Bright spot (in dark part of Moon - confirmation of Arkhipov?). Cameron
1978 catalog weight=5 and Cameron 1978 catalog serial No. 418,
Proclus 1955 May 25 UT 19:30 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England,
6.5" reflector x240, seing=very good) "E. (IAU?) wall equally bright in
red and green filters, dull in blue, invisible in violet. (in p.c. time
given is 0730UT, but must have been 7:30PM loc. time." NASA catalog
weight=4 (good). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=594 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1970 Jul 07 at UT 23:00-23:30 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=good) observed the following in
Aristarchus: "Similar conditions as last night (#1264) but diminished
in brightness to 40% (to 6deg bright. Real phenom. in the dimming?)".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1265 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Nov 11 at UT17:35-18:32 G. Blair (Weir, Scotland, UK) at
17:35UT immediately noted that the Earthsine was extremeley bright. All
large detail easily seen on unilluminated disk. 17:38UT a definite pale
reddish brown tinge enveloped the Aristarchus area. 17:39 seemed to be
getting larger and more intense west (IAU) side. Attempted to contact
other observers. 17:40UT Aristarchus still had a bright central peak.
17:50UT fading a little from the west (IAU). 18:00UT slight revival in
brightness. 18:15UT effect still visible when Aristarchus set behind a
high western horizon. The two sketches supplied show the illuminated
region around the crater with extension to the west (IAU). P. Foley
(Kent) found thatAristarchus was bright enough in Earthshine to be seen
with the naked eye. Telescope in operation at 18:00UT and the entire
Aristarchus region was bathed in violet/rose colour with what appeared
to be a strong ray extending to the west (IAU). Detail could be clearly
seen inside Aristarchus crater such as the central zone, west and north
wall and rim in relief from point southeat to northwest. CED measure
0.8 (white), 0.9 (blue), 0.2 (red). No other reading in Earthshine gave
a measure in red. Observation ceased by 18:32UT as the Moon was very
low. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Om 1990 Mar 01 at UT 00:59-02:20 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x36) observed that Aristarchus could barely be seen, but at
02:15 UT it brightened by about two times. Note that brightening might
refer to Lambert - it is worded in an ambiguous way in Cameron's
catalog). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=392 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Om 1990 Mar 01 at UT 00:59-02:20 D. Fryback (Madison, WI, USA, 8"
reflector) observed that Lambert was a star-like point, but later saw
it brighten up (02:15UT) by two times (note that this brightening might
refer to Aristarchus - it is worded in an ambiguous way in Cameron's
catalog). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=392 and
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1948 Aug 09 at UT 02:40 Woodward (Toronto, Canada, sky very
clear) observed, using a telescope, a bright, bluish-white to
greyish-yellow, 3 sec duration flash in Earthshine. The flash
was between magnitude 0 to 1 if one were looking for a similar
magnitude star in the sky without a telescope. There was
possibly a very slight motion of the flash in a southerly
direction. Also there were two terminal bursts. Cameron suggsts
that this might have been a meteor? Ref: Moore, P.A. Guide to
the Moon (1953), p117. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=508 and
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Jun 27 at UT02:17-03:00 D. Darling (Sparta, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x36) reported that the crater had "Flared up at 0225 as a
point of light then went down" - the effect was fairly brief.
Earthshine was quite clearly seen and all features elsewhere were
normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=405 and the weight=0. The ALPo/BAA
weight=1.
Macrobius 1972 Apr 17 UT 20:10-20:45 Observed by Persson (Hvidore,
Danmark, 2.5" refractor x58 & x100, seeing=good) "Macrob. was a white
ring without outline or shadow. (shad. should have been seen--sun only
up 5deg alt. Something was raising albedo from 0 to surround." NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1328.
Proclus 1972 Apr 17 UT 20:10-20:45 Observed by Persson (Hvidore,
Danmark, 2.5" refractor x58 & x100, seeing=good) "Proclus not as clear
as usual" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1328.
On 1972 Apr 17 at UT 20:10-20:45 Hvidore (Denmark, 2.5" refractor, x58,
x100, seeing=good) noted a brightening of the dark limb between
Hercynian mountains and Cleostratus crater. Thought that it was due to
atmospheric disturbance. Cameron says similar to other reports e.g. No.
1156. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1330 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
In 1824 May 02 at UT 21:00-21:15 Gobel (Germany, seeing = excellent)
saw near Aristarchus (47W, 23N) a soft (matte) light like a star seen
through mist. Brightness increased suddenly to magnitude 9-10. After
several seconds it became weak, finally disappearing. repeated this 3
to 4 times in 15 minutes. The Moon was a very narrow sickle shape and a
major feature could be seen in Earthsine. The date given was 1821 but
Cameron says it is 1824. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=88 and weight=4.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1970 Jul 08 at UT 23:00-23:30 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=excellent) observed the following at
Aristarchus: "Conditions again similar (to #1264). Brighter tonite(8
deg) than last nite. but not as bright as on the 6th. Pin pts. of light
very accentuated. The radial open hand extended fingers form not so
frequently, perhaps because of the larger crescent illum. now.".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1266 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1885 Feb 19 at UT 19:00-20:00, Gray of England?, saw a small crater
(in it?) that was dull red with vivid contrast. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID is 247 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cyrillus G 1983 Aug 13 UT 20:17-20:59 L. Paynter (Radcliffe,
UK, 22cm reflector, seeing III or better, transparency good).
Cyrillus G was relatively bright and surrounded by a shaded
area. On increasing the magnification from x65 to x130 he became
aware of a diffused "carise" colouration, in and around the
crater. The colouration was similar though to other spurious
colour on the Moon, but unlike other areas affected by spurious
colour, was more diffuse and spread out and not so concentrated.
