On 1916 Sep 05 at UT 19:30 Markov (Russia) observed in Plato light on
shadow of the bands at the bottom of the crater. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=364 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Sulpicius Gallus 1867 Jun 10 UT 22:00? Observed by Dawes
(England?) "3 distinct roundish black spots. Absent on 13th"
NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #184. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1925 Jun 20 UT 20:00? Observed by Markov (Russia) "Light
bands in bottom seen in shadow & did not seem to be elevations.
These have been seen 5X from 1913-1922." NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #391. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Eratosthenes 1976 Aug 04 UTC 02:07 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, S=6, T=3, 4.5" reflector 40-450x) "faint spot of light 4 deg
bright seen in shadow on pos. of c.p. which is normally invis. At base
of inner NW wall a faint bluish radiance (gas?) was observed". NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1439.
On 1969 Nov 18 at UT 00:30-02:30 W. Cameron (Greenbelt, MD, USA, 12"
reflector, x80 and x320) using a low power eyepiece, observed that
bright craters (but not all of them) "glittered like diamonds". These
craters were several on the terminator, Proclus, Censorinus, Manillius,
Menelaus and Dionysius. The glitter effect was on the west wall crest
-- like stars. Higher power revealed these areas to be bright but not
star-like (nor glittering). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1212 and the
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Alphonsus 1952 Nov 25 UT 17:15 A.P. Lenham (Swindon, UK, 3-
inch refractor) noted that the usual dark spots were not
visible. 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.
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 2012 Aug 25 UT1944-1952 Eratosthenes crater was imaged by C.
Galdies (Malta,Nexstar 8SE, Philips SPC 900NC camera). 4
Registaxed images were produced covering 19:45, 19:48, 19:49,
and 19:51. All but the first image, once first order spurious
colour had been removed, showed orange on the shaded terraces on
the western illuminated rim (similar to what Paul Abel and
others saw in 2009, albeit just confined to the NW rim), and the
interior floor shadow was slightly smaller in red light. However
orange colour was also seen on the eastern side of mountains to
the south of the crater, which infers that the spurios colour
removal did not fully acomplish its main goal. The effects were
not caused by the registax software as the orange colour is
visible on individual images. Although probably the colour is
not lunar in orgin, its explanation is not fully explaianed,
therfore an ALPO/BAA weight of 1 is used for now.
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.
On 1931 Mar 27 R.Barker (observing from Cheshunt, UK, 12.5" reflector)
found that the central mountain in the brilliant ray crater Tycho was a
curious shade of grey. This was despite the interior of Tycho being
fully in shadow. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=400 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Plato 1878 Oct 05 UT 21:40 Observed by Klein (Cologne,
Germany, 6?" refractor) "Fog in W. part of crater. Faint
shimmer like thin white cloud" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #203. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1982 Mar 04 at UT 20:00 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Censorinus
(4.6) to be brighter than Proclus (4.0) in white light. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=164 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1982 Mar 04 at UT 20:00 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Proclus
(4.0) to be fainter than Censorinus (4.6) in white light. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=164 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1989 Jan 16 at UT 20:00 G. North (Herstmonceux, UK, 30" reflector)
observed Toricelli B to change in brightness and found colour in it. A
10 minute exposure spectrum was taken (Cameron does not have
information on whether anything unusual was recoeded) before clouds
obscured the Moon. Normally a 30 minute exposure would be needed. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=345 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
2007 Oct 20 UT 17:31 A.Pink (Basinkstoke, UK) images a flash on
the dark size of the Moon near to Vitello. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristillus 1939 Sep 23 UT 01:00 Observed by Haas? (New Mexico?, USA,
12" reflector?) "Dark area in W. part of floor had I=1.3. comp with I=
1.3, 3.7, 4.0 in #450, 454, & 459, respectively. (albedos disagree at
same phases, so are real anomalies). (normal here?)." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #461.
Plato 1970 Dec 07/08 UT 23:30-00:45 UT Observed by Fitton (Oldham,
England, 8.5" refkector, x200, S=G) "Floor blank, yet some craters
should be vis. Outer wall craters showed clearly. (similar to
Bartlett's obs on Nov. 8th, #1278" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1279.
Aristillus 1939 Jul 26 UT 02:30 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA, 12?"
reflector) "Dark area to W. part of floor was I=3.7. (see #450, 459 &
461). Used diff. telescopes but can not explain difference)" NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #454.
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.
Copernicus 1966 Mar 01-02 UT 22:06-09:45 Observed by Lovell (Auburn,
OH, 4" refractor, x120m S=E, T=3.5) "As sun rose higher, west (ast.?)
outer wall was bathed in a soft viol. color -- not in evidence on flat
ground below the wall" NASA catalog weight=3, NASA catalog ID #922.
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.
C. Brook of Plymouth UK, using a 4" refractor x216, noticed at UT 20:10
dark patches coming and going (in terms of visibility) on the floor of
Plato. Occasional views of the central cratelet (seen as a white spot)
were glimpsed. The dark patches seen lasted about 1-2 seconds before
fading out during each visibility cycle. Teneriff Mountains were
checked but no sign of seeing effects that might explain the dark floor
patches. By 20:26UT the dark patch effect was fading and by 20:31UT
floor detail was visible. Observations ceased at UT 20:34. Seeing
conditions were II and the Moon was at a high altitude. Other observers
were alerted but came on-line after the effect had finished. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
At approximately 18:43UT observer noticed that Censorinus, and
its bright apron, appeared particularly brighter than normal.
There was some spurious colour present - but just a redness
along the southernmost extent of the apron visible; could not
detect any blue along the northern edge however, he did do not
suspect the colour to be anomalous. A re-examination at 18:51UT
revealed that the crater had faded and was seen to fade visibly
in real time to normal levels (over about a minute) by 18:53UT.
Other features remained constant and so too did the apparent
spurious colour.
