Bright point seen near Plato. A much brighter one was near
Aristarchus. Apparently seen by both Schroter and Bode.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=43 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
Bright point 26" N of Aristarchus rim. Resembled one
near Plato but less conspicuous. The was a confirmed
observation by Schroter and Bode?
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Bright point seen near Plato. A much brighter one was near
Aristarchus. Apparently seen by both Schroter and Bode.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=43 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
Bright point 26" N of Aristarchus rim. Resembled one
near Plato but less conspicuous. The was a confirmed
observation by Schroter and Bode?
On 1965 Aug 03 at UT 04:18-04:24 Bornhurst (Monterey Park, CA, USA,
10" reflector, x240, S=F-G) and Leasure and Emanuel (Whittier, CA, USA)
observed some star-like flashes in Aristarchus in ashen light
(confirmed). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=888 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1965 Oct 01 at 04:00UT an unknown observer saw a TLP (feature name
not given in the Cameron catalog - nor a description or reference). The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=897 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weigh=1.
On 1968 Jun 01 at UT 21:00? Kozyrev (Crimea?, Soviet Union)
Gas luminescence seen in Aristarchus crater. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1075 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1969 Jul 20 UT 03:55-04:15 Observed by Gergoulis, Morley,
Sevra, Skinner, and Naumann (Edinburg, TX, 17" reflector, x169) " Texas
group got a blink (red, Trident MB) on NW wall. Varied extremely.
Increased in brightness in red. Clouds stopped obs. 5 confirmed
visualy. (moon nr. horizon, Apollo 11 watch. No blink if spurious?)."
NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1170.
On 1969 Jul 20 at UT 0530-0540 Younger and Byl (Victoria, BC, Canada,
48" reflector) saw a fuzzy brightening near Aristarchus of less than
0.5 minute of arc diameter (Apollo 11 watch). The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1171 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus NW ray 2003 Sep 02 UTC 02:20-03:35 Observed by Haas (Las
Cruces, NM, USA) "Everyone knows the bright ray running northwest from
Proclus. In this view from 2:20 to 2:36, UT on September 2 I remarked a
thin, pink southwest border to the ray. One thinks of chromatic
aberration, and the position supports this interpretation; but other
bright lunar features showed no such effect. The pink border lay 1 to
2.5 diameters away from Proclus (S=2, T=3.5). At 2:55, UT (S=1-2, S=
3.5) the border was gone; neither its appearance nor disappearance was
observed. At 03:25 UT there is no sign of the pink border (S=2, T=3),
moreover the Moon was lower, so atmospheric dispersion must be greater
by now? 12.5" Newtonian x321 at 02:20-02:36, x202 at other times.?"
Note that experiments to simulate spurious colour using Adobe Photoshop
were able to recreate colour in the correct place on the NW ray -
however there should have been colour reported on the SW ray too and
there was no mention of this, therefore the observational report is
intriguing. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1967 Jul 20 at UT 07:00 Whelan, (Wellington, New Zealnd) saw a
pulsating glow from Aristarchus crater, and this continued, although
less pronounced. This was during the apolo 11 watch. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1172 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1974 Feb Weith-Knudson (Copenhagen, Denmark, 12" refrlector, x72)
observed a magnitude 7.7 flash (comparison between SAO093043=mag 7,8
and SAO093052 mag=7.5 that happened to lie in the field of view at the
time) in Earthshine. The observer speculates whether this was a lunar
meteorite impact or a reflection from an artificial satellite (or
indeed as Cameron suggests from an Earth meteor?). The cameron 1978
catalog ID=1388 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
M. Price of Camberley, UK noticed that an area in relation
to the central area of the floor could not be resolved. Averted
vision was used, but this did not help to resolve detail. The crater
was close to the terminator and was in general sharply in focus
apart from the suspect area. No spurious colour seen. Sketch
supplied.P. Foley wonders if the effect was due to the resolution
limit of Price's scope? Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=78
and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=2. 6" reflector x64 and x120.
Seeing=III-IV and Transparency=good.
On 1969 Jul 20 at UT 0845 McIntosh (Auckland, New Zealand, 14"
reflector) saw Aristarchus crater to be brighter in red light. This was
during the Apollo 11 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1173 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Bessel 1877 Jun 17 UT 22:30 Observed by Denett (England?, 2.75"
reflector) "Tho't he could detect a minute pt. of light shining out of
dark crater. (no high peaks in Bessel to catch light.)" NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #194. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1965 Aug 04 at UT 04:02-04:04 Bornhurst (Monterey Park, CA, USA,
10" reflector, x240, S=F-G) observed some star-like flashes in
Aristarchus in ashen light. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=889 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1965 Oct 02 at 04:00UT an unknown observer saw a TLP (feature name
not given in the Cameron catalog - nor a description or reference). The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=898 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weigh=1.
Theophilus 1972 May 19 UT 23:48 Theophilus observed by Ruchatz (51N
10E, 60mm refractor, T=4, S=2) "Diminution of brightness of the S wall
for a short time" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30
(1984), p53-61.
Proclus NW ray 2003 Sep 03 UTC 02:46-03:07 Observed by Haas (Las
Cruces, NM, USA) "The curious reddish edge to the conspicuous bright
ray running N2 from Proclus is seen again (x321, x366 (S=1-3, T=3.5-
2.5). It lies on the SW side of the ray, with no corresponding blue
border on its NE edge. The effect persists as the Moon drifts across
the whole eyepiece field. However at 03:46 (x202) the coloured edge is
not recognized now, but perhaps only because of worse conditions (S=3,
T=2) 12.5" Newtonian reflector used." The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2010 Apr 20 some time between UT 22:00 and 23:00 I.
Bryukhanov (Minsk, Zeiss Refractor at the Minsk planetarium)
observed an orange-brown tint a little to the west of Zollner
and Kant craters. Apparently images were obtained. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1985 Jun 14 UT 21:16-21:40 Observed by A.C. Cook Frimley, UK,
30cm reflector, seeing IV, transparency moderate, very litle
spectral dispersion noticed - Wratter 25 and 44a filters used)
UT 21:16-21:19 Censorinus slightly brighter in red and more
detail seen. Observed other features before and after this.
Checked again UT21:31-21:40 - same appearance. Torricelli and
Torricelli B in comparison looked normal with other craters of
similar size. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Sabine 1967 Sep 11 UT 00:32,00:45 Observers: Jean at al. (27 obs., 21
telescopes, Montreal, Canada, 3-6" refractors, reflectors) "A black,
rectangular-shaped cloud vis. in M.Tranquill, moving W-E (IAU ?) &
dissipated nr. term., surrounded by viol. colour. Bright yellow flash
at 00:45, (obs. in response to request to obs. impact of Surveyor V at
0046) NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1043. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Jul 21 at UT 01:00? an Unknown observer (name and geographical
position not given in the cameron catalog) detected a darkening on the
floor of Proclus crater - this was also seen by other observers - some
of whom were making observations independently. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=330 and the weight=1.
On 1969 Jul 20 at UT09:30 Whelan (Wellington, New Zealand, 10"
and 6" reflectors. Other observers involved were: Mackrell
(New Zealand, 6" reflector) and Spellman (4" reflector)
observed Maskelyne crater undergoing a whitish glowing
brightening. Shadowy filling of whole crater. Apollo 11 watch.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1179 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Posidonius 1969 May 23 UT 11:35-12:45 Observed by Osawa (Hyogo-ken,
Japan, 8" reflector x286) "W.(ast. ?) rim of crater was yellow in
integ. light, brownish to deep yellow in filter, with no blink.
Hue seen thruout obs. (true ground color? or seeing ? or true LTP?)
thin clouds. (Apollo 10 watch)". NASA catalog weight=3 average. NASA
catalog ID #1141.
Linne 1866 Dec 14 UT 20:00? Observed by Schmidt? (Athens, Greece?, 7"
refractor?) "Seen as a white spot, had been a fine black spot before as
seen by Schmidt. (Also Buckingham in Dec. 1866; also D 16,25th,27th, --
not LTP?" NASA catalog weight=0 (probably not a TLP. NASA catalog ID
146.