In view of some uncertainty by the observer, ALPO/BAA weight=1.
McClure vicinity 1976 Apr 04 UT 19:36-2009 Observed by McKay
(England, 3" refractor, x160), Savill (England, 10x50
binoculars), Moore (Sussex, England, 15" reflector, x360, seeing
II), Buss (England, 6" reflector), Brady (England, 8"
reflector), Ross (England), Foley (Kent, England, 12" reflector)
"Noted a fuzzy, glowing spot at 1936h at 160x. 2 min later, spot
grew larger & flashed up to very bright. Changed power to 106x,
& 80x, still vis. Spot faded 10 m later, then suddenly flashed
up again. 5 m later it faded again & disappeared at 1959h. At
2006h returned to fuzzy, glowing spot then disappeared at 2009h,
never to reappear. Some obs. confirmed, others did not. Photos
afterward don't show anything, nor did blink aftwerward." Moore
though nothing unusual. NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #
1431. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1965 Oct 30 at UT 0200 Eastman (Palos Verdes, CA, USA, 12"
reflector) observed a brightening in Aristarchus in ashen light. The
photographs that were taken show it. The phenomenon was seen each
lunation since July. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=908 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Posidonius 1821 Apr 07 UTC 18:00? Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich,
Germany) "Small bright crater in it was shadowless. Schroter also saw
it shadowless several X" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID
#87. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2009 Mar 01 at UT 18:50-21:00 G. Smith (East Yorkshire, UK, 127mm
Maksutov Cassegrain telescope with zoom eyepiece and later a Plossl
eyepiece) observed an area between Plato and Sinus Iridum to be glowing
as a bright nebulous patch. It was brighter than anything else in
Eartshine. A change in eyepiece did not affect the appearance of the
nebulous patch. The patch had faded somewhat by 21:00UT. The observers
brother attempted to observe the patch through a 114mm reflector at
20:30UT but the optics were of poor quality and the effect was not
seen. BAA observers were alerted, but only after the event had faded -
they made observations from 22:00-23:46 UT but failed to detect
anything unusual in the region concerned. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
This may have been a mis-identification with Aristarchus - however
we cannot be 100% sure.
In 1965 Jul 04 at UT 03:53-05:59 Gridley, Welch (West Covina, CA, USA,
4.5" and 8" reflector, seeing=excellent), Albert (CA, 8" reflector,
x375) and Emanuel (8" reflector) observed star-like flashes in
Aristarchus crater. Cameron says this confirmed and that the date
in MBMW is 7/3/65 which is local time = 4th UT also but is in error due
to misreading of handwriting. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=883 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1963 Oct 22 at UT 21:00? Andre (Belgium, 2.25" refractor) noticed
that Posidonius A's shadow was not seen when it should have been seen.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=777 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1881 May 04 at UT 20:00? Trouvelot (Meudon, France)
observed an unexplained light inside Eudoxus crater. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=222 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1994 Apr 17 at UT02:00 R. Zit (Madison, WI, USA) whilst observing a
grazing lunar occultation, found that Aristarchus (and the surrounding
region) was glowing in Earthshine. This was confirmed by D. Weier
(Madison, WI, USA) at 02:00 UT also. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2012 Mar 28 at UT 20:45-20:50 Two unknown Italian
observers, reported on an on-line formum that they had
independently seen a distinct glow with a comma/drop shape.
One of them moved the Moon and the glow moved with the Moon.
It is uncertain how experienced the observers where. A chart
was provided which shows the lcoation of the glow in the
western side of Mare Imbrium. It is just possible that this
was Aristarchus in Earthshine, though that is very slightly
further west and south than the observers reported. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 2012 Mar 28 P. Grego (Cornwall, UK, seeing II, 100mm
refractor, x132) observed a patch of light just inside the NW
rim of Menelaus on the shadowed wall or floor. Computer
visulaiztions of the illumination conditions using a digital
elevation model failed to produce this effect. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cepheus A 2000 Oct 04 UTC 08:15-08:50 Observer: Maurice Collins
(New Zealand, 90cm ETX) - observer noted that crater was
extremely bright - wasn't sure if this was normal and at the
time rated it as the brightest (contrasty?) crater that he had
ever seen on the Moon. Many years later he suspected that he may
have mis-identified the crater. This still leaves us with thr
problem as to why a crater should be so bright in this region,
and if so, which one? ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Jul 04 UT 22:08-23:09 Foley (12" reflector, Kent, UK) found
that Censorinus gave a low brightness CED reading of 58%, despite all
other measured points on the Moon as being normal. M. Cook (Frimley,
UK) found Censorinus to be extremely dull compared to Proclus. J.D.
Cook (Frimley, UK) found Censorinus to be quite dull, barely above
background levels. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=246 and the weight=4.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1984 Jul 04 at UT 22:05-23:09 Richardson (Swinton, Yorkshire, UK,
seeing=VE) found that a peak west of Theophilus crater had a deep blue
colour, and this was strange because no colour was seen elsewhere on
the Moon. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector), once alerted, found a dome
east of Kant? to be blue, and likewise no colour was seen elsewhere on
the Moon. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=246 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1984 Jul 04 UT 22:08-23:09 Foley (12" reflector, Kent, UK) found
that Torricelli B was a much lower brightness than was expected and
this remained the case for the rest of the lunation. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=246 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Pitiscus 1981 Sep 05 UT ??:?? but assumed to be AM? which would make
it 00:00-03:00UTC. Observed by Slayton (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA,
8" reflector, ASA 64EK7 f/170, Kodak Kodachrome) photographed a bright
glow in the crater that appeared to move. Observer also reported seeing
it visually noting that it looked gray with a tinge of red. For further
information see p266 of Sky & Telescope (1991, March). Note that
Cameron gives the date and UT at 1981 Sep 06 UT 01:00-01:30, or one day
later. I will use this date and time from now on. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=152 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1982 Sep 24 at 22:45-23:40 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia) saw in
Theophilus an obscuration on the south west wall close to Cyrillus and
furthermore it had a red / mauve colouration (seen best in a 12mm Ortho
eyepiece). Through a Wratten 15 yellow filter the region was quite
bright. At23:40UT the obscuration faded. There was plenty of detail in
the region between Theophilus and Cyrils. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
184 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1915 Apr 21 at UT 1800? Houdard (France) noticed a special
occurrence south of Posidonius which he took as evidence of water
vapor. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=351 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Albategnius 1972 Jun 18 UTC 19:20-19:25 Observed by Schnuchel (13.25E,
52.5N, 20x60 binoculars?) "Bright area at the inner N wall, diminution
of brightness well observable" S=4 T=4. Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon &
Planets (1984) Vol 30, pp53-61.
