On 1981 May 07 at UT00:55-02:00 B. Hobdell "St Petersberg, FL,
USA, Seeing 1, heavy cloud cover and interrupted sightings)
saw some brightenings (bluish normal glow to white
colouration) - these were sporadic and of fairly long duraion.
00:55 UT two brightenings seen. 00:59UT a white flash was
seen. 01:05 Brightenings to white. The crater at times became
dim and suddenly brightened, however Kepler, Copernidus, and
Grimaldi were easily seen. Highlands were a light blue
compared to darker areason theMoon. 02:25UT brightenings in
Aristarchus seen. 01:59:15 Aristarchus white brightenings.
01:59:55 another brightening. An occultation on the NNW limb
was seen at 01:59:15UT. By 02:00 the Moon was 16 deg above the
horizon, but can still see earthlit fearures. 02:15 Can barely
see Aristarchus. 02:25 Observation finished.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 May 07 at UT01:25 B. Hobdell (St Petersburg, FL, USA")
observed an intantaneous bluish flash in the Plinius-Menlaus
region. Other flashe seen on Aristarchus that night. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 15 at UT 18:00? G. Amery (Reading, UK) found that he could
not see Aristarchus in Earthshine, despite less normally prominent
features being clearly seen. This observation was confirmed. Other
observers were: Moore, Cooks, and Foley. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
202 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Barker's Quadrangle (26W, 34S) 1949 Mar 03 UT 20:00 Observed by
Moore (England, 12" reflector) "Whole area hazy. (in Capuanus?
see Wilkins and Moore, The Moon, p124) (It may not be this
identification as 3 of 4 obs. are in dark, some nr. FQ so
doubtful it could be seen)." NASA catalog ID #516, weight=4.
ALPO/BAA wight=2.
On 1965 Dec 27 at UT Bornhurst (Monterey Park, CA, USA, 10" reflector)
and (Harris (Whittier? CA, USA, 19" reflector?) observed brightening of
Aristarchus in Ashen light. Cameron says that this is an independent
confirmation? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=918 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Dec 12 at 17:32 Middleton (Brighting on Sea, England, UK) was
awaiting an occultation of star SAO 189425 at a PA of 45deg with
respect to the north, when he spotted a "point of light flash up",
disappear at the limb at a position angle about halfway between N.
Cusps and star entry". Cameron wonders if this was ameteor in our own
atmosphere, or on the Moon? The cameron 2006 catalog ID=341 and the
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 15 at UT 18:00? G. Amery (Reading, UK) found that he could
not see Aristarchus in Earthshine, despite less normally priminent
features being clearly seen. This observation was confirmed. Other
observers were: Moore, Cooks, and Foley. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
203 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 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.
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.
E. of Picard 1909 Mar 26 UTC 19:15-20:20 Observed by Neate (England,
4" refractor x170) "Bright spot. (feature is similar to Linne. Rays
difficult to see till high sun). Hazy ill-defined brighter in S.
(Draw.)." NASA catalog weight=1 (low). NASA catalog ID #329.
On 1990 Jan 01 at UT 17:29 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK) observed that
Copernicus had a faint glow in it. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=385 and
the weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1881 Sep 28 at UT 03:00 Day (Prescott, AZ, USA) observed a comet-
like object pulling across the Mon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=225 and
the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1951 Jan 13 UT 00:43 L.T.Johnson (USA) observed a faint flash
near W limb in earthshine - just S of Grimaldi.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 17 at 19:00?UT G. Amery (Reading, UK) noticed that
Aristarchus was not visible in Earthshine, despite other less prominent
features being seen. The observation was confirmed by other observers.
The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=204 and the weight=2. The
ALPo/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 17 at 19:00?UT G. Amery (Reading, UK) noticed that
Messier was ill-defined. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=204 and
the weight=2. The ALPo/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Oct 16 at UT 00:00-00:30 Celis (Quilpue, Chile, 3" refractor,
x60, seeing=very good) observed brilliant points at 8.5 magnitude in
Aristarchus. This was not seen the next night or the one after, nor
after 5 days age. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1204 and weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1968 Dec 24 at UT 19:30-20:00 Deane (London, UK, 2" refractor)
observed the following in the Prinz-Harbinger Mountains area: "Bright
yellow spot seen E. of Aris. fr. S. end of Harbinger mts, to S. wall of
Prinz. Back to normal at 2000h. Many other areas observed were normal.
(alerted for tidal predict. by Middlehurst, & Apollo 8 watches)". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1110 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 Oct 14 at 04:12 UT M.A.L. Numi (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) observed
that the crater Busching (20E,40S) underwent a sudden change. The 2006
Cameron catalog ID was 435 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1,
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.
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 1981 May 10 at UT02:16-03:12 B. Hobdell (St Peterburg, FL, USA, 2?"
refractor, the Moon was at a very low altitude) found that the NNW wall
of Aristarchus increased in brightness and extended to an arc of the
east wall. There were bright flashes in roughly 2 minute intervals.
There were also two yellow spots at 5 and 8 o'clock on the east wall.
At 02:44UT a bright yellow flash was seen on the NNW rim and by 02:49UT
the complete crater was very bright, inparticular on the western wall.
Further bright flashes were seen at 02:52UT and at 03:11UT many bright
blue points were seen. Finally an obsecuration was seen at 03:12UT. The
observer checked for spurious colour but none was seen. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=137 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1872 Mar 15 UT 20:00? Observed by Webb? (England?, 9"
reflector?) "Internal twilight in crater, same remarks as in #
173 -- could 8. be misprint in #173? Schmidt 2X saw cavity of
Boussingalt feebly illum. at sunrise as tho filled with
mist."NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #177.ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 18 at 19:00?UT P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) noted that the
southern Mare Crisium appeared to be obscured by a pale grey haze.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=205 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 18 at 19:00?UT P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) noted that Toricelli B
was steel blue in colour and this spread 10-15 miles outside the
crater. This was odd because Torricelli B was only 6 miles in size.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=205 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
SE of Ross D 1964 Feb 19 UT 03:00 Observed by Bender (Whittier, CA,
USA, 19?" reflector) "Variations in the ring" NASA catalog weight=1.
NASA catalog ID #800. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
On 1987 Nov 27 at 20:56-21:12 UT M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing
IV-V) saw spurious colour on the Proclus floor and also on the
rim. At 20:56UT Censorinus was quite dull and diffuse, spurious
colour but no blink. Sketches made. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=314
and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight, in view of the poor
observing conditions is 2.
On 1983 Apr 19 at 21:45UT M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) reported that
Censorinus' exterior white patch was grayish at this time and there was
a "momentary glow outisde the crater to the North West. The Crater
Extinction Device brightness measurement for Censorinus was 4.0 whereas
Proclus was 4.4. Cook was expecting a lower CED brightness measurement.
Foley notes that Censorinus is usually brighter than Proclus. On 1983
Jan 29 Chapman obtained a very high brightness measurement for this
spot. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=212 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 19 at 20:00UT P.W. Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK, 12"
reflector) noticed a deep steel blue colour inside Toricelli B with a
lighter colour about 10-15 miles outside. Foley came to the conclusion
that this was too visible for its size. Cameron 2006 Catalog extension
ID=206 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 01 at 22:00?UT D.J. Raden (Fort Meade, FL, USA, using a
10" reflector) detected a flare near to Halley (5E, 9S) visually with
the eye and it lasted about 3-4 min - a sketch was made. However it was
also found on one photographic slide taken with an exposure of 35
seconds. The observer comments that visually the flare was not as
bright as it appeared in the photograph. In an area near Halley. The
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=57 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
Alphonsus 1965 May 08 UTC 05:47-05:59 Observed by McLaria
(Huntsville, Alabama, USA, 16" reflector, S=9) "Light flashes
on c.p. color detected by Trident M.B." NASA catalog weight=5.