Piton 1960 Dec 26 ? UT 00:00? Observed by Schneller (Cleveland, OH,
USA, 8" Reflector, x53), "Red obscuration; less intense than Nov. (date
not given, but discussion suggests near SR, therefore Dec 28th most
likely date -- ancill. data given for 28th)." NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #732.
Atlas 1973 Apr 10 UT 18:37-19:49 Observed by Theiss (51N, 9.67E, 75mm
refractor, T=2, S=3) "N. wall of Atlas was yellow-green, several
magnifications tested with the same results" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler,
Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-61
On 1978 Nov 08 at UT03:00 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5" reflector, x95, seeing 8/10) saw near Beer and
Timocharis (11W, 30N) a bright flash inside the dark area. It
appeared like a diamond twinkling in sunlight and was somewhat
dazzling to the eyes. Cameron wonders in this was a meteor?
The Cameron 2005 TLP catalog ID=39 and weight=2. This is an
ALPO observation. The ALPO/BAA weight is 3.
On 1991 Apr 22 at UT 02:03-02:14 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5", x99, seeing 7/10) found, using a red and blue Moonblink
device that Atlas crater gave a blink, the dark spots inside the
crater have a dark nucleus in the blue filter. This effect was
not detected earlier that night. The Cameron 2006 catalog then
says "Atlas normal". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=424 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Torricelli B 2002 Oct 14 UT 02:58-03:43 Observed by Gray (Winnemucca,
NV, USA, 152mm refractor x114, x305, seeing Antoniadi III, transparency
good) "I was out this morning (2:58-3:43 UT, October 14, 2002)
observing Torricelli B. At 3:17 UT the west sunlit wall of the crater
brightened from an intensity (Elger Scale) of 5.0 to 9.0. In actual
terms it went from slightly less bright than the walls of Picard to as
bright as the sunlit west wall of Dionysius. This was observed at 114x
in white light, where all three craters were in the field of view
simultaneously. This event lasted less than a minute and no comparable
brightening in Dionysius or Picard was seen. The wall of Torricelli B
returned to 5.0 in brightness. I continued to observe Torricelli B in
white light until 3:43 UT, but the brightness remained at 5.0. Before
the brightening I tried blinking Torricelli with the following
combinations of filters: Wratten Red 25 and Blue 38A, Red 25 and Blue
80, and Red 25 and Schott BG38 (Blue Green). Nothing showed up more
prominently in any combination except the Red 25-Blue 38A combination,
where Torricelli B became invisible in the Blue, probably because of
the filter density. Both the Blue 80 and Schott BG 38 seemed closer in
density to the Red 25 than the Blue 38A is. I could not see any details
inside Torricelli B during this session, including the bright spot on
the NE rim." The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2009 Apr 02 at UT 21:45-22:05 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK,
5" refractor, x40 and x100, using red and blue gelatine
Edmund Optics filters (rose No. 47 and blue No. 80),
transparency poor due to thick haze. seeing was excellent)
observed that that the rays that crossed Mare Cisrium from
Proclus were brighter in red light than in blue. A similar
effect was also observed, to a lesser extent south of the
Mare. Non-mare Crisium rays from Proclus did not have this effect.
The TLP was not seen at the higher magnification of x100.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristillus 1973 Apr 10 UT 20:18-20:24 Observed by Pasternak (53.33N,
7.5E, 75mm refractor, T=3, S=3) "Faint reddish area at the SE wall of
Aristillus" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984),
p53-61.
Near archimedes 2001 Sep 25 UT 08:30 Observed by Try (Whangarei, New
Zealand, 4" f/10 reflector) "observed two possible L.T.Ps. on the edge
of the terminator near the crater Archimedes. They appeared to be two
bright points of light about the size of Mount Piton. They seem to
form a triangle with Mount Piton. He observed them for two hours and
they were still visible when he ended his observing session. He was
observing with a 4" f10 reflector. Then Moon age was 7.9 days old and
the colongitude was 4.83. submitted a drawing showing the area where
the lights were observed." ALPO report. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1960 Jan 06 UT 18:00 Observed by Warner and Hole (London,
England, 18" refractor and 24" reflector, Moon blink used) "Red spot.
Hole saw this on several other occasions(indep. confirm)." NASA catalog
weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID 727.
Jansen 1966 Aug 24 UT 04:15-04:25 Observed by deBerard (Flossmoor, IL,
USA, 6" reflector, x360, S=V, moonblink used) "Bright green glow --
using red & blue filters & green polariz. filter." NASA catalog weight=
3 (average). NASA catalog ID #965.
On 1988 Jul 22 at UT 02:15-04:00 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 11"
reflector) made a sketch of a dark area of the (East) floor of
Proclus that revealed a large anomalous dark region - there
should be no shade here when the sun is at an altitude of above
50 deg!. BAA lunar section archives reveal similar dark shadings
- however on this night it was a different shaped dark area. The
appearance was confirmed by several observers. Foley reported
that the region affected stretched from Proclus to Theophilus.
The TLP was seen in the USA too by D, Darling as early as
01:31UT and by others on his TLP network - brightness
measurements of the "c.p." were 3.5 and the remainder of the
floor was 5.5. However the observers did not all agree on the
same position for this dark area. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
331 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1941 Jan 06 at UT04:00 Barcroft (Madera, CA, USA, 6"
reflector) saw an anomalous shadow in Arzachel crater. Cameron
1978 catalog ID=482 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Flash seen in Ptolemaeus (A?) - possibly a meteor. Cameron 1978
catalog weight=1. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=863.
Herschel 2005 Aug 13 UT 00:07-00:29 Observed by Daniel del Valle
Hernandez (Aguadilla, PR, 8"SCT, x225, S=7, T=4) "Interesting
configuration of shadows with umbra and penumbra. Effect seemed to
reduce over time." An ALPO report. The ALPO/BAA report=2.
Plato 1952 Apr 03 UT 20:45-21:30 Observed by Wilkins and Moore
(Meudon, France, 33" x460) whilst checking up on a 1923 28"
refractor sketch by W.H. Stevenson's, thry failed to detect a
prominent floor craterlet (featured in the 1923 sketch) just
inside the W wall. They suspected an obscuration.
Interestingly the whole floor was was reported to be lacking
in detail many hours later as observed by Cragg in the USA.
NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog TLP ID No. #550. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1989 Jun 12 at UT 21:18-22:25 G. North (Herstmonceaux, UK,
Coude, seeing=V) noted at 21:18UT that Torricelli B was
"barely visible"- possibly this was seeing related. M. Cook
(Frimley, UK, 8" reflector, seeing=IV) found Toricelli B to be
ëxtremely dull - impossible to judge shadows on floor in
contrast to Cens." Holmes (Rockdale, England, UK, 8"
reflector, seeing=II-III) at UT21:30 also found Toricelli B
difficult to find at magnifications less than 200x. Cameron
comments that "Dulling is common on it at high Sun but
illumination doesn't seem to be the cause or related". The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=365 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1970 Apr 15 UT 05:38-05:40,05:51-05:53 Observed by Cross
(Las Cruces, NM, USA, 108mm Schiefspiegler or 152mm refractor,
S=6, T=5.5=VG). The observer noted a lack of detail inside the
crater floor, despite visibility of detail outside the crater.
Spectra were normal for color. (obs. similar to historic
reports. Apollo 13 watch?)" NASA catalog weight=1 and catalog ID
#1253. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1958 Dec 19 UT 20:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, UK)
described in the NASA catalog as: "Reddish patch on central
peak" 15" reflector used. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalof
TLP ID No. 711. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Eratosthenes 1954 May 11 UTC 20:00 Observer: Catermole (UK, 3"
refractor) "Central peak invis. tho surroundings were sharp".
