On 1966 Sep 20 at UT 03:22 Three Astronet observers (Phoenix, AZ, and
Los Angeles, CA, USA) (independently?) reported flashes in Grimaldi
crater. One observer was in Phoenix AZ, and another in Losa Angeles,
CA, so probably not due to the atmosphere. Cameron comments that the
astronaut Schmidt on Apollo 17 saw a flash in it while orbiting the
Moon. the Cameron 1978 catalog ID=977 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
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.
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.
South Pole 2011 Apr 08 UT 19:30-20:00 A.Kemp (Mold, Flintshire, UK) observed that the
Leibnitz peaks at the southern pole stood out sharply. However one of the peaks was “shining
like a spot light. So bright that I couldn’t make out its shape”. – image clear and steady with
excellent transparency and seeing in the 70mm f/13 refractor (25mm and 10mm eyepieces).
Inspections during the above time period revealed no changes in brightness. Previous
observations of this area had never shown such an unusual brightness, and Arthur likened the
brightness to “a maximum brightness of Venus shining amongst 2nd magnitude stars”. The
observer was an experienced observer. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Mare Crisium 1826 Apr 12 UT 20:00 Observed by Emmett (England?) "Black
moving haze or cloud". NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID
109. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Grimaldi 1969 Jul 19 UT 20:39-20:45 Delaye (France, 25cm
refractor) saw a bright bluish spot near Grimaldi. 20:43 a
flash was seen by Thinon. Delaye saw flashes at 20:44 and
20:45. Between 21:00 and 23:00 (J. M. L.) da Silva (Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, 19.5" refractor) saw a bright spot on the W
(IAU??) of Grimaldi. However there is a bright spot near
Grimaldi, so this maybe normal. NASA ID = 1167. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1990 Mar 31 at UT 21:30 L. Jackson (England, UK?) observed a red
glow in Earthshine in Gassendi as shown in a sketch. Apparently
Gassendi can often show up red colours (according to Cameron) but
rarely is this seen in Earthshine. Foley saw the sketch and suspects
that the location was Gassendi. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=397 and
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Jul 20 at UT 19:55-20:10 Delaye, Thinon, Donas, and Jourdran
(Marseilles, France, 10" refractor, x60) saw between 19:55-20:04UT
Aristarchus to be bright and in it pulsations with 10 sec duration. At
20:05UT it's spot brightened, at 20:08:50-20:35:50UT brightening and
pulsations of variable duration. At 20:55:50UT just a feeble flash.
Cameron comments that this is probably not atmpsheric effects as the
period is too long - also it was during the Apollo 11 watch. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1175 and th weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 May22 at UT2045-2105 Wald (Zurich, Switzerland) observed the
pinkish colour in Aristarchus was less marked tonight. The astronauts
were alerted and at 22:12 reported no activity but could see the crater
and Earthshine was strong near the terminator. Apollo 10 watch,
spacecraft far from the terminator. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1134
and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Atlas 1969 May 22 UT 21:20-21:40 Observed by Germann, Wild, Vieli
(Zurich, Switzerland, 6" reflector) "Rim towards the sun was bright.
Part of time was interrupted. (Apollo 10 watch)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1135.
Theophilus 1969 Jul 20 UT 18:40 Observed by Delaye, Thinon, Donas, ?
ourdan (Marseilles, France, 10" refractor x60) "Saw a flash on the c.p.
of mag 1.0, duration 0.1s, no color. (meteor?) (Apollo 11 watch)".
NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1174.
Mare Crisium 1826 Apr 13 UT 20:00 Observed by Emmett (England?) "Black
moving haze or cloud" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID =
109. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 May 22 at UT23:20 an unknown observer reported some
brightenings with pulsations in Aristarchus crater, Cameron suspects
atmospheric aberrations. This was during the Apollo 10 watch. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1136 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Hyginius Cleft 1966 Jul 25 UT 04:40 observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 8" reflector, x300) "Points at opposite ends of cleft were very
brilliant in red Wratten 25 filter & very dull in blue Wratten 47
filter. Richer uncertain if real LTP." NASA catalog weight=1. NASA
catalog ID #957.
Theophilus 1969 Jul 21 UT 19:30-21:45 and 21:00-22:00 Observed by Fox
(Newark, England, 6.5" reflector,) and Baum (Chester, England, 4.5"
refractor) (S=6, T=4) "At wall, adjacent to Cyrillus was a redish glow,
then obscur. (Fox). Baum saw intermittant white-blue shimmering as if
glowing thru dust glowing & upsurge in brightness on c.p. Gradually
faded to normal at 21:20. 1st time ever seen by him tho. obs. since
1947. Image sharp, no haziness. (indep. confirm. of activity, but
details differ, but same time, Apollo 11 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1180. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1991 May 21 at UT05:30-06:15 J. Green (Orangevale, CA, USA, 11"
reflector) photgrapphed a broad bright band stretching east and north
of Cassini crater in 3 exposures taken 10 minutes apart. This
photographic sequence shows a gradual widening towards Cassini and by
the 3rd exposure the band is touching (and then obscuring) Cassini. A
"fan" was visible in the north east and WSW directions, later this was
seen as rays and this was even seen in the view finder of the camera.
