On 1969 May 21 at UT 20:00-21:00 Brandli and Germann (Switzerland, 6"
refractor) observed a slow orange-red blinking on the surrounding area
of Aristarchus. It was seen less markedly the next night. Wald (Zurich,
Switzerland) noted at 20:30UT that the crater was pink (Confirmation
says Cameron) - this was during the Apollo 10 watch. The cameron 1978
catalog ID=1131-1132 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
South Cusp 1969 Jul 19 UT 17:55-19:10 Observed by Dzapiashvili
(Georgia, Soviet Union) "Saw an abnormally bright spot at end of
S.cusp. Polariz. meas. at 8.3% at 1845-1847h (Apollo 11 watch?)"
NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #1164.
On 1975 Mar 18 at UT 00:57-04:00 Reiland, Brown and Lojeck (Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, 6" reflector x45 and 8" reflector x200, photos taken)
observed the following at Aristarchus: "While obs. Earthshine on moon,
saw it glowing -- a bright steady star-like glow, est. at 5-8th mag.
First noted at 0057h. Obs. other obj. then came back to it. It was
still there -- till moonset (@0500h). Saw it in other telscopes &
Lojeck took photos. (photo shows Aris. prominent, but also LaLande,
Pytheas & Timocharis. 2 prs. in Aris. but there are other pts on the
print, it may be grain)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1404 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Fracastorius 1973 Mar 09 UT ~19:57 Robinson (Devon, UK) saw a
Moon Blink (colour) in this crater. This crater is long
suspected of giving permanent blinks due to natural colour. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Jul 19 at UT 1845-18:47 Pruss and Witte (Bochum, Germany, 6"
refractor x36 and binoculars) saw brightenings in the north west wall
of Aristarchus for 3-7 seconds of about 1 magnitude over the
background. From orbit at UT 18:46 the Apollo 11 crew Armstrong,
Aldrin, and Collins (in orbit around the Moon and using the naked eye)
were asked to take a look at Aristarchus after Earth-based reports of
TLP activity. Armstrong reported (after the solar corona had set, on
the night side) that probably Aristarchus "to be considerably more
illuminated than the surrounding area. It just has - seem to have, a
slight amount of flourescence to it". Collins reported a moment later:
"Looking out on the same area now. Well at least there is one wall of
the crater that seems to be more illuminated than the others. I am not
sure that I am actually identifying any phosporesecence, but that
definitely is lighter than anything else in the neighborhood". Houston
then asked if the crew could detect any colour and if the inner wall
was the inner or outer part? Aldrim commnted that it was the inner
wall and Collins mentioned thatno colour was incolved. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1165 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Jul 19 at UT 19:30-21:30 Gervais (Lodure, France, 4.5"
refractor?) saw the whole region of Aristarchus and its environs
as brighter than normal. Two photographs were obtained. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1156 and weight=5. At UT 20:30-20:55
Oliver (Spain, using a reflector) found the Aristarchus to have
brightened by about 1 magnitude. From UT 20:12-20:30 the crater
had been normal. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1167 and the
weight=2. At UT 21:00-00:35 P. Mourilhe Silva (Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil, 19.5" refractor) saw Aristarchus as a very bright
elliptical shape which extended to the north like a bridge
between two points. Jose M. L. da Silva and Ronaldo Mourao (Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil, 13" refractor) saw a brightening on the
north west wall from 21:24-23:22UT intermittently but cont'd.
Wall was extraordinarilly bright, along NW wall brighter.
Moseley (Armagh, Northern Ireland, UK, 10" refractor) detected
an unusual bright, along north west wall, brighter than normal
in Earthshine and brighter than crater. It was not constant, but
pulsated irregularly with frequency of 20 seconds and amplitude
0.75-1.0 magnitudes. No colour seen or obscuration though lokked
for. Clouds interrupted observations. Vasquez (Valparaiso,
Chile, 12" reflector) saw it as a very luminous point of
magnitude 1. Wairy Cardoso (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 12"
reflector and 18" refractor) noted a bright. 1s??? The Cameron
catalog ID=1168 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Theophilus 1969 Jul 19 UT 19:30-21:30 Observed by Fox (Notts.
England, 6.5" reflector) and Ringsdore (England, 15"
reflector). Fox saw intermittent glow in Theoph. for > 2h
(time not given). Ringsdore confirmed. (Apollo 11 watch)"
Confirmed by Baum 21:00-21:20UT. NASA catalog weight=5. NASA
catalog ID No. 1166. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1966 Sep 20 at UT 03:22 Three Astronet observers (Phoenix, AZ, and
Los Angeles, CA, USA) (independently?) reported flashes in Grimaldi
crater. One observer was in Phoenix AZ, and another in Losa Angeles,
CA, so probably not due to the atmosphere. Cameron comments that the
astronaut Schmidt on Apollo 17 saw a flash in it while orbiting the
Moon. the Cameron 1978 catalog ID=977 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
South Pole 2011 Apr 08 UT 19:30-20:00 A.Kemp (Mold, Flintshire, UK) observed that the
Leibnitz peaks at the southern pole stood out sharply. However one of the peaks was “shining
like a spot light. So bright that I couldn’t make out its shape”. – image clear and steady with
excellent transparency and seeing in the 70mm f/13 refractor (25mm and 10mm eyepieces).
Inspections during the above time period revealed no changes in brightness. Previous
observations of this area had never shown such an unusual brightness, and Arthur likened the
brightness to “a maximum brightness of Venus shining amongst 2nd magnitude stars”. The
observer was an experienced observer. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Grimaldi 1969 Jul 19 UT 20:39-20:45 Delaye (France, 25cm
refractor) saw a bright bluish spot near Grimaldi. 20:43 a
flash was seen by Thinon. Delaye saw flashes at 20:44 and
20:45. Between 21:00 and 23:00 (J. M. L.) da Silva (Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, 19.5" refractor) saw a bright spot on the W
(IAU??) of Grimaldi. However there is a bright spot near
Grimaldi, so this maybe normal. NASA ID = 1167. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Mare Crisium 1826 Apr 12 UT 20:00 Observed by Emmett (England?) "Black
moving haze or cloud". NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID
109. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Mar 31 at UT 21:30 L. Jackson (England, UK?) observed a red
glow in Earthshine in Gassendi as shown in a sketch. Apparently
Gassendi can often show up red colours (according to Cameron) but
rarely is this seen in Earthshine. Foley saw the sketch and suspects
that the location was Gassendi. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=397 and
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Lunar volcano, seen on the dark side, as bright as a
6th magnitude star,
A bright spot was seen. Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=40 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA catalog weight=2.