NASA catalog ID #563, NASA weight=4 (high). ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alpetragius 1889 Sep 4 UTC 02:30-03:00 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=Sep3, 1830L.T)." N.B. Sun
above the horizon at 02:30 - sun sets at Lick at 02:37! NASA catalog
weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #264. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Tycho observed by G. North (UK) seen to have greyness
inside parts of its shadow. Confirmed by J.D. and M.C. Cook
Possibly light scattered of illuminated wall into shadow
or highland starting to break through the shadow.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1882 Feb 27 at UT 18:30-19:30 an unknown observer reported an
unusual shadow in Eudoxus. Apparently the shadow was seen to be normal
on 1882 Feb 25 at UT 20:30-20:45. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=228 and
weight=3. Reference: Sirius Vol 15, 167, 1882. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Eimmart 1913 Apr 14 UT 01:00 Observed by Pickering (Mandeville,
Jamaica, 6.5" reflector) "By this date crater was clear & at an albedo
~5?. Drawings compare Jan. 16 & Aug.9, 1913." NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #344.
On 2009 Apr 04 at UT 21:40 M.C Cook (Mundesley, UK) after receiving a
telephone alert call, examined Plato crater. Although she did not
report C. Brook's slight mottled pink on the floor of Plato, she did
report through that the floor patches looked darker than normal,
especially in blue light and in red they were not visible at all. In
white light they were darker than normal. A.C. Cook was probably
observing at the same time via a couple of remotely controlled
telescopes in Aberystwyth. The results (time lapse imagery
through narrow band filters) will be examined at a later date.
Note that this observation was made after C. Brook said that he could
no longer see his TLP. Therefore this constitutes a different TLP
as there had been a gap of 1 hour since the last TLP report.
Agrippa 1966 Aug 26 UTC 01:52-02:24 Observer: Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x437) "Shadow of C.p. was
grayish, wall shad. was normal black, C.p.itself barely disting.
from floor" S=5, T=3. NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog
ID #966. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Shadow of central peak barely distinguishable.
Residual wall shadow normal black. Landslip very
conspicuous, 10 deg bright. Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID=1040 and weight=4. Cameron 2006 Catalog
Extension ID=12 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1974 Mar 3 at UT 19:06-20:20 J-H Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon,
UK, 10" refractor, x200, seeing=poor) got a Moon Blink reaction
on the South east wall of Plato, adjacent to the rim shadow and
alerted the BAA TLP network. Ford reported a negtive result at
19:35UT, although Robinson was still getting a blink reaction at
19:40UT, albeit fainter, red at times. Findlay at 19:43-19:52
and 20:00-20:05 saw nothing unusual. Robinson at 19:56UT no
longer saw a blink, but it returned at 20:05UT. Light in bothred
and blue filters. Not steady, but coming and going and gone at
20:09UT. Moore at 19:59-21:00, kennedy at 20:12-20:30, Taylor at
20:48-21:03 and Fitton at 20:05UT all got negative results. The
latter time coincides with Robinson's second blink reaction.
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1390 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 Jul 24 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12" reflector,
x150, S=7/10, T=3) observed the following in Proclus: "At 0213
the previously observed gray area was 1/3 of July 22 and V
shaped and fanned out across the floor. Could see hint of knot
seen before. Craters named in 7/23/88 (#319) were all normal
this time too". Is it possible that this report refers to the
crater "Gray" rather than "Proclus" as the column field suggests
in the Cameron catalog? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=333 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight=2.
On 1981 Sep 08 at UT 21:28-21:34 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, seeing
III-IV and trasnaparency good) observed a light orange transparent
cloud extending from the north east inner corner across over the floor
of Plato. Camero comments that this report was confirmed by 3 othr
observers. The shape of this clud varied. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
153 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1991 Apr 25 at UT 02:34-02:37 UT D. Darling (Sun Praire,
WI, USA, 12.5" reflector, x64) found that Atlas had spots in
it that were "more intense in blue". No blinks were detected
elsewhere on the Moon apart from Gassendi. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=425 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1991 Apr 25 at UT 02:14-02:37 UT D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI,
USA, 12.5" reflector, x64, S=7/10, T=4) found that after
sketching Gassendi, that at 02:14 the central peak was very
bright in red light, and barely detectable in blue light. By
02:26UT a strong blink was noticed on the NW rim, being very
bright in the red filter. Effect still present at 02:32UT. The
effect was not seen earlier at 01:57UT. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=425 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 Dec 29 at UT 17:45-18:20 Crick (Merchtem, Belgium, 6"
reflector, x140, seeing=III) found a violet spot in the NW inner wall.
The floor was obscured of detail on the northern half. All other
regions studied appeared normal. Observer unsure if this was a TLP or
spurious colour. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=80 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Gassendi 1979 Dec 29 UTC 20:09-22:04 - Observer: Cook (Frimley, Surrey,
UK) "Colour seen - almost certainly spurious colour and not a TLP".
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus - 1966 Aug 27 UTC 06:05-06:25 observed by Haris, Eastman,
Bornhusrt, Cameron, astronet observers (Tucson, AZ, USA - 21" reflector
x200) and by Corralitos observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24"
reflector) "W. dark-haloed area varying & the small dark-haloed (40%)
area also varying. Seen by others present incl. the author (WBC) who
attributes the variations to "seeing". Not confirmed by Corralitos MB."
NASA catalog weight=1 (low). NASA catalog ID=968.
Ross D area - 1966 Aug 27 UT 06:06-06:25 observed by Harris, Eastman,
Bornhusrt, Cameron, astronet observers (Tucson, AZ, USA - 21" reflector
x200) and by Corralitos observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24"
reflector) "Obscuration on E. wall, bright area E. of crater at its
brightest. (I (WSC) was present at obs. but did not note anything not
attributable to bad seeing, but am not familiar with the area in normal
aspect. Others present did not see anything unusual, but Bornhurst &
Eastman confirmed). Corralitos Obs. found due to changing light
conditions. NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID=967.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 May 24 at UT 20:00? 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 1988 Jul 25 at UT03:15 H. Davis (Madison, WI, USA) stated that
Proclus was normal apart from a "slightly darker area in SW (Ast) SE
(IUE) corner." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=334 and the weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1951 May 17 UT 22:45 Observed by Wilkins (Kent,
England, 15" reflector) "Bright speck glowed for 3s. (meteor ?)"
This was to the W of the central Mts and about the same
magnitude as a 4th mag star to the naked eye. JALPO Vol 5 No 8
p4, quotes a 1s duration. NASA catalog weight=0. NASA catalog
weight=544. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Pico 1976 Mar 12 UT 21:00? Observed by Findlay (England?) "A ray seen
extended fr. mt. in SW (IAU?) direction -- likened to a hockey stick.
(not seen in Pickering's photo atlas at col.=53 deg)." NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1430.
Herodotus 1950 Jun 27 UTC 02:30 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA) reported
a bright point in crater. This is mentioned in the Middlehurst TLP
catalog but not in the Cameron catalog. The source comes from a
Strolling Astronomer article. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Herodotus 1966 Jun 30 UTC 03:10-03:35 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "Bright pseudo-peak again
vis. within floor shadow. Peak est. 5 bright. Had seen it at successive
lunations in '66" 4" x280 refractor used. NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog TLP ID No. #950. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1992 Mar 16 at UT 00:39-01:14 D. Weier (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 11"
reflector) at 00:39UT noted some soft, diffused, faint ïllumination
within the shadow projected over the Cobra Head area, though it had a
sharp appearance to the edge of the shadow. D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI,
USA, 11" reflector) was taking photographs from UT 00:51 and making
drawings and visual descriptions. The first 3 photographs in the
sequence have the crater as normal. Four other photographs reveal an
abnormality. Seeing conditions were excellent and a great deal of
surface detail was seen inside Aristarchus crater - however the
apeparance of the Cobra's Head was "washed out" and again shadows near
to this were illuminated. The NASA catalog ID=442 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2001 Aug 30 at UT20:35-21:15 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK) found a dimming
in the central peak of Alphonsus, however it had returned to normal by
Aug 31 UT 00:29-00:50UT when A.C. Cook (Alexandria, VA, USA, 8"
reflector) examined the area, though there were some slight brightness
variations that were attributed to seeing conditions. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1993 Apr 03 at 23:39UT C. Adams (FL, USA, 24" reflector, x168)
noticed a "translucent orange" colour in Gassendi crater within a 35deg
sector (apex at the centre) - row of 3 central peaks extending west -
the western central peak appeared as a dome with a summit craterlet.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=450 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1993 Apr 03 at 23:39UT D. Weier (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 7x50
binoculars) observed 2 flashes within the Proclus crater. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=450 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Hislop of England? saw Aristarchus as nebulous at the centre, despite
the fact that elsewhere features were well defined. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=246 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Cavendish 1956 Jan 24 UTC 20:34-20:45 Observed by Houghton and Warner
(England) "Variable flashes seen from W. inner(?) wall of crater, then
a little inside the terminator. Flashes began with a bright glare at
20:34, were very bright for ~3 min, then faded. Flash rate
approximately every 1.5 sec. Other point like peaks did not flash. Also
indications were seen of reflections of flashes from E. (inner?) wall
and the crater's floor was faintly lit by a glare. Ref: Strolling
Astronomer p27, Vol 45, 2003. 17cm reflector x230. Seeing good-
excellent. NASA catalog assigns this observation a weight of 4 (good).
