On 1957 Jul 31 UT 02:24 C. Johnson (4" reflector, x91, seeing 10/10)
observed a slight ring of light reaching around the north limb of the
Moon. The ring was only just brighter than Earthshine and about 1600km
long. The Moon's age was 3.9 days. The reference for this comes from;
Johnson, Craig, L. "Lunar Limb Brightening", Strolling Astronomer,
11:118, 1957.
On 1980 May 18 at UT 22:27 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 12" reflector,
seeing very good) observed Taruntius crater (in Earthshine) to change
brightness from black to light grey in about 30 seconds. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=95 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Apr 09 at UT 19:44 M. Price (Camberley, Surrey, UK, 6"
reflector, 58x and 117x) saw a 4 sec brightening in Aristarchus in the
clear Earthshine. Other features visible were: Grimaldi and some mare.
Foley found the crater to be "luminous & translucent". Cameron 2006
catalog ID=129 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Jan 08 at UT16:30-18:40 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, seeing=III) could
not see Aristarchus in Earthsine, despite, Tycho and the mare regions
being plainly visible. Foley (Kent, UK) found Aristarchus to be a "soft
blue patch" and North (seeing IV-V) found the crater to be one of the
brightest features on the Moon. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=237 and the
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1931 Feb 22 at UT 20:30 Joulia (Castelnaudary, Aude, France?)
observed in the Aristarchus region: "Reddish-yellow glimmer of light,
very variable with nearly complete extinction. (similar to Herschel's
1787 & Tempel's 6/10/1866 obs.)". The Cameron 1978 atalog ID=399 and
weight=3.
On 1990 Aug 26 at UT 02:30-03:30 W. Cameron (Sedona, AZ, USA, 8"
reflector, x110 and x220) observed that Proclus and Piccolomini craters
both had a pink colour inside them. At a higher magnification of x220
Piccolomini was still pink and it was stronger on the central peak's
wesern side. The cameron 2006 catalog ID=407 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1 as the Moon was not above the horizon at the date and UT given.
On 1990 Aug 26 at UT 02:30-03:30 W. Cameron (Sedona, AZ, USA, 8"
reflector, x110, x220, seeing=good) observed that the north wall of
Proclus crater was the brightest part of the crater, indeed very
bright. Proclus and Picolomini had pink colours inside them. CED
brightness measurements were as follows: "Proc. at 100x 4.0, 4.0; at
200x 3.4, 3.4; Theop. 3.5, 3.9; 3.5; Herc. 2.5, 2.75; 3.5; Atlas 2.8,
2.5, 3.0; Posidonius 3.0." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=407 and the
weight=3. The BAA/ALPO weight=1 as the Moon was not above
the horizon at the UT given.
On 1990 Aug 26 at UT 02:30-03:30 W. Cameron (Sedona, AZ, USA, 8"
reflector, x110 and x220, seeing=good) observed that the west wall of
Theophilus crater was red (on terminator). However Posidonius was also
on the terminator and no colour was seen elsewhere along the
terminator, however Proclus and Piccolomini had pink interiors. At a
higher power of x220 a prismatic effect was seen on the terminator in
Theophilus and opther craters - "even on W rim of a crater due W of
Theoph.". CED measurements of Theophilus... 3.5, 3.9, 3.5. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=407 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1
because the Moon was below the horizon at this time.