Theophilus 1969 Jul 20 UT 18:40 Observed by Delaye, Thinon, Donas, ?
ourdan (Marseilles, France, 10" refractor x60) "Saw a flash on the c.p.
of mag 1.0, duration 0.1s, no color. (meteor?) (Apollo 11 watch)".
NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1174.
On 1969 May22 at UT2045-2105 Wald (Zurich, Switzerland) observed the
pinkish colour in Aristarchus was less marked tonight. The astronauts
were alerted and at 22:12 reported no activity but could see the crater
and Earthshine was strong near the terminator. Apollo 10 watch,
spacecraft far from the terminator. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1134
and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Atlas 1969 May 22 UT 21:20-21:40 Observed by Germann, Wild, Vieli
(Zurich, Switzerland, 6" reflector) "Rim towards the sun was bright.
Part of time was interrupted. (Apollo 10 watch)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1135.
On 1969 Jul 20 at UT 19:55-20:10 Delaye, Thinon, Donas, and Jourdran
(Marseilles, France, 10" refractor, x60) saw between 19:55-20:04UT
Aristarchus to be bright and in it pulsations with 10 sec duration. At
20:05UT it's spot brightened, at 20:08:50-20:35:50UT brightening and
pulsations of variable duration. At 20:55:50UT just a feeble flash.
Cameron comments that this is probably not atmpsheric effects as the
period is too long - also it was during the Apollo 11 watch. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1175 and th weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Mare Crisium 1826 Apr 13 UT 20:00 Observed by Emmett (England?) "Black
moving haze or cloud" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID =
109. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 May 22 at UT23:20 an unknown observer reported some
brightenings with pulsations in Aristarchus crater, Cameron suspects
atmospheric aberrations. This was during the Apollo 10 watch. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1136 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Triesnecker Rille 1912 May 23 UT 18:00? Observed by Gordeenko
(Russia) "Change in shape from representation by Brenner and
Krieger not accountable by lighting conditions" NASA catalog
weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1. NASA catalog ID #339.
Mons Piton 2022 Aug 04 UT 19:41-20:10 T. Smith (Codnor, UK,
16inch Newtonian, x247, Seeing IV) mountain was very bright
and red around its eastern slopes. An examination of the
bright and contrasty Proclus crater revealed that to be
relatively colour free compared to Piton. An examination of
other features, north and south along the terminator revealed
some tinge of coloiur but not as strong as on Mon Piton. Mons
Piton examined with a yellow filter at 19:50 and still showed
red along the eastern side, other features along the
terminator had no colour through the filter. Video images by.
A.Cook (Newtown, UK) made earlier at 1929 & 19:40 UT, (in the
SWIR (1.5-1.7 microns) did not reveal Mons Pico as especially
bright - but resolutioin was poor. A friend of Smith, phoned
up the next day to say that they saw a mountain on the limb
exhibiting red on the 14th August. Probably the redness was
due to atmospheric spectral dispersion as the Moon was low,
and it was especially visble on Mons Piton as this is an
exceedingly contrasty object on the terminator. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Hyginius Cleft 1966 Jul 25 UT 04:40 observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 8" reflector, x300) "Points at opposite ends of cleft were very
brilliant in red Wratten 25 filter & very dull in blue Wratten 47
filter. Richer uncertain if real LTP." NASA catalog weight=1. NASA
catalog ID #957.
Theophilus 1969 Jul 21 UT 19:30-21:45 and 21:00-22:00 Observed by Fox
(Newark, England, 6.5" reflector,) and Baum (Chester, England, 4.5"
refractor) (S=6, T=4) "At wall, adjacent to Cyrillus was a redish glow,
then obscur. (Fox). Baum saw intermittant white-blue shimmering as if
glowing thru dust glowing & upsurge in brightness on c.p. Gradually
faded to normal at 21:20. 1st time ever seen by him tho. obs. since
1947. Image sharp, no haziness. (indep. confirm. of activity, but
details differ, but same time, Apollo 11 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1180. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1991 May 21 at UT05:30-06:15 J. Green (Orangevale, CA, USA, 11"
reflector) photgrapphed a broad bright band stretching east and north
of Cassini crater in 3 exposures taken 10 minutes apart. This
photographic sequence shows a gradual widening towards Cassini and by
the 3rd exposure the band is touching (and then obscuring) Cassini. A
"fan" was visible in the north east and WSW directions, later this was
seen as rays and this was even seen in the view finder of the camera.
Cameron comments that this might be lens flare but suspects that it
would not have been seen in the view finder. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=427 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
North of Bessel 1969 May 1969 May 23 UT 22:54. Nelson Travnik
(Observatorio Flammarion, located at 45.58W, 21.87S, f/15
10cm refractor, Kodak Tri-X, 1/15 sec exposure, sky
conditions excellent). Dark spot photographed just north of
Bessel - could be a photographic defect?. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Dec 27 at UT 05:32 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 6"
reflector x240, seeing=3-6/10 and T=4) noticed "2 small high-sun areas
nr. Eimmart - brightening around Mare Crisium, except for interior of
Proclus - in blue light. They were brighter than 2 spots on Cap.
Agarum rated 8.5 & Proc. 9. Not as bright next night. Probably a real
blue light brightening". Cameron 2006 catalog ID=79, location on Moon:
(70E, 23N) and weight=4.