NASA TLP ID No. #631.
On 1985 Jun 29 at UT 22:56 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing poor)
observed that Torricelli B looked as bright as a mountain to its south
west - no colour was seen. Cameron comments that this was similar to
Marshall's 1985 Jul 1 observation. The cameron 2006 catalog ID=278 and
the weight=3.
Promontory LaPlace 1977 Jan 31 UT 20:49-23:00 Observed by Foley
(England, 11.75" reflector, x360), Prout (England, 4" refractor or
reflector?), Findlay (Dundee, Scotland, 10" reflector, x180, S=VG),
Ford (Dundee, Scotland), Mooney (Dundee, Scotland) "With filters in
eyepiece, tho't he saw a possible darkening in the blue but no
variation in red. Altho. a deep shadow is normal to the W. of the cape
at this period, (then cape must have a slope > 30deg!). he wondered if
shad. was more extensive than usual? Prout noted a dark inky coma-
shaped spot. Dundee obs. concluded it was a shadow. Took photos.
Analysis of them was underway at time of rep't." NASA catalog weight=5
(very high). NASA catalog ID #1462.
E. of Picard 1948 Aug 16/17 UTC 22:30-02:26 Observed by Moore & Baum
(Chester, UK) described in NASA catalog as: "2 areas E. of Picard
appeared featureless. Cloud-like patches, 12(?)inch reflector. NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID No. #509.
Alphonsus 1966 Aug 28 UTC 06:00-08:00 Observers from Astronet (Tucson,
AZ, USA). NASA catalog states: "Brightenings in 2 dark patches & near
fainter (40%) dark patch (40% of way from the c.p. to W. wall). 21"
x200 reflector used. NASA catalog weight=2 (poor). NASA catalog TLP ID
No. 969.
On 1975 Mar 24 at UT19:08-19:45 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) observed blueness
in the North East (Classical?) corner of Aristarchus. Moon blink seen -
pale in red. Most other observers clouded out. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Herodotus 2002 Sep 18 UT 22:00 Observed by Raffaello Lena (GLR,
Italy). Event described was of two pseudo-peak/hill-like
features, one on the southern floor of the crater, and another
just slightly to the NW of the centre. on the southern
floor of the crater. Lena suspects a combination of seeing
effects and albedo markings on the floor. However this effect of
two spots on the floor has not been repeated again.For further
information, theory, and a sketch please see Fig
5 in this web link:
http://utenti.lycos.it/gibbidomine/analisi123.htm ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
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 - 1969 Jul 27 UT 05:00-07:00 Observed by W.
Cardoso (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 13" Refractor) "Brightening.
Filter used, (Jose da Silva says obs. no good, obs.
inexperienced. Apollo 11 watch)." NASA catalog weight=0. SA
catalog ID No. 1188. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1973 Apr 15 UTC 19:03-20:13 observed by Pasternak (53deg
20'N, 7deg 30'E, 75mm reflector) "N wall was blue to violet, beginning
disappearance at 20:08UT., end at 20:13UT." - Hilbrecht and Kuveler,
Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-61
Pythagoras-Cleostratus 1974 Feb 05 UT 01:45,02:45 observed by
Lord (St Anne's-on-Sea, Eng., 3" refractor, x135) "Event
normal in integrated light. Light, full surface detail in red
filter, dark, with full surface detail in blue filter. Other
term. features did not show it. Only E.floor of Pythag.,
Babbage northern crater chain & NW floor of Cleostr.
(According to Fitton's criteria this was a tenuous gas above
the surface. Date given as 5th, but term. was at least 3deg
E. Therefore these features were in the dark then. Ancill.
data given for 6th)." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog
ID=#1387. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Pythagoras-Cleostratus 1974 Feb 05? UTC 01:45,02:45 observed by Lord
(St Anne's-on-Sea, Eng., 3" refractor, x135) "Event normal in
integrated light. Light, full surface detail in red filter, dark, with
full surface detail in blue filter. Other term. features did not show
it. Only E.floor of Pythag., Babbage northern crater chain & NW floor
of Cleostr. (According to Fitton's criteria this was a tenuous gas
above the surface. Date given as 5th, but term. was at least 3deg E.
Therefore these features were in the dark then. Ancill. data given for
6th)." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID=#1387.
On 1981 Oct 11 at UT04:45-05:03 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor) detected a violet tinge on the dark nimbus of Aristarchus,
however by 05:13 the coloured tinge had gone. Louderback suspects an
atmospheric effect. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=155 and weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Manillius 1969 Jul 27 UT 05:45-05:46 Observed by Wairy Cardoso
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 13" refractor, x360) "Bright spot in
Manillius (Apollo 11 watch, J. M. L. da Silva says obs. no good
because of inexper. of obs)" NASA catalog weight=0. NASA catalog
ID #1189. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Menelaus 1969 Jul 27 UT 1969 Jul 27 UT 06:27-07:30 Observed by
Wairy Cardoso (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 13" refractor, x360)
"Brightening in Menelaus (Apollo 11 watch, J. M. L. da Silva
says obs. no good because of inexper. of obs)" NASA catalog
weight=0. NASA catalog ID #1189. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus (black spot, upland #1) 1965 Oct 08 UT 05:48-08:23 Observed
by McCord (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60" reflector + spectrograph) "Line
depth ratios a/b(H?), c/d (K?) were significantly low for upland #1 &
abnormally high for Alphonsus black spot, but not as pronounced as the
other area was high compared with 23 other areas" NASA catalog weight=5
(very good). NASA catalog ID #899.
Aristarchus 1976 Jan 14 UT 20:00-23:00 Observed by P.W. Foley
(Wilmington, Kent, UK) - Deep Violet/Blue spot interior N/WW
corner. No colour seen elsewhere. It was only a blue spot on the
Jan 13. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1976 Jan 14 UT 20:50 Observed by J.H-Robinson (Teignmouth,
UK, 26cm Newtonian, Wratten 25 and 44a filters, x200, seeing
fair to poor). The Plato floor patches were clearer in red than
in blue light. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2010 Apr 27 at UT 00:10-00:30 and 01:45-02:00 P. Grego (St
Dennis, UK, 20 and 30cm reflectors) noticed a craterlet just
to the east of Briggs and an E-W trending lineament or wrinkle
ridge that did not show on NASA LAC charts. Further checks did
not reveal it on Lunar Orbiter mosaics, but the craterlets
(and not the E-W trending ridge) were visible in LROC
topography data. The ridge is possibly a very low relief
feature that shows only under very shallow illumination
conditions. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 until we get confirmation at
repeat illumination.