On 1821 Nov ? at UT 19:00 an unknown observer (in England) reported
"Bright spots on the moon. (if early phase, date would be 26th-29th) 4
other instances mentioned. Fixed streaks of light in dark part -- first
one stated as moving. The cameron 1978 catalog ID=94 and weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1972 Dec 11 at UT22:28 Cernan, on board Apollo 17, saw a flash on
the east rille in Mare Orientale (88W, 20S) as he orbited the Moon. The
Cameron 1978 catalog weight=1354 and the weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Nov 15 at 10:07-10:40 UT P. Jean (Outremont, Quebec,
Canada, 4" refractor?) saw in the SE part of Mare Serenitatis
a luminescent area just over on the night side of the
terminator - it was cone shapes and coppery in colour. Cameron
comments that maybe it was a very low sun angle effect and she
has seen something similar, but on the bright side of the
terminator. Jean then goes onto comment that at 10:25UT a very
dark line was seen south of the cone i.e. east of the
terminator. A sketch was provided and P.Foley commented that
the cone did not correspond to any terrain. Cameron 2006
Catalog Extension ID=339 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
2004 Dec 18 UT 02:00 F. Serio (Houston, TX, USA) may have
imaged aperiod of brightening in this crater in images -
though Darling comments that it could be a Registax issue.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
CCD images were captured in white light that seemed to show that
the relative brightness between Aristarchus or Pytheas differed
considerably to what they were to be one night earlier on 2008 Nov 25.
Either Pytheas was brighter tonight or Aristarchus was darker.
Which feature, and which night, the abnormality occurred on is
uncertain. One possible explanation might be a brightness
gradient from glare from the sunlit side affecting the image contrast
quality of the CCD images for relative photometric measurements.
This TLP is being assigned a weight of 3 for now.
CCD images were captured in white light that seemed to show that
the relative brightness between Aristarchus or Pytheas differed
considerably to what they were one night earlier on 2008 Nov 25.
Either Pytheas was brighter tonight or Aristarchus was darker.
Which feature, and which night, the abnormality occurred on is
uncertain. One possible explanation might be a brightness
gradient from glare from the sunlit side affecting the image contrast
quality of the CCD images for relative photometric measurements.
This TLP is being assigned a weight of 3 for now.
Ross D 1967 Dec 8 UT 02:30-02:40 Observer: Harris (Tucson?,
AZ?), colourless bright area SW of Ross D with repeated
condensations that appeared then dissipated in thirty seconds to
a minute. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
On 1969 Nov 16 at UT 16:43-19:22 Dall'Ara (Switzerland, 4"? reflector),
Stucchi (Switzerland, 12" reflector) observed in Aristarchus
intermittent pulsations - Cameron speculates atmopsheric and also
mentions the Apollo 12 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1211 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
On 1997 Apr 14 at UT 20:00-22:00 F. Paolo (Legnano, Italy)
photographed a lunar flare on the lunar limb.
Alphonsus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Aristarchus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Censorinus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hopmann (Czecholovakia?)
"Green flash or brightening (date correct ? written 8-4-65. First taken
as American convention, thus as Aug. 4, but now think it was in
European convention of day first then month)." NASA catalog weight=2
(low). NASA catalog ID #873a.
Hyginius N 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Linne 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Proclus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
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.
2004 Dec 20 UT 02:51-03:26 R. Gray (Winumma, USA) noted that
the crater had exceptional brightness to nimbus surrounding it. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1993 Jun 27 at UT 19:55-20:21 and 20:24-21:04) D. Kane (England? UK,
4" refractor) discovered that the central peak of Alphonsus crater was
very bright. The central peak was also brighter in red than in blue
light. However G. North (Herstmonceux, UK, 6" reflector, x135, seeing
V-III) and M. Cook (Frimley, UK, 4" reflcrctor, x10, seeing=III)
observed that the central peak was normal, however they did not use
filters. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID= and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Proclus 1972 Aug 17 UT 20:05-21:10 Observed by Haiduk (13.25E, 52.5N,
60mm refractor, S=1, T=3) "Well visible bright area at the NE wall, end
of event uncertain for seeing became poor" Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon &
Planets (1984) Vol 30, pp53-61.
On 1952 Feb 05 at UT 05:10 J.Carle (USA, 8" reflector, x180)
observed the following in Plato: "A shadow in a depression, or
a cloud, or an optical illus.? Oval dark area nr. center,
disappeared in 15m clear & prominenet at first then vanished.