A.S.Williams of West Brighton, UK, using a 2.75" Acromatic refractor
(x75, definition good, but it was too windy to use the 5.25") noticed
that the mare was a mass of light streaks and spots. This was not
considered unusual, but these features were unusually plain, distinct
and brught, especially the streaks. The observer could not recall
seeing the streaks so bright and clear with this instrument before, and
indeed hardly ever with the larger 5.25" telescope. The observer
continued to observe Mare Crisium on many nights for several months and
comments that such an unusual exhibition was later seen perhaps once
every 2-3 lunations. They are uncertain how much this effect depends
upon the state of the Earth's atmosphere. This TLP does not make it
into the Cameron 1978 catalog and so may not be a TLP - however it has
been included, just in case, and to try to understand what was actually
seen. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Censorinus 1984 Jul 05 UT 21:05-21:25 Observed by Cook (24" reflector
with line scan photodiode array at Mill Hill observatory, London) "Two
line scan photodiode array images were taken which used the motion of
the Moon to build up an image. The first image at 21:25UT did not
include all of Censorinus, but the part that it did include was not
very bright. The 21:25UT image did include all of Censorinus and the
crater was bright, including the part that was just visible in the
previous image. Possibly the seeing was worse at 21:05? and this could
explain the brightness descrepency, but it is worth checking again by
taking images at the same illumination conditions" BAA Lunar Section
report. At 21:17 M. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Proclus to be brighter
than Censorinus (more so than the previous night) and obtained variable
readings for Censorinus. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=247 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1972 Jun 18 UTC 20:50-21:15 Observed by Kern (8.75E, 48.25N,
60mm refractor) "Yellow to white bright pattern at the NW wall, visible
only occasionally" S=4, T=3 Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon & Planets
(1984) Vol 30, pp53-61.
Knopp of Paysandu, Uruguay on 1885 Feb 21 at 23:00-23:30? UT saw red
patches in the crater. Reddish smoke or mist. The observer says several
others had seen a star like point there that night. Cameron's 1978
catalog ID=348 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
SW of Pico 1844 Apr 25 UT 20:00? Observed by Schmidt (Athens,
Greece, ? refractor) "A bluish glimmering patch of light not
quite within the dark side" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #123. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1965 Jul 08 at 01:00?UT a white streak was seen in Grimaldi,
extended towards the limb. This was observed by Rubens de
Azevedo, et. al., Brazil. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=884 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Purbach 1970 Apr 14 UT 12:00-14:00 Observed by Osawa (Awajt-Shima,
Japan, 8" reflector, x288) "Photos in blue and orange taken. Ill-
defined obscur. in blue photo in S. part of crater compared with
orange. (neg. is so faint it is doubtful. Apollo 13 watch. Similar to
Alter's findings in Alphonsus)." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA
catalog ID #1250.
On 1990 May 03 at UT 02:03 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, seeing
steady) observed a point of light inside Alphonsus just to the north
of the central peak, along the "center ridge". It was seen again, half
way between the central peak and the noth west rim - along the ridge.
All other features were normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=403 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Alphonsus 1967 Aug 13 UT 18:40-18:55 Observed by Horowitz (Haifa,
Israel, 8" reflector?) "Glow or hazy patch seen while using filters.
Brighter than background. Not seen after 2055 or next nite" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1041.
On 1972 Apr 21 at UT19:01 Mattingly (Apollo 16 commander, in orbit
around the Moon, using his naked eyes) saw a bright flash from below
his horizon on the lunar farside (approximate longitude=180 deg). he
was dark adapted at the time. However no sesimic event was recorded and
so Cameron suspects that this was not a meteor impact but a cosmic ray
striking his eye. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1331 and weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Peirce A (Swift=IAU name) 1937 Mar? 23? UTC 22:00 Observed by Wilkins
(England, UK, 12.5" reflector) "Obscuration on floor if crater. Crater
invis. (similar to #394, 396)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #412. Note this is almost certainly supposed
to be 1934 Dec 23!
SE of Ross D 1964 Aug 16 UT 04:18-05:20 Observed by Harris and
Cross (Whittler, CA, USA, 19" reflector?) "Bright area.
Condensations varying with time" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #840. ALPO/BAA weight=3
Piton 1961 Jan 25? UTC 00:00? Observed by Schneller (Cleveland, Ohio,
USA, 8" x53) "Red obscuration concealing peak, @10mi sq (if near SR,
date is 27th; ancilary data given for 27th -- date not given)" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #731.
On 1887 Nov 23 at 16:15-17:00 UT Von Speissen & others of Berlin,
Germany, using a 3.5" refractor (x180), saw a "Triangular patch of
light (time in Middlehurst catalog wrong? Moonrise was at > 18:30h. If
year =1887, age=8.8 days & time OK. must be same observation as ID=256
in Cameron 1978 catalog - note similarity of names and also the
reference date). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=258 and weight=1.
