On 1980 Apr 18 at UT 19:00-22:30 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK) saw two
very bright flashes on the eastern edge of Littrow, spaced 40 seconds
apart. Ricketts observed blue flashes approximately 20-30 sec apart and
Foley saw faint blue. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=86 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1983 May 15 at UT20:30-21:05 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector)
was unable to see Aristarchus in Earthshine, though other craters were
clearly visible. However by 21:30 the Cooks could clearly see
Aristarchus. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=215 and the weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 May 15 at UT21:30-22:30 M.C. Cook and J.D. Cook (Frimley, UK)
could clearly see Aristarchus in Earthshine, whereas earlier that night
P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) could not see the crater although other features
were cisible. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=215 and the weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
W.limb 1983 May 15 UT 20:30-21:00 R.Moseley (Coventry,UK, 6"
reflector, x60) observed a faint but extensive brightening of
the W.limb, perhaps a little stronger at PA=80-90 deg. No other
features seen in Earthshine. Observation confirmed br R.Martiott
(Northampton, UK, 8.5" reflector). ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1968 Dec 23 at UT 08:40-08:45 Osawa (Kyoto-Ken, Japan, 8"
reflector, x167 and x212, S=3-4, saw Taruntius crater (and a
wrinkle ridge) to be bright through a red filter. Cameron
mentions that this was during the Apollo 8 watch. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=1108 and weight=3? The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1971 Oct 22 UT 19:43-19:56 A.Mackay (Hatton, UK, 15cm
reflector, x50) observed a pale pink on the W(IAU?) half of
Aristarchus and a pale shade of blue on the E(IAU?) half. The
effect faded from 19:56UT onwards and had gone 2 minutes later.
No information on whether other craters exhibited this effect,
given. Burgess, who observed later did not see any colour.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 16 at UT 20:00-22:20 P.W. Foley (Kent,UK, 12" reflector,
seeing II-III) found that Aristarchus could barely be seen. Therefore
it was not possible to take CED brightness measurements. Strangely
Cassini, Kepler, Plato and Mons Pico could be seen. However at
20:16 UT St Elmo fire-like flashes were seen coming from the interior
south east corner of Aristarchus at 20:16 UT and then the brightnesss
spread to fill the rest of he crater. Duration was about 5-20 sec
(Cameron comments: atmospheric effects?). The crater reached peak
brightness at 20:17UT (CED reading of 8). Foley comments that the
crater rim and area 16-24km around this (including Herodoyus) had a
translucent radiance. However at 20:25UT the brightness reduced
(including Herodotus) down to CED 3, however the blue radiance
remained. At 21:07UT Foley saw a star-like flash in the south east of
the floor (CED 3-4). Grimaldi was found to be of constant brightness by
comparison using the CED Brightness=2). At 20:20UT Amery (Reading, UK)
found Aristarchus to be a well visible circular fluorescent patch. At
20:40 Amery found the region between Aristarchus and Herodoutus was
glowing - appeared almost as a flare from Aristarchus and by 20:55UT
there was also a flare to the west of Aristarchus. At 20:27 Madej
(Huddersfield) detected only a slight glow from Aristarchus and the
region affected was small - indeed the glow had gone by 20:46. At 20:40
Ricketts detected a "continuous blue emission" - this had a cycle of 5-
10 sec (Cameron comments: atmosphere?). Saxton (Leeds, UK) detected at
20:42 "translucent effects and variations" at 20:42 noticed a star-like
point. At 19:00-21:40 M. Price (Camberley, UK) decided that Aristarchus
was fainter in brightness than normal. Peters observed a faint nebulous
spot at at 20:25-21:00 that changed in brightness in an irregular way.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=86 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Jan 22 at UT 00:10-00:30 Kilburn (England, UK, 6" reflector
x192, English Moon Blink device) observed a colour blink on the outer
east wall of Gassendi. Cameron says: "in dark!". The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1117 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Cape Agarum 1967 Jan 14 UT 17:17-17:35 Observed by Middleton,
Colchester, England, 4" refractor, x240, S=G) "Cape was hazy or
obscured whereas Piccard, Pierce, & Cape Olivium were quite clear. Has
seen this area obscured many times" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1008.
On 1980 Apr 18 at UT20:55 G. Amery (Reading, UK, 10" reflector, 50-
200x, seeing III) individual features not seen near Cassini. Cameron
2006 catalog ID=86 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1837Mar11 UT 15:27 (20:48 local time) T.G. Taylor (Madras,
India) whilst observing a star being occulted, noticed a
6th magnitude nebulous spot where Aristarchus should be. Had
never seen anything quite as bright as this on previous
occasions (except the day before). ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 Jun 07 at UT02:30-03:00 B. Hobdell (St Petersberg, FL, USA,
10" and 4" reflectors, seeing=I) at 02:30UT saw a flash from
Aristarchus and another one from Schroter's valley. By 02:45UT
Aristarchus was starting to be difficult to see and had occasionally a
bluish cast. By 03:00UT the crater could only barely be seen. This was
odd because visibility on the Earthlit side was really rather good. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=143 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Jun 07 at UT02:30-03:00 B. Hobdell (St Peterberg, FL, USA, 10
and 4" reflectors, seeing=1) saw Copernicus to be very bright in blue.
Clarty of Earthsine was exceptional tonight. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=143 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 May 16 at UT20:35-22:10 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) noted that
Aristarchus was dull in Earthshine (UT21:36-21:40). The floor was a
luminous rose/violet colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=219 and the
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
W.limb 1983 May 16 UT 22:00-23:00 R.Moseley (Coventry,UK, 6"
reflector, x60) observed a faint but extensive brightening of
the W.limb, perhaps a little stronger at PA=80-90 deg. No other
features seen in Earthshine although Aristarchus suspected.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Atlas 1968 Dec 24 at UT 09:15-10:45 Osawa (Kyoto-Ken, Japan, 8"
reflector, 9mm Ortho, Seeing=5, later worse) saw a slight
brownish hue on the northern shadowy bed in the crater. It was
difficult to see the difference between the glow and chromatic
aberation of the eyepiece. The tint never showed up in filters.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 19 at UT 20:37-20:49) P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK,
77mm refractor, x83 and x111) at 20:37 UT saw a slight glow at
x83, quite small in size. At 20:46UT no glow was seen at x83.
At 20:49 a slight glow seen again, but unclear and
illdefined - appeared larger in area at x111. Observatons
ceased at 21:56 dues to clid. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 19 at UT20:30-22:59. The following is quoted from the
Cameron 2006 catalog.... "(Buczynski) alerted by colleague (Greenwood)
who used filters W15 (IR), W25 (red), W44A (blue), & W58 (UV) and had
located a possible blink in it. (Bucz) used W15, W44A & W25. C.P was
very bright in W25 (red), dull but vis. In W44A (blue) & floor was
noticibly darker in W44A than in W25. Bright cp vis. In W15 & floor was
of a light shade. Other craters checked for color, none found. In 44A
floor lost some definition (gas?). Sketches from Bucz. & Greenwood.