Ramsden 1999 May 25 UT 20:57-21:22 Observed by Brook
(Plymouth, UK, 4" refractor, x216, seeing II-III) "Bright spot
on W wall - brightness variation seen. - At the start it was
bright, then it faded, and towards the end of the observation
it was starting to brighten again". BAA Lunar Section
observation. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Eratosthenes 1968 Nov 01 UT 01:50-02:06 Observed by Chilton
(Hamilton, Canada, 12" reflector, 300x) "Red glow in the crater.
Weak blink beyond ESE (IAU?) wall. Visually, area would not
focus & gave impression of fog cascading down slope, but no
motion was vis. (Moore has misprint in time in his cat.
extension -- should be 0150-0206)." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID 1106. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
U.K. observers: G. North and P. Foley, both saw a wisp of blue
associated with this crater. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=209 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Daniell 1979 Jun 05 UT 20:15-21:10 Observed by Price (Camberley,
England, 152mm reflector x64 and x128, seeing III, transparency good)
"Obscuration seen" BAA Lunar Section report.
Daniell 1979 Jun 05 UT 20:15-23:00 Observed by Price (Camberley,
England, 152mm reflector x64 and x128, seeing III, transparency good)
observed that Posidonius lacked sharpness.
Bullialdus 1979 Jun 05 UT 22:00-23:00 Observed by Cook M.C.
and J.D. (Frimley, UK, 12-inch reflector, Seeing III-IV, good
transparency). MC Cook observed internittently over this time
period (due to cloud) and found the crater sharper in a blue
filter than in a red filter. No obscuration seen apart from a
darkish patch on the SW rim and spreading over onto an area
surrounding the rim, which she took to be shadow, though the
main shadow was along the east rim of the crater. JD. Cook
observed an orange colouration seen on eastern and the cleft
on the SW rim. Dark area seen on southern floor of crater,
south of central peak. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Apr 15 at UT06:27-06:40 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA
using a 3" refractor x134 and S=4.5-5 and T=5-0) saw a bright spot on
the western wall of Eimmart (sketch supplied) have an unusual
brightening and shade. Variations occurred over 2-3 minute intervals.
Louderback commented that the spot looked like a flare with its apex
located at the crater wall and there was some blurring effect on the
spot - it decreased in size during the phenomenon. Seeing worsened
later. Apparently on the 18th and 19th of April everything was back to
normal. Cameron comments that there is no bright spot on the Moon at
this location. Lunar Orbiter IV plates 192-3.2 shows evening
conditions. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension TLP ID=130 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weright=3.
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.
Gassendi 1967 Jan 21 UT 19:36-20:24 Observed initially by
Moore & Moseley (Armagh, N.Ireland, 10" refractor, x360, S=G),
Ringsdore (England, 10" reflector), Sartory (Farnham, England,
15" reflector?), Duckworth (England), Kilburn (Ashton,
England, 6" reflector), Farrant (England, 8" reflector) "Eng.
moon blink at 1936 (no events from 1750-1815h) outside SE
wall, brighter at 1939h, seen vis. at 1940h, faint at 1946h.
Moved NW at 1950h. At 2000h, Moseley saw it farther W., lost
it at 2008h. Seen again at 2026h further toward group of
hills. Moore saw it faint at 2002h, lost it at 2005h, vis. &
blink at 2007h. Checks again at 2010-50h, 2130-50, 2200-20,
2250-2300, 2325-0000h.Duckworth suspected blink in S.Iridium
nr. Bianchini later, but clouds intervened, after clearing
couldn't see it. Neg. obs. in 11 other features, inc.
Alphonsus & Plato. Confirmed Gass blink 2018-2024h" NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1010. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Gassendi 1971 Oct 29 UT 22:15-22:50 observed by J.Coates and
A.R. Neville (Burnley, UK, 6" reflectir, x192, slight fog,
seeing jumpy but good at times). An in ititial Moonblink
search proved negative. However white light observations by
Coates revealed a golden brown colour between the black
interior shadow and the base of the (bright W (IAU?) wall).
Neville confirmed its appearance as a coppery hue and saw the
colour for 5 minutes before it vanished at 22:55UT. ALPO/BAA
weight=2
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.
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.
Barker's Quadrangle (Capuanus) 26W, 34S 1949 Feb 9 UT 20:00?
Observed by Moore (England, 12" reflector) :Quadrangle not seen,
apparently misty. (quad. in Capuanus? see Wilkins & Moore, The
Moon, p124)" NASA catalog ID=514, weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3..
On 1978 May 18 at UT20:45-21:53 J.D. Cook (Frimley, UK, 12"
reflector, x240) observed Promitorium Laplace to have
visually a brown colour - though no Moon Blink (red and blue
filters) effect was detected. Cameron comments that this is
probably a subjective effect - also others have reported
something similar at times. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=30
and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1998 Jul 05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector, x200-
x400, seeing II/III) comments that he is puzzled why the floor
of Plato, which is light gray in shade, looks completely blank
tonight. 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.
M. Cook of Frimley, UK, noticed Torricelli B to have a blue
tinge inside and outside. No colour had been noticed earlier
on 19-21 Mar. Cameron reports also in her catalog that the halo
around Torricelli B had lost its brilliance as seen on 29th Mar.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=210 and weight=5 - apparently being
confirmed by Marshall, Mobberley and Foley. 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.
Torricelli B 2005 Jan 22 UT 01:00 Observed by Serio (Houston, TX, USA,
6" Cassegrain, x150 and x180, Seeing 3, high deck of Cirrus clouds)
"Torricelli B hard to make out in the videos taken, but images taken
through cloud. A check on the image received by the coordinator shows
that Torricelli B is in fact visible, but perhaps not very bright. A
later observational sequence of images by Raul Salvo (Montevideo,
Uraguay UT 03:15-03:23) showed similarly that Torricelli B was dark,
and there was some brightness variability although the
background setting on these was low" An ALPO report.
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.
At 03:30UT observer noticed a hint of yellow colour
on the floor of the crater and by 03:57UT the south
east and central parts of the floor and the circular
feature on the south west floor had turned a deep
yellow colour. The rest of the crater remained colourless.