NASA catalog ID #875. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Maskelyne 1969 Nov 16 UTC 16:28-17:10 Observed by Persson (Hvidore,
Denmark, 3" refractor) "Brightening & obscur. (Apollo 12 watch)." NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1210.
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.
On 1987 Nov 28 UT at 20:14 (possibly earlier)-20:44 M.Mobberley saw the
northern rim of Proclus very bright for first quarter. There were
streaks half way up the wall and these seemed to vary in brightness and
length in seconds. Seeing was at first suspected but became doubtful
over this being a cause. There was also another bright streak that
changed brightness over 5 minute intervals (Cameron says that this is
not atmospheric) Apparently video was taken and confirms the effects. A
sketch was also made. M. Cook detected a blink with coloured filters
i.e. being brighter in red light (Also apparently confirmed by
Louderback). Estimated the north west wall was x3 brighter than
Censorinus. Censorinus itself varied in brightness as measured using
CED devices. P. Foley decided that the north was was much brighter than
Proclus (beyond the limits of the scale. However both Moore and Mason
agreed that the north wall of Proclus was very bright but shimmering
around in the bad seeing. They did not see any bright spots either.
A.C. Cook (20:18-20:44UT) confirmed that the north wall of Proclus was
very bright. Towards the end of the observing period the north wall had
faded from this maximum brightness - Cameron suspects that this might
have been as a result of an eyepiece misting up. The TLP was also
observed by Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK) and he reported: "Bright spot
on north wall, Moon blink reaction". A BAA Lunar Section report with
extracts from the 2006 Cameron catalog. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=315 and
weight=4 (or 5?). ALPO/BAA weight=3. Apart from Louderback, all
observers were based in the UK and had a vatiety of telescopes and
observings conditions.
On 1987 Nov 28 M. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Censorinus varied in
brightness as measured using CED devices. P. Foley decided that the
north was was much brighter than Proclus (beyond the limits of the
scale). However both Moore and Mason agreed that the north wall of
Proclus was very bright but shimmering around in the bad seeing. They
did not see any bright spots either. A.C. Cook (20:18-20:44UT)
confirmed that the north wall of Proclus was very bright. Towards the
end of the observing period the north wall had faded from this maximum
brightness - Cameron suspects that this might have been as a result of
an eyepiece misting up. The TLP was also observed by Foley (Maidstone,
Kent, UK) and he reported: "Bright spot on north wall, Moon blink
reaction". A BAA Lunar Section report with extracts from the 2006
Cameron catalog. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=315 and weight=4 (or 5?).
ALPO/BAA weight=2. Apart from Louderback, all observers were based in
the UK and had a vatiety of telescopes and observings conditions.
On 1986 Nov 09 at UT 23:00 Quinn (Glebview, IL, USA, 8" reflector, x49-
x305) found īn the vicinity of an unnamed ridge points toward Pico- two
bright points about 5 magnitudes brighter than any other part of the
Moon. The Alpine valley points directly between these two points. "Came
from apparently featureless area. Both points about the same size, but
different shapes ~ width of alpine valley" The observer used 4
different eyepieces and the points were brightest in the lowest power.
Other specks of light could be seen in the darkness wound the N point.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=289 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
In 1922 May 04 at UT Burnerd (England?) discovered three long mounds in
Archimedes crater (rays?). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=385 and weight=
0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1967 Feb 17 UT 17:47-18:12 Observed by Moore and
Moseley (Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x300) "Eng.
moonblink suspected just inside SW floor on the elevation NW of
famous dark patch. Feb 18 was cloudy, then on Feb 19, after some
neg. results with blink, suddenly a bright glow in same place."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1014. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 May 04 at 21:30-22:00UT Coates detected a star-like point
inside Hipparchus L crater using averted vision. Cameron in her 2006
catalog extension comments that Hipparchus L is a highlands impact
crater with a rille on the western ejecta blanket. The crater is the
smallest one in a chain that are sequenced to be half the size of the
previous crater in the chain. Apparently the largest crater in the
chain is Hind with a largely landslide covered floor - although on the
south is a dome? with a summit crater. Cameron's 2006 catalog extension
gives this TLP an ID of 51 and a weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 20 at 20:00UT P.W. Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK, 12"
reflector) noticed a deep steel blue colour inside Toricelli B with a
lighter colour about 10-15 miles outside. Foley came to the conclusion
that this was too visible for its size. Cameron 2006 Catalog extension
ID=206 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Montes Teneriffe 1854 Dec 27 UT 18:00-23:00, Observed by
Hart & others (Glasgow, Scotland, 10" reflector), "2 luminous
fiery spots on bright side on either side of a ridge,
contrasting color. Seemed to be 2 active volcanoes. Ridge was
normal color. Spots were yellow or flame color. Never seen
before in 40 yrs. of observing." Please try to observe this
when the Moon is low on the horizon to see if this mimics
the effects seen? NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #129.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2003 Apr 10 at 00:40UT a GLR observer G. Jasmin (Quebec, Canada,
using a 10" F-10 Schmidt Cassegrain) took a photograph of Alphonsus
crater on Kodak 400ASA film with an exposure of 1/30th sec. There was a
light visible (diameter 10 km) inside Alphonsus and the effect was
present for 5 minutes. The observer commented that they have seen a
light in this crater many times before, but never as long as 5 minutes.
This report was submitted to the GLR group in Italy. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Thaetetus 1952 Dec 24 UT 20:00? Observed by Moore (England?)
"Bright spot, hazy line of light" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID 556. ALPO/BAA weigh=2.
On 2009 Aug 28 at UTC 17:00:15-17:00:42 S. Khachatryan (Yerevan,
Armenia, 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain, x171, seeing 9 (1=worst and 10-
best), Transparency 5-6 on a scale of 1 to 6) observed in the Chacornac
area a series of fiery sparks (dot like with tiny rays), slightly
elongated with the multitudinal rays orientated towards the south west
direction. The colour was mostly red, with some yellow. The final flash
was the most clear. The TLP was tiny in area, but "was distinctly
bright against any other object on the Moon". The positional
uncertainty of the location of the spark effect was approximately +/-
150 km, based upon an examination of an atlas afterwards. Just prior to
the spark effect, something dark, small and fuzzy (only just discrnable
to the eye, through the eyepiece) was seen to pass from the west across
the Moon in a slight curve, round the surface of the Moon to the east
(post observation estimate: seen for 3.5 sec and covered roughly 8% of
the lunar diameter in that time). The area of the dark object was
comparable in size to (or slightly less than?) craters such as
Autolycus F (diameter 3km) or le Monnier E (diameter 4km) i.e. on the
limits of vision of the scope used. The location of the flash was not
exactly at the same location as the dark object passed across, but gave
the impression of starting from it? A back of the envelope calculation
of the lunar diameter covered in the time quoted gives an approximate
speed (at the lunar distance) of 80km/s or on the very high end of
typical meteor streams that pass by. At closer distances, and
recalculated velocities, it is unlikely to be a satellite in low Earth
orbit (20m/sec at 100km distance), but could perhaps be a bird or
insect at a few km range? So was this dark object something in our
atmosphere by chance passing across the field of view close to the time
of the TLP flare or was at the lunar distance and related to the TLP?