Cameron comments that this might be lens flare but suspects that it
would not have been seen in the view finder. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=427 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Mons Piton 2022 Aug 04 UT 19:41-20:10 T. Smith (Codnor, UK,
16inch Newtonian, x247, Seeing IV) mountain was very bright
and red around its eastern slopes. An examination of the
bright and contrasty Proclus crater revealed that to be
relatively colour free compared to Piton. An examination of
other features, north and south along the terminator revealed
some tinge of coloiur but not as strong as on Mon Piton. Mons
Piton examined with a yellow filter at 19:50 and still showed
red along the eastern side, other features along the
terminator had no colour through the filter. Video images by.
A.Cook (Newtown, UK) made earlier at 1929 & 19:40 UT, (in the
SWIR (1.5-1.7 microns) did not reveal Mons Pico as especially
bright - but resolutioin was poor. A friend of Smith, phoned
up the next day to say that they saw a mountain on the limb
exhibiting red on the 14th August. Probably the redness was
due to atmospheric spectral dispersion as the Moon was low,
and it was especially visble on Mons Piton as this is an
exceedingly contrasty object on the terminator. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
North of Bessel 1969 May 1969 May 23 UT 22:54. Nelson Travnik
(Observatorio Flammarion, located at 45.58W, 21.87S, f/15
10cm refractor, Kodak Tri-X, 1/15 sec exposure, sky
conditions excellent). Dark spot photographed just north of
Bessel - could be a photographic defect?. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1887 Nov 23 UT 20:00? Observed by de Speissens (France?)
"Luminous triangle on floor. Klein says it was sunlight affect. (but
similar to Klein's own obs., #190. Fort says never seen before nor
since)." NASA catalog weight=0 (very unlikely). NASA catalog ID #256.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Piton 1960 Nov 27 ? UT 00:00? Observed by Schneller
(Cleveland, OH, USA, 8" Reflector, x53), "Red obscuration
concealing peak, @10m2 (if near SR, date is 27th; ancillary
data given for 27th -- date not given)." NASA catalog weight=
3. NASA catalog ID #731. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1965 Sep 03 UT03:00-05:00 D.Harris (Located near Whittier
College, Whittier, CA, USA, using a 10" f/8.2 Newtonian
reflector, x78 & x208, seeing 5-6, transparency 2-0) observed a
ridge obscured SSW of Ross D. No drawing was made, only a
written description. "Ridge not visible near crater; possible
white patch 1/3 Ross D diameter" The ridge is the wrinkle ridge
extending NNE from Ross D, a well established often visible
feature. Harris comments that this was not one of the better TLPs
seen near Ross D, and there were no independent observers,
neverless he was ceratin of this being a TLP, and it was
consistant with other activity seen near this crater between 1964
and 1970. Cameron 1978 catalog ID 891 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Censorinus 1969 May 24 UTC 21:10-22:15 Observed by Jean
Nicolini (Sao Paulo, Brazil, 12" reflector) "It was brighter
than Proclus between 2130-2145h. A very tiny cirrus veil
present & Censor. appeared less bright & Proc. continued to
look normal. Weather worsened at 2215h. (Apollo 10 watch)."
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1144. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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.
Theophilus 1978 Nov 08 UT 20:49-22:00 Observed by J.D. Cook
(Frimley, 12" reflector, 6mm Ortho eyepiece, seeing III-IV)
Orange discolouration seen on ESE crater floor. Moon blink
tried, but no blink detected. By 21:10 the effect had lessened,
but was still orange. By 21:50-21:58 the effect was smaller and
perhaps more on the SE of the floor. Colour confirmed by Foley.