On 1965 Sep 03 UT03:00-05:00 D.Harris (Located near Whittier
College, Whittier, CA, USA, using a 10" f/8.2 Newtonian
reflector, x78 & x208, seeing 5-6, transparency 2-0) observed a
ridge obscured SSW of Ross D. No drawing was made, only a
written description. "Ridge not visible near crater; possible
white patch 1/3 Ross D diameter" The ridge is the wrinkle ridge
extending NNE from Ross D, a well established often visible
feature. Harris comments that this was not one of the better TLPs
seen near Ross D, and there were no independent observers,
neverless he was ceratin of this being a TLP, and it was
consistant with other activity seen near this crater between 1964
and 1970. Cameron 1978 catalog ID 891 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 1895 May 02 UT 20:45, 23:45 Observed by Brenner and Fauth
(Germany?) "Streaks of light (Brenner) bright parallel bands in
center Fauth (indep. confirmation?)." NASA catalog weight=5.
NASA catalog ID #284. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Piton 1960 Nov 27 ? UT 00:00? Observed by Schneller
(Cleveland, OH, USA, 8" Reflector, x53), "Red obscuration
concealing peak, @10m2 (if near SR, date is 27th; ancillary
data given for 27th -- date not given)." NASA catalog weight=
3. NASA catalog ID #731. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1887 Nov 23 UT 20:00? Observed by de Speissens (France?)
"Luminous triangle on floor. Klein says it was sunlight affect. (but
similar to Klein's own obs., #190. Fort says never seen before nor
since)." NASA catalog weight=0 (very unlikely). NASA catalog ID #256.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Censorinus 1969 May 24 UTC 21:10-22:15 Observed by Jean
Nicolini (Sao Paulo, Brazil, 12" reflector) "It was brighter
than Proclus between 2130-2145h. A very tiny cirrus veil
present & Censor. appeared less bright & Proc. continued to
look normal. Weather worsened at 2215h. (Apollo 10 watch)."
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1144. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Theophilus 1978 Nov 08 UT 20:49-22:00 Observed by J.D. Cook
(Frimley, 12" reflector, 6mm Ortho eyepiece, seeing III-IV)
Orange discolouration seen on ESE crater floor. Moon blink
tried, but no blink detected. By 21:10 the effect had lessened,
but was still orange. By 21:50-21:58 the effect was smaller and
perhaps more on the SE of the floor. Colour confirmed by Foley.
Fitton may also have been observing. At 22:00 A.C. Cook observed
and commented that a darkish, perhaps brown-orange colour seen -
but suspected it was probably spurious colour - but by now the
seeing was V. J.H. Robinson, whilst doing a Moon Blink sweep of
several features, including Theophilus, had not noticed anything
unusual 18:50-19:10. By 22:30-22:35UT, he still could not detect
a blink, but noticed intermittent darkining on the shaded area
on the E. floor, but seeing was now IV. The darkening was more
noticeable in blue than red light. BAA Lunar Section
observation. 2006 Cameron catalog ID #40 weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 2009 May 03/10 UT23:20-00:11 P. Abel (Leicester, UK, 20cm reflector,
x312, seeing III-IV) observed that the north east wall was slightly
brighter than would have been expected, slightly blurred (not seeing
related blurring) and had a strong orange-brown colour. No spurious
colour seen elsewhere. A change in eyepieces showed the same effect. No
luck in alerting other observers. A drawing was made at 23:20UT and
finished at 00:12UT. At 23:12UT part of the inner NW floor had a dull
brown colour, whereas before it was grey.By 00:11UT the colour effect
was fading and by 00:18 seeing condirions were too bad to continue. M.
Cook (Mundesley, UK, 9cm Questar telescope, x80, x130, seeing III,
transparency moderate to good) had observed Tycho earlier in the
evening at 22:15UT, but had seen no signs of colour. W. Leatherbarrow
(Sheffield, UK, 8cm scope, high cloud interuptions and bad seeing) had
taken monochrome images at UT 20:07 and 20:10, but these showed nothing
unusual, and he checked the crater visually at 00:00-00:30, but
detected no colour, although the Moon's low altitude contibuted to poor
seeing conditions and some spurious colour was seen. CCD images from M.
Collins (Palmerston North, New Zealand) taken at 00:46UT showed
nocolour apart from spurious colour on contrasty edges, in no way
reflecting what was seen early by P. Abel. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Observer made a drawing over a period of 30 minutes. Upon
examining drawing, and comparing with photos made under
similar illumination was struck by the abnormality of a
a small white blob in the north east corner of the shadowed
floor. There should be no raised topography between the wall
and the central peaks that could give rise to this. The making
of the sketch overlapped with an earlier drawing made by Rony
de Laet (Belgium) which did not show this blob. Subsequent attempts
to find sketches/images at very similar illumination angles have
failed to show the blob in the north east corner of the chadowed
floor. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Birt 1955 Apr 15 UT 03:20-05:00 Observed by Capen (California
Seeing=Excellent) "Small craters between Birt & wall were invis. at
times under excellent seeing, while craterlets on w.side were
continually obs." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #586.
On 1990 Apr 04 at UT 21:30-21:50 B. LeFranc (France?) reported
observing a white flame effect in Copernicus crater (sketch made) -
though Foley comments that the actual location was east of the crater.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=398 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Posidonius 1970 Apr 15 UT 21:05-22:10 Observed by Wanderley
Nazareth (Sao Paulo, Brazil, reflector) "Intermittant
pulsation. Drawing 20S interval for pulsations. (too long for
atmospheric aberration? Apollo 13 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1254. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Alpetragius 1889 Oct 04 UT 03:00-03:45 observed by E.E.
Barnard (Lick Observatory, CA, USA, 36" refractor, x150, x700)
"Shadow of CP diffused & pale. Entire inside of crater seemed
filled with haze or smoke. Shad. of E. wall was black & sharp.