Incidentally, no attempt was made during this observation to move the
scope to check that the TLP remained stationary against the Moon. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1889 Jun 06 at 22:00 UT Lade of France (8" refractor) saw two
extremely bright spots (Plato B & D). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=262 and
weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Hyginus Nova 1877 Nov 13 UT 20:00? Observed by Crain, Klein, Eng.
officer (France?, Cologne (Germany), Enland?, 6" refractor?, S=E)
"Standing out with such prominence, seen at a glance. No trace of it on
14th, in excell seeing. (indep. confirm.?)"NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #198. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Menelaus 1969 Nov 17 UT 16:00-19:00 Observed by Rubens de
Azevedo,A. Monghilhot, E. Leal e Jose Fernandes (Joao Pessoa,
Paraiba, Brazil, 8" and 10" reflectors) "Entire crater of
Men. illum. by pale greenish light. (Azevedo)" NASA catalog
weight=5 NASA catalog ID #1211a. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Fauchier of Marseilles, France, seeing=good - fair and the Moon at a
high altitude, saw two lights on the Moon brighter than any others
during similar circumstances. They had colour. These had not been seen
before and he ruled out cromatic aberation. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=249
and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1952 Nov 26 at UT 01:00? Carle (USa, 8" reflector, x700,
seeing = excellent) observed the following in Plato: "Sketch
shows 8 spots -- 5 craters showed interior shad., 1
completely filled, but no others seen despite several hrs. of
study. Spots that should have been seen were missing. poor
seeing converts floor into shimmering shapeless blob. Has
observed it under good seeing & seen nothing on fl. as others
have noted". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=555 and weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1976 Jul 06 UT 01:35 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
3" refractor, 40-450x, S=6, T=3) "Nothing vis. on floor (albedo=2 deg?)
(usually features are vis.)" NASA catalog weight=4 (high).NASA catalog
ID #1437.
On 1955 Aug 27 at UT 01:51 McCorkle (Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 6.5"
reflector, x200) observed a 2nd magnitude bright flare on the dark side
of the Moon. This remained steady, fading slightly before abruptly
disappearing. Cameron suggests that this might have been a meteor. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=604 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Although the crater was on the night side, a small bright spot
was seen. This was blue, almost UV, and equivalent to a star of
magnitude 2. It flashed over intervals of about 30 seconds
and changed in colour from UV to blue. The BAA Lunar Section
TLP network was alerted. Mobberly and J.Cook did not see much
although J. Cook may have seen something, but located else where?
Cameron lists this as a confirmed? observation? The Cameron
2006 TLP xtension catalog has this TLP with an ID No. of 258
and a weight of 4. The ALPO/BAA weight is 2.
Ross D 1964 Apr 21 UT 04:23-05:01 Observed by the Capens (CA,
USA, 16" and 6", seeing 3-5, transparency 5+) "Obscuration of
its rim" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #808. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1983 Apr 21 at UT 21:55-22:05 N. King (Winnersh, Berkshire,
UK, using a 150cm f/8 reflector, with seeing I and
transparency good, little spurious colour, just a little in
Plato). Although observing since 21:25UT the observer noticed
a just detectable faint green colour just after the dark shade
around the inner eastern crater rim. The effect faded and by
22:05UT had completely gone. This report is not in the Cameron
2006 catalog. It is a BAA report. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 2004 Feb 29 UT 19:00-19:15 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Checked central peak of Alphonsus using 60mm OG
x120 + right angle prism. Moon at very high elevation, seeing excellent
once clouds had dispersed, transparency also excellent. Time of
observation 19-00 hrs UT to 19-15 hrs UT. Noticed fluctuation of
brightness of A's central peak compared with the peak of Arzachel.
Alphonsus' peak generally brighter." BAA Lunar Section report. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 21 at 20:00UT P.W. Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK, 12"
reflector) noticed a deep steel blue colour inside Toricelli B with a
lighter colour about 10-15 miles outside. Foley came to the conclusion
that this was too visible for its size. Cameron 2006 Catalog extension
ID=206 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2010 Aug 19 at UT 00:50-01:02 J.Albert (Lakeworth, FL, USA,
C11, Transparency 3, Seeing 7-8, 86F and very humid. Oberver
checking out repeat illumination condition appearence for Tycho
concerning LTP #468 in the 1978 Cameron catalog. Did not see the
effect from the original TLP report, but did see, immediately at
looking at Tycho a very faint hint of redness in a pencil thin
arc (< 1/4 circumference of the rim) confined to the top of the
rim of the well-lit north east wall. Coloured arc similar in
thickness to Rupes Recta, but not as sharply defined. The outer
(E) edge was perhaps sharper than the inner edge. The redness
was more on the inside of the top of the rim. The outside of the
rim was bright white. This effect was seen in three different
eyepieces, at 311x, 224x and 400x. Checked for the effect on
other craters nearby but could not see this effect anywhere
else. The colour had dissapeared by 01:02UT. The fade took about
1-2 minutes. Observation of Tycho continued until 01:06UT, but
all seemed normal. Quick checks were made again on Tycho
periodically until 02:50UT but the colour was not seen again.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 Jul 03 at UT 20:55-21:20 J-H. Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
10" reflector, seeing II) observed that Messier was brighter than
Messier A. No colour was observed. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID is 58
and the weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Linne 1868 Jul 28 UT 20:00? Observed by Tacchini (Palermo, Italy)
"Shadow not so marked-had a light penumbra, indicated a feeble cavity.
Other craters had a black shad. On 29th appeared completely white.
Crater normal on 26th. (letter to Madler Sep. 16, 1868)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #159.
On 1964 Feb 22 at UT 05:00 Harris (Whittier, CA, 19" reflector, x100)
observed the appearance of a ring to the south east of Ross D. Cameron
says that 7 persons have seen this over a 2.5 year period. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=801 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1967 Feb 18 UT 20:30-20:40 Observed by Moore, Moseley
(Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x300) "Red color in
crater (in dark)". NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1015.
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Copernicus 1955 Jul 28 UT 20:20 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England,
6.5" reflector x200) "Great brilliance of the terraces in E(IAU?) wall
system(?) gets specular refl. (he gave 0820UT, but must have meant
2020" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog No. #600.
Aristarchus 1976 Jun 06 UT 21:30-21:40 S.Spencer and R. Hunt
(60mm refractor, x150 and x60) both observed red on the SW
corner of Aristarchus. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Atlas 1966 Dec 21 UT 17:10 Observed by Andre (Belgium, 3" refractor)
"Bright spot on SE part of floor, not seen in photo on 12/18/66" NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1003.
On 1990 Aug 30 at UT02:11-02:36 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x90, seeing conditions: "at,. boiling") noted a coloured
area on the west wall of Copernicus that was unusual in appearance -
however other craters along the terminator had a similar effect. There
was also a "dazzling bright spot on the E. rim and he witnessed 6
flashes from the lighted part of Copernicus over a very short time
interval. Cameron comments that the colour may well have been dur to
chromatic aberation because a refractor was used. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=408 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Aug 30 at UT 02:11-02:36 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
reflector, x90, atmosphereic conditions: boiling) found "N rim of Proc.
bright interior uniform gray". The Cameron 2006 catalog report is
slight unclear as the description for thnis 1990 Aug 30 TLP also
includes Copernicus and Censorinus in the list of TLP craters. So one
description which might refere to Copernicus, could possibly have been
meant for Proclus, namely: "Dazling bright spot on E rim. Rotated
eyepiece but no change. N rim of Proc.......". The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=408 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
2012 Sep 24 UT 22:00-23:00 Copernicus. E. Horner (Salisbury,
UK, 15cm reflector) observed a prominent red arc where the
sunlit part of the interior wall met the shadow. Sometimes the
arc was 1/4 the way around the interior, and sometimes half of
the way around. Telescope moved, but the red arc stayed where
it was. Eyepieces change, but the effect remained. Other parts
of the Moon checked, but no red seen. There were however
splashes of green e.g. Longomontanus on the terminator,
elsewhere further inland from the termionator, and little
splashes of green on Mare Frigoras - but lasting a brief time.
The red colour was as strong as a red LED and the green similar
to that of the northern lights. The observer's husband was asked
to independetly check Copernicus and remarked that he could see
a little bit of green at the top and some red near the bottom,
along the line of the internal shadow. Although there were
checks for red elsewhere on the Moon and none were seen, the
Moon was starting to get low and it is typical of spurious
colour in a few respects. Therefore the ALPO/BAA weight=1 for
safety.