(Pedler) at 2140, floor area around cp was seen in white & red as
normal but blink was vis in white, darker in blue. Checks of other
features were negative. (Amery) small dark center & small dark area -
not shadow - under S wall. N wall obscured by dark area extending N
onto surrounding mare. (normal?) which was difficult to focus (gas?).
At 2155 N wall now sharper & dark area less intense. Craterlet Cameron
in N wall clearly seen which was invisible 1/2 h earlier. (Saxton)
whole crater flashed and blinked at 2155. Could see detail in brighter
W 1/2 of crater - not seen earlier. At 2205 seeing poor, at 2215 it was
normal. (Blair) at 2155 used red & blue filters & in blue it was darker
than in red. W. wall not well defined. (J. Cook) saw spurious color on
N & S rims. Saw a pink tinge on SE rim. (A. Cook) saw spur. Color on
most craters as seeing deteriorated. Got a blink on SE region > red
than blue". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=87 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1881 Sep 27 at UT 19:00 Marokwic (South Africa) observed a comet-
like object pulling across the Mon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=225 and
the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1879 Oct 20 UT 23:00 (Local time Oct 21 9AM) Hirst (Blue Mountains,
NSW, Australia) saw a large part of the Moon covered with a dark shadow
that was as dark as the Earth's shadow would have been if there had
been an eclipse. Cameron says that this is a confirmed observation.
Note that the Moon was just before first quarter. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=215 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Nov 15 at UT 02:20-03:20 Lagunas (Santiago, Chile, 10"
reflector) observed some brightenings in Aristarchus during the Apollo
12 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1209 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Daniell 1979 Apr 02 UT 21:45-22:14 Obseved by Madej (Huddersfield, UK,
158mm reflector, f/4.2, x36-110, seeing II-III) "Obscuration seen" BAA
Lunar Section Report. Cameron says that this was a bright white cloud
that covered three quarters of the crater. A yellow filter was used at
21:48, but the cloud was still white, albeit thinner (at x110). By
22:14UT the TLP was barely visible and again no colour seen. Buczynski
(Lancaster, UK, seeing = poor) saw spurious colour. Later (22:31-
22:46UT?) Mellor obtained some photos, but these revealed no colour.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=48 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT 19:25-23:43 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 10" reflector,
seeing II-III) found that Aristarchus was very bright in Earthshine
(also found on the photographs that he took), giving off a blue
"incadescence", the CED brightness reading was 5. Occasionally Foley
could see a star-like point in the south east corner. For comparison in
brightness he used highland terrain near to Grimaldi (CED=2). By
comparison, Buczynski and Lord, could not see Aristarchus. Earlier,
Geenwood saw the crater easily as a star-like point with a diffuse
exterior glow. Cameron says thyat this was confirmed by Buczynski and
Lord (?). At 20:35UT Amery decided that Aristarchus looked brighter
than normal. Pedler though described the crater as "small dim nebulous
blue or blue-green" that was invisible by 20:27UT. At 20:28-22:01 Blair
could not detect Aristarchus, nor could J-H Robinson at 20:40UT though
he did see it at 20:55UT as both diffuse and blue. Ricketts detected a
blow glow with irregularly spaced flashes of roughly 5-10 sec apart.
Cook's at Frimley, UK, saw no features in Earthshine. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=88 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 May 17 at UT20:13-20:40 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, x38 and
x63) found that Aristarchus was normal in appearance, but at 20:19 a
blood red disk was seen as bright as a 6th magnitude star. The colour
did not vary but the brightness changed from 4 to 8 over a 1.5-3min
period, on the south west wall. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector)observed
Aristarchus at 22:10 and noted that it had the same rose-violet colour
as had been seen by him a day earlier. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=220
and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1983 May 17 Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector)observed
Aristarchus at 22:10 and noted that it had the same rose-violet colour
as had been seen by him a day earlier. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=220
and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Nov 14 at UT 17:25-18:30 H. Miles (St. Minver,
Cornwall, England, UK, 5"refractor? x60 and x120) found
Aristarchus to be a white ill-defined circular patch. At
17:45UT it was a lot brighter (Cameron comments that this
might have something to do with sky darkness). In contrast,
Copernicus was just seen as a white patch and the Jura
mountains could be seen (not as bright). Aristarchus grew
brighter over time and there was a bright point on the west
wall (seen at x60 and x120). Ït was fainter at 1854 & < At
1830. (Foley) said Earthshine cond. Superb with many regions
clearly seen, but Aris. was dull. (Cooks) in hazy condition
could not detect Aris." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=338 and
weight=0. The ALPO weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT 19:45-22:45 M.C.Cook (Frimley, UK) - colour
(probably spurious) seen on Piccolomini. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=88 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Jan 19 at UT 18:00-19:00 G. Amery (Reading, UK) discovered that
Aristarchus could not be seen in Earthshine, this was odd because less
prominent features could be seen. Other observers (Moore and Foley)
confirmed the very low brightness of the crater. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=197 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Jan 19 at UT 18:00-19:00 G.W. Amery (Reading, UK) found that
Messier was difficult to define. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=197 and
the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT20:05-21:02 J.D. Cook (Frimley, UK, 12" reflector,
x60, seeing III-IV) at the start of this session found some bright
spots in the area of Copernicus, and at 21:02 detected some flashes in
this region. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=88 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT20:27 M.Price (Camberley, UK) saw a flash in the
Grimaldi-Aristarchus area. Cameron 2006 catalog TLP ID=88 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT21:12-22:45 J-H Robinson (Teignmouth, UK, 10.5"
reflector, x180) found, using a Moon Blink device, evidence of colour
on the flor patches of Fracastorius crater, brighter in blue than in
red. Also the floor to center varied in brightness in blue and in red.
Peters observed in white light and found the south east-south wall had
a slight orange cast and when a Moon blink was used it was less bright
in blue than in red light. M. Cook found spurious colour on the south
rim and also on Mons Pico. There was a colour blink reaction on the
southeast floor of Fracastorius - this was both faint and blurred and
not seen in white light. A.C Cook detected the permanent blink in the
south east floor of the crater at 21:47 and a fainter one in the north
west (marginally brighter in red than in blue). J.D. Cook found no
colour with the Moon blink device. 21:22-22:10 P.W. Foley got a strong
colour reaction with the Moon Blink device - brighter in red than in
blue and detected a pink colour visually on the south east wall 22:10-
22:45 (this did not give a blink effect though). Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=88 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT21:38-21:50, Blair of Renfrewshire, Scotland (used
an 8" reflector and seeing=III) saw three patches in Petavius and they
could still be seen 7 minutes later. At 21:50UT he used a filter and
found the "northern one was brighter in blue, the southern one was
brighter in red and the central one was the same shad ein both
filters." Cameron comments that the central patch was a permananent
one. She then goes onto say that the crater is described as having dark
patches that are opposite to what one would expect from Fitton's theory
applied to dark features. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=88 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Linne 1867 Aug 06 UT 21:00? Observed by Buckingham (England?)