Schickard 1944 Aug 31 UTC 21:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England)
described in the NASA catalog as: "Saw a mist in it which was gone next
nite. interor was dotted with white spots, contrasting sharply with
dark areas. All very clear on Aug 15 at sunset". 8.5" reflector. NASA
catalog weight=4 {high). NASA catalog TLP ID No. #492. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1983 Sep 20 at UT 05:08-06:13 Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x150, seeing poor and chromatic aberation on the limb)
detected "purple"in the vicinity of Aristarchus crater and this was
stongest on the north and north west external rims, however there was
no "violet glare"from inside the crater. However the region of the
central peak was very bright - though he could not detect the central
peak. The brightness of the TLP was 4.5 and it should normally be 3
(nimbus area). Near the "big plain"it was 7. The chromatic aberation
seen on the crater. There was also violet on the northen wall of
Herodotus crater and the Cobra Head. Ït appeared dark blue in the blue
filter", the surrounds remained gray". Apparently on the 26th the"ring
was still dark with faint violet - nearly normal". Cameron comments
that the TLP was due to spurious colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
229 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1975 Mar 25 at UT18:50-20:50 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) observed
blue/grey in Aristarchus. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Mar 25 at UT19:59-20:02 P.W. Foley (Wilmington, Dartford, Kent,
UK, 30cm Newtownian) observed blueness along the inner southern wall of
Plato. This is a BAA report. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1985 Jul 01 at 02:00-03:00 UT K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia)
observed thatTorricelli B was very bright - verified using a C.E.D. No
colour was seen though. the Cameron 2006 catalog ID=279 and the weight=
4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Jan 01 at UT 00:10-00:21 A.C.Cook (Frimley, UK, 12" reflector,
Wratten 29 and 44A filters, Seeing II-III and transparency poor-
moderate) suspected that the floor was slightly brighter in blue light
than in red. No such effect was seen earlier at 23:54-23:57. Cameron
2006 catalog ID=81 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Near Aristarchus 1788 Apr 19 UT 20:00? Observed by Schroter
(Lilienthal, Germany) Event described as: "Small area very
brilliant & other bright spots". No additional references
given. NASA Catalog Event #44, NASA Weight=4. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1938 Feb 14 UT 00:25 Observed by Fox (Newark, England,
6.5" reflector, x240) "Prominent gold-brown spot on E. wall
with yellow glow without definite boundary, spreading over
floor." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #431. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Gassendi 1968 Jun 09 UT 21:35-21:45 Observer: Miles (UK, 5"
refractor x120) "Blink inside NW wall. Trees stopped obs. at
2145h. At 2155h no blink vis. (Moore has date as June 6th, 1958
=misprint? as there weren't blink sys. then. Moon at low alt
7deg)." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1077. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 2013 Jan 25 UT 19:05-19:15 R.Braga (Milan, Italy, 115mm
refractor, x267, seeing III, transparency average) observed that
Plato in general was normal in appearance, but the east rim was
showing a remarkable golden (yellow-golden) hue. This was a
repeat illumination observation for a W.E. Fox TLP observation
from 1938 Feb 14. The observer was wondering whether they were
in some way biased after reading the original report desription
- so uncertain over this being a TLP. In view of uncertainty
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1976 Jan 15 UT 19:30-20:50 Observed by P.W. Foley
(Kent, UK, 12" reflector) - Aristarchus was abnormally bright
(Cameron suspects that this is a confirmation an explosion
effect seen earlier by Greenland: "On 1976 Jan 15 at 19:45Ut
Greenland (Crawley, UK, 7x50 binooculars) thought that they
saw an "explosion" on the Moon (in the general region of
Aristarchus) for a fraction of a second, followed by a bright
spot in the same position (not an astronomer). After
discussions with others, decided it was a moment of transition
to greater intensity (better seeing?). Moore thinks it was
atmospheric but says it should be on record. Cmeron's 1978
catalog ID=1425 and weight=5". For the Foley report: Cameron
1978 catalog TLP ID=1427 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1950 Jun 29 UT 05:20-05:41 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5" reflector x100, S=6, T=5) "Strong
bluish glare on E..SE wall." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #529.
(65E, 56N) near Endymion & Mare Humboldt 1968 Jun 10 UT 02:35 Observed
by Provenmire, Robinson et al. (Hamburg, PA, USA, 6" reflector x105,
Seeing=good, alt=20deg) "While waiting for reappearance of Antares from
a grazing occultation at 13+/-4deg P.A. saw a prolonged blue flash
lasting from minimum of 1/2 to a max. of 2.0 s. Several others along
obs. path of several miles also saw it so not a local phenom. (located
38 deg from cusp, azimuth=157 deg?)" NASA catalog weight=5 (very good).
NASA catalog ID #1078.
Cauchy 1969 Jul 29 UT 06:00-06:22 Observed by Claudio
Pamplona and Jackson Barbosa (Fortaleza, Brazil, 2"
refractor) "very bright and clear(?) pulsating 3,3s,3s with
crater illum. then 3s area illum. red & no filter area
pulsated for 22m. Confirmed by Jackson (Apollo 11 watch)".
NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1193. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1993 Apr 06 at UT23:00 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) observed a TLP in
Torricelli B - "Noted that it was > yellow but only visible in mauve +
yellow combined". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=460 and the weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Helicon A 1977 Feb 03 UT 2009-23:52 Foley and Moore observed the
crater to be changing in brightness. Jewitt and Elms failed to
detect this. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1976 Jan 16 UT 22:00-23:15 Observed by P.W. Foley
(Wilmington, Kent, UK, seeing II) - Aristarchus was tremendously
bright. No colour seen. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1973 Feb 17 UTC 22:15-22:45 Observed by Rose, Hunt,
Robinson, Coleman (UK) described in the NASA catalog as: "Rose tho't
W.rampart was diffuse over 1/3 its length. Alerted Hunt who tho't there
was a dark patch (in poor seeing) but the diffuse effect was neg.
Robinson tho't things norm. also Coleman(Seeing=poor). Moore thinks not
real phenom. Rose used a 14", hunt a 6" and Robinson (and? Coleman) a
10" reflector. NASA catalog weight=1 (low). NASA catalog TLP
ID No. 1363
Herodotus 1968 Aug 09 UTC 02:05-03:45 Observed by Lowe (Springfield,
VA, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "With naked eye saw a bright
spot in NW part of Moon; tho't it was Aristarchus, but 7x binoculars
showed it to be Herod. which was brighter than Aris! still apparent at
0245h, but was normal at 0345h. (at FM, must have been an extraordinary
event)". Naked eye and 7x binoculars used. The NASA catalog assigns
this a high weight of 4. The NASA catalog TLP ID No. is #1087.
Reference for observation is personal communication from the observer
to Winified Sawtell Cameron. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1974 Mar 08 UT 22:55 R. Livesey (Scotland, UK) noted that
this crater was reddish, but suspected that it was an optical
effect? ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Hyginus Nova 1877 May 27 UT 20:37 Observed by Klein (Cologne,
Germany) NASA Catalog Event #190, NASA Weight=1 (Very Low). Event
described as: "New crater 3mi.diam Didn't see anything there 12 yrs.
previously in studies. (Schmidt showed it sometimes dark, sometimes
light, sometimes not at all. Neison studied region minutely 20x from
July 1870-Aug,1875 & did not record it. Gauth says it's not new
(changes there?) "References: Neison, E. The Moon, Longmans, Green and
Co., London, 1876; Astron. Reg. 17, 204, 1877?
On 1975 Mar 27 at UT22:30-01:45 P.W. Foley (Wilmington, Dartford, Kent,
UK, 30cm Newtownian) observed blueness along the inner southern wall of
Plato, though the centre of the activity was offset on one side. This
is a BAA report. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1869 Sep 21-22? UTC 00:00? Observed by Gledhill (Halifax, UK, 9"
refractor) "Group I craters-notable illum. accomp. by a single light on
a distinct spot. (similar to Aug. obs. & if same phase as Ap 1870, date
=22nd.). NASA catalog weight=2 (poor). NASA catalog ID #164.
In 1958 aug 20 at UT 20:00? an unknown observer noticed that
Promontorium Agarum appeared filled with fog or mist. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=510 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1970 Apr 22 UT 07:00
Observed by Thomas.
Mare Crisium 1965 Oct 11 UTC 07:32 Observed by McCord (Mt Wilson,
CA, 100" reflector + spectrogram) "Line depth ratios a/b (H),,
c/d (K) abnormally high compared with 23 other areas (including
Aristarchus?)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog
ID 902.