Other craters also remained colourless. By 04:05UT the colour
was fading and by 04:15UT it was gone. Maurice Collins
in New Zealand took some low resolution colour images about
4 hours later but these failed to show any yellow colour.
Zac Pujic obtained colour images at a different time of
natural surface colour on the Moon and finds that Bullialdus
does actually have a natural yellow cast to most of the floor.
However this does not explain the variability in colour strength
seen by Robin Gray. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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.
Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England, 6.5" reflector? x240) "Red
glow." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #573.
On 1987 Jan 11 at UT 18:15-23:00 P. Grego (Birmingham, UK, 6"
reflector, seeing=III) sketched Aristarchus crater and saw two luminous
circular patches on the exterior west wall - these were less bright
than the inner wall but brighter than the outer wall. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=292 and weight=5.
On 1987 Jan 11 at UT P. Moore (Sussex, UK) found the the floor of Plato
was much more drk than the adjacent Mare Imbrium. Furthemore there was
a blurring of detail over the northeast wall and onto the nearby floor.
detail elsewhere in the crater was OK. By 23:00UT there was less lack
of detail effects. M. Cook (Frimley, UK) at 21:55UT noted the obscured
area but decided that it was narrower than the same effect one month
ago and suspected that she may have been observing towards the end of
this TLP. The effect gradually dimmed between 21:55 and 22:45UT. Other
craters were normal. G. North was affected by poor seeing conditions.
Davies detected a slight obscurtion on the north east corner - it was a
misty gray feature at x200. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID was
292 and the weight was 5. Tha ALPO/BAA weight was 4.
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.
Torricelli B 2005 Jan 22 UT 03:15-03:23 Observed by Raul Salvo
(Montevideo, Uraguay UT 03:15-03:23) showed that Torricelli B
was dark, and there was some brightness variability although the
background setting on these images was low and seeing could
account for the brightness variation? An ALPO report.
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.
Schroter's Valley 1955 Aug 29 UT 19:45 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England, 6.5" reflector x200, S=P-F) "Valley almost completely
invisible in blue" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #605.
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 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.
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.
Hobdell, of St Petersburg, FL, USA, using a 2"? refractor?
and Seeing=I-II, saw a bright region on the north west wall
that seemed to change in brightness. In truth, there were
other features elsewhere on the Moon that also fluctuated,
but not as much as Aristarchus was. No colour was noticed.
Cameron suspects fluctuations in our own atmosphere.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID 131 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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 (high). NASA catalog ID #671. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2002 Feb 24 UT 05:15-05:35 W. Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA) observed an
obscuration in Herodotus - the shadown was, almost, but not
completely black. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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 2002 Feb 24 UT 06:05-06:20 W. Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA) observed
that the shadow was, almost, but not completely black. This might have
been related to the observing conditions.
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.
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.
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.
Johnson, of Des Moines, Iowa, USA, using a 7" reflector and an 8"
refractor, saw a bight streak. The observer looked later, but it was no
longer visible. Cameron thinks that it might have been a reflection
from the wall. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=423 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
D. Darling of (Sun Praire, WI, USA, using a 12.5" reflector at x150,
noticed a hint of red? colour on the south west rim of Aristarchus.
Brightness measurements were normal for Aristarchus and Herodotus. No
colour seen elsewhere e.g. Prom. LaPlace. The colour on Aristarchus had
gone by 01:15UT. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=414 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
A fleeting faint reddish patch was seen in Gassendi
at 21:15UT. This observation has an ALPO/BAA weight of 2.
Rays of(?) (in?) Herodotus 1955 Oct 28 UTC 18:30 Observed by Kozyrev
(Crimea, Russia, 50" reflector, spectragraph) "Spectrum 3934A (K of
Ca). 3964 (H of Ca) change in luminosity. 13% in H, 19% in K, 2% in H,
3% in K. in photo-line-depth method" NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID #622. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
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.
1996 Jun 28 UT 21:04 F. Ferri and D. Zompatori (Anzio), using
a 20cm f/6 reflector, reported that (translation) "Using a
blue filter the area was invisible". This is a UAI observation
from Italy. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Babbage 1974 Sep 29 UT 00:00-01:00 Observed by Lord (St Annes-
on-Sea, UK, 10" refractor, Wratten 25 and 44a filters, 125x,
S=II-III). Activity observed in SW floor between A & W. wall.
Details not obscured in either filter, but slightly more
darker than surroundings in the blue filter. NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1395. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Ross D 1965 Apr 14 UT 06:03-06:22 Observed by Harris (Whittier?, CA?,
USA, 19"? reflector) "Phenomenon description unavailable. Given at an
ALPO meeting" NASA catalog weight=0 (very unreliable). NASA catalog ID
#874.
On 1990 Oct 02 at 02:25-02:45UT D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA using a
12.5" reflector at x159, with red and blue filters), saw a blink
effect on the west wall of Plato i.e. brighter through a blue filter
than through the red. No Colour blinks seen on Gassendi or Aristarchus.
Cameron 2006 Catalog TLP=413 and weight=4.
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.
Schroter's Valley 1897 Oct 08 UT 22:00 Observed by Pickering
(Cambridge, Maas., USA, 15"? refractor) "Variations in vapor col.
Tillsow, C was largest compared with D&E& most conspicuous 1.3 d after
sunrise. Drawing. (time est. fr. given colon.)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #291.
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 1984 Feb 14 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) thought that there was something
odd about Mons Pico in that it looked very bright and gave a good
impression of a crater. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=241 and
weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1984 Feb 14 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) observed that Plato was darker
than the nearby mare and no detail could be seen on the floor or the
eastern wall - the later was obscured. At 23:40UT some dimming was
still present on the north east wall and still no detail on the floor
of Plato. Cook noticed that the eastern floor close to the wall was
misty and also noted no detail on the floor. Amery though noted that
all parts of the floor were sharp although some darkening was visible
in the north west and a hint of obscurtion. The east wall though was
quite sharp. Mosely could see the central craterlet but from 8-6
o'clock tricky to define (Foley says that this effect has been seen at
this colongitude before). Streak ray across the floor of Plato seen
(North) - filter measurements made. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=
241 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
Peter Foley observed a tiny yellow-brown region close
to 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.