"Crater in darkness, he saw a "rising oval spot". Other obs.
saw it as a triang. Bold black spot pointing to earth, slowly
diffused white & drift of white on slope of pyramid. (indep.
confirmation?)" NASA catalog weight=5 and catalog ID #155.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Apianus D On 2011 Oct 03 UT 21:00-21:20 F. Power (Meath,
Ireland, 11" SCT) observed changing colours (blue, white, and
red) on the inner western rim of this crater. He changed
eyepieces and moved the scope around to look at dufferent parts
of the Moon, but nowhere else exhibited anything similar. As
another test he asked his wife to have a look without telling
her what he was seeing. She confirmed the same effect. 5 digital
camera images had been taken. Most of these were out of focus
and the first one was saturated, however one of them showed a
approximately 35 km long, by 11 km wide (at the north) lopsided
carrot shaped orange colour to the western rim of Apianus D. No
similar strong colour could be seen anywhere else on the image,
nor on the other 4 images. This TLP is being given an ALPO/BAA
weight of 1 as the Moon was low, but an image taken looks
interesting.
On 1988 Nov 15 UT 19:15 Holmes (Rockdale, UK, 215mm Newtonian) noticed
the Censorinus apron (just east of the crater and including the rim)
was fuzzy but the crater was clear - a sketch was provided. A BAA Lunar
Section observation.Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID=339 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2001 Apr 29 at UT 20:50 R. Braga (Italy) reported that without any
filter, the brightness of the east wall of Torricelli B was halfway
Torricelli C (faintest) and Moltke (brightest). By insering a Wratten
25 red filter though, the crater was slightly more evident. However
using a blue Wratten 39A filter, the crater vanished completely, whilst
Toricelli C remained. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Webb (England, using a fluid achromat) saw brilliant minute spots and
streaks in Mare Crisium dotting its surface. This was seen near first
quarter. Cameron states that Schroter, Betr?, Madler, Slack and Ingall
had all seen it this way at times. Cameron 1978 catalog iD=111 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Mar 21 at UT 21:05-22:00 P. Horne and J. Horne (Hertz, England,
UK, 11" reflector, x180 and x330) found that Mons Piton (totally
illuminated and brightest feature on the Moon - but no variability) was
brighter than Aristarchus (would have been if it had been in sunlight)
and the mountain was contained within a circular illuminated patch.
"Brilliant white and no shadow. Size ~16km." There was no details
visible but the adjacent features had distinct shadows. Hutton was also
observing. Foley examined the photographs and believes that they are
inconclusive. D. Mansbridge was photographing the Moon at 19:30UT and
detects Piton but it is not bright. However in a photograph taken by D.
Mansbrdige and 20:30UT the mountain is much brighter than any other
sunward facing slopses on the northern part of the Moon's terminator.
R. Mosley had been observing earlier at 18:10-19:40 and although
finding the mountain to be shining briliantly beyond the terminator, he
also comments that this is normal. Cameron though has seen the
photographs taken and thinks it might be a real TLP. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=208 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Nov 16 at UT 18:20 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) observed that a ray
north east of censorinus appeared to be very diffuse and this did not
change during the observation. This was odd because proclus ray
material remained clear. The apron material of Censorinus was diffuse
E-W and the northern part was dull, but not fuzzy. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=340 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Nov 16 at UT 18:20 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) observed that
Torricelli B changed in brightness (at times), but thinks that this was
due to atmospheric transparency. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=340 and
the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Near Ross D (24E, 11N) 1964 Mar 21 UT 05:00-06:20 Observed by
Harris, Crow, Cross (Whittier, CA, USA) - negative confirmation
from Las Cruces. NASA catalog weight=0 (unreliable). NASA catalog
ID #805. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Apr 08 UT 19:50 Mobberley (14" reflector, x194, seeing
III-IV, Transparency Fair-Poor, Cockfield, UK) found that
Torricelli B's shadow was 1/2 the way across the floor, which
was normal, but that there was a very dar grey/brown shroud
around the carter, out to several radii.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 May 20 at UT00:00-03:00 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia)
noted that Mons Piton was too bright near the terminator and was
surrounded by shadow. A sketch was made. The mountain appeared
segmented with one thin shadow line. The mountain looked like a
Mexican Sombrero hat. This appearance is normal. What was
abnormal was that Piton was brighter than Proclus, and only
slightly fainter than Censorinus. The CED brightness
measurements were normal Piton=3.6, Proclus=3.5 and Censorinus=
3.7. Please check to see whether this is still the case. The
cameron 2006 catalog ID=221 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Ptolemaeus 2020 Feb 01 UT 19:40-19:50 P. Sheperdson (York, UK,
102mm Mak - BAA) saw an "ashen" sliver of bright light across
the floor. Images taken. This maybe normal appearance - though
observer re-observed in May and found the effect different in
that there was no "ashen" like effect. Visual sketches and
time lapse image sequences welcome. If doing visual work - try
using a polaroid filter and rotate it to see if that makes any
difference. For imaging work, please over-expose slightly to
bring out detail on the floor; you could also try colour
imaging of the floor as an interesting experiment - though for
comparison purposes image other terminator features exhibiting
shadow spires. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 22 at UT20:30 R.Rohslberger (Hittfield, (near Hamburg) West
Germany, 8" reflector, x170 25mm occular used, 300mm focal length?)
took some photographs using projection. One of these recorded an
apparent "ejecta curtain". Cameron considered lens flare, but the other
photographs did not show this. If real then the plume was at a height
of ~40km and the ray was ~130km. Cameron concludes that this was an
impact photograph. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=90 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Alphonsus 1952 Nov 24 UT 18:00 A.P. Lenham (Swindon, UK, 3-
inch efractor x120) noted that the usual dark spots were not
visible, but floor ridges and craterlets were surperbly seen.
This may not be a TLP but has been given a TLP category as it
is a curious appearance and needs to be verified on a repeat
repeat illumination apeparance. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Dome W. of Manillius 1965 Dec 30 UT 10:35 Observed by Newport (England,
4" refractor x180) "White patch or haze, everything else was sharp"
NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
On 1987 Jan 07 at UT19:10-20:30 H.Miles of Cornwall, UK saw two bright
patches were seen in Earthshine at clock positions of 4 (this patch was
defined by the dark limb and the brightness faded inwards to the disk,
over a short distance. "Centred at 60 deg along the limb from the north
- a sketch showed approximately 10-15 deg along it") and 5:30 (this
second patch was smaller and not so bright as the first patch - it was
west of the north pole. P. Foley (Kent, UK) also detcted the patches
and said that one was not far from the sunrise terminator.
