch, England,
9" reflector) "Brilliant orange-yellow flash 1 km inside E. rim
(similar to earlier #500 LTP flash in the dark)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #504.
On 1981 Mar 12 at UT 19:25-20:30 Butler (of Brixton, UK, using a
10" reflector at 32-64x) noticed that Aristarchus was not
visible, although the Earthshine was very obvious. Foley (of
Kent, UK, and using 12" reflector) noticed that the crater was
only just visible but Plato could definitely be seen. Cameron's
2006 TLP extension catalog ID=125 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
In 1948 Apr 15 at UT 20:00? Vince (England, UK) observed a bright spot,
about magnitude 3, in Earthshine, about 30deg north of Grimaldi., on
the west limb (90W, 25N). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=503 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1789 Sep 26 at UT 03:30 Schroter (Lillienthal, Germany) observed
close beneath Mons Blanc at the west foot, in the dark, a small 5th
magnitude, speck of light. Its round shadow was sometimes black,
sometimes grey. Cameron suspects that this is the same as her TLP
report No. 50. the Cameron 1978 catalog ID=62 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1789 Sep 26 at UT04:25? Schroter (Lillienthal, Germany)
noted a bright point 26" north of Aristarchus crater. Note
that the year might have been 1788? The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=50 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1789 Sep 29 at UT04:25? 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
1788? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=50 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Schroter, from Lillenthal in Gemany, in 1789 (possibly it was
1788) 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=1.
On 1895 Sep 25 at UT 20:00? Gaboreau (Paris, France) observed on the
Moon s shaft of light (same observation as Cameron's TLP report #281
and further more it is on the same day and month as it was back in
1893. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=286 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1953 Sep 16 UT03:00 R.M. Lippert (San Diego, CA, USA, 20cm
Cassegrain reflector, x90)saw a bright magnitude 1 flash on the
Moon, that was probably on the east rim of Werner(?) crater. It
is unclear if the observer meant it was really magnitude 1, or
was what a magnitude 1 star would have looked like. The flash
was yellow-orange in colour. Observation described in the
"Observations and Comments" column in the December, 1953
Strolling Astronomer (Vol. 7, No. 12), on page 170. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Pickering 1971 Jan 04 UTC 20:29-20:37 Observed by Collier (London,
England) "Between Saunder and Rhaeticus, apparently coming from Pick.
After 2027h it dimished with extraordinary swiftness, like a light goes
out. (experienced observer)" NASA catalog weight=?. NASA catalog ID #
1281. Note that this crater was previously called E.C. Pickering before
the IAU renamed some craters.
2004 Nov 20 UT 01:43:36 R. Spellman (120mm F8.3 refractor at
prime focus, PC23C CCTV camera, via a DVD recorder) recorded
a flash of light. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
2004 Nov 20 UT 02:34:03 R. Spellman (120mm F8.3 refractor at prime
focus, PC23C CCTV camera, via a DVD recorder) recorded a flash of
light. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1973 Dec 02 at UT 22:17:33 Barrett and Brick (New York, 3.5" Questar
freflector) observed an occultation of Kappa Aquari, a wide double
star, on the western limb. The star faded perceptably before
disappearing. Cameron says that the fact that the star was a double was
not an explanation - she says that there are many reports of similar
fades for single stars. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1384 and weight=4.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
2004 Nov 20 UT 03:12:29 R. Spellman (120mm F8.3 refractor at
prime focus, PC23C CCTV camera, via a DVD recorder) recorded
a flash of light. The 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.
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.
1996 Apr 27 UTC 02:26-03:14 Observed by Spellman (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
" 02:26 U.T. Sunrise on Tycho 3/4 of the crater was in shadow,
topmost section of the central peak was in sunlight. In white light
brightness of the central peak rivaled the brightness of the Eastern
(sunlit) wall. No change was detected in red light, however in blue
light definite strong darkening was observed. Blink obtained when
viewing thru 25A and 38 filters. At 2:52 U.T. in the poor to fair
seeing the apparent size of the central peak in white and red light was
the same, in blue light the central peak in white and red light was the
same, in blue light the central peak size shrank to 1/2 white and red
size (and brightness). Also appearing sharper. Comparison was made also
with the central peak of Alphonsus, no changes were observed. The
significant part of the observation was the relative brightness of the
central peak to the sunlit rim in white and red light, they appeared
almost identical with the crater rim, being just slightly brighter. In
blue light the brightness of the central peak was reduced by at least
half while the rim brightness was not, (relative to one another). I
strongly believe that this was a real event. The shadow filled
portion of Tycho was examined for any abnormalities but none
were observed. Observations were ended shortly after 3:14 U.T. due to
clouds. I also conducted about 20 Moon blink observations during this
observing run and got the same strong reaction each time." ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
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.