4 of 14 spots nr. center continuously seen while remaining
ones seen only momentarily. (seeing?) Drawing includes sketch
on March 7. His sketch shows 18 spots, 13 same as here". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=549 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Proclus 1969 Nov 18 UT 20:00? Observed by Classen (Pulnitz,
Czechoslovakia, 8" refractor) "Brightened, exceeded normal.
Brightness is monitored relative to Censorinus. (started July,
1969) Obs. thinks all bright craters are variable. (Apollo 12
watch)." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1216.
ASLPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plato 1870 May 10 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 1964 Jan 24 at 20:00? Scarfe (UK) obtained spactra showing
luminescence? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=796 and weight=5. The
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.
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.
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.
Gassendi 1976 Oct 04 UT 20:55-20:58 Observed by Robinson (Devon,
England) - observer noted that the east outside wall was bright in red
and normal in blue. Note that the Moon was 30 deg above the horizon at
the time of the observation. The crater returned to normal at 20:58.
Also seen by Moore (Selsey, UK) and Foley (Kent, UK). At 21:25-21:50 D.
Sims (Dawlish, UK, 25cm reflector, x300, seeing IV and some cloud at
times) noticed a possible obscuration over the southern part of
Gassendi. He had been observing earlier at 18:40-19:30 but had not
detected a TLP in Gassendi then. 22:11UT Robinson notices that the spot
outside the east wall is again bright in red., though by 22:25 it had
faded and was gone by 22:28UT. The Cameron 1978 catalog further
quotes: "Vivid red spots & general red color seen around rim by 2 obs.
At 2209h blood red small area was seen. 1 h later the most westerly
(IAU?) of the peaks had become hazy white all other areas were sharp.
(Indep. confirm.)." Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5 and catalog ID #1454.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1906 Mar 07 UT 22:00? Observed by Fauth (Germany? 6" refractor)
"Color (brightness?) greatly enhanced as on the previous nite" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #324.
Foley (Kent, UK) saw the west wall dull and stongly coloured. Moore
(Sussex, UK) saw the wall as normal. However Cameron points out that
Foley (Kent, UK) is a lot more Blue/UV sensitive than Moore. Mosely
(Covington, UK) at 22:10 UT noticed a brightening on the East wall and
at 01:10-01:25 UT suspected that the interior had a weak yellow-green
cast to it. Cook (Frimley, UK) states that orange colour was within the
interior crater, but green beyond the east rim at the 9 O'Clock and
the south east corner to floor blue/mauvre beyond the northern rim
NW/WSW. Foley sstates that orange and blue/mauvre might be spurious
colour, but green one cannot get this way. Cameon suggests chromatic
aberatons as a possibility but thinks that the observers concerned were
experienced enough to recognize this if it were the cause. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=239 and weight=0. Moore used a 15?" refletor and
Foley used a 12" refletor. Mosely experienced II seeing and good
transparency. Cook had III seeing and also good transparency. P.
Grego made an observation this night too. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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 2016 Jul 17 UT 03:49 P.Zeller (ALPO, Indianapolis, IN, USA)
imaged a pseudo-peak with shadow on the floor of Herodotus,
however the image scale and quality of this colour image were
not great and the observer suspects that it might be an
imaging artefact. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
P. Foley of Kent, UK, using a 12" reflector, seeing=III-II, noticed
that initially that the crater was pretty dull and that the floor
was a slate blue-gray in colour at 22:45UT. A noticeable green spot
inside the crater on the south east appeared at 22:25UT and vanished
at 00:50UT. Cameron notes that one doesn't get green with spurious
colour. Crater Extinction brightness measurements were made at 22:00 UT
(reading=2.8) and at 23:45UT (reading=3.7). The crater dropped in
brightness from 3.7 to 2.8 at 23:50UT and remained lower until 3.0 at
23:50-03:15 UT. A graph was produced and showed Proclus and Censorinus
at similar brightnesses, but Aristarchus variable. The Earthshine was
0.3. Cameron 2006 Extension catalog ID=31 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Manilius 1968 Nov 04 UT 00:15-00:30 Observed by Jean et al. (Montreal,
Canada, 4" refractor, 6" reflector) "Extremeley bright flash on Men. &
Man. each." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1101.