The Cameron 2006 Extension catalog gives this TLP an ID of 291 and a
weight of 2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
Plato 1789 Jul 30 UTC 21:00? Observed by Schroter (Lilienthal, Germany)
NASA Catalog Event #61, NASA Weight=2 (slightly low) Event described
as: "Soon after sunrise saw a kind of fermentation on the floor which
clearly resembled a kind of twilight, (due to some kind of aberration
unknown to the observer?)" For further details see reference:
Middlehurst, B.M., Burley, J.M., Moore, P.A. and Welther, B.L., 1968,
NASA TR R-277.
Eratosthenes 1952 Nov 25 UT 16:30 A.P. Lenham (Swindon, UK, 3-
inch refractor x150, Definition Good) noted that there was
faint/slightly bright detail inside the interior shadow -
observer comments "presumably peaks of central mountains & W.
Wall ridge, but very faint" - however this is worth checking
out. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2009 Nov 25 UT18:42-21:03 P.Abel, T.Little and C.North (Selsey, UK,
15" reflector, seeing II-III, transparency very good), all saw visually
a brownish tinge on the north west rim of Eratosthenes crater. P.Abel
made a sketch and T.Little took some high resolution CCD images, some
of which were through coloured filters. Checks were made for spurious
colour, but none was seen elsewhere on the Moon. The eyepiece was
changed but this made no difference. M.C.Cook (Mundesley) was observing
with a smaller scope at the same time, but saw no colour, however
observing conditions were worse. W.Leatherbarrow (Sheffield, UK) was
observing with a instrumenet mid way in size, and saw a brownish tinge
in the NW rim area, but saw a similar colour elsewhere and put this
down to spurious colour. Normally multiple observers seeing the same
thing would result in a weight of 4, however as this was only observers
at Selsey and some of the evidence contradicts, I am allocating an
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Pallas-Schroter 1953 Nov 13 UTC 02:00 Observed by L.Stuart (USA)
"Saw and photographed a bright spot on term. between these two
craters. Used Kodak 103aF3." NASA catalog weight=5 and catalog
ID #559. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 1969 Nov 18 at UT 04:22 Loocks (Valparaiso, Chile, 12" reflector)
observed a flash of light of magnitude 12. Cameron speculates a meteor
and mentions the apollo 12 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1214 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
North (?) (left) Cusp 1912 Jan 28 UT 00:00 (27th 20:00 L.T.) Observed
by Harris (Philadelphia? Pennsylvania?, naked eye?): Intensely black
curved object 400x240km, shaped like a "crow". Cameron 1978 weight=1
(very low) and ID=334. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Eratosthenes 1947 Jan 30 Mean Col. 16deg. Observed by Hill (UK) "Main
peak of massive central mountain group appeared to be in a shadowless
having regard to it's claimed height of 6,600 ft. The whole of the
floor to the west should have still been in darkness. Instead
immediately to the west was a dark (intensity 1.5-2) region extending
almost to the foot of the bright inner wall and very diffuse in
outline. The observation could not be followed through due to
increasing cloud, but on the following night all was normal."
Eratosthenes: On 2017 May 04 UT 21:50-22:10 N. Longshaw (BAA,
UK, 78mm APO refractor, x125 & x175, seeing II-III,
transparency Good). A brownish (orange) tint was seen on the
inner NW wall light terraces - this was immediately obvious
when first looking at the crater, but as time progressed the
effect became less bright. Other craters were checked for
similar coloured tints, but none were seen elsewhere on the
Moon. UAI observers in Italy (F. Taggogna & A. Tonon) had been
imaging the region in colour 17:57-21:47, but their images do
not show any colour on the inner NW rim terraces, the their
last image is 3 min before Longshaw saw the colour. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1936 Oct 25 at 01:35 UT W. Haas (Alliance, OH, USA, 12"
reflector) saw small bright spots on the floor of Eratosthenes,
(Pickering's atlas 9A, col. 30deg, shows no spots - according to
Cameron). Cameron 1978 catalog TLP=417 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Alphonsus 1969 Nov 19 UT 03:30 Observed by Argus/Astronet (CA?, USA)
Brightening in W. rim & S. central floor, seen by 2 obs. (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight 3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1219.
Plato 2005 Dec 10 UT 20:46 Observed by Brook (Plymouth, UK, 4"
refractor. Conditions excellent with the Moon at a high altitude) "2
second duration white flash seen on the floor of the crater" - BAA
Lunar Section Report.
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.
On 1980 Apr 24 at 23:35UT Marco Petek (Porto Alegre, Brazil,
using a 7.5" refractor noticed that the center of Plato was
bright and opaque and the observer thought it was similar in
appearance to Linne. A sketch was made and two other observers
confirmed the appearance. Cameron mentions that Petek is an
experienced observer. Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID=91
and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cichus 1975 Sep 15 UT 11:15-11:30 G.Ryder (Corinda, Australia,
25cm reflector, x250 & x380, seeing good but with some cloud)
The interior W. wall of this crater (on the lip) appeared
hazy - difficulkt to bring detail into focus. Neighbouring
craters/detail were sharp. Details in the crater wall interior
were starting to become visible as time went on, but it had
clouded over by 11:30. A Moon Blink was used but no colour was
detected. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1985 mar 01 at 20:00UT? Moseley noticed a violet band (tapering to
an apex close to the crater centre and merged with the eastern
exterior) around Toricelli B, however M. Cook (Frimley, UK) had seen a
dusky band(England, UK) on an earlier photo. There was no terminator
shadow in the crater. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension TLP ID=260 aqnd
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Censorinus-Maskelyne 1927 Apr 11/12 UT 23:00-01:00? Observed
by Druzdov (Russia) "2 luminescent pts. observed. Not vis. at
same Sun angle on May 7 & 12th. Not vis. on photos of Barn in
5/23/63" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #393. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Sinus Iridum 1996 Apr 28 UT 20:00 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
UK, 60mm refractor, x112, seeing III, slight breeze, twilight)
"dark shaded area on floor ~1/4 diameter of Sinus Iridum on
western interior by rim" BAA Lunar Section Observation.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato. 2024 Nov 11 UT 20:33-20:52. T.Smith (Codnor, UK - 16
inch Newtonian, seeing IV) the inner northern rim was an
orange-white colour and this faded, and had vanished by 20:52.