Piton 1958 Sep 23 UT 00:00? Observed by Moore? (UK?) "Enveloped
in an obscuring cloud-like mist" NASA catalog ID 697. NASA
catalog weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Messier and A 1966 Dec 22 UT 06:00-06:30 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside,
CA, USA, 8" reflector, x200, S=G, T=P) "Blinks on floors of both
craters (blink device not stated)" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA
catalaog ID #1004.
A region of the Mare Imbrium was extremely bright, giving
a reading of 8 out of 10 on the Elger scale. Cameron notes
that from photos of the Full Moon, the area appears to
normally be the brightness of Archimedes floor i.e. 3.5 out
of 10 on the Elger scale. Atmospheric seeing was excellent
and the observer could see a lot of fine detail with their
2.4" and 3" refractors. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=62
and weight=3.
2004 Jan 02 UT 09:05 (approx) M. Collins (Palmeston North, New
Zealand, ETX 90, seeing 3, clear) saw a possible(?) flash north
of Carlini D at about 16W, 35N in adverted vision. It lasted
only a split second. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
W. of Mare Humorum (50W, 25S) UTC 00:00? Observed by Mac Farline
(England?) "Bright Point" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID
719.
Darney observed by Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing III, Moonblink device)
See TLP report for Bullialdus (eastern side) concerning reddish
areas. At 21:41 it clouded over but at 21:47-21:48 it
cleared briefly and the effect was noted on Bulialdus again.
Also Darney appeared very visible through the red filter.
Probably both effects were spurious colour related as the Moon
was -18 deg in declination and the whole Moon had a slight
brownish tinge. An ALPO/BAA weight of 1 is assigned to this TLP."
In 1820 Oct 17 at UT 20:00 an unkown observer reported in Mare Imbrium,
south of Sinus Iridum (30W, 40N) some brilliant spots. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=80 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1966 Dec 23 UT 06:15-07:10 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 6" reflector, S=P, T=G) and Coralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM,
USA, 24" reflector +Moonblink) "3 brilliant spots on floor, all showed
blinks, (permanent colored Ground features ?). Not confirmed by
Corralitos MB." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1005.
Gassendi 1977 May 28/29 UT 20:45-21:15 Observed by D. Sims
(Dawlish, Devon, UK) saw a hazy area on the south east floor
that was normal in red and white light but darker in blue.
This was partly confirmed by J-H Robinson (Devon, England, 10"
reflector) 21:24-23:12 who saw the south east floor of
Gassendi to have a loss of detail - but no colour seen,
although at 21:57-21:58 it was slightly brighter in red than
in blue briefly. P. Doherty (22:45-23:15) did not see anything
ususual. D. Jewitt (22:22-22:55) did not reveal anything
ususual, apart from spurious colour. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=3 and ID=1463. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus, Schroter's Valley, Herodotus 1881 Aug 06 UT 00:00?
Observed by Klein (Cologne, Germany, 6" refractor, 5" reflector)
"Whole region between these features appeared in strong violet
light as if covered by a fog spreading further on 7th. Examined
others around & none showed effect. Intensity not altered if
Aris. placed out of view." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #224. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1982 Jun 02 UT 22:00. Mobberley could not see the
central craterlet on the floor of Plato tonight. Foley notes
that he could only just see the central craterlet on nights of
2-5th Jun and it was of reduced in brightness from normal.
North reported that the floor seemed nearly black, but
brighter in a green filter (x144 magnification used). All
three observers compared the Plato area to other areas for
reference. All the above seems normal, apart from the floor
being brighter in the green filter. Cameron 2006 extension
catalog ID 170 and weight=5. BAA/ALPO weight=1.
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.
Proclus 1970 Oct 12 UT 00:54 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4" reflector, 51x-181x) "Floor darkened to intensity 1.5 deg (albedo) &
c.p. became invis. Next day c.p. reappared & was 5 deg bright & 6deg
bright on 15th" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1277.