Menelaus 1968 Nov 04 UT 00:15-00:30 Observed by Jean et al. (Montreal,
Canada, 4" refractor, 6" reflector) "Extremeley bright flash on Men. &
Man. each." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1101.
Plato 1874 Jan 01 UT 20:00? Observed by Pratt (England?)
"Unusual appearance" NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #
183. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Eratosthenes 1976 Sep 08 UTC 04:29 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=5-4, T=5) "Psuedo-shadow X3 was present
but X disappeared from wall(same intensity?) which was rated 4 deg.
Disappearance of X so unexpected that he examined inner S wall very
carefully & was certain it was free from psuedo-shad. Had vanished
within 24h. Other pseudo-shadows showed no change. X reappeared next
nite. (X must have been 4deg; &this is much higher than any other
meas.). Variability of wall shadows may habe been what Pickering saw,
suggests Bartlett." Cameron 1978 TLP catalog weight=4 and catalog ID
1452. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1964 Jan 28 at 21:00? Scarfe (UK) obtained spactra showing
luminescence? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=798 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1968 Mar 14 UT 01:32-02:06 Observed by Olivarez, Maley,
Etheridge (Edinburgh, TX, USA, 17" reflector, x125 + Moon Blink) and
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon Blink)
"S=5 (F-G) for the TX observations. "Trident Moon Blink on S. wall
creet & c.p. & white spots in crater. No color seen vis. Blink not seen
earlier or later. Other craters blinked some but not as strongly.
Only Aris. areas blinked when Moon blink was moved around. Observers
consider blinks real. Alt. of moon was 50 deg. Drawings. Corralitos
say they did not confirm, but they rep't Copernicus, not Aris." NASA
catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #1062.
Aristarchus 1961 Jun 27/28 23:00?-01:00? Observed by Granger &
Ring (Italy). "Enhancement of Spectrum in UV at CaII similar to
May obs." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #741. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Enhancement of spectrum in UV and CaI recorded on photoelectric
spectrometer scans by Grainger and Ring in Italy. Effect seen on
Aristarchus and a ray near Bessel (approx 17E, 22N). Cameron
1978 catalog ID=740 and weight=5. ALPO weight=3.
Aristarchus 1976 Jun 12 UT 05:21 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore. MD.
USA, 4.5" reflector, 40-225x, S=5, T=3, "Deep viol. tinge in N. 1/2 of
nimbus. Faint blue-viol. radiance (gas ?) on E. - NE wall along crest.
No color elsewhere, nor on plateau m." NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #1435.
On 1964 May 26 UT 04:10-04:35 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, S=5, T=5).
observed that Aristarchus had a strong blue-violet glow on the east
wall and EWBS, with a strong violet tinge on the nimbus. Crater was
hazy, could not focus it in red, green or blue light. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID= and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1955 Aug 03 UTC 04:13-04:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=5) "Floor blackish 2 intensity but
in green filter assumed a distinctly mottled or flocculent appearance
-- seen only in green. Neither blue nor red had any effect, but on
previous eve. green light had not produced such an appearance." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #602. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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.
Proclus 1958 Aug 30 UT 06:30-06:45 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4" reflector, x240, S=6, T=5) "Proc. Q. a bright spot on NE rim
apparently a crater presented a very abnormal aspect. Extraordinarily
large & at least 9 deg bright -- like EWBS on Aris. This spot is
subject to large unexplained variations. At 97 deg col. in July, Q was
also 9 deg bright but very small. At col.96 deg, 5 in May '58,
col.99deg in Feb.'50, & 96 deg in Nov. '55 it was not seen at all.
Assoc. with tonite was a distinct blue glare on NE rim, extending for
short dist. & @ 2x as far as S." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #894.