Observation ceased at 20:56. the effect was not present
earlier at 17:49-18:04, nor during a visual check at
23:14-23:24. No other features on the Moon exhibited this
effect at the time. Colour imagery by C.Longthorn at 20:14 and
A.Cook at 20:54 failed to detect any colour in this region,
but these lay outside Smith's observing window. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato. 2024 Nov 11 UT 20:33-20:52. T.Smith (Codnor, UK - 16
inch Newtonian, seeing IV) the inner northern rim was an
orange-white colour and this faded, and had vanished by 20:52.
Observation ceased at 20:56. the effect was not present
earlier at 17:49-18:04, nor during a visual check at
23:14-23:24. No other features on the Moon exhibited this
effect at the time. Colour imagery by C.Longthorn at 20:14 and
A.Cook at 20:54 failed to detect any colour in this region,
but these lay outside Smith's observing window. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Bulialdus 1979 Aug 03 UT 21:36-21:48 Observed by Cook (Frimley, UK,
seeing III, Moonblink device) "Bullialdus eastern side of the crater
looked brighter in red i.e. rim and exterior, extending to the south
slightly and this reddish areas was slightly hazy. At 21:41 it clouded
over but at 21:47-21:48 it cleared briefly and effect was noted again.
Also Darney appeared very visible through the red filter. Probably
spurious colour as the Moon was -18 deg in declination and the whole
Moon had a slight brownish tinge" ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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."
Alphonsus 1969 Nov 20 05:27 (UT)? Observed by Argus/Astronet (San
Diego, Sacramento, CA, USA) "Brightening in crater. (San Diego &
Sacramento obs. confirmed, but astronauts did not see anything. Apollo
12 watch)." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1222.
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.
On 1990 Sep 30 at D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x150) observed a red spot on the west wall (bright
in red filter and faint in the blue filter. No filter
reactions were found elsewhere. Gassendi had much detail
visible. A sketch was made. BAA observers in the UK were
alerted but they could not observe due to cloud. Cameron
2006 extension catalog ID=411 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Gassendi 1939 Sep 25 UT 01:30 Observed by Haas (New Mexico? 12"
reflector?) "NE part pf c.p. had I=9.4 comp. with I=6.4 (normal? in #
458. under similar obs. cond. (& phase. thus real diff.)" NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #462.
Gassendi 1967 Mar 22 UTC 19:39-19:43 Observed by Mosely (Armagh, N.
Ireland, 10" refractor, x360) "Red color & blink strongly suspected
in small area centred on junction of 3 clefts 1/2 way from c.p. &
ESE wall. Well-defined & did not note change during obs. period.
Clouds terminated obs. till 2120 when it was not seen." NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1018.
On 1989 Sep 12 at UT00:58-02:25 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x159, S=7/10) observed similar light conditions to 1989 Jul
15. At 02:00 he observed pink on the south west wall of Aristarchus
crater. At 01:24UT the Aristarchus ray was yellowish, however the
entire Moon had a grey-yellow tinge of colour. Chromatic aberation was
observed at 01:56UT. By comparison Gassendi was checked and had no
colour. At 02:10 the crater wall of Aristarchus was unusual and was
quite different in appearance to rims of other craters. The cameron
2006 catalog ID=375 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
M. Cook of Frimley, UK observed a brightening of the crater during
this observing session. The cameron 2006 extended catalog ID=346 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
G. Ward (a lunar observer for 15 years) observed an area just south
west of Mersenius C to be blurred and in a greenish cloud. The green
colour was more like that of dead grass than one gets from a neon bulb.
The effect was seen from 04:50-04:57UT, but could have been going on
before it was first noted at 04:50-UT. Seeing was 6-7/10 4" Refractor
(2 element). refractor had been used hundreds of hours before (over a
10 year period) with no similar colour was seen. The observer checked
other areas but did not see any similar effects. They also rotated and
changed eyepieces, but this made no difference to the TLP. The TLP site
seen was picked up on an image taken earlier at 04:47UT by W. Bailley,
from Sewell, NJ, USA. Unfortunately the area concerned, a mountain on
the image, was saturated and so we cannot tell if a colour was present
there and the seeing was poor.
Aristarchus 1975 Oct 16 UT 20:00? Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?)
interior corner." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #
1413. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1889 May 11 at 22:00? UT an unknown observer saw an ink black spot
on the rampart of Gassendi. It had not been seen before ar at the next
lunation or indeed ever again. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=261 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Cobra Head 1949 Feb 10 UT 00:00? Observed by Thorton (Northwich,
England, 18" reflector) "I was examining the Cobra Head of the Schroter
Valley, when I noticed what seemed to be a diffuseed patch of thin
smoke or vapour, apparently originating from the valley on the E. Side
where the landslip is, and spread over the edge on to the plain for a
short distance. Every detail of the edge of the valley was perfectly
clear and distinct except where this patch occurred, but there the
definition was poor and very blurred" NASA catalog
weight=4 and catalog ID #515. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Bullialdus 1974 Sep 27 UT 22:45-23:40 Observed by Findlay, Ford
(Dundee, Scotland, 10" refractor, 150x, 180x, filters) "Saw yellowish-
orange color in crater. After clouds passed at 2300h color still there
& gave a slight blink which no other craters did. Not seen in red
filter, dark in blue. Ford saw it along ridge fr. c.p. to SW wall.
Alert did not bring confirm. as clouds intervened for all others." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1394. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1990 Oct 1st at 00:44-01:24UT D Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA)
observed that Gassendi still had a blink effect when viewed through
blue (Wratten 38A) and red (Wratten 25A) filters. No effect was seen on
Aristarchus. Gassendi was brighter in the red filter and this was
confirmed by Weier. Sketches were made and brightness measurements
taken. Both observers used a 12.5" reflector x159. At 01:00UT the NW
wall was 7.5, the SW wall 8.0, the S. wall 7.5, the floor 6.0, the
outer E. wall 8.0, the N. floor 5.5. Gassendi A W. wall was 9.5,l
Aristarchus W. floor was 8.0, NW wall 8.0, shadowed floor 0.0, E. outer
wall 7.0, NBP 5.5, area between Aristarchus and Herodotus 6.0, and the
comet like tail: 8.2 on the E. and 8.5 on the W. The Cameron 2006
catalog extension TLP ID=412 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
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 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.
Herodotus 1957 Sep 05 UT 02:55-03:24 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x180, S=1-5, T=5) Pseudo
peak visible within floor shadow at 03:10h" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #671. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Schickard 1972 Sep 19 UT 19:45-20:25, 20:00-23:30 Observed by Watkins
(Herts., Eng. 4.5" reflector, x225, S=G) Amery (Reading, Eng.m 12"
reflector?), Fitton (Lancashire, Emg., 8.5" reflector) and Moore
(Selsey, Eng., 12.5" reflector?, 4.5" refractor 45-225x, S=P)
"Luminous, nebulous spot attracted Watkin's att'n. Got brighter.