Plato 1874 Jan 01 UT 20:00? Observed by Pratt (England?)
"Unusual appearance" NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #
183. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1982 Mar 08 Daniell UT 22:49-22:57 P.Madej (Hudersfield, UK) -
A colour and brightness anomaly was seen a TLP alert was put
out. Cameron 2006 catalog extension weight=165 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
"Brightening in blue filter, 1st for seconds, later for mins". NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #574.
Plato 1971 Nov 01 UT 19:35-20:35 Observed by Kidd (S.Shields,
UK 16" reflector, S=G), Kirsopp (UK), Fitton (Lancashire, UK,
8" reflector x200) "NW (IAU?) rim, small area of obscur. &
bright spot adjacent to it. Was normal at 2035h. Kirsopp
confirmed. Fitton saw nothing unusual in blink patrol. (blink
device detects color rather than brightness)" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1318. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Manilius 1939 Jul 30 UT 06:00 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA, 12?"
reflector) "Dark area in S. part wad I=3.7 comp. with #449. Cond. were
similar. (phase same. real difference?). (normal here?)"
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.
Lichtenberg 1951 Jan 21 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=2.
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.
Schickard 1940 May 20 UT 20:00 Observed by Moore (England, 12?"
eflector) "Fog on floor -- milky appearance, less pronounced
than on 8/2/39 (see #456)." NASA catalog ID #465. NASA catalog
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1971 Jan 10 UTC 20:17-20:42 Observed by Taylor (Slough, England,
8.5" reflector) "Blink (dark gray to black), 13x3km diam. on E. wall &
floor in indentation in wall. Smaller by 2028 h. gone at 2035h.
Reappeared at 2028h & gone completely at 2042h)." NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1282.
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.
Madler 1940 Aug 17 UTC 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=5.9 on this date but
6.8 on Sep. 16, when observ. cond. were similar (see #473)" NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #470. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 1897 Oct 10 at UT 19:00 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass. USA, 15"
refractor?) observed in Shroter's valley and the vicinity, "Variations
in vapor col. change in direction of cloud rising from F is marked
(time est. fr. given colon.)" The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=292 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
Aristarchus vicinity 1842 Oct 18 UT 23:00? Observed by
Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany) "Mingling of all colors in small
spots in W. & NW of crater. (interposition of year dates? was #
101 --1842 prob. correct." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #121. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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 Jun 20 UT 07:30 Observed by Haas (NM, USA, 12?"
reflector) "NE wall (outer) had I=2.5 on this nite but 5.0 on
Aug. 18 (see #471 -- both same phase so real diff. 2.5 normal?)"
NASA weight=4. NASA ID No. #467. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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 1954 Oct 12 UT 00:55-02:10 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5" refractor x100, S=5-6, T=5) "Pale
violet radiance on S.wall SE, E, NE walls, & c.p. At 0409 strong
violet tint E 1/2 of fl.very faint on W. 1/2 of floor & W. wall.
Dark violet on nimbus & pale violet on Mt. m" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #576. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1878 Nov 09 UTC 21:00 UTC Observed by Klein (Cologne, Germany,
6" refractor?) "Faint, but unmistakable white cloud not seen before."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #207.
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.
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.
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.
Cobra Head 1955 Oct 31 UTC 19:00 Observed by Milligan (England?) "Dark
blue obscuration" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID 624.
On 1955 Oct 02 at UT 05:30-05:55 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5"
reflector, x100, S=7, T=5) observed the following in Aristarchus
crater: "Viol. gl. on E, NE rim, over EWBS resembled a viol. mist.
Crater itself was hazy, could not get a sharp focus". The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=615 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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 1984 Feb 17 at 19:45-22:20UT P. Madej noticed colour in Aristarchus
and telephoned the BAA Lunar Secton TLP network. Mosely at 21:15UT
observed that Aristarchus was both bright and fuzzy - there was some
spurios color (red on south and blue on the north) but this was
replaced by violet. By 21:30UT (transparency=fair) the centre of the
crater was bluish and the west wall creamy white. the north and south
walls were brilliant white. By 22:00-22:30 UT the seeing had improved
and the crater looked unusual - now the centre was violet and the west
wall duller, off-white. By 05:35UT the crater was difficult to define
according to Cook - 4 bands could be seen under II seeing and the north
rim was fuzzy and less bright than the east wall (this was hazy). P.
Moore observed that the crater was normal at 04:00UT. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=242 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1984 Feb 17 at 19:45-22:20UT P. Madej (England, seeing=III-
IV, x50)noticed that the crater Reinhold had a blood red spot
on the northern terraces, at the base of the inner wall in a
summit crater on the last of a crater chain or ridge
descending from the top to floor". Cameron 2006 catalog
extension ID=242 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 11 06:44 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4.5" reflector, 45-300x, S=4-3, T=4) "Pale viol. radiance (gas?) on
plateau m. Dark viol. tinge on nimbus. C.p.=10 deg walls=8deg, & all of
floor=8 deg. W.wall out of focus due to haziness (gas?)." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1441.
On 1983 Jan 29 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.
CCD images taken through Wratten 25 (red+near IR) and 87
(near IR only) filters. Between 00:02 and 00:25UT there
was some slight evidence that a fade may have taken place
however careful analysis by Cook casts doubt on this.
Probably it was more related to a degradation in image
quality due to seeing than a true TLP. An ALPO/BAA
weight of 1 has been assigned.
Aristarchus 1973 Oct 12 UTC 18:13-18:45 observed by Pasternak "Bright
region of the S. of the crater, color was red." - Hilbrecht and
Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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!