Mons la Hire 1972 Nov 15 UT 09:45-10:18 M.Geisel (Brisbane,
Australia, 12.5" f/8 reflector, x90) discovered the TLP, P.
Anderson (9.5" reflector) independently confirmed that the TLP
had an effect in his Moon Blink device - but the effect
(suspected that the blink was caused by the extreme nrightness
of the mountain?) was weak and thought it not worth further
investigation. Photographs taken by Anderson. Geisel believes
the effect to be real and states that the area remained sharp
and clear throughout. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
The UT given in the Cameron 2006 extension catalog are: 20:58, 23:25-
02:20 and 01:40-04:00, however it is not clear what UT applies to which
of the observers or the two features reported as having TLP on that
night. On 1984 Feb 12-13 Marshall (South Anerica, seeing=III-II)
noticed that Moltke was very bright with a fuzzy violet hue - he had
never seen it like this before. Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID=
240 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
The UT given in the Cameron 2006 extension catalog are: 20:58, 23:25-
02:20 and 01:40-04:00, however it is not clerr what UT applies to which
of the observers or the two features reported as having TLP on that
night. On 1984 Feb 12-13 Marshall (South Anerica, seeing=III-II) saw
initially no craterlets in Plato, despite the Moon being at a high
altitude. At 01:45UT the northwest corner of Plato was red. Again no
other craterlets showed. He found the surrounding wall to be too bright
and this was confirmed by Crater Extenction Device readings and had
problems focussing on the crater. By 02:00-02:50UT he noticed
variability in the visibility of the craterlets. By 03:48UT the central
craterlet was much brighter than before and the crater doublet had
brightened but the southern craterlet was still invisible. Cameron
comments that Marshall was a very experienced observer. A. Cook (of
Frimley, UK) obtained a photodiode line scan image of Plato. The
brightness of the north west wall was brighter than the bright area on
the west wall. Marshall and Mosely both saw a dark area on the floor of
Plato close to the south wall (from clock position of 11 o'clock. There
was a prominent white spot on the floor and the central craterlet was
seen, but only under good conditions. Mosely does not discuss the west
and north west wall brughtnesses that were seen earlier by Cook and
Marshall. Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID=240 and weight=2.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
On 1988 Dec 18 at UT20:25 W. Cameron (Sedona, AZ, USA - TV camera
telephoto) noticed on a live TV shot of the Moon (apparently channel 3
TV broadcast at 11:25PM local time), that Proclus was brighter than
Censorinus (or Dionysus) and was the brightest feature on the Moon. It
was photographed from San Juan in Puerto Rico. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
342 and weight=. ALPO/BAA weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Ross D vicinity 1964 Apr 22 UT 05:43-0637 Observed by Cross et
al. (Whittier, CA, USA, 19" reflector, x800-1200 & filters, S=7-
8, T=1) "Gas cloud over it & its companion; everywhere else was
fine detail" NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #809.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Daniell 1979 Jul 04 UT 20:40-21:19 Observed by Saxton (UK?, 216mm
refractor?, seeing III, transparency: Good) "noticed that the east
end of Daniell was bright and fuzzy and had somewhat poorly defined
edge to the bright part. A sketch was made, and possibly shows
the same as in past reports" BAA Lunar Section Report. Cameron
2006 extension catalog ID=59 and weight=3. Observer located in
Leeds, England and used a 9" reflector x250. Seeing=III and
transparency=good. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
H. Davies (Llamandel, Swansea, UK, using a 3" refractor,
detected a short duration reddish hue along the inner NE-NW?
rim (4-7 O'Clock location. Sketch supplied to Foley (BAA
coordinator). No similar effect seen elsewhere. A.C. Cook
(Frimley, UK) detected spurious colour on several craters,
including Plato that night. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID=
337 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Colour seen, mostly blueness on south rim and exterior of south
rim at Bullialdus crater. Blueness seen too on Plato on inner SSW
rim, but no colour reported on any other craters. Seeing III,
12" reflector used x200 and x360.
Colour seen, mostly blueness on inner SSW rim. Blueness also seen
on south rim and exterior of south rim at Bullialdus crater. No colour
reported on any other craters. Seeing III, 12" reflector used x200 and
x360.
Arsyukhin and others (Moscow, USSR), with naked eye and binouculars
saw three dark spots suddenly appear on Mare Crisium and disappear
approximately 30 minutes later. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=145
and catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Arsyukhin and others (Moscow, USSR), with naked eye and binouculars
saw TLP activity in Plato that Cameron thinks confirms what UK
observers saw later. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=145
and catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1966 Apr 01 UT(?) 03:00-03:20 Observed by Jenning,
Harris (Coral Estates, CA, USA, 12" reflector) "Red patch from
c.p. to W. wall (no confirm. from Corralitos obs. moon blink
device & obs. at that time)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #924. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1967 Feb 19 UT 20:30-21:11 Observed by Moore,
Moseley (Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x360) "Blink
area between 1900 & 1940 with neg. results. Suddenly at 2030
there was a bright red glow, brightest Moseley had ever seen,
at Feb 17 suspectec place. Moore returned at 2037h in time to
see fading effect. Brief return at 2105-2111; neg. from
2120-2250h then clouds. Nothing on Feb 20. confirmation)."
NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1016.
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Agrippa and vicinity 1878 Dec 04 UT 20:00? Observed by Capron (France?)
"Odd, misty look as if vapor were in or about them" NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #209.
P. Moore at 21:10 found the southern wall (and ontothe southern floor)
of the crater to be indistinct. Elsewhere in the crater everything was
sharp. The effect was still seen at 21:42UT, but less strong. A check
was made for colour with aq Moonblink device, but none was seen. There
was still a trace of this effect at 21:44UT, although detail was now
becoming visible. By 21:48UT vertical streaks were seen crossing
the floor from the obscuration area and these were more visible in the
red filter and not in the blue. Cameron comments that undefined patches
on the floor of Plato are not normal. By 21:55UT some craterlets on the
floor started to become visible and the TLP for Moore ended by UT22:23.
P.Foley was alerted by Moore and saw a "amssive dense obsecuration
on the south wall, south floor and south outer glacis to the Mare".
Foley noted that by 21:50UT the effect was fading and finished by
22:03UT. Foley reported an orange translucent haze covering half of the
floor, but floor craterlets could be seen on and off - however his
atmospheric seeing conditions were IV. At 22:00 UT Foley reported the
floor close to the north wall to be "milky or misty". No detail was
visible at 21:15UT and variability in the floor continued until
23:10UT. Hedly-Robinson was aleted at 21:35UT and found no difference
between red and blue views of the area, however he did find that the
south rim was indistinct although this effect had lessened by 22:00 UT
and was normal by 22:17UT. M. Mobberly saw a white spot on the floor at
21:20 UT, whereas he normally would have expected to see craterlets.
Mobberly was alerted at 21:40 UT and took some colour photos. He also
made sketches that showed variability in the floor and dark lines and
patches in the north west corner. However the altitude of the Moon was
low. Cameron mentions that two of the photos show loss of detail at the
south wall and beyond.and also a change in the floor markings.The north
wall at 21:50UT was strangely reddish (didn't think this was spurious
colour). The rest of the wall was sharp at 22:20UT through a yellow
filter. Large bright patch in the centre and rest of the floor was
apparently of the same shading as Mare Imbrium. The above notes are
based upon the Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID 145 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Observed by G.H. Johnstone of Albuquerque, NM, USA on 1954 Nov 05 UT
20:00 (according to Cameron), but 02:00-04:00 according to the
original observation and at colongitudes 34.7 to 35.7 deg. 4"
reflector, x150 used. The obsewrver reported that the western part
(about 1/3rd of the interior) was pitch black with shadow. However
there was a zone about as wide, or perhaps only a fourth of the total
width that was distinctly a lighter bluish shade, almost like twilight.