Proclus 1984 Jul 06 UT 20:29-20:43 light green spot observed by Madej
(England) in the central region. No colour seen elsewhere. At 20:10
Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector) had seen a small extending of darkening
in the south east floor (not present 2 hours before) and a lot of fine
detail - though everything was normal again by 22:50UT. At 22:15 Amery
(Reading, UK) found a large dark spot on the south east floor. Other
observers: J and A.cook (Frimley, England) could not confirm but their
seeing was IV and tranparency was poor" Mobberley found no colour and
also no detail on the floor. BAA Lunar Section Report. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=248 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Alphonsus 1968 May 05 UTC 20:00 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector, x220, Seeing: Good). "Did not see gray patch SE
(ast. ?) of c.p. Noted W. (ast. ?) dark patch was invis. while S. one
was seen easily, emerging from shadow. On 7th all seen easily, emerging
from shadow. On 7th all 3 clearly vis. with the darkest one the invos.
one on 5th." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1071.
Plato 1882 Mar 27 UTC 20:10-21:00 Observer: A.S. Williams (Brighton,
UK, 5.5" saw the shadow filled floor of Plato at Sunrise with a
"Glowing and curious milky kind of light". About 1 hour after sunrise
at Plato, there was no trace of this effect. The TLP filled the whole
floor except at a quarter of the diameter from the east wall which was
actually quite black. The observer saw a curious phosphorescent glimmer
at sunset (April11th?). Cameron comments that Birt, Nelson and Waugh
saw obsecuring mist or fog in Plato on many occasions. Cameron 1978
catalog ID=229 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
A track of reddish light, like a beam, was seen
crossing the shadowed floor of Plato.This TLP has an ID
No. of 17 in Cameron's 1978 catalog and a weight
of 3. It has an ALPO/BAA weight of 2.
On 1979 Sep 29 at UT10:00-12:00 S. Turner (Maryborough, Australia)
observed a strong beacon like flash in white light that moved back and
forth in the east wall of Plato (very bright) and Mons Pico. tried
changing eyepiece and the field of view, but this wasn't the cause of
the effect. A check at 11:07UT did not show the effect, but it was back
again by 11:18UT being more pronounced at Mons Pico than the east wall
of Plato. SSW of Mons Pico was also blinking slightly. At 11:32 the
blinking effect was irregular 5-10 sec and this continued until
12:00UT. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=71 and weight=0 but she suggests
atmospheric scintillation as a cause. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Sep 29 at UT10:00-12:00 S. Turner (Maryborough, Australia)
observed a strong beacon like flash in white light that moved back and
forth in the east wall of Plato (very bright) and Mons Pico. tried
changing eyepiece and the field of view, but this wasn't the cause of
the effect. A check at 11:07UT did not show the effect, but it was back
again by 11:18UT being more pronounced at Mons Pico than the east wall
of Plato. SSW of Mons Pico was also blinking slightly. At 11:32 the
blinking effect was irregular 5-10 sec and this continued until
12:00UT. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=71 and weight=0 but she suggests
atmospheric scintillation as a cause. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Knopp of Paysandu, Uruguay on 1885 Feb 22 at 23:00-23:30? UT saw a
definite light, looking like Saturn in Cassini?. The previous night he
had seen red patches in the crater. Cameron's 1978 catalog ID=348 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1972 Jun 19 UT 21:40-22:30 Observed by S.A. Jones
(Swansea, Wales, 12" reflector x150) and Moore (Selsey, England,
12.5" reflector x450) "Noted a bright area in the center. Moore
noted nothing unusual & he tho't obs. saw one of permanent light
patches" NASA catalog weight=0 (very low). NASA catalog ID #
1336. 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.
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.
Linne 1867 Jan 14 UT 20:00 Observed by Knott (England?) "White covering
had seemingly disappeared, was a dark spot. Definition (seeing?) was
poor." NASA catalog weight=1 very low. NASA catalog ID #148.
Morales of France?, observed "an illumination" in Kepler on 1884 Feb 05
at UT20:00?. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID is 241 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1960 Feb 06 at UT14:30 Morozov (Moscow, Russia) saw with the naked
eye a bright point inmovable but with brightness variations in dark
part of Moon, 3days past first quarter, 2days before SR! (says
Cameron). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=728 and weight=3.
On 1965 Jul 08 at 01:00?UT a white streak was seen in Grimaldi,
extended towards the limb. This was observed by Rubens de
Azevedo, et. al., Brazil. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=884 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1972 Apr 22 at UT 18:58-00:28 Hopp (75mm refractor, 1200mm focal
length,transparency 4 out of 5 and seeing 4 out of 5, located at 52deg
30' N and 13deg 15'E) Censorinus brighter than normal relative to
Proclus. Published in Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Moon and Planets, 30
(1984) p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1974 Mar 02 at UT 23:00 Fitton (Lancashire, UK, 8.5" reflector,
x200, seeing = excellent and transparency = excellent) observed "A fine
deep red line seen at 1st contact with B-ring of Saturn. Nothing
unusual at A-ring contact. Persisted during occult. of B-ring. It
divided into 2 components & space between B-ring & globe cutting ring
into 2 disjointed ends persisted till dark limb passed onto globe of
Saturn, then a short red line corresponding exactly to chord of planet
disk defined by lunar limb. It increased in length as occult.
progressed. It suddenly vanished after 3/4 of globe had been occulted.