CP & floor seen thru haze. No other craters showed this
appear. (date & time rep't Sep 3, 1830L T)" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #264. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1969 May 26 UT 20:30-21:05 Observed by Farrant
(Cambridge, England, 8" reflector, x160, S=G) "Had misty
portion of SW(ast. ?) floor from 2030-2105h at which time it
was gone. Clearly seen, had ill-defined boundaries & was an
easy obj. to see. Alt.=33 deg. (Apollo 10 watch)." NASA
catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID No. 1148. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristrachus 1966 Jul 29 UT 03:40 Observed by Simmons (Jacksonville, FL,
USA, 6" reflector x192, S=7, T=4-5) and Corralitos Observatory (Organ
Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector + Moonblink) "Spot on S.wall vis. only in
red filter, brightness 8deg. Slightly brighter than surrounding wall.
No confirm. Says it might be part that reflected better. Not confirmed
by Corralitos Obs. MB." NASA catalog ID #968. NASA catalog weight=1
(very low).
On 1938 Mar 13 at UT 04:00-06:00 Barker (Chestnut, England, UK) noted a
slight reddish colour in Plato. However Fox (Newark, UK, 6.5"
reflector, x240) saw none on the south east wall, but instead saw a
yellowish glow on the southern floor at the same time (confirmation?).
Appearently Fox saw the same effect on Apr 10, 11, and May 8-11, then
on June 8-10. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=432 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1989 May 17 at UT Fabian (Chicago, IL, USA, 4" reflector, x35-x50
and 8" reflector) noted a pale blue colouration in the ridges situated
west of Aristarchus and north of Herodotus craters, in the vicinity of
the terminator (and on the night side). Aristarchus itself did not have
any colour. Ït was only area with such color though there were numerous
others of similar elevation and relation to term. The colour was seen
in a 4" Cassegrain telescope, but when an 8" reflector was used at
02:30UT, even with the same eyepieces. Cameron comments that maybe the
larger telescope spread the colour out? The sketch that Fabian
suplied, suggested to Cameron that the TLP was located at Herodotus,
and the ridge was part of Schroter's valley - Cobra Head. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=364 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Two small conical mountains, near last 4th May eruption,
close to the third one that he had seen before, but not
these two. They were not on any map.
SE of Langrenous 1947 Aug 28 UT 21:00? Observed by Baum
(Chester, England) A long mountain mass, on limb to the SE of
Langrenus crater, had a decidedly bluish cast. To the north, on
the limb, were several ordinary peaks appearing in profile and
some were sharp and pointed. NASA catalog ID=498. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1950 Jul 27 UT 02:56 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "C.p. of Proc.
disappeared)" 5" reflector used at x100, NASA catalog weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1963 Oct 30 UT 01:50-02:15 Observed by Greenacre and
Barr (Flagstaff, AZ, USA, 24" Clark Refractor) observed 2 ruby
red spots - one just to the SW of the cobra's Head and the other
on a highland area east of Vallis Schroteri. A pink colour
formed coverting the SW rim of Aristarchus. Effects present with
or without Yellow Wratten 15 filer. Similar effects checked for
elsewhere on other craters but not seen. So presumed not to have
been due to chromatic aberation or astmospheric dispersion.
Effecta not seen in 12" refractor, but this may have been a
resolution issue. The NASA catalog ID No. is #778. The NASA
catalog weight is 5 (highly reliable). ALPO/BAA weight=4.
In 1962 Dec 09 at UT 07:36 Wildey and Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector) observed that Oceanus Procellarum was 1.13 magnitudes
brighter than normal. Observation at sunrise and is abnormal if area
measured was mare. If it were an east facing wall it would be normal.
The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Herodotus 1950 Jul 27 UT 03:56 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "Pseudo
c.p. in Herod. Drawings. (Similar to NASA catalog event #523)"
5" reflector used at x100, NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
In 1962 Dec 09 at UT 07:42 Wildey and Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector) observed that Aristarchus was 0.80 magnitudes (x2) fainter
than average for this age (photometric measurement) Vmag=3.80, average=
3.0. The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Feb 16 at UT 01:05-01:35 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 12.5"
reflector, seeing=III) found the north rim area to be both very
bright and misty - though he did not think it to be a TLP but
wanted it to be recorded, just in case. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=440 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1970 Apr 18 UT 20:14 Observed by MacKenzie
(UK,2.5" refractor x45, seeing Antoniadi I) "Fairly strong blink
in a spot 1/2 way between the 2 craters. Drawing (Apollo 13
watch). NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1257. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Aristarchus and Cobra Head 1966 Jul 30 UT 06:35-07:29 Observers Ariola
and Cross (Whittier, CA, USA). NASA catalog states: "S. part of Cobra
Head nr. Herodotus was a red spot; also nr. Aris. & the fork of
Schroter's Valley. Variations in phenom. color, 1st on S. rim of Aris.,
later on N. rim. Drawings". 19" x390 reflector used. NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog TLP ID No. #959. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Torricelli B 2002 Oct 18 UTC 20:56-21:59 Observer: G.North (UK, 8"
reflector, x134, Seeing Antoniadi IV, Transparency good) - thought that
Torricelli B was perhaps a little brighter than expected, especially
when compared to Moltke and Censorinus based upon past recollection of
relative brightnesses at this colongitude). Slight bluish tint seen as
well. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Feb 23 at UT 18:00-00:24 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12 inch
reflector, seeing Good), noticed that Aristarchus was a slate-grey
tinged with blue, and abnormally bright, fading at UT 18:47, and
decreased activity at UT20:45 after a cloudy period. Blue was seen on
the northern wall at UT19:00, but at 19:10 no colour, but instead an
obscuration. All normal from UT 21:04-21:46 according to Foley. At
UT19:00 G. Amery (Reading, UK, 10 inch reflector) noted shadowy grey
near the shadow under the south wall, indistinct small area, no colour.
At UT 20:00 activity increased. Colour negative fr. 150-300x till 21:10
(Hunt, Cambridge, UK, 2.5" refractor, seeing Poor-Very good). Negative
fr. 20:20-21:00 in bad seeing, and very good seeing at 200x all
negative (colour blink filters). From 23:45-00:20UT (Fitton,
Lancashire, UK, 8" reflector). Turner of Sussex, UK with an 8"
reflector, observed as well. (confirm. of activity earlier & neg.
later). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1397 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1891 Sep 16 at UT 19:00? Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Dense clouds of vapor apparently rising from its bottom and pouring
over its SW wall torrds Herodotus. He says no activity till day after
sunrise & ceases a few days before sunset. (Part of an extensive
observing of only a few features under all aspects of lighting.