Aristarchus was not normal, but all the following features were: Mare
Crisium, Proclus, Sinus Iridium, Grimaldi, and Tycho. Observed by
Mellor and Fitton, UK. Observer notes that Aristarchus is brighter than
Tycho when normal. Estimated variation was 25%. However the Moon was
low and the Moon was yellow. Despite this the observer decided that the
effect was real. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=32 and weight=2.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1967 Nov 17 UTC 18:36-18:50 Observed by Moore, Moseley
(Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor x260) "Faint blink
under SW wall. Nothing seen vis. Gone by 1839h. Reappeared at
1841, then gone by 1850h. Checks till 0200h were neg. Obs.
dubious of reality of phen." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog
ID #1054. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 23 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographed
due to clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
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.
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.
East of Plato 1961 Jun 29/20 23:00?-01:00 Observed by Granger
and Ring (both in Italy) "Enhancement of spectrum in UV & Ca I
recorded on photoelectric spectrometer scans" NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #742. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 24 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographe due to
clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
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.
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.
On 1990 Jan 14 at UT 01:14-01:55 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing=poor)
observed that Aristarchus did not appear normal for this illumination.
the northern half of Aristarchus was "2x>" than the southern half of
the crater. There were two white patches of apron material near to the
crater Herodotus that were 50% of the brightness of the southern half
of Aristarchus. Furthermore the southern half of Aristarchus had a
circle - "dull patch on inner S wall with a bright point shining
through it. (Bartlett's EWBS?)". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=389 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3.
Daniell 1894 Feb 23 UT 00:00? Observed by Krieger (Germany)
"Strong, brownish-red coppery hue." NASA catalog weight=4 and
catalog ID #281. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1894 Feb 23 UT 00:00(?) Posidonius N. Wall observed by
Krieger (Germany) "Strong, brownish-red coppery hue." NASA
catalog weight=4 and catalog ID #281. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 25 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographe due to
clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
On 1961 Jul 01 at UT 00:00? an unknown Miranova (Russia or
Israel) obtained some spectral photometry of lunar objects. A
spectral plate in 425 -> 500nm bands. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=743 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2005 Oct 21 at UT 13:07-14:27 R. Gray (Winnemucca, NV, USA, 15cm F/9
refractor, x228, seeing 4-5, transparency 5-6) observed a possible TLP
in Macrobius. His report is as follows: "Blinked Macrobius with Wratten
Filters Blue 38A and Red 29. Macrobius became almost invisible through
the Blue 38A and essentially the same as in white light through the Red
29. The interior of the crater was completely in shadow. The only part
of the east wall that was visible was an apparent high point still in
the sun and seen as a bright point of light. This faded into darkness
before 13:56UT. No sign of any illumination of the east wall crater
interior or the interior of the west wall was seen during the
observation period. The outer west wall was a rough looking,
complicated mix of deep shadow and illuminated sunlit terrain." The
observer concluded that there was not a TLP - although he did get a
filter reaction, this may have been due to the different densities of
the filters? ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
On 1991 Jul 31 at UT 07:50 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor) observed that the south floor of Aristarchus was wellow -
"almost gold, spilled over S wall on ray toward Herodotus". Cameron
comments that Bartlett often reported a yellow floor but not a spill of
the colour over to the external ray. Cameron also comments that
Louderback's refractor would refract more in blue light than in yellow,
therefore she did not think that it was due to chromatic aberation. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=431 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1991 Jul 31 at UT 07:50 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor) found that all of Mons Piton was "unusually dark". Points D,
C (E and S resp), usually brightest points, but this time were not
bright. "Whole mt was as dark as W wall usually is at this time. In
violet filter Piton disappeared completely, but was a little brighter
in red filter and points D & G showed. Color not seen by eye. No albedo
measured. Suggests red event." Cameron rules out chromatic aberation
from Louderback's refractor. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=431 and the
weight=3. The 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.
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.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 08:30-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Reichenbach glowed for a short time and then
faded. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 08:30-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Stevinus glowed for a short time and then
faded. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.