No afterglow at spot on limb, no irreg. at limb could be seen. Obs.
eliminates Saturn, telescope, & atmosp. as possible cause. Suggests
refraction from tenuous atm. of destructive interference of reflected
light from very small angle at limb, or diffraction of Saturn light
grazing limb". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1389 and weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1976 Nov 30 UT 19:15 T. Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 29cm
reflector, Wratten 25 and 44a filters) observed that there
were two whitish semi-circular tide like marks enclosing two
dark patches adjoining the interior west wall The observer was
puzzled because if these were two masses of spawning foot
hills, then why would the cental areas, presumably the higher
parts, be dark - when the contrary is usually the case?
ALPO.BAA weight=1.
Copernicus 1939 Mar 29 UT 19:00-19:15 Observed by Wilkins (Kent,
England, 6" reflector) "C.P. diffuse light spot, faint glow s as
tho in a luminous mist (3h before SR) Some indication of
E.terraces, then vanished." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #447. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Copernicus 1976 Nov 30 UT 19:40 T. Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 29cm
reflector, Wratten 25 and 44a filters) observed that the
Copernicus craterlet chains werebetter seen through a red
filter than a blue. ALPO.BAA weight=1.
Purbach 1976 Nov 30 UT 19:40 T. Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 29cm
reflector, Wratten 25 and 44a filters) observed that the
crater interior was better see through a red filter than a
blue. ALPO.BAA weight=1.
Clavius 1915 Apr 23 UTC 20:00 Observed by Cook (England?) "Narrow
straight beam of light from crater A to B" NASA catalog weight=1 (very
poor). NASA catalog ID #352. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1932 Apr 15 UT 06:57 Observed by A.V. Goddard & friend
(Portland, Oregon, USA, 16" telescope, S=G steady) "Sudden
appearance of a white spot like a cloud of steam (in appearance
only), and in less than a minute it had spread in a NW
direction, until it almost reached the rim of the crater" NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #403. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
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.
On 1975Mar22 at UT 21:17-21:23 Findlay and Ford (Mills Observatory,
Dundee, UK, 25cm refractor, Wratten 25 and 44a filters used) A white
spot was observed on the rim of Bulialdus that was perhaps slightly
brighter in red than in white light. The observers however decided that
they did not regard this as a TLP. This is a BAA Lunar Section
Observation. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1997 Dec 09 at UT 18:42-19:02 P. Salimbeni(Cugliate Fabiasco,
Italy, 20cm reflector) observed colour on the northern edge of the
crater - 23A filter used. This is a UAI reported observation and has
come from this organizations web ste. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1975 Mar 22 at UT22:10-22:25 T.Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 30cm
Newtownian, x75) observed 3 large areas on the floor of Plato to be
delicately darker in the blue filter. There were of different darkness.
He did not regard these as TLP, but permanent blinks. This is a BAA
report. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 May 24 at UT 00:05-00:08 UT Romualdo Lourencon (Sao
Paulo, Brazil, 60mm refractor, seeing=III) detected a circular
cloud in Jansen B and H? (Gazateer report says F and K). "The
crater of the event 100km diam. compared to Copernicus, dark
with crescent obscured region below it. Was S of Jansen. A
circular depression there was before LTP in darkness. Wonders if
circ. depr. was shadow of cloud? The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
428a and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Jul 08 at UT 20:10-22:05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, seeing IV-V)
suspected that the floor of Proclus was slightly darker than normal.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=249 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1968 May 07 UTC 20:48-21:05 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector x220) "Red color No. of landslip in W. wall seen
in blink & vis. Vanished by 2105h. Had not returned at 2125. (Moore has
wrong date in his extended catalog.)." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #1074.
South of Copernicus 1972 Feb 24 UT 19:30-20:00 Observed by McConnell
(England, 6" reflector, x195, seeing=good) "White spot just S. of Cop.
about same size as Copernicus H (@ 5km), (there is a bright area or mt.
SW of Cop. H)." NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID 1323.
On 1882 Jan 29 at UT 17:00-17:30 an unknown observer noted an unusual
shadow in Eudoxus crater. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=227 and the
weight=2. Reference: Sirius Vol 15, 167, 1882. The 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.
Gassendi - 1966 Sep 25 UT 20:20-20:50 observed by Moore and
Moseley(Armagh, N.Ireland, 10" refracfor x140) "Reddish patches,
regarded dubious, owing to low altitude of the Moon". NASA
catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #981. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Mar 23 at UT 20:40 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) found a brownish
colour on the north west wall. This is a BAA Lunar Section report. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Bullialdus 1979 Oct 31 UT 20:20-20:30 G.W. Amery (Reading, UK)
observed a plateau area to be dark and distinct in blue light
(Wratten 44a), but only just visibly in red (Wratten 25) and
yellow light. Observer wonders if this is natural surface
colour? ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 May 24 at UT 23:10 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found the
apron region of Censorinus had a very dull white apron, but was
not diffuse. A sketch was supplied by this experienced observer.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=428b and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
SE limb of Moon 2003 Aug 08 UTC 20:50 Observer Brook (Plymouth, UK)
x70 60mm OG on a very hot evening, when I saw a fountain-like
appearance suddenly "squirt" from the SE limb. Seeing not particularly
good, but not so poor as to account for what was seen. Duration of
phenomenom perhaps a fraction of a second, hight of pehaps a few miles.
Thought I saw another one a few minutes later. - observer suspected hot
weather and Moon's low altitude" The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1872 Jul 16 UTC 21:00? Observed by Pratt (England?) "NW portion
of floor was hazy" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
179.
2004 Jul 28 UT 07:25-07:31 R. Dewitt (Transparancy very poor due
to forest fire pollution - Moon looks red, USA, location: Mill
Creek, WA) observed several pin point-like orange flashes of
light occur (2-5 sec duration each and static wrt the Moon's
surface) across the bright illuminated side of the Moon with the
naked eye. Other much fainter, almost instantaneous sparkles
were seen. The brightest flash seen was of 5 sec duration.