The shadows of the peaks on the western edge of the rim were clearly
seen crossing this bluish shadowed area. Then this area ended sharply,
and the farside was bathed in light from the rising sun. The shadows of
the peak were sharply defined across the twilight zone, and the edge of
the pitch black shadow was easily defined but not as sharp as the
darker shadows crossing the the blue twilight zone. The observer
checked other craters but did not see this condition in any of them -
they all had the abrupt division between black and white that we would
normally expect to see. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=579 and weight=2.
Reference 1962 edition of ALPO's Journal: The Stolling Astronomer.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Censorinus 1969 Nov 19 UT 1922 Observed by Brandli (Wald,
Switzerland, 6" reflector, x90) "Brightening -- photo, (the
author, WBC, cannot verify from photo. It is brighter, but so
are Proc. & Dionys. -- it being between. i.e. Proc. > Censor. >
Dionys. Apollo 12 watch)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID #1220. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
On 1985 Mar 02 at 20:00UT? Marshall (Medeline, Colombia, South America)
measured some very low Crater Extinction Device brightness readings of
Censorinus compared to Proclus. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=
261 and the weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
A blue tinge was seen inside and outside the crater
perimeter. The surrounding halo lost brightness that
was observed on 1993 Jan 29. Observed on Apr 19, 20 and 28th.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=213 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1990 Jan 07 at UT 20:20-20:58 G.North (Herstmonceux, UK) thought
that he detected dullness in Torricelli B crater - Cameron comments
that this cannot be shadow). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=386 and the
weight=3. ALPO\/BAA weight=2.
Brilliant blue color seen at first for seconds, later for min
2h later, in blue filter. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 (high).
Cameron 1978 catalog ID 572.
Tycho 2971 Nov 28 UT 21:58-22:05 observed by D.B. Taylor (Dundee,
UK, darker area inside the crater (NE and SE floor) in a Moon
Blink device. However the observer does not report through which
filter ir was darker. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1971 Oct 30 UT 19:35-20:55 E.Watkins (Braintree, UK, 4.5"
reflector, x45,x150, x225), thought he saw a faint patch at
19:35 and it still was visible at 19:40. At 19:50-19:55 he saw
what may have been the remainder. At 20:55 he noticed a shadow
in the area. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1969 Nov 20 UT 17:06-17:15 Observed by Duckworth
(Manchester, England, 8" refractor x250) Faint Pinkish
Obscuration on floor. Event in progress at 1706 - left telescope
at 1715 to report it, but TLP gone upon return. Gassendi was
normal from from 1734-1822h. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #1223. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Peice A (Swift=IAU name?) 1927 May 12 UT 22:03 Observed by Wilkins
(England, 15" reflector) "Complete obscuration of crater. Saw no trace
of it. It was vis. May 11 & faint on May 13. 3x in 1948 Moore saw whole
area misty gray & devoid of detail, whereas surroundings were sharp &
clear. Birt also found it invis. at times in late 1800's" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #394. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1906 Mar 06 UT 22:00? Observed by Fauth (Germany? 6" refractor)
"Color (brightness?) greatly enhanced as it was to be on the next
nite" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #324.
On 1990 Jan 08 at UT00:55 D. Weier (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x159) observed an "anomalous black bar across Aris. Nearly
digonal to terminator." The nearby crater Prinz had curious shadow
patterns, perhaps related to the rising sun projecting shadows from the
eastern rim and "reflected down"? "At 0224 W wall had a break in it & a
diffuse glow where it should not be. Manske thinks it was Earthshine
effect. At 0305 Weier saw Manske's bar - with diffused light and
flicker like an aurora - like a gas with electric charge. At 0325 saw a
strange glow in Aris. but may be due to atm. though thought it to be a
LTP. Darling had never seen such effects before (flickering implies a
medium in it)." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=387 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Hyginus N 1944 Apr 04 UT 20:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England,
15" reflector) "Darker than usual. S. edge of great crater valley was
bordered by a narrow dark band for 13km along its length" NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #490.
Aristarchus visible just past terminator. West wall was
brighter than normal. Bright flash seen in/on NW wall -
apparently in the same place as Pedler's May 17th sketch.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=146 and weight=4.
Observed by M. Price of Camberley, Surrey, UK with
a 6" reflector and a Moon Blink device. Seeing=III.
Plato 1981 Jun 13 UT 20:48-21:08 Observed by Price (Camberley, England,
152mm reflector, seeing III) Possible Moon blink (red) seen
on north wall. Also the craterlets on the floor could be seen
despite the observing conditions not being optimal. BAA Lunar Section
observation. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=146 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Observer noted a bright spot on the interior west wall that seemed
brighter than what they would have expected. unfortunately the precise
time of this observation was not recorded so the moon-rise and
midnight UT values are used to place a limit on the time of
observation. Images by Shaw taken at UT 1754, 18:45 and 23:13
do not exhibit the effect.
On 1980 Jul 23 at UT22:00 G.W. Amery (Reading, UK, 8" reflector, x144
and x207, seeing=III-V and transparency=fair) found that the interior
shadow was a light grey. BAA TLP coordinator (Foley) suggests that this
was light reflecting from the illuminated walls? Cameron 2006 catalog
TLP ID=102 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1984 Jan 14 at UT 20:00 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) observed that
Aristarchus was brighter than it normally is at sunrise. No
quantitative measurements were made though. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=238 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1969 Nov 20 UT 19:30-19:45 Observed by Becker (Holland, 4"
refractor) "Curious small shadow from NW (ast. ?) wall. (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1224.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 20 UT 19:45-20:05 Observed by Becker (Holland, 4"
refractor) "Sharp whiteness on inner W. (ast. ?) side (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1224.
Plato 1870 May 11 UTC 22:00 Observed by Birt (England) "Extraordinary
display of lights. Says not effect of sunlight" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #167.
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.
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.
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.
All observers saw a blue tinge seen inside and outside the
crater. Marshall observed a bright spot in the middle of
the crater floor and thought perhaps that it was a central
peak. No central peak can be found on Lunar Orbiter images.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=214 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
Proclus 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.
Gassendi 1939 Aug 27 UT 02:00 Observed by Haas? (NM? USA, 12"
reflector?) "NE part of c.p. was I=6.4, compared with I=9.4 on 9/28/39
(see #462) under similar cond.@ NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID# 458.
Cobra Head, Aristarchus 1964 Feb 25 UT 02:37-02:38, 02:39-02:42
Observed by Budine (Binghamton, New York, USA, 4" refractor, x250, S=6,
T=4) "Red flashes" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
802.
Blanco, J. Vidal, of Gijon, Spain (3" refractor x72)
noticed an unfamiliar very bright center near to Encke.
Cameron suspects that this was Encke B crater
on the basis that it is a prominent small crater
near to Encke. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=410
and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Daniell 1979 Jul 06 UT 21:15-22:30 Crick (Belgium, 6"
reflector, Seeing=II and transparency=good.) noticed
obscuration on a bright spot on the south east wall. This spot
was quite prominent through a red Wratten 25 filter. The floor
was very dark. Other craters were checked and were normal. A
sketch was supplied and the position was the same as in other
earlier reports. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=60 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1987 Feb 10 UT 21:05-22:10. M. Cook (Frimley, UK), "NE
ray distinct & also floor E of it, not distinct as on Dec 13 &
Jan 11, while March 10, 11 & 12 seen by Price, North, Peters,
Foley & M Cook, where rim was clear and sharp." - quote from
the 2006 Cameron Catalog extension - TLP ID=297 and weight=5.
Cameron gives the observers confirming this TLP as: M. Cook,
G. North and Davies. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1949 Nov 03 UT 01:06 J.Bartlett (3.5" refractor, x100) noted that
the floor of Herodotus was very dark, the east wall was very bright,
and the floor contained a central bright peak. The BAA/ALPO weight=3.