Drawings and Phtos obtained." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=269 and weight=1.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Nov 10 at UT 07:54-08:22 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor and filters, seeing=2-3 and transparency=5) observed a
blue light at the Cobra's Head, near Aristarchus, that fell back down
to a normal brightness of 7. although the west wall (his point D) went
down to 6.5 (this was 8 back on Oct 5). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=158
and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1975 Feb 24 UTC 18:00-23:30 Observers (all in UK): Foley
(Kent, 12" reflector), Gannon (Middlesex, 6" reflector), Peters (Kent,
8" reflector), Farrant (Cambridge, 8" reflector), Turner (Sussex, 8"
reflector), Fitton (Lancashire, 8" reflector) - "(Foley) 1800h -- slate
gray bluish on all of crater; blue at 1816h, fading at 1835h, no color
on floor. At 1949h brillinance reduced, eyepiece tested at 1959h with
result of elong. gray blur & afterward activity at reduced light level.
Blue again at 2013h. (Gannon) at 1851h saw red tint on S.rim (instru.),
neg. in white & filter lite till 2000h, (Peters) at S=P had impression
of large faint blink on S.side, diffuse till 2000h, then seeing
improved & saw darkish patch on S.wall -- darker in blue than red.
Craters on limb were normal to 2017h, neg. at 2058h & 2130h, (Farrant)
at 2000h, normal. At 2053h color in small area to W. of W. wall.
(Turner) at 2230h-2300h got neg. (Fitton) at 2330h got neg. in white,
seeing too poor for filters. Fitton & Farrant think obs. due to atm.
effects. (activity earlier & none later confirmed)." NASA catalog
weight= 5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #1398.
Interior bands were faint at 22:40 but sharper at 23:20.
Observer noted some blue spurious colour to the north of
Aristarchus but this had gone by 23:50.
Observer noted some variability in the brightness of Moltke
and Torricelli B. This observation has an ALPO/BAA weight of 3.
Observer noted some variability in the brightness of
Torricelli B and Moltke. This observation has an
ALPO/BAA TLP weight of 3.
Aristarchus 1965 Sep 10 UT 04:08-04:38 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector x130, x180, S=4, T=3) "S.region of floor
granulated, 7 deg bright, very faint brownish tinge; rest of crater 8
deg bright white (confirm. of Presson?)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #892.
On 1977 Jan 04 at 16:25-17:30 Kozyrev (Pulkovo Observatory, Crimea,
Ukraine, Soview Union) "Observed unusual processes on moon. Activity in
progress at beginning of obs. Still vis. at 1710, gone at 1730h.
Latharn & colleagues found no seismic activity at that timeunder a
quick look". The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 and ID=1460. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1938 Jan 16 at UT 00:00 Barker (Chestnut, England, UK, 12.5"
reflector) noticed that Plato crater had a brownish-gold veined
surface, colour irregular - laid on a smooth floor. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=430 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1976 Feb 14 at UT23:35-0053 LeCroy (Springfield, VA, USA, 4.5"
reflector, x75, S=6 and T=4.5). A blue haze was seen on the east side
of Aristarchus and red haze on the west side. At 00:00UT details were
more clear and at 00:24UT Aristarchus and Herodotus, were seperated. At
00:34UT colours were gone. At 00:35UT blue was on Aristarchus and the
area was bright, but was black in a red filter. At 00:53UT the features
were clear and the colour gone and the brightness had decreased to 9.
Cameron comments that the colour was not due to temp. inversion because
of being dark in the red filter, implying a medium). The Cameron 1978
catalog TLP ID is 1428 and the weight=1. This is an ALPO report. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 May 09 at UT08:24-08:28 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
reflector, x150, Clears sky) noticeed in Promontorium Agarum (Cape
Agarum), that at 08:24UT the west point (C) dimmed to a brightness of
6.5 before ragaining its normal brightness at 7. Cameron comments that
these are wedge measurements equivalent to 0.5 steps in Elger's
brightness scale. No other effects noticed elsewhere. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=404 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1996 Dec 24/25 at 18:12-00:02UT P. Moore (Selsey, UK, using a 15"
reflector x250-360, and seeing III) saw a strong orange colour on the
south wall and floor of Aristarchus. He suspected it to be spurious
colour but could not detect colours on any other craters. The colour
remained but at 18:12 UT he suspected a trace on colour on Mons Pico
but was not sure. However he reported it to the TLP coordinator of the
BAA Lunar Section. The orange in Aristarchus gradually faded and had
almost vanished by 00:20UT when seeing was too bad to continue
observing. At 02:30UT he was able to re-observe again and there was
still a very very slight hint of orange in Aristarchus - but he
comments that if he had not been looking for it he might not have
noticed. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1966 Aug 01 UT 06:14 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 8" reflector x300) The wall from the S to the NNE wouldn't
focus well though at least 4 craterlets on the floor were
clearly seen (Ricker uncertain if real TLP. Cameron thinks it
probably was -- similar to Bartlett's experience on Aris. NASA
catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #961. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1898 Apr 06 atUT 23:00 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass, USA, 15"
refractor?) observed in Schroter's valley and it's vicinity "Variations
in vapor col. Crater E now most conspicuous instead of C which is now
least conspic., but not covered with vapor. (in drawing 2 gaps show,
time est. fr. given ol. ". The cameron 1978 catalog ID=298 and weight=
3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1965 Sep 11 UT 08:08-08:15 Observed by Cross,Rasor (Parlos
Verdes, CA, USA, 22" reflector x133, S=F-P) "Red glows,. Photos
obtained but do not show phenom. Haze terminated obs." NASA catalog
weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #894.
On 1891 Sep 18 at UT 21:00 Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column. Drawings. Time estimated from given
colongitude)." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=271 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 1966 Aug 02 UT 06:26 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA, USA, 8"
reflector x300) "Again E(IAU?) wall would not focus" NASA catalog
weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #962.