Switching to binoculars (15x45, another fainter one was seen
too. Binouculars were handed to wife, who also confirmed similar
flashes. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1967 Jun 18 UT 21:10-22:30 Observed by Whippey
(Northalt, England, 6" reflector?) "Faint redness outside NE &
SE wall of crater." Moore (10" Armagh refractor, x360) was
observing too 22:10-22:40, with and without a Moon Blink but
detected no redness, however his observing conditions were not
very good at the time. NASA catalog ID #1039. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO.BAA weight=2.
A.S.Williams of West Brighton, UK, using a 5.25" Calver, x150 and
definition fairly good. Observer noticed that the Mare seemed covered
with a close network of innumerable streaks, and spotted with countless
numbers of light specks, so that it would hardly be possible to
delineate them all in one night. The spots and streaks together must
have numbered ~1000. The observer had never seen anything like the
number of spots and streaks. Peirce A, was not at all easy to see and
neighboring spots almost as bright made it difficult to distinguish
which one was Peirce A. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1966 Sep 25 UT 23:12-23:35 Observed by Moseley (Armagh, Nortern
Ireland, 10" refractor, x140) "Eng. moon blink sys. blinks inside the
crater. Very dubious due to low alt. of moon." NASA catalog weight=1
(very low). NASA catalog ID #982.
Gassendi 1967 Jun 18 UT 22:50-23:59 Observed by Whippey
(Northalt, England, 6" reflector?) "Faint redness outside NE &
SE wall of crater." Moore (10" Armagh refractor, x360) was
observing earlier 22:10-22:40, with and without a Moon Blink but
detected no redness, however his observing conditions were not
very good at the time. NASA catalog ID #1039. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO.BAA weight=2.
Posidonius 1952 Jul 03 UT 19:13-19:27 Observed by Dzaplashvili,
Ksanforalif, Negrelishvili (Georgia, Soviet Union, 13" reflector,
polarimeter, S=clear) "Making polariz. mess. of it. Aristotles.
Eudoxus. & Aristillus. only Pos. gave higher rdgs. & oscillated while
others gave repeatedly same results. 40 other times Pos. was normal.
Never had seen such behavior Table gives deflections. Obs. repeated 2X
Obs. from 1843-1947h." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog
ID #552. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Proclus 1975 May 24 UTC 22:00 Observed by P.W. Foley (Kent, UK)
"Brightenings(?). Seen by more than one obs. ? Foley recorded a ray
projection on photos, but not seen vis. by others." NASA catalog
weight=3? (average?). NASA catalog ID #1405.
Proclus 1990 Mar 09 UT 00:12-00:13 Observed by Marie Cook (Frimley, UK,
3.5" Questar telescope) observed a "long plume of light" the brightness
was the same as the wall region. It went from the southern rim about
half of the way across to the centre in the "northerly". The plume
feature was not seen at higher magnifications. Change in brightness
also noted. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=394 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 2014 Dec 04 UT 03:14-03:15 M.P. Homan (Grand Rapids,
MI, USA, Nikon P520 x48) 11 digital images taken. These show
possible blue colour in the Aristarchus area e.g. on the ray
between Herodotus an Aristarchus. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1972 Apr 25 UTC 19:15-19:20 Observer Ventzke (located at
48.67N, 12.00E) - diffuse brightening on inner N. wall, reddish. 60mm
refractor used. Ref. p53-61 of Hilrecht & Kuveler Moon & Planets vol
30, 1984.
On 1975 Mar 24 at UT22:28-22:19 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) observed
vivid blue/green in Aristarchus. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Herodotus 1998 Dec 30 UT 18:50-19:10 observed by J.Knott
(Liverpool, UK 22cm Newtonian, x216, seeing II, transparency
good). Observer reports a bright spot, as bright as the
central peak in Aristarchus on the NW rim of Herodotus at
19:10 (still there at 19:15, but the curious thing was that it
was not visible earlier at 18:50? Now there is a bright
craterlet here, and the observer doubted if what he had seen
was unusual - though we have the rise in brightness o20
minutes to account for? The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Grimaldi 1839 Jun 24 UT 22:00? Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich,
Germany) "Smokey, grey mist". NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #117. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1959 Nov (Day unknown) at UT 21:15-22:15 Bradford (South Shields,
UK, 15" reflector, x480) observed in Plato: "Cocealed by a dusky cloud.
Appeared to be stream or smoke. No change in 1h. Following week no
trace. (SR Nov 5, SS Nov 18. Says he obs. at time of unmanned landing,
but there were none in Nov.) Similar to #722". The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=726 and weight=2. The ALPOS/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Oct 19 at UT 21:09-23:40 G. North (Bexhill on Sea, UK, seeing
III) found Aristarchus crater to be slightly blue in colour, and very
bright, despite the fact that no colour was seen elsewhere on the Moon.
At 22:08UT Foley (Kent, UK, 12"reflector, seeing II) obtained an
extremely high CED brightness measurement and also picked up a "blue-
violet" cast, especially inside the west rim, furthermore he saw noe
detail in it. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=230 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1989 Jun 17 at UT 06:33-07:16 R. Manske (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) sketched a nebulous spot near to Herodotus crater that at
06:49 (when he tried some filters out) was visile through red, blue and
yellow filters, though it was slightly fainter through the red filter.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=366 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1963 Oct 30 UTC 22:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK)
observed a 30% enhancement at 540nm in the spectra of
Aristarchus. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID No. is 778 and weight
is 5. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 because Oct 30 is not mentioned in
Cameron's refernce.
In 1963 Oct 30 UT 22:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK) observed a
30% enhancement at 540nm in the spectra of Copernicus. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID No. is 778 and weight is 5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1 because Oct 30 is not mentioned in the ref
that Cameron give's to Scarfe's paper.