Aristarchus 1966 Jul 04 UTC 06:15-06:35 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x142) & by Corralitos Observatory
(Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector). "S.region of floor was granulated
& dull est. at 6 & pale yellow-brown tint. Rest of crater est. 8 bright
white. Not confirmed by Corralitos MB" S=5, T=4. NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #955. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Jun 30 - Jul 01 UT 23:37-00:00, 00:02-00:05
Observers: Moore (Sussex, UK, 12.5" reflector x360), Altizer,
Arabanel (Corralitos Obs., Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector)
"SE wall was orange, detected by Eng. MB Fading by 2353h, only a
trace at 2358h & disappeared at 0000h. Later at 0002-0005h
suspected again. Alt. was low. Bluring around crater seen at
Corrralitos Obs. in the MB, but immeasurable on photos." NASA
catalog ID #1150, NASA weight=2(for Moore), 5 (for Corralitos
Obs). ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1962 Sep 16 at UT08:05 Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector) Taruntius faded from Vmag-3.21 to 4.04, a 0.82 difference in
magnitude in 2.5 hours - a photometric measurement. The average
magnitude for this age is 4.03, so therefore the crater had brightened
by two times above normal. The Cameron 1978 catalogID=769 and the
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1939 Dec 27 UT 08:00? Observed by Barcroft (Madera, CA,
USA, 6" reflector) "Faint bluish mist on inner W. wall (according to
Firsoff it was right after SR, but this can't be as age=16d & SR comes
at 11d)" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #464.
Mare Crisium 1965 Oct 11 UTC 10:10 Observed by McCord (Mt Wilson, CA,
100" reflector + spectrogram) "Line depth ratios a/b (H),, c/d (K)
abnormally high compared with 23 other areas (including
Aristarchus?)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID 902.
On 1980 Oct 25 at UT03:53-05:21 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
2.5" refractor, seeing=1-2 and transparency=2) found Proclus to
have a slight yelloow tinge on the north wall. the brightness of
Proclus was 9 and that of Eimmart 8. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=117 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Oct 25 at UT03:53-05:21 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
2.5" refractor, seeing=1-2 and transparency=2) found Promontorium
Agarum to have a slight blue tinge - apparently similar to that seen on
Eimmart from an earlier date. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=117 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1975 Mar 27 at UT22:30-01:45 P.W. Foley (Wilmington, Dartford, Kent,
UK, 30cm Newtownian) observed blueness along the inner southern wall of
Plato. This is a BAA report. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Mar 28 at UT22:30-23:42 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) observed
orange/red in Aristarchus. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1966 Sep 02 UTC 03:16-04:18 Observed by Whippey (Northolt,
UK, 3" refractor) & Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24"
reflector) "A series of weak glows, final flash at 0418h. Not confirmed
by Corralitos MB" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID 971.
Aristarchus 1970 Apr 23 UTC 07:00
Observed by Thomas
Aristarchus and vicinity 1975 Feb 28 UT 03:20-03:45 Observers LeCroy
Jr & Sr (Springfield, VA, USA). NASA catalog states: "Orange flash in
crater that then spread over whole crater then turned to bluish haze at
0320h. Couldn't see surface underneath. All W. hemisphere was brighter
than normal. Blue was only on Aris. Rest of Moon was examined for
phenom. but none seen elsewhere. Gone by 0343h (just a few hrs after
Eng. obs. -- not likely U.S. obs. had temp. inversion high press. sys.
W. of him too). 4.5" reflector 45x, 150x. NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog TLP ID No. #1401. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Plato 1966 Sep 02 UT 0625 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, California,
USA, 8" reflector x300) "Landslip at west would not focus. (Ricker not
certain it was a real LTP)." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog
ID 973.
In 1950 Jul 02 UT07:22 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5"
reflector) saw no dark bands on the inside of Aristarchus,
despite detail being seen elsewhere. He would normally have
expected to have seen bands at this colongitude, based upon past
observations. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2002 Sep 23 at UT22:45-23:56 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK) noticed that
the bands inside Aristarchus varied (UT22:45-22:56) in definition
whilst the rim of Herodotus and the rays of Kepler and Copernicus
remained sharp. These bouts of variation were 1-2min in duration. At
23:56UT when he checked again the periodic blurrings of the bands were
still present. The observer suspected atmospheric effects. M.Cook
(Frimley, UK) observed 22:00-22:30 and could see only 2 bands on the
west wall - but this may have been because of poor transparancy. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1964 Oct 23 UTC 02:35-02:45 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3" refractor, 133 & 200x, S=3-5, T=4) "South floor
region granulated, 6 deg bright with very faint trace of pale yellow
color; rest of crater 8 deg bright." NASA catalog weight=4 (good), NASA
catalog ID #859.
Aristarchus 1983 Oct 23 UT 19:00-01:30 Observer: Foley (Kent, UK,
12" reflector, seeing=II) noiced at 19:00UT an extended bright
spot on E wall and extending beyond. This was brighter than other
areas of the crater. There was also occasional star-like
glistening. Foley comments that the inside of Aristarchus was
slightly obscured. The TLP started fading from UT20:30 and
finished by 01:30UT. six out of nine independent observers
confirmed the effects seen. In total 14 observers observed, 9
reported back and 6 found abnormalities in Aristarcus though all
encountered variable seeing conditions - some had spurious
colour. Cameron comments that this was one of the best
recorded/confirmed TLP events. All CED brightness measurements
obtained were very high. Moore, Nicolson and Clarke (5" refractor
and 15" reflector, 230-350xseeing III) found the crater to be
very bright at 19:11UT through a 5" refractor and there was a
blob on the east rim (Bartlet's EWBS?) at 19:14UT. Nicolson also
saw a very bright star-like area on the eastern wall but this was
not defined as it usually is. The crater was also very bright at
22:43UT using the 15" reflector available to these observers. At
01:07UT they used a Moon blink and discovered that the bright
region was bright in blue light and less bright in red - although
this was not a detactable blink when switching rapidly between
filters. They found that the crater had returned to normal by
01:15UT. M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing III-IV) observed a large
diffuse spot on the east of the crater that was brighter in blue
than in red light and the CED device gave a high reading. J.D.
Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing III-IV) made a skecth that showed the
bright spot extended on the east wall - again the CED reading was
high and a lot of detail was visible on the floor. A.C. Cook
(Frimley, UK, seeing III-IV) also noted remarkable detail and the
bright (as confirmed by CED) blob on the eastern rim. G. North
(Sussex, UK, seeing III-II) also confirmed the bright blob on the
eastern wall. Wooller found the north west wall was a dirty
yellow colour - though no colour was seen elsewhere in or outside
the crater. Mosely found the crater to be bright and his sketch
revealed the extension of the bright blob on the eastern rim and
again a great deal of interior detail. Amery (Reading, UK, seeing
III) found Aristarchus to be "a brilliant splash against dulled
background in violet filter, especially polarizing filter. CED +
polarizer readings high, but not as high as previous night".
Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, seeing III-IV) remarked that "spurious
colour a total mess around Aristarchus & nothing abnormal seen".
A photograph was taken at 20:50UT reveals the bright blob and
entire detail. Peters (Kent, UK, seeingIII-II) observed
Aristarchus with a UV screen from 20:15-21:23UT and comented that
althogh being very bright, there was no variation between white
and UV. It was checked with a Moon Blink device and the radial
bands were clearly seen in white light, < in blue. The Cameron
2008 catalog ID=233 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
In 1962 Sep 16 at UT08:05 Spirad (Victoria, B.C., Canada, 48"
reflector) obtained a spectrum with a UV emission, in H & K lines
compared to Jupiter and Mars. II-AO plates, 6A/mm dispersion.