Kepler 1954 Nov 07 UT 23:20 Observed by F.A. Lugo (Caracus,
Venezuela, 3.5" scope x125) Bright red star=like point just
outside E.wall - visible for an hour. NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #580. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristillus 1972 Dec 17 UTC 21:50-22:20 observed by Berger (51.5N, 9E,
60mm refractor, T=2, S=3) "Diffuse bright cloud in the NE corner of the
crater" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-
61.
On 1993 Sep 28 at UT 04:30-06:10 S.Beaumont (Cambridge, UK)observed
that the north east edge of Herodotus appeared as a "highland area
spilling over into" the Cobra's Head border or "overlook". The shadow
on the elevation was contiguous with a similar shadow over the Cobra's
Head "like a darkening of the terrain. Shadow appears softer diffused
without sharp bounds of most Lunar shadows. sketch. S. edge of crater
started to appear at 0615". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=468 and the
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 as the date or UT are wrong.
Plato 1906 Mar 07 UT 22:00? Observed by Fauth (Germany? 6" refractor)
"Color (brightness?) greatly enhanced as on the previous nite" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #324.
Foley, Kent, UK 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.
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.
On 1980 Jul 24 at UT22:10-22:55 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector,
x360 and x400) found an area just south east of the central peak (and
upto the wall) to be quite dark in blue light, but normal brightness in
red light or in white light. All other features were normal colour-
wise. At 22:55UT Tycho was normal again. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=103
and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 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.
Plato 1986 Dec 13 UT 20:30 Observed by A. Cook (Frimley, UK,
seeing III) North East quadrant of Plato the crater was blurred
and ill-defined. Also no craterlets visible anywhere on the
floor of Plato until the central craterlet was just glimpsed
later at 23:00-23:45, though seeing now III-IV (cirrus at times
in the sky). At this later time the NE rim was less blurred than
before. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1981 Jun 14 UT 21:58 Observed by Foley (Kent, England,
11.75" Newtonian, Seeing III, Transparency Good) "Obscuration
Seen" BAA Lunar Section Observation. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1821 Jan 16 at UT 21:00 S. Cooke (Stonehouse, UK) An
effusion of smoke effect, which lasted about a minute, seen.
It appeared like the fluttering of a bird and passed over the
Moon before it evaporated, and must have been foreshortened,
as it seemed in effect to have passed over the whole disc,
starting from west of Menelaus, and near Plinius. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus-Cobra Head, 1967 Nov 15 UT 05:40-06:00 Observed by Cross,
Tombaugh (Las Cruces, NM, 12" reflector x800) and Harris (Tucson, AZ),
and Dunlap (Organ Pass, NM, 24" reflector with Moonblink). "Obs.
reddish color N. & E. of Aris. & more intense color nr. E.(IAU?) rim of
Cobra Head. Red color nr.C.H. confirmed by Tombaugh. Obtained 10 photos
between 0543-0549h in 3 spectral bands (blue, yellow, red, & integ.
light). No change dur. obs. per. but spot got smaller at moments of
good seeing. Isodensitometry of photos. At Corralitos 0152-0155 on 24-
in image intensifier & filter sys. photoos at 0320-0330h. Harris at
Tucson got spectra. Neither of latter 2 show anything unusual. Its
edges were nebulous even at best seeing. Size @ that of Cobra's Head."
NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #1053.
Peter Foley (Kent, UK, 8" reflector, seeing=II) noticed that
the floor beneath the north wall, and the area over the north
wall were indistinct (almost out of focus). Despite looking
elsewhere in the crater and surrounds, no other blurring
(obscuration of detail) could be seen, indeed everywhere else
was sharp and detailed. Foley tried several eyepieces but this
made no difference. He used a crater extinction device but
found no variations in brightness. There was a slight
darkening when he used a red filter in the Moon Blink device.
The obscuration effect weakened between UT20:56 and 21:10,
was difficult to see at 21:13 and had finished by 00:15.
Patrick Moore (12" reflector, Dublin, Ireland) saw nothing
unusual when he started observing at UT 22:00. Cameron says
"Photos marked at location of phenomenon". Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=37 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Louderback observed that the south west wall was a creamy deep yellow.
There was also strong fluorescent blue on the west wall of the Cobra
Head - Schroter's Valley area and this was similar to the violet glare
seen on Aristarchus at times. Violet was seen between Aristarchus and
the Cobra Head. Seeing coditions were poor. Brightening of a point
near C occurred roughly every 10-15 seconds and lasted 0.5 sec -
(Cameron concludes that this was not due to the Earth's atmosphere).
A 0.2 step drop in brightness was seen on point A (twin spots).
Point C had reduced by 0.6 steps. Elsewhere was stable in brightness.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=281 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Manilius 1939 Jun 30 UT 06:05 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"?
reflector) "Dark area in S. part was I=2.0 but was I=3.7 on 7/30/39.
Obs. conditions were very similar." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #449.
Plato 1873 Apr 10 UTC 21:00? Observed by Schmidt (Athens, Greece, 6"
refractor) "Under high sun, 2 faint clouds in E. part of crater."
Aristarchus 1975 Sep 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?)
interior corner." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1414.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 22 UT 18:20-21:13 Observed by D. Cutts
(Chester, Eng., 8.5" reflector, x200), Moore (Sussex, Eng., 12"
reflector x425), Miles (Coventry, Eng. 5" refractor), Delaye and
Jourdran (Marseilles, Fr., 8" reflector) "Pulsating patch on W.
wall between 2 radial bands. Faded by 2000h. Returned to normal.
(Cutts). Miles saw strong pink in whole interior at 2112h.
Strong blink. No blink there at 2210-2212h. Gass., Grim., &
Plato were neg. Delaye & Joudan photog. it as very bright. Moore
got neg. results at 2135. (confirm. of activity?, Apollo 12
watch)." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1226. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Gassendi 1976 Oct 06 UT 21:30 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, x400,
seeing poor) observed redness in the c.p. area. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1870 May 13 UT 22:00? Observed by Pratt (---), Elger (Liverpool,
England), (Gledhill (Brighton, England) "Extraordinary display of
lights. 27 seen by Pratt, 28 by Elger, only 4 by Gledhill. (independ.
confirm. ?" NASA catalog weight=5 (very good) NASA catalog ID #168.
A bit more of a detailed report is as follows: "Upon the 13th of May,
1870, there was an "extraordinary display," according to Birt: 27
lights were seen by Pratt, and 28 by Elger, but only 4 by Gledhill, in
Brighton. Atmospheric conditions may have made this difference, or the
lights may have run up and down a scale from 4 to 28. As to
independence of sunlight, Pratt says (Rept. B.A., 1871-88), at to this
display, that only the fixed, charted points so shone, and that other
parts of the crater were not illuminated, as they would have been to an
incidence common throughout.(30) In Pratt's opinion, and, I think, in
the opinion of the other observers, these lights were volcanic."
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Plato 1981 Jun 15 UTC 21:30 Observed by Amery (Reading, England, 25cm
reflector, seeing Antoniadi IV-V) At the 4 O'Clock position on the
North West corner?, there was a dark smudge which reached from the
floor across and over the wall and onto the terrain outside the crater.