On 1789 Jan 10 at UT 00:00 Seyffer (Germany) observed "a lunar
volcano". Cameron comments that this must have been bright as it was
near full Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=56 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
On 1971 Apr 09 at UT 22:30-23:05 N. Brown (Huntington, York, UK, 37cm
reflector, x252) noted that the bands in Aristarchus were noticeably
more prominent in blue light than in red. This has no entry in the 1978
Cameron catalog. It has an ALPO/BAA weight of 2.
On 1891 Sep 17 at UT 18:00? Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column. Crater D covered. (there are rays here --
high sun effect on them?) Drawings. Time estimated from given
colongitude)." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=270 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1898 Apr 07 at UT 22:30 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass, USA, 15"
refractor?) observed in Schroter's valley and it's vicinity "Variations
in vapor col. Lge. gap in main column near edge of C. Gap not
previously seen, but fine lines crossing it had. E is still most
conspic. (time est. fr. col. given)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=298
and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1969 May 03 UTC 07:00? Observed by Smith, Gallivan
(Corralitos Observatory, Organ Pass, NM, 24" reflector, photos) "Bluing
around crater. Visible on monitor, but immeasurable in photos" NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1125
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 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.
On 1989 Apr 26 at UT 10:22-10:44 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x36-x140) found that the eastern half of Plato crater was
dark - and he checked this using several eyepieces. moderate
magnification resolved the dark region into bands, but too high a
magnification (x140) made the bands dissappear. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=362 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1976 Mar 03 at UT 17:30-18:30 Classen? (Budapest, Hungary, 8"
refractor, 14" reflector) observed Aristarchus to have a point-like
brightness -- white. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1429 and weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Jul 17 atUT 03:00-03:25 Philips (Midland, TX, USA, 6"
reflector) "Complete rim pulsating white light, @4-5th mag.Suddenly
brightened at 0300h. Crater seemed to glow a brilliant white for @ 15m.
2 others confirmed from 0315-0325h. Resumed its normal appear. after
fading gradually at 0325h. (author (WSC) noted nothing abnormal at
0100-0115h & couldn't disting. Aris. Apollo 11 watch)". The cameron
1978 catalog ID=1152 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1991 Apr 17 at UT 01:22-02:37 D. Spain (Fairdale, KY, USA, 3.5"
refractor, x30-x111, S=5/10, T=5.5) observed (UT01:22-02:25) an orange
flare and some brighenings in the crater Gassendi. With the naked eye
he saw a glowing spot on the Earthshine side of the Moon. When he
turned his telescope onto this he found out that this was Gassendi
crater. By comparison, Aristarchus was just a small point. Herzog
(Racine, WI, USA, 2.5" refractor, x28, S=G and T=6-7) confirmed Spain's
observation UT 01:51-02:37?. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x56, S=7/10, T=5) did not see anything unusual UT 02:15-
02:32?. Cameron speculates that the orange colour might be from the
Moon's low altitude. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=421 and the weight=1.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1877 Jun 14 at UT 20:00 Harrison (USA?) noted on the western limb
variations of brilliancy along the dark limb reembled light of a moving
mirror held to a strong light against shadow of a dark ha.. Faint
greenish-blue streamers resembling terr. aurora streamers. He thought
they were same cause on the Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=3 and
ID=192.
Plato 1919 Mar 05 UT 17:19:17:34 Observed by Selivanov, Tartakov
(Russia, 4" refractor? x150) "Crater seemed to be an intense green in
the background of Ashen light. Slightly to the left (east?) of it's
centre a bright spot that sparkled with a phosphor. light, lighting up
the whole crater so that its W. edge could be seen. Light did not
change for the whole time." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog
ID #371.
On 1969 May 20 at UT 03:18-04:27 Cross (Las Cruces, NM, USA 6"
refractor), Olivarez (Spain?), Kohlenberger, Gibson, Miller, Duarte and
Harris (CA, USA) observed brightenings, pulsations, scintillations in
Aristarchus crater. Cameron says independent confirmation seen by 4
observers, 1-2 magnitude increases, ranged between 1-30sec. Most active
period was 03:18-03:20UT, 04:17-04:27UT (Las Cruces). Calkins (West
Covins, CA, USA) UT 03:40-04:25 saw one major brightening up 2
magnitudes above steady state lasting 0.2 to 1.5 sec and another slow
brightening lasting 5-10 seconds. Kelsey (CA, USA) saw at 03:43-03:48UT
some brightenings. These observations were made during the Apollo 10
watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1127 and 1128 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Mare Crisium 1972 Mar 18 UT 19:06-21:00 Obsevred by Prvost and Dorchain
(Belgium, 3.5" reflector, 168x and 336x) "at 1906h Pruvust rep'ted 2
pts. moving from Aout to Prom. Olivium. Minutes later, Dorchain saw a
new pt. Others saw nothing unusual fr. 1912-2100h (Fitton, Ash, Peters,
Watkins,et al in England - but this was later than the event)" NASA
catalog weight=2 (poor). NASA catalog ID #1325.
On 1973 May 06 at Ut 04:48 Bell (Lodi, CA, USA, 8.5" reflector x142)
saw a slow brightness increase in Reiner to magnitude 6, when suddenly
in the north east (IAU?) quadrant of the floor there was a very bright
pin-point blue-white flash of magntude 2 for approximately 0.5seconds.
After this the bright glowing of the crater diminished over about 15-
20 sec befofre returning to normal. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1366
and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1949 May 31 UT02:37 LT Johnson observed a flash near the W
limb of the Moon at the same latitude as Riccioli. No colour
seen, the magnitude was 9-10, and duration < 0.5 sec. If there
was any motion then it must have been < 24 km. He wasn't looking
at it when it happened, so the motion aspect is uncertain.