Aristarchus 1964 Sep 22 UT 02:54-03:03 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 4" refractor x240, S=5, T=5) "Bright blue-
viol. gl. on NE rim & EWBS; dark viol. nimbus; S. floor 8deg br.
rest of crater 7 deg. Red-brown, changed to coppery, to yellow-
brown (Gilheany, et al. examined crater later, but did not
detect any color in MOON BLINK, so red-brown must have
disappeared." NASA catalog ID #851, NASA catalog weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Kunowsky 1964 Sep 22 UT 03:25-04:30 Observed by Gilheany, Hall, and
Johnson (Port Tobacco, MD, USA, 16" reflector, Seeing=good) "Red area
detected by Trident's MOON BLINK (MB) device, (Aris. normal)." NASA
catalog weight= 5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #852.
Plato 1965 Sep 12 UT 05:00 Observed by McCord (Mt Wilson
Observatort, CA, USA, 60" reflector+spectrometer) "line depth
ratios in spectra a/b (H), c/d (K) were abnormally high compared
with 23 other areas, but not quite as pronounced as other areas
on other dates." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID 895. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Plato 1965 Sep 13 UTC 05:40 McCord (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector with spectragraph) - "Line depth ratio in spectra a/b (H),
c/d (K) were abnormally high compared with 23 other areas, but not
quite as pronounced as other areas on other dates." NASA catalog
weight=5 (very high), NASA catalog ID #895.
Plato 1965 Sep 13 UTC 07:20 McCord (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector with spectragraph) - "Line depth ratio in spectra a/b (H),
c/d (K) were abnormally high compared with 23 other areas, but not
quite as pronounced as other areas on other dates." NASA catalog
weight=5 (very high), NASA catalog ID #895.
Plato 1971 Apr 13 UT 03:30-04:30 W. Cameron (Greenbelt, MD,
USA, 36" reflector & 6" grating) "spectrum obtained showed an
extra absorption line at 4908+/-4A & possibly another. No other
of 6 spectra of other features on the plate show it. No other of
20 spectra of Plato, including another on the same nite show it.
Further reduction & analysis remain to be done." NASA weight=5.
NASA catalog ID=#1291. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 1993 Dec 31 at UT 05:00-07:40 S. Beaumont (Cambridge, UK, 12"
reflector) "saw a patch of hazy light to NW (from c.p. alpha) at 0550
craters B & J shadow of alpha had not reached E wall yet, but at 0536
it did. Alpha > at 0550. Craters B & J to SE had faded, vanished at
0630. Hazy patch remained around peak, alpha low mainly to NE like a
comet's tail. Slightly reddish fringe to E wall. (shown in sketch)".
The above has been quoted in full from the Cmeron catalog because the
catalog desription is slightly ambiguous and any attempted summary
might make the description more unreliable. The cameron 2006 catalog
ID=470 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Cassini/Tycho 1995 Jan 19 UTC 04:35 Observer: R.Livesey (UK) - Tycho
appears brighter than Cassini bright spot in red filter. In violet
filter Tycho and Cassini bright spot appear equally bright. (Tycho and
Cassini bright spot in Deslandres - added at bottom of report?). 2.5"
refractor x48 (indoors), seeing Antoniadi II-IV. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Tycho/Cassini 1995 Jan 19 UTC 04:35 Observer: R.Livesey (UK) - Tycho
appears brighter than Cassini bright spot in red filter. In violet
filter Tycho and Cassini bright spot appear equally bright. (Tycho and
Cassini bright spot in Deslandres - added at bottom of report?). 2.5"
refractor x48 (indoors), seeing Antoniadi II-IV. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Schroter's Valley 1898 Apr 09 UT 04:00 Observed by Pickering
(Cambridge, Mass. USA, 15" refractor) "Variations in vapr col. Break in
main col. Similar to earlier. time est. fr. given col. Date given is
8th LT =9th UT?."NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #300.
In 1790 Mar 03 at 22:00 UT Wilkins (England?) observed Herschel's 1787
lumninous point (Aristarchus) in the same place. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=67 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1958 Nov 29 UTC 22:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, UK,
15" reflector) "Near site of Kozyrev's outbreak saw a circular
patch, black pit center, & red, round masses all around it."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #708.ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Sep 28 at UT05:00-07:00 W. Steed (Ocean City, MD, USA, 3"
refractor, x45 and x220) detected a "tower-like" feature on the east
rim of Mouchez crater, and appeared about 2-3x higher than other
mountains nearby. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=112 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1971 Jun 13 UT 08:21 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4" reflector x51, x93, x121) "S. part of floor was brownish &
granulated" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1296.
Gassendi 1971 Jun 13 UT 07:22-08:05 Observed by Raimundo Nonato
da Silva (Parnaiba, Brazil, 9.5" reflector, x180) "At 0755h
variation on W.(IAU?) edge of crater "brightness seemed to
become a little darker" as it was gugacious (foggy?), Was not
sure it was a LTP. Other features & it were normal from 0658-
0755h". NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID 1295. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 19 UT 22:40-23:05 Observed by Pedler
(UK, 12.5" reflector, x200, seeing fair) Blue colour seen and
could not focus on this part, where as other craters were
nice and sharp in this filter. Aristarchus darker in red
light. all other craters were normal in red. Attempts to
change the eyepiece did not make any difference to the blue
colour. Cameron 2005 catalog ID=43 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 Nov 09 at 10:30-11:05UT D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, S=
4-2/10, T=P) detected a rapid fade in brightness of south and north
sunlit slopes of Mons Piton. Then the western flank faded and became
obscured in detail. The variations detected were approximately 5 sec in
duration, where as seeing effects were of the order of 15 sec. Mons
Pico and other mountains did not show a similar effect. "It was seen
only in viol. filter tho once seemed blurred in red. No changes,
dimming was like a veil of mist covering the mtn - swiftly, then
dissipating as rapidly. Sketch. Phenomenon went on & off till 11:00UT.
Cloud was cir. In viol & spreadover mtn in 2s. Saw 6 rapid, spinning
motions within the cloud like an explosion or tornado seen from above.