Foley, alerted by Amery, saw a dark show-like patch in the crater's
north west corner, again lying across the rim. 2006 Cameron catalog
extension ID=148 and weight=4. Foley used a 12" reflector and seeing
was III-V. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1964 Jan 27 at 21:00? Scarfe (UK) obtained spactra showing
luminescence? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=797 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2009 Jan 09 at UT 20:00 P. Brierley (UK) took a CCD image of the
Aristarchus area - P.Grego upon examining this comments that he thinks
that Schiaparelli crater looked "muted in brightness -- it is normally
quite bright to look at". Though Grego comments that it might have
something to do with the image processing aplied to the image. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
On 1982 Jun 05 at 22:00? UT, Chapman (UK, using a 12" reflector), again
using a x2 yellow filter, noticed that the central craterlet
detectabilty changed such that sometimes it was visible and sometimes
not. Foley (Kent, UK)noticed that the central craterlet could only just
be seen between June 2 to June 5 and was much less discernable than
during the previous lunation. No CED brightness measurements made. The
floor of Plato was noted to be very dark though. Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=172 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus. 2024 Feb 23 UT 19:22. A.Conway (Bootle, UK - 20cm
Newtonian (dobsonian), 9mm Plossl eyepiece, Samsung A33 mobile
phone camera, 36 sec AVI file at 30fps, seeing probably
average-good). Noticed a blue tinge on northern rim of the
crater. This is probably normal, but we are flagging this up
as a weight 1 TLP, in order to obtain some repeat illumination
observations and confirm that the strength of the blueness is
normal.
Aristarchus 1965 May 15 UTC 01:40-02:15 Observed by Weresuik, McClench,
Johnson (Pt. Tobacco, MD, USA, 16" reflector x240, S=F, T=G) and Delano
(Massachusetts, USA, 12" reflector). "Crater had color(red?) detected
by Trident MB & photos were obtained. There were pulsations. Delano saw
E. wall of crater unusually bright (confirm. if at same time)." NASA
catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #876.
Eratosthenes 1976 Sep 08 UTC 04:29 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=5-4, T=5) "Psuedo-shadow X3 was present
but X disappeared from wall(same intensity?) which was rated 4 deg.
Disappearance of X so unexpected that he examined inner S wall very
carefully & was certain it was free from psuedo-shad. Had vanished
within 24h. Other pseudo-shadows showed no change. X reappeared next
nite. (X must have been 4deg; &this is much higher than any other
meas.). Variability of wall shadows may habe been what Pickering saw,
suggests Bartlett." Cameron 1978 TLP catalog weight=4 and catalog ID
1452. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Madler 1940 Sep 16 UT 02:10 Observed by Haas (New Mexico? USA,
12" reflector?) "Bright spot on S. rim was I=5.8 comp. with 8.9
on Aug 17 (see #470)." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #
473. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1964 Jan 28 at 21:00? Scarfe (UK) obtained spactra showing
luminescence? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=798 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1968 Mar 14 UT 01:32-02:06 Observed by Olivarez, Maley,
Etheridge (Edinburgh, TX, USA, 17" reflector, x125 + Moon Blink) and
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon Blink)
"S=5 (F-G) for the TX observations. "Trident Moon Blink on S. wall
creet & c.p. & white spots in crater. No color seen vis. Blink not seen
earlier or later. Other craters blinked some but not as strongly.
Only Aris. areas blinked when Moon blink was moved around. Observers
consider blinks real. Alt. of moon was 50 deg. Drawings. Corralitos
say they did not confirm, but they rep't Copernicus, not Aris." NASA
catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #1062.
David Darling observed bright glittering on Aristarchus. This
was followed by a flare up in brightness at 00:38:05 UT in the
comet-like ray area of the crater equivalent in intensity to the
central peak. Then he saw another one on the north east rim of
Aristarchus of the same brightness. A third flare was seen at
00:49UT in south of Herodotus, on the comet-like ray. Another
two flares were observed at 00:56UT on the north west rim of
Aristarchus. Darling suspects that these effects were due
to seeing effects and Cameron agrees. However Weier suspects
that they were TLP? Brightness measurements by Weier were for
the south west rim of Herodotus 8.0, for a spot at the Cobra's
Head 9.0 and 7.5 for C.H. Cameron apparently did not see the flashes
but did suspect that the interior of Aristarchus was a bit unusual.
Don Spain did not see anything unsual at all. Cameron 2006 extended
catalog ID=380 and the observation weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Kepler 1962 Jul 17 UTC 06:24,08:36 Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson,
CA, USA, 60" reflector+photometer) "Crater was at Vmag 2.68 at earlier
obs. which was .47 mag brighter than av. mag. at 15d & it faded to near
normal at later time to V=3.10(photom. measures), a change of 1/2 mag.
or @1.5 times in brightness" NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA
catalog ID #761.
On 1978 Aug 18 at UT 22:00 Coates (England?, UK, 3" refractor,
seeing=II) found that the inner bands of Aristarchus were hard to see,
this was odd because the seeing conditions were good and he usually
sees them? However he did not believe that there was any obscuration
going on. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=37 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus 1967 Dec 16 UTC 22:00? Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector) "Crater took on an unusual appearance on inner
NE (ast. ?) wall. Showed a very pale blue & the opposite wall a pale
red color seen in no other features. Lasted only 10m & survived a
change of eyepieces." Seeing=I (Antoniadi). NASA catalof weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1056.
On 1893 Apr 01 at UT 22:00 deMoraes of the Azores, Portugal, saw a
shaft of light projecting from the Moon. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=280
and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Manillus 1955 Aug 03 UTC 21:00 Observed by Firsoff (Sommerset, England,
6.5" reflector, x200) "Maniluus very bright in all colors, especially
blue, extraordinarily so" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID
#602.
Timocharis 1955 Aug 03 UTC 21:00 Observed by Firsoff (Sommerset,
England, 6.5" reflector, x200) "Crater was bright in blue, seemed large
& diffused." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #602.
On 1978 Aug 19 at UT02:45-04:00 Porter (Naragansetts, RI, USA, using a
6" reflector, Seing = 6/10) noticed blue on the north east corner of
Aristarchus and an orange glow on the south east wall. They detected no
movement or change in brightness. The observer used both eyes, to make
sure it was not an eye defect, and three filters: red Wratten 25, blue
Wratten 82 and Violet Wratten 47. Porter found that the colours faded
for a duration of 5 minutes and then returned. Their right eye gave a
good view and using their left eye they suspected that it was 0.5 steps
brighter than the remainder of the crater. The suspected colour
remained visible, even under moments of good seeing conditions. The
colour eventually faded over time and was eventually gone. Porter
reportd seein gcolour here on the following night. Apparently other
bright spots showed no colour. Fitton suggests that the filters used
confirm that the south east wass was definitely red in colour. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=37 and the weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1973 Nov 10 UTC 20:00? Observed by Coates (England, 8"
reflector x200, Moon at gigh altitude above horizon). "Attracted to
crater because of an orange hue extending towards Herod. Has seen this
at other times. Thinks not a LTP, but actual color on ground."NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1381.
Observed by Bartlett (Batimore, MD, USA, S=4, T=5) "E.wall? blue
glare. He was uncertain @it. Couln't focus it. Herodotus
unaffected." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID 581.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Mare Crisium 1962 Jul 18 UTC 09:54 Observed by Wildey & Pohn (Mt
Wilson, CA, USA, 60" reflector + Photometer) "Photometric meas. showed
change in brightness of the area of over a mag. during the nite.
Recorded at Vmag=3.56 first, & a few min(?) later at 4.62. It was .95
mag. brighter (@2.5x) than av. for that age & then returned to
normal." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #762.
On 1992 Jul 16 at UT 03:32-09:31 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x134) detected yellow on the southern rim of Aristarchus,
and the colour looked "darker" through a yellow filter and the region
was "duller" than normal. The region was 1 intesnsity step brighter on
the 2nd measurement, "on all points in it". The comet tail-like ray had
3 sections and was "mottled" in appearance. Finally the Cobra Head
region had possible variations in brightness. The cameron 2006 catalog
ID=451 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1940 Sep 18 UTC 03:15 Observed by Haas (New Mexico? 12"
? reflector) "Largest bright spot in SE part of floor had I=6.1,
but I=6.7 & 8.6 on other nites. (same ph. see #469, 472 & 475)"
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #474. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
East of Picard 1864 Oct 16/17 UT 23:00-01:00? Observed by
Ingall (Camberwell ?, UK) "Remarkable bright spot" NASA
catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #135. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1954 Nov 12 UTC 02:20-03:05 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, S=5-6, T=3-4) "Blue-violet glare on EWBS &
whole length of E. wall. Suspected viol. tint on VA; uncertain @
m" NASA catalog weight=4. This had faded later by 05:07. NASA
catalog ID #582. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Schroter's Valley: Cobra Head 1824 Nov 08 UTC 00:00? Observed by
Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany) "Mingling of all colors in small spots.