Checked 'scope--not instru. Obj. had greenish-gray color, size @ 15km.
Amery & Fitton with blink devices noted nothing unusual at later times
(2000-2330h). Aris., Plato, Gass. were neg. at 1930-2025h (date not
given, guessed at fr. available info.). Turbulence, lasting
secs. at a time." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #
1344. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1933 Oct 01 at UT 03:00 Rawstron (USA, 4" refractor, x330) observed
the following in Mons Pico B: "Haze -- much narrower & elongated than
on Sep. 1". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=407 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1955 Oct 28 at UT00:00? Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet Union, 50"
reflector) detected in Aristarchus Fraunhofer lines in UV spectra that
were much narrower than in the solar spectrum. This indicated
luminescent glow which overlapped contour(?) lines. Greatest after Full
Moon, but fluctuated monthly with no indication of solar activity
effect. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=621 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=5.
Observed by Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA) "Temporary greyness seen in
interior shadow." ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Aristarchus, Schroter's Valley, Herodotus 1881 Aug 07 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mersenius 1975 Jun 21 UT 21:50-22:45 Observed by McConnell
(Northern Ireland, 6" reflector) Moore? (Sussex, Enland, 15"
reflector, 5" refractor, S=F), Reading (Rushden, England, ?
14" reflector) and Foley (Kent, England, 12" reflector, S=P)
"McConnell saw an obscur. starting at 2150h which disappeared
at 2245h. Moore(?) alreted, saw no anomaly in 15 in refl. &
5-in refr. under fair conditions from 2209-2228h. Reading
reported neg. fr. 2250-2345h (after phenom.). Foley reported
color in it but also a crater to S. of it & Aris., prob. due
to seeing conditions." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog
ID#1408. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1971 Sep 02 UTC 20:00 Observed by Ayeau
(Paris, France, 12" reflector, x100) "Brownish-red or maroon
seen on Aris. W.wall ridge to Herod. on S.wall of Herodotus"
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1311.
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 1988 Jan 02 at 05:57-06:13 UT D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
using a 8" reflector, seeing 4 out of 10) observed that points B and D
on Cape Agarum faded suddenly from 7.0 to 6.4 (B) and 6.0 (D). However
these returned to their normal levels at 06:13 UT. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=316 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 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 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.
On 1977 May 30 at 21:04-02:13UT J.H.-Robinson noted a loss of
detail inside Gassendi, however he did not regard this as a
TLP. The effect was also seen by P.W. Foley. Cameron 2006
extension catalog TLP ID=16 and weight=0 ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 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 1988 Jan 02 at 06:41-07:08 UT D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
using a 8" reflector, seeing 4 out of 10) observed that at 06:56 UT
Aristarchus floor (point F) brightened rapidly from an intensity of 5.2
to 6, however at 07:08 UT the spot returned to normal. He also noticed
that the bands on the walls varied every few minutes. A mist like
appearance was seen on the floor of Aristarchus. Through a red filter
he could see through the haze, but floor detail could not be seen
through a blue filter. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=316 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Vallis Schroteri 1991 Aug 23 UT 02:19-02:49. Flashing spot at
end of SV fluctuated. Herzog, Darling & Weier confirmed spot
but not fluctuation. Spot brighter in red than blue, but Cobra
Head was bright in blue. No other region was abnormal.
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.
On 1987 Mar 13 at UT 20:52 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, S=VG) obtained
some video that shows variation in Aristarchus crater e.g. ä visual
oddity in the SE corner" (Foley was interpreting the video). H.Hatfield
took some film of the TLP (Unstudied yet). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
301 and the weight=5.
On 1987 Mar 13 at UT 20:52 M. Mobberley (Sussex, UK) found that Mons
Pico varied in its north east section. This was recorded on video tape.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=301 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1975 Oct 18 UTC 20:00? Observed by Foley (Kent, England,
12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?) interior corner."
NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1415.
Aristarchus and Herodotus UT 20:00? Observed by Areau (Paris, France,
12" reflector x100) "Maroon color covering the ridge(?) E (ast. ?) &
the ridge(?) S. of Herod. In 3 or 5 secs. Cloud disappeared after 10
min." NASA catalog weight=3 (average) NASA catalog ID #1312.
On 1979 Aug 06 at 22:24-22:54 P.Madej (Hudersfield, UK, 6"
reflector. Purple Wratten 35, and Yellow Wratten 15 filters
used) Orange glow seen (at x73) on west side of crater, near the
central peak. The central peak was coloured too at x110. At
22:32 (x75) the central peak was brighter than the rest of the
area wrough the yellow filter. At 22:34UT at x73 everything
looked OK through the purple filter. The TLP was still visible
at 22:54. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
Madler 1940 Aug 17 UT 06:45 (Cameron gives 07:30 but Haas says
this is wrong) Observed by Haas (New Mexico?, USA, 12"
reflector?) Bright spot on S. rim had I=5.8 on this date but
8.9 on Aug. 17, when observing conditions were similar (see #
473). NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #470.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Mare Humboldtianum 1951 Jan 21 20:47-22:00 UT observed by Baum
(Chester, England). The appearance of some mountains on the
limb appeared to change over time, with some mistiness. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
The area west of Helicon not visible despite the area being
fairly bright at Full Moon time. This area was a very bright
patch one night. Cameron notes: comensurability of Full Moon &
Perigee. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=64 and weight=3.
Seeing=7 and transparency=4. 2.4" refractor used. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus 1989 Oct 13 UTC 21:00 Observed by Cook (Frimley, Surrey,
UK, 20cm reflector (visual and video)) "Aristarchus had what appeared
to be a outline of a ghost crater on it's eastern side - quite large
and bright". Cameron 2006 extended catalog TLP ID No=378 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Plato 1937 Jul 22 UT 06:20 Observed by Haas (Alliance, Ohio,
USA, 12" reflector?) "Floor distinctly greenish, but was gray on
June 23, 1937 at 0430 & col.84 (normal?)" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #421. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
F. Graham took some photos of the Cobras Head and found a blue cloud
about 50 km in diameter and scattering light - Cameron says that
this indicates high density. Darling found the Cobra's Head obscure and
variable "clear and bright to diffused". Cameron was alerted observed
(02:40UT) variations with periods of approximately 30 seconds, and
thought that she could see a red tinge on the east rim of Aristarchus -
checks elsewhere found no other colours. Darling found that a blue
filter enhanced the effect and a red filter made it disappear. There
was a blink at 02:55UT but no blink in the Cobra's Head, which looked
fuzzy and lacking in detail. The effect was confirmed by Weier, who
also saw two dark spots in the Cobra Head in blue but not in red light.