Aristarchus 1962 May 20 UTC 08:00? Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson,
CA ?, 60" reflector? Photometer) "Reddish color in Aris. 0.88
magnitudes brighter than normal (photometry)." NASA catalog weight=5
(very good). NASA catalog ID #758. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Bullialdus 1962 May 20 UTC 08:00? Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson,
CA ?, 60" reflector? Photometer) "1.05 magnitudes brighter than normal
(photometry)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #758.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Kepler 1962 May 20 UTC 08:00? Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA
?, 60" reflector? Photometer) "1.03 magnitudes brighter than normal
(photometry)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #758.
Enhancement of spectrum in UV and CaI recorded on photoelectric
spectrometer scans by Grainger and Ring in Italy. Effect seen on
Aristarchus. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=740 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA
weight=5.
On 1970 Nov 14 UT20:10 J.Coates (Burnley Astromical Society,
8.5" reflector, x102 and x204) saw a dirty green colour on the
NW region of the crater, in patches, with a green area nearby.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
E. of Picard 1879 Nov 01 UT 00:00? Observed by an unknown observer
(England?) "Bright spot. (Fort admits he has several more of these
records of LTP, but does not give them because they don't fall nr.
Mars'opposition which he tho't was cause of them.) Elevation rising N-
S, with shading toward terminator." NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #214.
On 1955 Oct 03 at UT 04:45-05:05 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5"
reflector, x100, S=5, T=3) observed the following in Aristarchus
crater: "Whole cdrater hazy, couldn't focus it. Herodotus unaffected".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=617 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1978 May 24 at 00:40-01:05UT P. Moore (Sussex, UK, and using a
12.5" reflector at x300-400 - seeing IV) saw colour in Aristarchus (red
on the south east wall and southern "horn" of the crater. He could not
detect colour elsewhere, but felt that the effect might have been
spurious colour. With the increasing altitude of the Moon the light
effect decreased. Moore detected red the next night as well (May 25th)
and on May 27th, but it was not present on May 29th. The Cameron 2006
Extension catalog ID=33 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Peirescius 1985 Dec 28 UT ~20:56 (Col. 112.5) H. Hill (UK)
observed that this crater was piercingly bright. Repeat
colongitude observations on later dates failed to show a
similar effect. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1940 Aug 20 UT 03:25 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) "Largest bright spot on SE pt. of floor had I=8.6
(real changes? see @ '#649, 474, & 475, all similar change)."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #472. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 12 UT 07:30 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=6=3, T=5) "Nimbus around c.p.=2deg,
S.floor=6deg & was red; rest of floor=8deg. This is only tint in
Aris.). Tonite saw a pale red glow suffasing the S. region of the
crater. Bright blue radiance (gas?) on ENE wall. Viol. radiance on
plateau m gone tonite. Red glow on 13th & the region was yellow-
brown." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1442.
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.
In 1941 Jul 11 at UT 04:00? Haas (New Mexico?, USA, 12" reflector)
observed near Hansteen "Moving luminous speck, estimated 0.1" diam.,
mag 8 (rept. date was 10. Lunar meteor?". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
487 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1986 Feb 26 at 05:00UT a photograph was obtained by T. Kohman of
Pittsburgh, PA, USA (3.5" Questar and 0.25 sec exposure) that had two
bands above the limb, resembling ejecta plumes. Cameron suspects that
these are probably flare from the eyepiece optics. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=282 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Aristarchus 1969 Dec 26 UT 03:35-03:45 Observed by Kilburn (England,
6" x192) "Suspected faint blink & glow outside of SW(IAU?) wall. Large
area was gray toward Herod. Another blink inside between 2 bands
at0330h. At 0345h neither blinks seen. Blink seen in blue (=red
event?). Next nite crater was normal." NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1231.
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.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 13 UT 07:30 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=6=3, T=5) "Nimbus around c.p.=2deg,
S.floor=6deg & was red; rest of floor=8deg. This is only tint in
Aris.). Tonite saw a pale red glow suffasing the S. region of the
crater. Bright blue radiance (gas?) on ENE wall. Viol. radiance on
plateau m gone tonite. Red glow on 13th & the region was yellow-
brown." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1442.
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.
On 1985 Dec 29th at UT 23:23-23:58, M. Mobberley (Bury St. Edmunds,
Suffolk, UK, seeing II-III) made a video scan of the Moon. P.W. Foley
examined the tape and noted something that Mobberley had not seen
visually. Two scans of Totticelli B had taken place, one at 23:23 and
the other at 23:58UT. In the first a brilliant point appeared briefly,
on the western rim, positioned at 3o'clock. In the second video
sequence this brilliant spot was present continuously and wandered
along the rim. It was possible to monitor frequency of turbulence
present, this apparent movement did not ppear to conform, although
judgement here was extremelydifficult as the feature was at absolute
point of resolution, a little better than 0.5 mile. Also considered was
the implication of the equipment effect, this did not seem to fit
either as other nerby craters in the same configuration, 30% shadow
filled with sunlight on exterior of western walls. A point to watch for
in future. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Grimaldi 1937 Sep 23 UT 05:00 Observed by Firsoff (Glastonbury,
England, 6" reflector + filter) "Variations in green. Strong green on
this date. Other dates of variation are:
Date Time Color
4/29/37 0930 slight
3/23/38 09?30 strong
7/24/38 0830 gray-green
NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #424.
Birt 1972 Sep 25 UT 23:20-23:45 Observed by Doherty (Stoke-on-Trent,
England, 10" reflector x280, S=VG) "All bright areas were similar in
intensity (albedo) but 2 larger ones at times seemed brighter. N & S.
The E. IAU? wall of the small craterlet showed most prominently & at
times suspected a faint pt. of light just W. of its center. This was
very suspect however." NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog
ID #1345.
Darling, alerted by Keyes saw Aris >> brighter obj on moon (as
it normally is) Comet ray & N rim of Herod. >> could see no
detail - Aris. except two bands, moon was pale yellow (low alt.)
with halo around it. Nothing unusual elsewhere. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID #384 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1,
just in case there is some merit in this report?