Described a violet glimmer near Cobra Head & plateau that spreads;
starts just after sunrise. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 and catalog
ID=103. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3.
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.
Plato 1938 Jun 15 UTC 08:00 Observed by Haas? (New Mexico?, 12?"
reflector) "NW. end of floor had intensity I=2.0, but on 7/15/38, I=
3.7, conditions similar." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID
#439.
On 1965 May 18 at UT 03:00-03:30 Cragg (Mt Wilson?, CA, USA, 6"
refractor?) observed a TLP (no feature nor description given in
the Cameron 1978 catalog) on the Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=877
and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1971 Dec 04 UT21:00-21:10 D.B.Taylor (Dundee, UK, 10"
refractor, conditions poor and turbulent). Observer suspected
colour orange colour near bright spot on north wall. Observation
ceased due to being clouded out. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Mare Crisium 1962 Jul 19 UTC 09:48 Observed by Wildey & Pohn (Mt
Wilson, CA, USA, 60" reflector + Photometer) "Photometric meas. showed
change in brightness from Vmag=3.46 to V=3.07, where av. mag. for that
age=3.26, or a brightening of .58 mag." NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #763.
On 1990 Jan 13 at UT 22:15-23:05 J. Pedler (Bristol, UK, seeing=III and
transparency=excellent, no spurious colour) detected a blue region on
the north of Aristarchus, varying in sharpness/diffuseness. The crater
rim in this region could not be descerned. Eleswhere the crater rim was
normal as too were other features. When a Moon blink device was used,
no colour blink was detected, however through the blue filter the
suspected area was bright and the crater rim indistinct. Whereas
through the red filter the area looked perfectly normal. At 22:30UT the
effect had vanished and everywhere was normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=388 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Four bright spots seen in Mare Crisium. There was also peculiar
behaviour of the terminator. Source: Midlehurst 1968 catalog TLP ID=16.
Ref Web 1962 p62-76. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1956 Jul 25 UTC 06:16-06:33 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=3-5, T=4) "C.p.
distinctly vis. within floor shadeo, est. 5 deg bright but no
trace of it at col. 122.37deg in Oct, '55(Oct. 4?)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #645. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1990 Jan 14 at UT 01:14-01:55 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing=poor)
observed that Aristarchus did not appear normal for this illumination.
the northern half of Aristarchus was "2x>" than the southern half of
the crater. There were two white patches of apron material near to the
crater Herodotus that were 50% of the brightness of the southern half
of Aristarchus. Furthermore the southern half of Aristarchus had a
circle - "dull patch on inner S wall with a bright point shining
through it. (Bartlett's EWBS?)". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=389 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 Mar 04 at UT10:30-10:34 D. Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA,
12.5" reflector, x344) detected a pin-point light in the shadowed area
of Mare Crisium that varied in brightness then faded. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=84 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1940 Sep 19 UTC 06:00 Observed by Haas (New Mexico,
12?" reflector) "Largest bright spot in SE part of floor, had I=
6.7, but 6 for last nite & 5.6 on others (see #'s 469, 472, &
474)." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #475. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3.
Daniell 1894 Feb 23 UT 00:00? Observed by Krieger (Germany)
"Strong, brownish-red coppery hue." NASA catalog weight=4 and
catalog ID #281. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1894 Feb 23 UT 00:00(?) Posidonius N. Wall observed by
Krieger (Germany) "Strong, brownish-red coppery hue." NASA
catalog weight=4 and catalog ID #281. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Aristillus 1939 Sep 03 UT 05:00 Observed by Haas? (New
Mexico?) "Dark area in W. part of floor was I=4.0, comp. with
I=1.3, & I=3.7 (see #450, & #454). Used different telescope,
but can't explain diff. in albedo, since phase is similar in 2
& dist. from term. similar in all (normal?)." NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #459. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Observed by Dachille & daughter (Univ. Park, Pennsylvania, 10.5"
reflector, x75) "Flash -- then a brownish - red color patch. Alt. @
20deg. (MBMW has Oct. 12, but is 13th UT)". NASA catalog weight=5
(very good). NASA catalog ID #674.
On 1979 Jul 14 at UT 00:24-01:10 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 15cm
reflector, x35, x52, x73 and x110, seeing IV-V, transparency very
good). Note that the observing date was also written as Jul 18th in the
original report? Puiseaux was very clear in white light, but could not
see the cenrtral peak. The central peak though was visible through a
Waretten 15 (yellow) filter. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1904 Aug 01 at 05:00? Pickering (Echo Mt., CA, USA) UT Plato:
"Bright hazy obj., 2" diam. on floor, Obs before & after were normal".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=318 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Messier A 1951 Oct 20 UT 00:00? Observed by Moore (England)
"Brilliant white circular patch in it. has seen it & Messier
blurred several times." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA
catalog ID #545 Note that the date and time given are probably
wrong as the Sun is ~7deg below the local horizon at this time.
ALPO/BAA weight=1 to reflect this error.
Aristarchus 1957 Oct 13 UT 07:00?$ W.Haas, according to the 1978
NASA Catalog is supposed to have seen a bright spot of light --
"explosion" in this crater. Confirmation of activity
in Aristarchus - Three independent observations within 4 hours.
Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5 and TLP ID No.=676. Private
comunication with Haas shows that he recorded nothing unusual
on the 12th or 13th. Therefore an ALPO/BAA weight of 1 has
been given until this matter is cleared up.
Fracastorius 2022 Apr 21 UT 01:35-02:12 A. Amorim (Brazil -
90mm f/10 refractor, 25 & 10mm eyepieces ) observed visually a
little bright spot near the centre of the otherwise completely
shadow filled crater. The bright spot was surrounded by a coma
effect. Clouds intervened but by 02:12 the spot was no longer
visible, just a thin patch of light close to the crater's
centre. Observations started when the Moon's altitude was 15
deg and ended when it was 23 deg above the horizon. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Callipus 1952 Sep 09 UT 21:00-21:20 Observed by Moore (England)
"Hazy broad line of light seen fr. NW wall to SE wall over shad.
floor. Gone next nite at 0120. He gave low wt. to obs. (sunlight
between peaks?)." NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #553.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Stochard of Dublin, Ireland, saw naked eye at 10:30UT on
1862 Nov 12 Aristarchus as extraordinarily bright as a bright
spot on the Moon. This was seen in daylight with the waning
crescent. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=6 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2009 Sep 09 UT23:31:43 P.Grego (St Dennis, Cornwall, UK, seeing II-
III) suspected a flash south of Cabeus, just beyond the terminator.
It was not bright, and lasted a fraction of a second. Thinks it might
have been illusory as he saw some fainter flashes (cosmic rays?)
during that nights observing session. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Kepler 1966 DEc 04 UTC 05:10 Observed by de Beraud (Flossmoore,
Ilinois, USA, 6" reflector, x360, S=G) "Saw a bright area thru. blue
filter but could not see it in red filter. Decided it was a bluish
phenomenon." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1001.
On 1983 Jan 05 at UT22:00 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK) noticed some
colour on Aristarchus. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=195 and the weight=
2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Jan 08 at UT01:00? P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK) noticed some
colour on Aristarchus. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=196 and the weight=
2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.