The brightness of the Cobras Head was 6.0, Herodotus floor 5.5, NW wall
7.5, South wall, 7.0, Aristarchus south wall 9.0, west wall 9.0, south
wall 7.0, East wall 8.0, and the central peak 10.0. Observer details
were as follows: Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5" reflector, x159,
S=9/10). D. Weier (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5" reflector, x159, S=
9/10), W. Cameron (Sedona, AZ, USA, 8" reflector x110 and x220, T=6 and
S=6) F. Graham (E.Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 7" refractor, thin haze).
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=415 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 2000 Jun 16 UT 20:37 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm
refractor, x117 & x40, seeing good, transparency excellent)
observed abright spot on the north rim of Mare Crisium (57E,
25N). It was comparable to the illuminated rim of Proclus in
brightness. No colour seen. The spot was not visible the next
night. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Aristarchus 1973 Feb 15 UTC 17:07-19:31 Observed by Theiss (located at
51N 5.67E) "area 4-5 diameters of Aristarchus were coloured clearly
yellow-red" 120mm reflector used. Ref Hilbrecht & Kuveler (1984) Moon
and Planets Vol 30 p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1973 Aug 13 UT 22:25-22:35 observed by Pedler (Devon, UK).
Observer noticed a slight blink on a lighter patch on the floor
just beneath the south(?) rim using Moon blink filters.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
W.Humboldt 1897 Dec 09 UTC 23:00? Observed by Goodacre (Crouch End,
England, 12" reflector) "Shadow anomaly. Chocolate penumbral shade
edging black shadow on E. wall." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA
catalog ID #296.
Cobra Head 1955 Oct 31 UTC 19:00 Observed by Milligan (England?) "Dark
blue obscuration" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID 624.
Mobberley noticed that Torricelli B was bright and had an even brighter
spot on the inner north wall. The observation was made from UT19:45-
21:40 using visual and video techniques. There was also a bright region
NNE of Toricelli B, that was noticed. Foley examined the video and
found that the crater faded in brightness over time and also the bright
area to the NNE was not as bright on video as had been seen visually.
Foley speculates that because the CCD camera was sesnitive to the near
IR that maybe the spot was blue?. Foley observed from 21:12-21:21UT and
also saw the bright spot on the inner north wall - but saw a blue halo
around the crater. Response in blue filter, darkening over whole
region. Brightness measures with a crater extinction device (CED)
indicated that the crater was 80-85% the brightness of Censorinus.
There was a bright area NNE of the region. M. Cook observed 22:10-
22:16UT (15cm reflector and seeing III-IV) and also saw that the crater
was very bright indeed with a spot NNE of the region (same position as
28/28 1985 observation) - suspected that the crater might have been
brighter than Censorinus, but judgement effected by seeing. In a blue
filter the crater dulled leaving the bright spot prominent (but only
during a good moment of seeing) - therefore had some suspicion of
seeing effects. At 01:00-01:04UT M. Cook used a 12" reflector on the
area, but the seeing was even worse - but did manage a check of the
brightness of Torricelli B to Censorinus and now made it one quarter of
that of Censorinus and no sign of the crater dimming in the blue as had
been seen earlier in the 6" refletor. A. Cook (Frimley, seeing V) at
21:15UT (Dec 27) thought that Torricelli B looked normal and saw no
colour. At Dec 28 at UT 00:02-00:25 A. Cook obtained some CCD images
through red+IR (Wratten 25) and IR (Wratten 87) but found no colour
differences, though there was a very slight hint that a brightness fade
may have occurred between those two observing times. Note that this
report does not have an entry in the Cameron 2006 Extension Catalog.
The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 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 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.
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 May 28 at UT 01:50-03:00 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia)
observed the whole region of Aristarchus, Herodotus and Shroter's
Valley all to have a brightness of 3 and all blue and impossible to
focus on (he had never seen it like this before). Also the interior of
Aristarchus was invisible. Brightness measurement taken and a sketch
was made. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=222 and the weight=3. 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.
On 1978 Apr 23 at UT20:35 (Rawlings, UK, finderscope, x50)
observed a bright flash (~0.3 sec duration) near to Copernicus (20W,
9N) with rays to the south east whilst he looked through a finder
scope. Moore, who studied the drawing, suggests that the area of the
flash was near Copernicus. However Cameron says this cannot be the case
if the flash was in darkness as mentioned in the BAA Lunar Section
circular. She comments that it might have been a meteor? The Cameron
2005 catalog ID=28 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1955 Nov 01 UTC 02:50-03:05 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 3.5" reflector x100, S=6, T=5) "Proc. D normally 5 deg bright
was vis. tonite only in blue light, whereas usually is vis. in
integrated light. However at col. 110.5 deg it was a dark spot (see #
816) C.p. tonite was normal 5 deg bright but in Oct. lun. was dark".
NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #625. Note Proclus D does
not refer to the crater Proclus D as defined by the IAU, but probably
to a spot inside the crater that Bartlett designated D!
Littrow 1915 Jan 31 UTC 22:00? Observer: unknown (England?) "6 to 7
spots arranged like a gamma first seen on this nite. (Kuiper atlas.
Rect. 14-c shows spots in form of a 7 or a cap. gamma backwards, but
not l.c. gamma)". NASA catalog weight=0 (almost certainly not a TLP).
NASA catalog ID #349. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
LaLande 1973 Jul 17 UT 03:30-03:45 Observed by Galgoey (Washington, NJ,
USA, 2" refractor x46, x117), S=VG, T=5) "Star-like pt., variations, 1-
2s, seen only at 40x, not at higher powers. LTP albedo =10, normal=8,
nearby plain =6 (geom, instrum. & atm. & refl. material at site
effects?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1371.
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x180) "Strong violet glare on
E. rim, changing to brown. At 0220 dark viol. in nimbus, at 0235
viol. changed to brown. At 0255 viol. suddenly reappeared, but
faded to invis. at 0300. Again at 0308 reapp. Only time he ever
saw such color changes." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID
583. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
1824 Dec 08 UTC 00:00? Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany)
"Bright fleck in SE part of crater" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA
catalog ID #104. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1947 Nov 30 UTC 00:00? Observed by Favarger
(France?) "3 bright points on inner w. slopes." NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID #499. 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.
On 1986 Feb 26 at 05:00UT a photograph was obtained by T. Kohman of
Pittsburgh, PA, USA (3.5" Questar and 0.25 sec exposure) that had two
bands above the limb, resembling ejecta plumes. Cameron suspects that
these are probably flare from the eyepiece optics. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=282 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1870 Feb 18 UTC 00:00? Observed by Gledhill (Halifax, England,
9" refractor) "Illum. of another group of craters different from group
in Aug. & Sep. obs. (date is F18 if phase is similar to Ap 1870)
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #164.