Blurring in red was more elongated. Motion across it was like a heat
wave. Whole event lasted ~35m but disappeared in a few secs. Albedos
7.4 cp, 7.5 pt A, 7 pt B." Cameron 2005 catalog ID=75 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 20 UTC 03:00-05:00 Observed by Foley (Kent, UK, no
spurious colour, Seeing Antoniadi II and transparency good.) -
colouration seen: very bright violet spot on the north west interior.
No brightness variations seen. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=44 and
weight=. The ALPO/BAA weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1891 Sep 23 at UT 22:00 Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column. Drawings. Time estimated from given
colongitude)." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=272 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Heraclides Point 1948 Jul 27 UT 02:00? Observed by Doherty (Stoke-on-
Trent, England, 3" refractor? or 6" reflector or 10" reflector)
"Strangeley blurred & misty; La Place Prom was perfectly sharp."
NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #507.
On 1995 Apr 03 at UT 03:30 Unknown Observer (Transparency good) saw a
darkening in the Cobra Head, Schroter's valley area of Aristarchus -
the best example that he had ever seen. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=474
and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=. Reference - BAA Lunar Section
circular 1995 Oct, p125 and personal communication from David Darling
to the BAA on 6/6/1995. Note it is uncertain whether this refers to the
Clementine mission or to somebody who observed during the Clementine
mission, or somebody with that surname. Anyway if it is the Clementine
mission then the date is wrong - possibly the year should have been
1994? The Cameron catalogue does actually mention a TIFF on Clementine
mission? The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=474 and the weight=3. I am
assuming that the year should be 1994 and not 1995? The ALPO/BAA
catalog weight=1 until we can find out what the correct date is?
On 1996 Feb 12 at UT 07:30-08:27 J.Sandel (Caycee, SC, USA)
noted a contrast effect inside Tycho at sunset. At 07:30UT there
was a slight, but definite illumination of small areas of the
crater floor west of the central; peak. Also seen by T. Ferrel
(Lawrenceville, GA, USA, SCT C8). This was oval in shape and
gray in colour - Ferrel noted some diffuseness. It brightened
over 30 minutes. At 08:11UT a definite brightness fade noted in
Tycho's central peak. The crater floor had increased
illumination of entire crater floor. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1966 Sep 09 at UT 21:00-21:30 Cave (England, UK, 6" reflector, x364,
S=F) observed that the flor of Wargentin was a very dark gray, two
shades darker (on scale of 1-10) than the floor of Nasmyth and nothing
to be seen on it even along the ridge. A drawing was made. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=976 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Near Gassendi 2003 Aug 23 UT 09:00 Observed by Weeks (USA, 88deg 33'
W, 22deg 33' N, 20cm reflector) "Observation period ~30 min, terminator
straight down middle of Gassendi, very bright spot seen glaring on
the dark side ~2-3 Gassendi diameters away (SW or NW?). Intense glare
unlike anything seen on Moon before. Spot did not brighten or fade. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Mercurius E (76E, 48N) 2004 Aug 11 UT 18:28:27 Takamura_Y (Ogawamura
Observatory, 137:59:13E, 36:39:34N) observed a 9th magnitude impact
flash. This was verified by 2 other observers elsewhere in Japan.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Oct 28 at UT 05:05 G. Hewick (UK) observed a 1 sec duration
flash on the lunar surface (night side) whilst waiting to observe a
lunar occultation of X17959. The colour was yellow and the brightness
was approximately magnitude 1 - there was no movement. The location of
the flare was between Daws and Vitruvius (17N, 29E).
During an occultation of lambda Geminorum on the eastern limb
the light from the star took 3 seconds to fade. Cameron 2006 catalog
extension ID=8 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1790 Mar 19 UT 21:00? Schroter (Lilienthal, Germany) described in
the Aristarchus region a "Small hazy spot of light". The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=68 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 May 18 at UT01:00-02:35 Lubke (Middleton, WI, USA, 8"
reflector, x130) reported that Aristarchus glowed "like an out of focus
star varying with the atmosphere". Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 20x60
binoucular) and Spain (Fairdale, KY, USA, 7x35 and 20x60 binoculars, S=
6/10) found that both Copernicus and kepler were brighter than
Aristarchus in Earthshine. Aristarchus itself looked unusual, though
Spain did not see Aristarchus at all. Darling and Wieir (20x60
binouculars) agreed that it appeared as a star-like point in
binoculars. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=326 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1988 May 18 at UT01:00-02:35 Lubke (Middleton, WI, USA, 8"
reflector, x130) reported that Aristarchus glowed "like an out of focus
star varying with the atmosphere". Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 20x60
binoucular) and Spain (Fairdale, KY, USA, 7x35 and 20x60 binoculars, S=
6/10) found that both Copernicus and kepler were brighter than
Aristarchus in Earthshine. Aristarchus itself looked unusual, though
Spain did not see Aristarchus at all. Darling and Wieir (20x60
binouculars) agreed that it appeared as a star-like point in
binoculars. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=326 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1988 May 18 at UT01:00-02:35 Lubke (Middleton, WI, USA, 8"
reflector, x130) reported that Aristarchus glowed "like an out of focus
star varying with the atmosphere". Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 20x60
binoucular) and Spain (Fairdale, KY, USA, 7x35 and 20x60 binoculars, S=
6/10) found that both Copernicus and kepler were brighter than
Aristarchus in Earthshine. Aristarchus itself looked unusual, though
Spain did not see Aristarchus at all. Darling and Wieir (20x60
binouculars) agreed that it appeared as a star-like point in
binoculars. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=326 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1990 Apr 26 at UT 19:30-20:30 S. Beaumont (Cambridge, UK, seeing=II,
very good) observed Aristarchus to be "very bright" in Earthshine - it
varied in brightness. However she could also see the edges of the mare
and the west limb clearly. Grimaldi was slso seen. Cameron suspects
that these are atmospheric effects. The cameron 2006 catalog ID=400 and
the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Apr 26 at UT 19:30-20:30 S. Beaumont (Cambridge, UK, seeing=II,
very good) noted that Grimaldi was seen well however she could also see
the edges of the mare and the west limb clearly. Cameron suspects
that these are atmospheric effects. The cameron 2006 catalog ID=400 and
the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1821 May 04 at UT 21:30-22:00 Ward (England? Large aperture
telescope, x80), Bailey (England?) and Olbers (Bremen, Germany,
refractor) observed in the Earthlit part of the Moon an apperent small
comet like feature extended from Aristarchus towards Grimaldi. The
light was similar to a glow worm. The observer had never seen anything
like it. The cameron 1978 catalog ID=89 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
On 1988 May 19 at UT01:14-02:30 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 7x35
binoculars) was able to see Copernicus OK, Kepler (only just) and
Aristarchus was invisible in Earthshine. He could not see the usual
bright areas in Earthshine either. D. Spain (Fairdale, KY, USA,
3.5"reflector, x30-277) could not see anything in Earthshine. Lubke
(Middleton, WI, USA, 8" reflector, x75 and x130) though was able to see
Aristarchus and it was brighter than its surroundings, however it was a
lot fainter than on the 18th May. Cameron suspects that this was
atmospheric in origin and not a TLP. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=329
and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Apr 27 at UT20:00-20:30 P. Mugridge (Surrey, UK) observed a
bright light "sometimes 3 lights in form of triangle" in Oceasnus
Procellarum (56W, ~25N), roughly mid way between Schroter's Valley and
Briggs. "Haze surrounds as a mist or fog. poss. < at end of obs."