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.
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.
Aristarchus 1969 Dec 28 UT 00:24 Observed by Kilburn (England, 6"
reflector x192) "Blink in same place as #1231. Very faint and large
area." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1232.
Observed by Bartlett (Baltimire, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x150) "N. half
of crater hazy & ill-defined". S=5, T=4. NASA catalog weight=4 (good).
NASA catalog ID 571.
Plato 1975 Jun 28/29 UT 23:00-01:20. Foley (Wilmington, UK, 12"
reflector, seeing, III, good clarity transparency). At 23:00,
00:30, and 01:15 blue was seen on the inner wall:floor southern
boundary, and red on the corresponding northern floor:wall
boundary. However by 01:20, blue was now on the S-NW floor:wall
boundary, and red on the NE-SE floor:wall boundary. Atmospheric
spectral dispersion existed in many regions, but did not change
like the colours in Plato. Similar appearance craters such as
Grimaldi, Schickard, and Riccioli, were checked for a similar
change in colour, but no change was noticed in these. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus 1975 Nov 15 UT 06:34 Observed by Rule (Edinburgh, Scotland,
4" reflector x36) "Blue patch in crater (similar to many of Bartlett's
obs.?)" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1383.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 01:55-02:45 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness and definition of
A of about 1/4 to 1/2 minute period. Rest of field unaffected. Checked
for cloud wih naked eye during fades - negative. Checked for misting
and tear salt on eyepiece by shifting A around the field - negative."
BAA Lunar Section report.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 03:00 Observed bt Michael Amato (West Haven,
CT, USA, 127mm Maksutov, x123) "The brightness variation (as seen by
Brook earlier) was very apparent. One thing never seen before by Amato
was a thin short bright ray that extended out in the opposite direction
as Aristarchus bright ray". The higher the Moon climbed in the sky the
more obvious this short thin bright ray became. An ALPO report.
Aristarchus 1973 Oct 16/17 UT 22:16-01:00 Observed by Morgan
(England) "Invis. of NW wall bands. Seeing by no means
perfect" NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #1376.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
P.Foley (Nettlestead, UK, 12" reflector) noticed a translucent bluish
glow in Earthshine coming from this crater, despite it being close to
the nright terminator. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=200 and
weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Marcus Price (Camberley, Surrey, UK) noted that Aristarchus
was extremely bright. A 6" reflector was used. The Cameron
2006 Catalog ID is #98 and the weight is 1. The ALPO/BAA weight
is 1 too.
On 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.
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.
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 1981 Mar 28 at 01:45-02:45UT M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, using a 14"
reflector) noted that Aristarchus was very bright, but everything else
was normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=127 and the weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2012 Oct 08 UT12:00 C. Hastorf (Chuck's Bobcat, AZ, USA, 5"
SCT, seeing 3.5-4 out of 5). Strange lightness seen on
shadowed floor of Plato. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On 1983 Feb 08 at 06:30UT Toricelli B was observed by P.W. Foley (Kent,
UK, 12" reflector) to be visible in Earthshine as a luminous patch.
This was rather odd because it is only a small crater and not normally
bright. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=201 and the weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Feb 12 at UT 12:00 Taboada (Mexico, seeing=excellent) found
that the Aristarchus region had the same characteristics as the
previous days, perhaps a little darker colour brown, but more
remarkable. He used red, blue and green filters and a difference in
colour was noticed in and out of the region. Cameron suspects that
permanent colour was being seen? The cameron 1978 catalog ID=1116 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weigh=2.
On 1965 Dec 27 at UT Bornhurst (Monterey Park, CA, USA, 10" reflector)
and (Harris (Whittier? CA, USA, 19" reflector?) observed brightening of
Aristarchus in Ashen light. Cameron says that this is an independent
confirmation? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=918 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1990 Jan 01 at UT 16:55-18:45 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK) observed that
Aristarchus was seen in Earthshine at 16:55UT before the limb (was
visible in Earthshine?). "1705 Aris>>1723 fading 1727 > again." Then:
"1740 Aris << and just visible at 1845". Apparently Foley suspects that
Aristarchus had brightened up before 16:55UT (shwen H. Miles started to
observe) and then gradually retruned to normal. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=385 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Jan 01 at UT 17:29 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK) observed that
Copernicus had a faint glow in it. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=385 and
the weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1822 Jan 27 at UT 20:00? F. Struve (Pulkovo Observatory? Russia)
observed near Aristarchus an 8th magnitude star-like point. Seen
through overcast! (Klado gave date as 1821 but must be in error
according to cameron). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=95 and the weight=4.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1989 Feb 11 at UT23:30-01:39 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x159, seeing=7/10) observed a linear east to west feature in
Proclus. D. Weier (WI, USA, 11" reflector, x378) found the NNW part of
the crater to be brighter than expected and confirmed the prescence of
the east to west feature - this crossed the shadow on the east floor
and over into Mare Crisium. R. Manske (WI, USA) detected another
"streak" parallel to this. All observers suspect that the linear
features were due to raised topography on the floor of Proclus -
however Cameron comments that there does not seem to be any linear
features on the floor of Proclus to cause these effects. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=351 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1994 Jun 14 UT 21:45-22:00 G.Rogers (Crendon, UK, 3" Zeiss
refractor, sky conditions perfectly clear) reported seeing three
very large whitish clouds against the Moon. The strongest seemed
to "stem" from the vicinity of Santbech crater (crater
identified the next day from an atlas), and was a milk chocolate
colour near the stem. The other two large clouds were to the
north - in the general area of Mare Fecunditatis and Mare
Crisium though perhaps slightly further west and in contact with
the terminator? The effect was confirmed (independently) by 4
other observers using the same telescope. The telescope was
moved but the clouds remained in the same position over the
Moon. This report comes from The Astronomer Jan 2013 p 230.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
G Johnson of Swanton, MD, USA used a 2" refractor at f/12.