Aristarchus 1971 Sep 01 UT 20:45-21:05 Observed by Neville,
Cunnington (Nottingham, UK, 4" refractor x180, altitude, low)
"Saw a bright glow, especially in E. wall (Confirm. but not
indep.?)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1310.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1976 Sep 05/06 UT 18:45-01:35 Observed by Prout
(England?, 12" reflector, S=III-II), Foley (England, 12"
reflector), Moore and Spry (Sussex, England, 12" reflector)
"Viol. hue on crater on W. wall, especially NW corner seen by
Prout & 2 Foleys. Moore & Spry did not see color. All obs. noted
that the crater was dull Deslandre - 1965 May 12 at UT 19:10 E. Penzel
(Rodewisch, East Germany) was taking a sequence of images
during the impact of the Soviet Lunik 5 (upper stage of the
carier rocket?). He detected a tens of km scale elongated
cloud after the impact over a duration of 9.5 minutes. This
was near to Deslandre crater. However there are differences
between the images elsewhere on the Moon, possibly due to
different exposures or some other effects and it is not 100%
sure that what he detected was impact debris/cloud?. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1933 Oct 01 at UT 03:00 Rawstron (USA, 4" refractor, x330) observed
the following in Mons Pico B: "Haze -- much narrower & elongated than
on Sep. 1". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=407 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Observed by Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA) "Temporary greyness seen in
interior shadow." ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1955 Oct 28 at UT00:00? Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet Union, 50"
reflector) detected in Aristarchus Fraunhofer lines in UV spectra that
were much narrower than in the solar spectrum. This indicated
luminescent glow which overlapped contour(?) lines. Greatest after Full
Moon, but fluctuated monthly with no indication of solar activity
effect. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=621 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=5.
On 1955 Oct 28 at UT 00:06 W. Taylor saw a naked eye flash on the Moon
in the north east area, on the edge of Mare Vaporum. The flash was
intense and radiated to a large area. The duration was 1/4 seconds.
On 1965 May 12 at UT 22:20 H. Miles (UK) found a possible
obscuration in Bailly crater. Most of the region was as sharp as
normal, but the central area was greyish and blurred. Although
the observer concerned considered themselves a non-experienced
observer, another BAA Lunar Section observer saw the same
effect. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1981 Mar 17 UT 22:40-23:25 Observed by Moore
(Selsey, England, 15" reflector, seeing III) "Aristarchus very
bright according to Crater Extinction Device and a coloured
blink detected" BAA Lunar Section TLP report. 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."
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.
Herodotus 1966 Nov 24 UT 21:50 H.Hill (UK, 7.25" reflector,
x240), seeing 4-6/10, transparancy 4/5) sketched a central white
diffuse patch inside the floor of the crater, with a size of
about 1/7th the diameter of the crater. The eastern edge of the
white patch was encroached by the shadow of the eastern rim.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On 1988 Sep 23 at 19:40-19:55 & 20:36-20:41 G. North (760mm
Coude Rrefractor, x250, Royal Grenwwich Observatory,
Herstmonceux, UK, seeing V, Transparency: Fair). 19:40-19:55
image very unsteady. All seems normal in other crtaters with
the exception of Arcimedes. Much of the rim seems indistinct
apart from a 1/4 length of the west rim. Strongly suspected
that this was due to a combination of seeing and illumination.
UT 20:02-20:06 - checked the area with a lower magnification
10" Astrographic Refractor - the crater seems more normal, so
suggesting that the theory was correct. 20:36-20:41 returned
to the 30" reflector, and the crater appeared similar to the
start of the session. This is almost certainly not a TLP, but
it would be helpful to have some images or sketches to check
this theory out. Weight=1.
On 1995 Oct 06/07 at UT 23:05-00:00 P. Mirteto (a UAI observer, RI,
Italy, 20cm reflector) observed some brightness changes in Prinz.
Please note that this description is a summary of the material on the
UAI web site. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1987 Mar 13 at UT02:00-03:00 De Groof (Belgium, 8" reflector x150,
seeing=clear) noted that the north west part of Aristarchus had a blood
red shimmering filling the whole crater. A video by Mobberley some 18
hours later, shows variation in Aristarchus. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
301 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1977 May 30 at 21:04-02:13UT J.H.-Robinson noted a loss of
detail inside Gassendi, however he did not regard this as a
TLP. The effect was also seen by P.W. Foley. Cameron 2006
extension catalog TLP ID=16 and weight=0 ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Amery (Reading, England) saw blue in Aristarchus but a photograph did
not show the colour. Foley thinks this was spurious colour. Cameron
2006 extension catalog ID=27. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Promotorium Laplace: 1978 Apr 20 UT19:30-22:35 Peter Foley
observed a tiny yellow-brown region close the tip of the cape,
north east of the precipitous west edge, in the face of the
north facing slope. The area concerned was diffuse and varied
in density despite the surroundings not varying. Foley notcied
no colour elsewhere on the Moon, though Amery thought that he
saw some in Aristarchus, but Foley thinks this was spurious.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=27 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Vallis Schroteri 1991 Aug 23 UT 02:19-02:49. Flashing spot at
end of SV fluctuated. Herzog, Darling & Weier confirmed spot
but not fluctuation. Spot brighter in red than blue, but Cobra
Head was bright in blue. No other region was abnormal.
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 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 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."