Indeed he was not absolutely certain if it was on the limb, or
just inside or outside? The BAA/ALPO weight=1.
On 1972 Mar 18 at UT2015 E. Watkins, P. Hooks, D. Harris and R. Pieper
(Conditions bad: a lot of mist and haze in the sky, 10" (x80 and x160)
and 4.5" reflectors (x45, x150 and x225), observers were located in the
UK) Aristarchus seen on the night side of the Moon - P. Hooke saw a red
orange outburst from the ctater. When E. Watkins had a look, it just
resembled a misty white area i.e. normal. Eyepieces were changed but it
stayed misty white. Hooke was an inexperienced TLP observer at the
time. Watkins did however notice some variation in brightness but put
this down to atmospheric conditions. This is a BAA observation.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Jul 18 at UT 03:53-04:21 Tungside? (CA, USA, 8" reflector) saw
a blue flash in Aristarchus crater. Apollo 11 watch. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1156 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Jul 18 at UT 04:16 Harris (Torrence, CA, 12" reflector) saw
Kraft brighten at this time. Apollo 11 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1156 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Jul 18 at UT 03:53-04:21 Kohlenberger (Fullerton, CA, 4.5"
reflector), Harris and Bell (Torrence, CA, 12" reflector) saw a 65km
long limb brightneing between Grimaldi and Aristarchus, a third of the
way from Aristarchus. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1156 and weight=3.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 Apr 18 at UT 02:00-03:02 D. Spain (Fairdale, KY, USA, 3.5"
reflector, S=6/10) could only see Aristarchus using averted viion. K.
Herzog (Racine, WI, USA, 6" refractor, x38) observed Aristarchus to
cycle through glowing and fading down to Earthshine brightness in a 3
minute cycle, but they could niot see Copernicus, Kepler or Tycho in
Earthshine. W. Dembowski (USA) obtained photographs but these did not
reveal anything unusual. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=422 and the
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1881 May 04 UT 20:00 "Gamma" a psuedonym for an astronomer
(Germany?) observed Aristarchus to be be a very bright 8th magnitude
star with pulsations. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=221 and the weight=3.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1939 Feb 23 at UT17:00 Malakhov, Filippoova (Russia) observed an
intensive luminescence in background of ashen light that had ceased in
March, in Aristarchus (confirmed of Andrenko - says Cameron). Cameron
1978 catalog ID=446 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 May 21 at UT 03:40-04:25 Kohlenberger (Fullerton, CA, 12"
reflector), Harris, Miller (Torrence, CA, 12" reflector), Bell and
Calkins (Ojai, Duarts, CA, USA), Kelsey (West Covins, CA, Riverside,
CA, USA) observed scintillations in Aristarchus - Cameron says
independent observations?). Members of Astronet took part in this
observation. Kelsey saw a brightening but not on the order of seconds
as others reported. Cameron suspects an atmospheric effect and also
comments that this was during the Apollo 10 watch. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1130 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1970 Jun 08/09 at UT 23:30-00:00 Celis (Quilpue, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, seeing=good?) observed lots of activity in the
Aristarchus region - blue luminous star-like points, frequently
appearing. Cameron comments that maybe atmospheric effects. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=1260 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Jul 19 at UT 03:53-04:19 Harris (Torrence, CA, USA, 12.5"
reflector), Bell (Duarte, CA, USA, 4.5" reflector), and Miller (Ojai,
CA, USA). "Harris saw 20 brightenings or light flashes, lasting fr, 1/2
to 3s at 03:53:56 (1/2s), 03:54:19 (1s), 03:54:55 (2s), 03:55:06,
03:56:54, 03:56:56, 03:58:37, 03:59:58, 04:07:28, 04:15:00, 04:16:02,
04:16:45, 04:20:29, 04:21:14. First 4 were confirmed by Bell, Harris
also saw 100 mi(160km) long limb brightening (blue) between Aris &
Grimaldi, due W. of Aris., brighter than Aris. At 04:14 saw the
brightening 1/2 way between Aris. & Grim. as pinkish or orange. Miller
at 0417h saw a star-like pulse in W. (IAU?) rim of Grimaldi. (confirm.
of Harris'04:16:45 obs. ? Apollo 11 watch)." The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1161a and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Jul 19 at UT 03:53-04:19 Harris (Torrence, CA, USA, 12.5"
reflector), Bell (Duarte, CA, USA, 4.5" reflector), and Miller (Ojai,
CA, USA). "Harris saw 20 brightenings or light flashes, lasting fr, 1/2
to 3s at 03:53:56 (1/2s), 03:54:19 (1s), 03:54:55 (2s), 03:55:06,
03:56:54, 03:56:56, 03:58:37, 03:59:58, 04:07:28, 04:15:00, 04:16:02,
04:16:45, 04:20:29, 04:21:14. First 4 were confirmedby Bell, Harris
also saw 100 mi(160km) long limb brightening (blue) between Aris &
Grimaldi, due W. of Aris., brighter than Aris. At 04:14 saw the
brightening 1/2 way between Aris. & Grim. as pinkish or orange. Miller
at 0417h saw a star-like pulse in W. (IAU?) rim of Grimaldi. (confirm.
of Harris'04:16:45 obs. ? Apollo 11 watch)." The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1161a and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1877 Jun 15 at UT 20:00 Birt (England, UK) observed a bright spot
east of Picard. The reason why this was regarded as a TLP, accoridng to
Cameron was that it was supposed to be faint or invisible. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=193 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Hipparchus 1972 Mar 19 UT 21:07-21:29 observed by Schnuckel (52.5N,
13.8E, 60mm refractor) "Two sudden white brightenings in the West wall
approx 7 magnitude. First was at 21:07 UT and the second was at
21:29UT. Both lasted approximately 1 sec in duration." - Hilbrecht and
Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-61
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.