Mare Crisium 1962 Jul 19 UTC 07:30 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.
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.
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.
On 1944 Mar 12 at UT 23:00 H.P. Wilkins (Kent, UK, 8.5" reflector)
observed that Plato appeared incomplete - the central crater had it's
north wall obscured. cameron comments that maybe this was due to the
low altitude of the Moon? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=491 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Darling, alerted by Keyes saw Aris >> brighter obj on moon (as
it normally is) Comet ray & N rim of Herod. >> could see no
detail - Aris. except two bands, moon was pale yellow (low alt.)
with halo around it. Nothing unusual elsewhere. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID #384 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1,
just in case there is some merit in this report?
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.
Aristarchus 1969 Sep 30 UT 04:46-05:10 Observed by Maley, Saulietis
(Houston, TX, USA, 16" reflector, x130) "Intermittent blue color on SE
wall, verified by others. At 0500h, taking 10s to reach max. then
slowly disappeared. Gap appeared after 1st event. Drawing." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1202. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1983 May 31 at UT03:45-04:30 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia) noted
that the whole area of Aristarchus, Herodotus, and Schroter's valley
was both blurred and violet. There was hardly any detail seen inside
the crater. Herodotus could hardly be seen either and Schroter's valley
was totally unrecognizable. A sketch was supplied. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=223 and the weight=3.
On 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.
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.
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.
Observed by Bartlett (Baltimire, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x150) "N. half
of crater hazy & ill-defined". S=5, T=4. NASA catalog weight=4 (good).
NASA catalog ID 571.
Alphonsus 1972 Jul 30 UT 00:30-03:30 Observed by Morgan (UK
using a reflector) "Orange glow, brighter this nite than last
nite. Following nites were cloudy. Aristarchus and Gassendi
were negative." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1338.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1975 Nov 15 UT 06:34 Observed by Rule (Edinburgh, Scotland,
4" reflector x36) "Blue patch in crater (similar to many of Bartlett's
obs.?)" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1383.
Plato 1975 Jun 28/29 UT 23:00-01:20. Foley (Wilmington, UK, 12"
reflector, seeing, III, good clarity transparency). At 23:00,
00:30, and 01:15 blue was seen on the inner wall:floor southern
boundary, and red on the corresponding northern floor:wall
boundary. However by 01:20, blue was now on the S-NW floor:wall
boundary, and red on the NE-SE floor:wall boundary. Atmospheric
spectral dispersion existed in many regions, but did not change
like the colours in Plato. Similar appearance craters such as
Grimaldi, Schickard, and Riccioli, were checked for a similar
change in colour, but no change was noticed in these. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 01:55-02:45 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness and definition of
A of about 1/4 to 1/2 minute period. Rest of field unaffected. Checked
for cloud wih naked eye during fades - negative. Checked for misting
and tear salt on eyepiece by shifting A around the field - negative."
BAA Lunar Section report.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 03:00 Observed bt Michael Amato (West Haven,
CT, USA, 127mm Maksutov, x123) "The brightness variation (as seen by
Brook earlier) was very apparent. One thing never seen before by Amato
was a thin short bright ray that extended out in the opposite direction
as Aristarchus bright ray". The higher the Moon climbed in the sky the
more obvious this short thin bright ray became. An ALPO report.
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.
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.
On 1987 Oct 13 at UT14:00-17:00 J. Moeller (Kirkville, NY, USA,
6" reflector) observe and 10x70 binoculars) noted that
Aristarchus was brilliant in the sky and the most striking
feature on the lunar surface (2-3x brighter than Tycho). It
appeared as a hazy white cloud at first. The effect lasted for 3
hours. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=309 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
Alphonsus 1956 Oct 26 UT 12:54 Observed by Alter (Mt Wilson, CA,
USA, 60" reflector, S=E) "Photog. thru UV & IR filters. Obscur.
of E. 1/2 of floor evident in blue plates -- KodakII-O plate no
filter. 2m later Kodak I-N. One pair of plates best he'd ever
seen. Similar obscuration seen 2X on Linne (this started Kozyrev
on his spectrographic program.)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #653.
On 1980 Jul 05 at 03:20UT P.Moore (Selsey, UK, 12?" reflector)
found Aristarchus to be "Very brilliant indeed". Cameron 2006
TLP catalog ID=100 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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 1980 Aug 04 UT 11:40-11:53 Observed by Jean
Nicolini (Campinas, SP, Brazil, 6" reflector and 12"
reflector) "Red glow seen on SE exterior of Aristarchus".
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Grimaldi 1972 Aug 02 UT 23:42 Observed by Taylor, Findlay, Ford
(Dundee, Scotland, 10" refractor, x180, filters) "Blink in crater,
slight but definite on W. wall. Appeared bright without filters.
Confirmed by Findlay & Ford. Aris., Gass. & prom. Heraclides were
normal." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1339. ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
Tycho 1990 Dec 10 UT 11:03-12:49 Observed by Darling (Sun Prairie, WI,
USA, 12.5" Newtonian, x63) "Nebulous patch seen where the central peak
should have been in the 90% shadow filled crater. The nebulous patch is
seen to vary in size and a star-like point is seen inside it briefly
for 1 sec. The nebulous patch was a bit like what one expects from a
close-up view of a cometry nucleus. A sketch and an image can be found
on the following web site:
http://www.ltpresearch.org/ltpreports/ltp19901210.htm " An ALPO report.
Aristarchus 1955 Jul 13 UTC 02:50 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England) "Brilliant in blue & green filters. Didn't seem to be as clear
as other craters." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #598.
Copernicus 1996 Sep 06 UT 01:45 Observed by C Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm
refractor x28, x112, transparency, not good) "Shadows of central
mountains could not be seen although the shadows on the crater ramparts
were visible" BAA Lunar Section report. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Spitzenberg Mountains 1980 Jul 06 UT 02:05-02:26 Observed by Madj
(Newsome, Huddersfield, UK, 70mm OG, Seeing started as I and ended up
as IV) "Obscuration seen near Spitzenberg Mountains" BAA Lunar Section
Report.
On 1987 Oct 17 at UT17:00-18:00 (in daylight) J. Moeller (Kerkville,
NY, USA, 6" reflector, x80-x135) observed that Aristarchus had a long
trench-like feature going off to the north west limb. On the 18th this
feature was more cloud like, "bright white and opaque. (Trench =
Schrotes Valley? Similar to 10/13/67)". The Cameron 2006 catalof ID=311
and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Herodotus 1955 Jul 15 UT 03:50 Observer by Firsoff (Somerset, England,
6.5" reflector?) "Shadow from apparent c.p. (Orbiter photos don't show
it but Apollo 16 oblique shows a very low hill or hills, but slope is
< 2.5deg" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #599.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.