Cameron comments that this may have been as a result of contrast in the
strong Earthshine. Foley even contemplates if it was a
misidentification of Aristarchus. Cameron comments that it is probably
not due to terrestrial atmosphere. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=401 and
the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1965 Aug 01 at UT 05:00 Welch (Table Mountain, CA, USA, 6"
reflector, seeing=excellent) observed some star-like flashes in
Aristarchus in ashen light. Cameron says 7/31/65 in MBMW=local time =
6/1/65 in UT. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=886 and the
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Jul 18 at UT06:15-08:00 Heath (Christchurch, New Zealand) noted
that Aristarchus was brighter than normal (Apollo 11 watch). The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1157 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1883 Mar 12 at UT 20:00 Hopkins (located somewhere in the eastern
USA) saw a line of light-well seen (similar to Cameron's TLP catalog ID
235, except for the apparent phase. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=235 and
the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Oct 12 at UT23:30 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x75, seeing 10/10) observed the crater to be glowing faintly
- photos showed it to be blue. Cameron 2006 TLP catalog ID=113 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1937 Feb 15 at UT 16:00? Arkhipov (Russia) observed in Cassini:
"Blue-greenish scintillating spots at bottom of crater were vis. on
ashen light background. (confirm of Andrenko?)". The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=419 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1939 Feb 23 at UT 23:00 Andrenko (Sao Paulo?, Brazil)
observed Aristarchus as a bright spot -- bluish (Cameron says
confirmation of Malakhov), The cameron 1978 catalog ID=445 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Jul 19 at UT 06:30 Whelan (Wellington, New Zealand) observed a
pulsating glow in Aristarchus crater, extending towards the north. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1162 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1970 apr 11 atUT 05:29 Lucas (San Diego, CA, USA, 10" refelctor,
seeing=fair) and others (Oregon, USA) obtained a photometric record of
light level changes in Grimaldi crater. Visible reports by others
during the same time. The photometer paper chart pen moved off scale on
a 10mV scale adjusted to 1000mV. The peaks correlate with the visible
observers from California and Oregon. Bright flashes, 3-5 events
(confirmation during the Apollo 13 watch). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
1237 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1983 Sep 11 at UT 23:52 K.P. Marshall (Columbia, 12"
reflector, x268, seeing II), whilst sketching the crater
Janssen noticed a tenuous red patch on the southern junction
of the valley which joins Fabricius to A. Nothing resembling
this found on nearby areas. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2010Apr18 at UT 20:45-21:00 P. Grego (St Dennis, UK, 17"
reflector - first practice run) observed that Aristarchus in
Earthishine was the brightest that he had seen it before. The
effect had faded to normal in the next 15 minutes though. "The
bright spot was initially thought to be part of the wall of
Aristarchus, but on closer examination the spot was probably the
crater’s central peak. At around this time I estimated the
brightness of the peak to be around magnitude 8, but this is a
poor estimate as no suitable comparison stars in the immediate
vicinity of the field of view were to be seen. Aristarchus’
outline was visible, as was a clearly defined sweep of
brightness to its west (presumably the high albedo markings
southeast of Herodotus) and another illuminated area to the
north of Aristarchus (presumably the Vaisala area), and a small
illuminated patch on the eastern flanks of Aristarchus. No other
areas of the Moon in earthshine appeared to be as bright as
these markings, and there were certainly no other clearly-
defined spots as brilliant as the one that lay in Aristarchus. A
watch was kept until 22:00 UT, when the Moon went out of view
behind a tree. During this period it appeared that the spot was
becoming less bright and less clearly-defined, although the
other albedo markings in its vicinity remained visible; this may
have been a consequence of the Moon’s diminishing altitude.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1821 May 06 at UT 21:45 Ward (England? Large aperture
telescope, x80), Bailey (England?) and Olbers (Bremen, Germany,
refractor) observed in the Earthlit part of the Moon an apperent small
comet like feature extended from Aristarchus towards Grimaldi. The
light was similar to a glow worm. The observer had never seen anything
like it. The cameron 1978 catalog ID=89 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Cusps 1953 Apr 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England, 15"?
reflector) "Faint extension of the cusps. (high peaks in sunlight)."
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID 558.
Cusps 1953 Apr 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England, 15"?
reflector) "Faint extension of the cusps. (high peaks in sunlight)."
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #558.
Messier 1981 Sep 03 UT 19:15-19:55 Observed by Evans (England, 254mm
Newtonian, seeing II-III, transparency fair). "Messier was under going
obscuration" BAA Lunar Section Circular report. ALPO/BAA weight=1.