Fraunhofer lines much shallower than planetary ones. (whole
Moon). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=770 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
On 2013 Dec 19 N. Longshaw (Oldham, UK, Seeing III, TAK FS 78
APO Refracror) observed a diffuse area east of the central
peak of Geminus, to be sepia/brownish tint. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1959 Nov 17 at Ut 22:00 an unnamed observer saw a light in Plato.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=725 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 Jun 21 at UT07:03-07:27, R. Manske (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 1
"refractor) found the colours pink and blue on Aristarchus, like the
previous day, however this time there was also an orange tinge on the
"back"" (North?) rim of Sinus Iridum and the same too on mare Crisium,
all the way past Plato, in the direction of Cassini. This colour was
not seen at higher magnifications. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=368 and
the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 Jun 21 at UT 07:03-07:27 R. Manske (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) saw orange on Cassini all the way past Mare Imbrium edge,
Plato etc - maybe atm. At high power (8mm eyepiece) & no filter. Saw no
hint of color (due to smearing at high power?)." The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=368 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 Jun 21 at UT 07:03-07:27 R. Manske (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) saw orange on Mare Imbrium edge all the way past Plato upto
Cassini - maybe atm. At high power (8mm eyepiece) & no filter. Saw no
hint of color (due to smearing at high power?)." The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=368 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 Jun 21 at UT 07:03-07:27 R. Manske (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) saw orange on Plato all the way past Mare Imbrium edge upto
Cassini - maybe atm. At high power (8mm eyepiece) & no filter. Saw no
hint of color (due to smearing at high power?)." The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=368 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 Jun 21 at UT 07:03-07:27 R. Manske (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) saw orange on the north? wall of Sinus Iridum and over a
large part of the north of Mare Imbrium - "maybe atm. At high power
(8mm eyepiece) & no filter. Saw no hint of color (due to smearing at
high power?)." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=368 and the weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1961 Nov 27 UTC 23:30 Observed by Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet
Union) described in NASA catalog as: "Emission lines in spectrum of
c.p. in red & blue, H2 identified, (he had obtained C2 & Swan bands in
Alphonsus in '58 & '59" 50" reflector used. NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog TLP ID No. #755.
Aristarchus 1964 Aug 26 UT 02:00-03:00 Observed by Genatt, Reid,
(Greenbelt, MD, 16" reflector, x360, S=P-G), and Lindenblad
(Washington, DC, USA, 26" refractor) "Red and Blue bands. Grew
thinner & shorter. Alerted Naval Obs. One obs. tho't he saw
Phenom. but not sure. (confirmation ?). (prof. astronomers, but
not lunar observers)" NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA
catalog ID #844. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1957 Feb 10 at UT 22:00 an unnamed observer repirted a TLP somewhere
on the Moon. The reference for this comes from: Palm, A. 1967, Icarus,&
(2), p188-192. The cameron 1978 catalog ID=662 and weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Atlas 1954 Mar 23 UTC 00:00? Observed by Delmotte (France?) "Violet
tint in crater" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #562.
Aristarchus 1979 Nov 07/08 UT 23:10-00:00 Observed by R.H.
Ricketts (Lewis, Sussex, UK, 10" reflector, x300, Seeing
Antoniadi II) - obscuration and colouration seen. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Proclus 2001 Nov 04 UTC 07:00-07:43 "Robin Gray of Winneucca, Nevada,
U.S.A. reported a contrast effect and brightening in the crater
Proclus. Using a 15.2 cm refractor he conducted a Moon blink search
with Wratten 25a and 38a blue filters. His report goes as follows:
Moon Blink carried out. In Red 25 Proclus looked nearly the
same as in white light. Through the Blue 38a filter, however, only the
brilliant lit south east wall was clearly visible. The northeast wall
was very dim with this filter. With no filters the NE and SE wall were
brilliantly lit, the SE wall was almost as bright as Aristarchus. A
thread like strip along the NW wall, possibly the rim of the crater,
was also brilliantly illuminated. The interior of the crater was a
featureless stygian black with the exception of a brilliant (intensity
9) thread of light that ran parallel to the illuminated east wall.
Whether this was an L.T.P. or an optical effect of atmospheric
turbulence is unknown, did not see anything similar elsewhere along the
terminator though" ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 Nov 08 at 00:16UT P.Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 6" reflector, x48
and x110, seeing II and transparency very good) detected a small faint
orange spot, close to the centre, but not at the centre. Spurious
colour was visible on the northern flank of Aristarchus. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=74 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1975 Mar 02 at UT05:00-06:18 P.W.Foley (Wilmington, Dartford,
Kent, UK, 12" reflector) observed blueness along the southern
wall of Plato. This is a BAA observation. Note that it
is assumed that this is the same as Cameron's catalog 1975
Mar 02 UT 01:00 or 23:00 report by an Unknown English Observer
who apparently observed colour in Plato (Red or violet). The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1402 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1966 Aug 05/06 UT 23:37-02:58 Observers: Corvan, Moseley
(Armagh, N.Ireland, 10" refractor, x280) and Ringsdore (England,
8.5" reflector) "Several red glows at different places at
different times. Each lasted a few min. (not confirmed by
Ringsdore. Given as 8/4 in MBMW) NASA catalog weight=4, NASA
catalog ID=#964. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1961 Nov 27 UTC 23:30 Observed by Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet
Union) described in NASA catalog as: "Emission lines in spectrum of
c.p. in red & blue, H2 identified, (he had obtained C2 & Swan bands in
Alphonsus in '58 & '59" 50" reflector used. NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog TLP ID No. #755.
On 1985 Sep 04 at UT 22:15 A.V. Arkhipov (Russia) detected a bright
flash in Mare Tranquilitatis that lasted < 1 second and had a diameter
of < 2 arc seconds i.e. the limit of seeing resolution. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=280 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Alphonsus 2002 Sep 27 UT 00:00-02:15 Observed by Clive Brook (Plymouth,
UK) "Central peak was bright 00:00 UT but had faded by at least 2 deg
on the Schroter scale - no colour seen. Observer continued observing
until 02:15 UT but central peak had dimmed considerably by then"
Aristarchus 1964 Aug 28 UT 04:30-04:50 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 4" reflector x240) "Faint blue-viol.
radiance on EWBS; dark viol. on nimbus. S.floor dull, 6,
granulated, distinct yellow-brown; rest of crater 8 bright.
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #847.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 Oct 30 at UT03:19-03:41 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 158mm f/4
reflector, seeing I-II, and transparency very good. Wratten 15 (yellow)
and Wratten 35 (purple) used. No spurious colour seen). At 03:19UT, the
observer noted that Mons Spitzbergen looked sharper at x52. At x72
bright flashes of a bright lunar gray to a light orange colour seen.
BAA Lunar Section TLP team alerted. At 03:32UT a yellow filter used and
the flashes were better seen, one flash approximately 20-30 sec apart.
At 03:31UT Madej used a purple filter and could not see Mons
Spitzbergen but did see the flashes (45-60 sec apart). cameron 2006
catalog TLP ID=118 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1980 Oct 30 UT 05:00-0704 Observed by F.C. Butler (SW
London, UK, seeing III, but worsening (but not as bad as IV)
towards the end of the observing period, transparency 100%
clear, 22cm Newtonian reflector, x144, x185). The floor seemed
quite devoid of detail, apart from a vague mottling seen during
the briefest moments of best seeing conditions. At the start of
the observing period he could just glimpse the central craterlet
at x185, but could not be sure. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1964 Oct 27 UTC 05:18-06:10 Observed by Hall, Johnson,
Weresulk (Pt. Tobacco, MD, USA, 16" reflector x400, S=5-7). "Red spot.
Pink glow detected with Trident MB & seen visually too." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #863.
Alphonsus 1958 Dec 03 UTC 11:00? Observed by Alter, Mt Wilson, CA, USA,
60" reflector "Photog. spect. showed floor of crater redder than
neighboring areas outside its walls. (Palm had a rep't for this date --
same area?). NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #710.
On 1994 Jan 04 at UT21:00 J. Nibbering (Rosendaal, Netherlands)
obtained a photograph that shows a large crescent of light centred on
Tycho crater, but includes also: Lilius, but not to Clavius. Cameron
suspects strongly that it was caused by camera lens flare. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=471 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Oct 21 at UT13:40-13:45 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
10" reflector) observed a cloud on the north east quadrant of
Aristarchus crater, and also covered the bright spot on the east wall
(Cameron says that the east wall bright spot is Bartlett's "EWBS".