Aristachus revealed as a red spot on a photo of the Moon. This
was similar to another photo obtained on 1988 Apr 21st. Frame (with 3
exposures present)reveals a dim star like point near Campanus on
exposure 1. Expsoure 2 shows it a little east on the Earth-lit
part. Exposure 3 shows it off the south-east limb. Apparently 20
minutes later took 2 exposures and frame 18 was a double. The
second exposure revealed an object farther from the limb but the
first exposure does not show the object. The two high power exposures
do not show it. Cameron could not see the spots that Johson describes
on his slides, but did see several spots (defects?) on the
8 and 12 second exposures near Hevelius and also on the 20 second
exposure near to Hecataeus only. BAA members observed star like
flashes a few hours earlier - near Aristarchus. One BAA member, Madej,
had seen a green glow in Arisarchus in two places in two eyepieces.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=265 and weight=2.
G Johnson of Swanton, MD, USA used a 2" refractor at f/12.
Aristachus revealed as a red spot on a photo of the Moon. This
was similar to another photo obtained on 1988 Apr 21st. Frame (with 3
exposures present)reveals a dim star like point near Campanus on
exposure 1. Expsoure 2 shows it a little east on the Earth-lit
part. Exposure 3 shows it off the south-east limb. Apparently 20
minutes later took 2 exposures and frame 18 was a double. The
second exposure revealed an object farther from the limb but the
first exposure does not show the object. The two high power exposures
do not show it. Cameron could not see the spots that Johson describes
on his slides, but did see several spots (defects?) on the
8 and 12 second exposures near Hevelius and also on the 20 second
exposure near to Hecataeus only. BAA members observed star like
flashes a few hours earlier - near Aristarchus. One BAA member, Madej,
had seen a green glow in Arisarchus in two places in two eyepieces.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=265 and weight=2.
G Johnson of Swanton, MD, USA used a 2" refractor at f/12.
Aristachus revealed as a red spot on a photo of the Moon. This
was similar to another photo obtained on 1988 Apr 21st. Frame (with 3
exposures present)reveals a dim star like point near Campanus on
exposure 1. Expsoure 2 shows it a little east on the Earth-lit
part. Exposure 3 shows it off the south-east limb. Apparently 20
minutes later took 2 exposures and frame 18 was a double. The
second exposure revealed an object farther from the limb but the
first exposure does not show the object. The two high power exposures
do not show it. Cameron could not see the spots that Johson describes
on his slides, but did see several spots (defects?) on the
8 and 12 second exposures near Hevelius and also on the 20 second
exposure near to Hecataeus only. BAA members observed star like
flashes a few hours earlier - near Aristarchus. One BAA member, Madej,
had seen a green glow in Arisarchus in two places in two eyepieces.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=265 and weight=2.
G Johnson of Swanton, MD, USA used a 2" refractor at f/12.
Aristachus revealed as a red spot on a photo of the Moon. This
was similar to another photo obtained on 1988 Apr 21st. Frame (with 3
exposures present)reveals a dim star like point near Campanus on
exposure 1. Expsoure 2 shows it a little east on the Earth-lit
part. Exposure 3 shows it off the south-east limb. Apparently 20
minutes later took 2 exposures and frame 18 was a double. The
second exposure revealed an object farther from the limb but the
first exposure does not show the object. The two high power exposures
do not show it. Cameron could not see the spots that Johson describes
on his slides, but did see several spots (defects?) on the
8 and 12 second exposures near Hevelius and also on the 20 second
exposure near to Hecataeus only. BAA members observed star like
flashes a few hours earlier - near Aristarchus. One BAA member, Madej,
had seen a green glow in Arisarchus in two places in two eyepieces.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=265 and weight=2.
Kant 1873 Jan 04 UT 23:00? Observed by Trouvelot (Cambridge, Mass, 8"
refractor) "Luminous puplish vapors" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #180.
On 1967 Apr 15 at UT 19:15-21:00 Classen (Pulsnitz Observatory, East
Germany, 8" refractor) found that Aristarchus was very bright and the
atmospheric seeing was very good until 21:00UT. Nothing unsual was seen
on 16th and 17th April. Cameron reports that this was the first TLP
seen by this group. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1022 and the weight=3.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Macrobius 1939 Oct 19 UT 02:00? Observed by Barcroft (Madera, CA, USA,
6" reflector) "Reddish-brown hue (unusual) usually absent" NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #463.
On 1794 Mar 07 at UT 20:00 Stretton and Wilkins (England, UK)
observed Aristarchus appearing as a light like a star in
Earthsine to the naked eye(independent confirmation according
to Cameron?). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=73 and 74 and the
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1895 Sep 25 at UT 20:00? Gaboreau (Paris, France) observed on the
Moon s shaft of light (same observation as Cameron's TLP report #281
and further more it is on the same day and month as it was back in
1893. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=286 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1964 Jun 17 at UT 04:15-05:01 Cross et al. (Whittier, CA, USA, 19" ?
reflector, S=7-8) observed near Ross D: "Gas cloud. Motion". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=818 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Agrippa 1966 Nov 19/20 UTC 23:58-00:14 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector x283, S=4, T=5) "Faint bluish tinge seen at base
of NW wall beneath landslip" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog
ID #995.
Cassini E 2002 Dec 11 UT 16:30-18:46 Observed by Knott (Liverpool,
England, 216mm Newtonian, x216, red and blue filters used) seeing III,
transparency good) "Observations carried out of the area extending from
the Alpine Valley to the Crater Cassini. At 17:12 a pin point bright
flash was seen NW of the rim of the crater E in white light. A 2nd pin
point flash was also seen at 18:18, this time thru a blue filter. The
2nd flash was also seen on the NW rim of the crater E. The observer
does not think this was a TLP as the seeing was III, but the flash was
so bright as to be startling. Other peaks within the Alps were bright
but were much less so in red and ble filters, where the rim of the
crater E. NW edge was very bright in all filters, including white
light. Incoming cloud prevented further observation." BAA Lunar Section
report.