Louderback mentions that this TLP gave Aristarchus a diamond ring
effect. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=157 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Aristarchus appeared dimmer than normal.
This report has an ALPO/BAA weight of 1.
On 1963 Nov 10/11 at UT 23:35-00:32 Kopal (Pic du Midi, France, 24"
refractor) observed a TLP in Copernicus. Cameron says that the date
maybe a misprint, should be 11/1/63? - sunset terminator at 25W and
Copernicus in dark. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=782 and weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1963 Nov 10/11 at UT 23:35-00:32 Kopal (Pic du Midi, France, 24"
refractor) observed a TLP in Kepler. Cameron says that the date maybe a
misprint, should be 11/1/63? - sunset terminator at 25W and Copernicus
in dark. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=782 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus 1961 Dec 3 UTC 03:05-03:40 Observed by Kozyrev (Crimea,
Soviet Union) described in NASA catalog as: "Emission lines in spectrum
of c.p. red & blue, H2 identified, several km2 area. Projected into
shadow cast by W. wall. Source rose to a height above the crater. 50"
reflector used NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog TLP ID
No. #756.
Southern cusp obseved by H.Hill (UK) on 1985 Sep 12 UT0435-0455.
Solar Selenographic colongitude=241.3. Observer saw an extremely
attenuated cusp extending well beyonf the Moon's prime meridian.
There were also dusky ill-defined stips along the Earthlit limb
nearby. Note that this is almost certianly not a TLP but is
worth checking out if the libration and solar colongitude is
similar, just to verify that this is what the Moon normally
looks like. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Bright point on the dark part.
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=37 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=1.
On 1978 Jan 11 at UT15:30 S.R. Markov, V.V. Davidenko, and A.R. Kharkov
(Ukraine, 10.5" reflector and 1340mm scope) observed a TLP between
Adams and Hase (66.5E, 29S). Photos taken (more than half) show a
bright luminous spot of size 60x70km. The effect lasted 30 seconds. The
Cameron 2005 catalog ID=22 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4
until we have checked checked out the original report.
On 1990 Mar 29 at UT 19:00 L. Todd (England?) observed that Aristarchus
in Earthshine was very clearly seen and appeared to blink occasionally.
Foley (Kent, UK) also notcied variations in Aristarchus. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID = 396 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1992 Apr 06 at UT00:45-02:03 G. Johnson (Swanton, MD, USA, 3.5"
refractor, x36) observed Aristarchus in Earthsine, but at a higher
magnification is appeared as a diffuse star. However the crater was not
seen later. D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3" refractor), D. Weier
and F. Graham (Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 7" reflector, photographs),
observing at 01:24UT could not see the crater. The cameron 2006 catalog
ID=443 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Harpalus 1969 May 19 UT 21:20-22:00 Observed by Marcomede
Rangel Nunes and Julio Dias Nogueira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
18" refractor). "Brightening in crater (inexperienced
observers). (Apollo 10 watch)." NASA catalog weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1. NASA catalog ID #1126.
SE edge of Mare Crisium 1969 Jul 17 UT 20:00 Observed by
Hedervari, Hegyessy, Geller (Budapest, Hungary, refractor
x200 & x300) "Saw a "mediocre" yellow light. Area photographed
on 7/19/1969 but no LTP noted (Apollo 11 watch)" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID No. 1153. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1847 Dec 11 at 18:00UT Hdgson (Eversley, UK, x80 refractor and 40x
reflector) observed in Plato (Though it might have been Cape Agassiz or
Teneriffe Mts) a bright spot of about a 1/4 the angular diameter of
Saturn that varied intermittently and was at all times visible on the
night side of the Moon. The following day he glimpsed the same spot
rhough clouds. From his drawing the spot was ~5' below the true N.
point & near the following limb (IAU E. limb) Cameron comments that
Plato fits the angular distance better than the other two candidates
unless there was a large northern libration. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=125 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1865 Jan 01 at UT 18:00-18:30? Grover (England? or USA?, seeing =
good and transparency = clear) observed south east of Plato at the foot
of Mt Blanc a small bright spot like a magnitude 4 star - slightly out
of focus. This bright speck remained unchanged for 30 minutes. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=137 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 May 20 at UT 19:35-20:30 Gomez (Spain, 12" reflector) observed
blue-white pulsating light in Aristarchus that illuminated the inner
walls - it was maximum at 19:55UT. This observation was made during the
Apollo 10 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1128 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 May 20 at UT 21:00-22:00 Bury (France, 4" refractor) observed
Aristarchus to be very bright, as an elliptical bluish spot at 21:00UT.
This observation was made during the Apollo 10 watch. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1128 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 May 20 at UT 21:10-22:30 Marcomede Rangel Nunes and
Julio Dias Nogueira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 18" refractor)
Harpalus brighter than Bouguer - this was during the Apollo 10
watch and Cameron comments that the observers were
inexperienced. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1129 and weight=0.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2011 Apr 07 UT 19:45-20:10 Aristarchus was seen to be “very
bright” in Earthshine. Giorgio Sancristoforo (Milan, Italy,
203mm SCT, atmospheric seeing good) noticed Aristarchus to be
exceptionally bright (Sketch supplied) at around 20:00 and was
the first to report this. Although he did not record the start
and end times, he commented that the effect lasted 20-30 minutes
and then was significantly reduced in brightness. Although
direct comparison in terms of brightnes could not be made with a
star, he thought Aristarchus to be brighter than +0.7 in
magnitude (Saturn). Furthermore Aristarchus was visible when
daylight was still present, when looking through the telescope,
although it could not be seen with the naked eye due to too much
extraneous light. Aristarchus was probably white in colour, but
the observer was partly colour blind and so was uncertain. Not
much detail was seen elsewhere in Earthshine, even when the sky
darkened, and he was not able to see Kepler or Copernicus, just
the limb. No details were seen in Aristarchus itself, for
example no ray to the SW was visible. It later transpired that
Lajos Bartha (Budapest, Hungary, 70mm refractor, x83, seeing
conditions good) had observed Earthshine even earlier from
UT19:45-20:10 and noticed a bright area close to the edge of the
Moon that he later confirmed was Aristarchus. When he started
observing the sky twilight was still a deep blue, but the dark
side of the Moon was seen both with the naked eye and through
the telescope. Earthshine was medium in brightness and grey in
colour. Copernicus and Kepler were weak in brightness but
certainly visible. There was some scattered light from the
sunlit side of the Moon noticed, but not enough to obscure
Copernicus and Kepler from visibility. As a test he moved the
telescope around and the bright spot moved with the Moon and so
was not a glare problem. The following day he checked Earthshine
again but found that the bright spot was not so conspicuous. As
a footnote, Tim Haynes (UK) had been observing an occultation of
37 Tauri, much earlier at 19:14UT, through 10x50 binoculars. He
commented that Earthshine was visible, but that he hadn't
noticed Aristarchus - though he was not looking at the Moon
specifically to see this crater. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1789 Mar 30 at UT 20:00? Schroter (Lillienthal, Germany) observed
two flickering spots on the eastern edge of Grimaldi and near Riccioli.
This was on the Earthlit side of the Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
57 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1789 Mar 30 at UT 20:00? Schroter (Lillienthal, Germany) observed
two flickering spots near Riccioloi and on the eastern edge of
Grimaldi. This was on the Earthlit side of the Moon. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=57 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2002 Aug 12 at UT 19:27 James Cook (Chelmsford, UK) detected a flash
on the Moon. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Oct 02 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 77mm refractor,
seeing I to II) noticed that at 20:48 UT Aristarchus had a 2nd
magnitude star-like point on the NE rim (x38). At x83 he could
see a small disc of around 3-6 arc sec in diameter, and at
x111 it looked the ame but bluish-white in colour. He was able
to see Aristarchus, Herodotus, and Vallis Schroteri.
Observations ceased at 21:27 UT due to trees blocking the
view. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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 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.
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.