Ptolemaeus 1978 Apr 15 UTC 21:54-22:20 Observed by A.Cook
(Frimley, Surrey, UK, 12" reflector x240, S=IV (Antoniadi))
"Small triangular area on the NW floor of the crater, at the
foot of the rim, was slightly brighter in blue light than in red
(Moonblink used). Suspected this was due to the poor observing
conditions. Certainly blink reaction was not unmistakable".
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1986 Nov 09 at UT 23:00 Quinn (Glebview, IL, USA, 8" reflector, x49-
x305) found īn the vicinity of an unnamed ridge points toward Pico- two
bright points about 5 magnitudes brighter than any other part of the
Moon. The Alpine valley points directly between these two points. "Came
from apparently featureless area. Both points about the same size, but
different shapes ~ width of alpine valley" The observer used 4
different eyepieces and the points were brightest in the lowest power.
Other specks of light could be seen in the darkness wound the N point.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=289 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
In 1922 May 04 at UT Burnerd (England?) discovered three long mounds in
Archimedes crater (rays?). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=385 and weight=
0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus and limb 1967 Apr 17 UTC 21:30 Observed by Wise (England,
6.5" reflector, x90) "3 dark patches (Alphonsus) prominent. Suspected
red patch (blink ?). (indep. confirm. of Cross 1h later?)." NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1024.
Plato 1967 Apr 17 UTC 21:30 Observed by Wise (England, 6.5" reflector,
x90) "Suspected a blink, (red?)" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA
catalog ID #1025.
On 1967 Apr 17 UT 21:30 Observed by Wise (England, 6.5" reflector, x90)
saw a brilliant object nr. E(ast. ?) limb (West Lim IAU?) for 15m.
Check on star maps neg. (indep. confirm. of Cross 1h later?)." NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1024.
On 2003 Apr 10 at 00:40UT a GLR observer G. Jasmin (Quebec, Canada,
using a 10" F-10 Schmidt Cassegrain) took a photograph of Alphonsus
crater on Kodak 400ASA film with an exposure of 1/30th sec. There was a
light visible (diameter 10 km) inside Alphonsus and the effect was
present for 5 minutes. The observer commented that they have seen a
light in this crater many times before, but never as long as 5 minutes.
This report was submitted to the GLR group in Italy. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Thaetetus 1952 Dec 24 UT 20:00? Observed by Moore (England?)
"Bright spot, hazy line of light" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID 556. ALPO/BAA weigh=2.
On 1889 Jun 06 at 22:00 UT Lade of France (8" refractor) saw two
extremely bright spots (Plato B & D). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=262 and
weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 Feb 25 at UT20:00? P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector) found
that Aristarchus was very bright (especially in the UV end of the
spectrum) despite other features not being seen in Earthshine. The
cameron 2006 catalog ID=318 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2009 Aug 28 at UTC 17:00:15-17:00:42 S. Khachatryan (Yerevan,
Armenia, 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain, x171, seeing 9 (1=worst and 10-
best), Transparency 5-6 on a scale of 1 to 6) observed in the Chacornac
area a series of fiery sparks (dot like with tiny rays), slightly
elongated with the multitudinal rays orientated towards the south west
direction. The colour was mostly red, with some yellow. The final flash
was the most clear. The TLP was tiny in area, but "was distinctly
bright against any other object on the Moon". The positional
uncertainty of the location of the spark effect was approximately +/-
150 km, based upon an examination of an atlas afterwards. Just prior to
the spark effect, something dark, small and fuzzy (only just discrnable
to the eye, through the eyepiece) was seen to pass from the west across
the Moon in a slight curve, round the surface of the Moon to the east
(post observation estimate: seen for 3.5 sec and covered roughly 8% of
the lunar diameter in that time). The area of the dark object was
comparable in size to (or slightly less than?) craters such as
Autolycus F (diameter 3km) or le Monnier E (diameter 4km) i.e. on the
limits of vision of the scope used. The location of the flash was not
exactly at the same location as the dark object passed across, but gave
the impression of starting from it? A back of the envelope calculation
of the lunar diameter covered in the time quoted gives an approximate
speed (at the lunar distance) of 80km/s or on the very high end of
typical meteor streams that pass by. At closer distances, and
recalculated velocities, it is unlikely to be a satellite in low Earth
orbit (20m/sec at 100km distance), but could perhaps be a bird or
insect at a few km range? So was this dark object something in our
atmosphere by chance passing across the field of view close to the time
of the TLP flare or was at the lunar distance and related to the TLP?
Incidentally, no attempt was made during this observation to move the
scope to check that the TLP remained stationary against the Moon. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1967 Apr 18 UTC 18:40-18:45 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector x175) "Crater appeared quite dark, even bright
ring was subdued & seemed thicker than normal. Drawing." NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1028. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Linne 1868 Jul 28 UT 20:00? Observed by Tacchini (Palermo, Italy)
"Shadow not so marked-had a light penumbra, indicated a feeble cavity.
Other craters had a black shad. On 29th appeared completely white.
Crater normal on 26th. (letter to Madler Sep. 16, 1868)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #159.
On 1989 Feb 15 at UT 03:15-03:30 M. Dixon (Palenque Ruins, Mexico, 7x35
binouculars) observed a point of light that was very bright in or near
Mare Humorum. It was visible for 5 minutes then vanished. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=353 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1949 Mar 09 UT 02:00-03:00 E.J.Reese (6" reflector x240)
and one hour later T.R.Hake (5" refractor x300) both unable to
see any detail on the floor of Plato, despite both being able to
see a "difficult to see" cleft near to the crater Connon. Reese
was able to see detail under similar illumination back in 1948
and 1947 and saw the floor craterlets in Plato clearly then.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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.
Alphonsus 1966 Nov 22 UT 03:17-03:40 Observed by kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 8" relector x300) "Seen first with (Eng.) moon blink, red filter
but not in the green. Not seen at 03:42h" NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #998.