Fitton may also have been observing. At 22:00 A.C. Cook observed
and commented that a darkish, perhaps brown-orange colour seen -
but suspected it was probably spurious colour - but by now the
seeing was V. J.H. Robinson, whilst doing a Moon Blink sweep of
several features, including Theophilus, had not noticed anything
unusual 18:50-19:10. By 22:30-22:35UT, he still could not detect
a blink, but noticed intermittent darkining on the shaded area
on the E. floor, but seeing was now IV. The darkening was more
noticeable in blue than red light. BAA Lunar Section
observation. 2006 Cameron catalog ID #40 weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Observer made a drawing over a period of 30 minutes. Upon
examining drawing, and comparing with photos made under
similar illumination was struck by the abnormality of a
a small white blob in the north east corner of the shadowed
floor. There should be no raised topography between the wall
and the central peaks that could give rise to this. The making
of the sketch overlapped with an earlier drawing made by Rony
de Laet (Belgium) which did not show this blob. Subsequent attempts
to find sketches/images at very similar illumination angles have
failed to show the blob in the north east corner of the chadowed
floor. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Birt 1955 Apr 15 UT 03:20-05:00 Observed by Capen (California
Seeing=Excellent) "Small craters between Birt & wall were invis. at
times under excellent seeing, while craterlets on w.side were
continually obs." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #586.
On 1990 Apr 04 at UT 21:30-21:50 B. LeFranc (France?) reported
observing a white flame effect in Copernicus crater (sketch made) -
though Foley comments that the actual location was east of the crater.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=398 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Posidonius 1970 Apr 15 UT 21:05-22:10 Observed by Wanderley
Nazareth (Sao Paulo, Brazil, reflector) "Intermittant
pulsation. Drawing 20S interval for pulsations. (too long for
atmospheric aberration? Apollo 13 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1254. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Alpetragius 1889 Oct 04 UT 03:00-03:45 observed by E.E.
Barnard (Lick Observatory, CA, USA, 36" refractor, x150, x700)
"Shadow of CP diffused & pale. Entire inside of crater seemed
filled with haze or smoke. Shad. of E. wall was black & sharp.
CP & floor seen thru haze. No other craters showed this
appear. (date & time rep't Sep 3, 1830L T)" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #264. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1969 May 26 UT 20:30-21:05 Observed by Farrant
(Cambridge, England, 8" reflector, x160, S=G) "Had misty
portion of SW(ast. ?) floor from 2030-2105h at which time it
was gone. Clearly seen, had ill-defined boundaries & was an
easy obj. to see. Alt.=33 deg. (Apollo 10 watch)." NASA
catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID No. 1148. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Scarcely a trace of nebulae tonight. As long as to June 10 at
2000UT? A little blackness remained. (P. Moore thinks it
was a LTP, WSC it was a permanent feature?) Drawing. Seen
by Nevelius Emmett, J. Boroughbridge, England. The 2006
Extension catalog by Cameron assigns an ID No. of 4 and a
weight of 1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1938 Mar 13 at UT 04:00-06:00 Barker (Chestnut, England, UK) noted a
slight reddish colour in Plato. However Fox (Newark, UK, 6.5"
reflector, x240) saw none on the south east wall, but instead saw a
yellowish glow on the southern floor at the same time (confirmation?).
Appearently Fox saw the same effect on Apr 10, 11, and May 8-11, then
on June 8-10. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=432 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristrachus 1966 Jul 29 UT 03:40 Observed by Simmons (Jacksonville, FL,
USA, 6" reflector x192, S=7, T=4-5) and Corralitos Observatory (Organ
Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector + Moonblink) "Spot on S.wall vis. only in
red filter, brightness 8deg. Slightly brighter than surrounding wall.
No confirm. Says it might be part that reflected better. Not confirmed
by Corralitos Obs. MB." NASA catalog ID #968. NASA catalog weight=1
(very low).
On 1989 May 17 at UT Fabian (Chicago, IL, USA, 4" reflector, x35-x50
and 8" reflector) noted a pale blue colouration in the ridges situated
west of Aristarchus and north of Herodotus craters, in the vicinity of
the terminator (and on the night side). Aristarchus itself did not have
any colour. Ďt was only area with such color though there were numerous
others of similar elevation and relation to term. The colour was seen
in a 4" Cassegrain telescope, but when an 8" reflector was used at
02:30UT, even with the same eyepieces. Cameron comments that maybe the
larger telescope spread the colour out? The sketch that Fabian
suplied, suggested to Cameron that the TLP was located at Herodotus,
and the ridge was part of Schroter's valley - Cobra Head. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=364 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Darwin 1945 Oct 19 UT 23:23 - P.Moore (UK) saw 3 brilliant
points of light on wall. 12" reflector used. NASA catalog ID #
495, NASA weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1945 Oct 19 UT 23:24:30 Observed by Thornton (Northwich,
England) described in the NASA catalog as: "Bright flashes on
the floor near E.wall (meteor?) but others have seen flashes
there too. time given is 1123, must be P.M., local time. MBMW
gives date as Oct 19, which is wrong" Haas (more reliable
account) in his 2003 article in Strolling Astronomer Vol 45,
p28 states" 23cm x220 reflector used - "minute but brilliant
flash of light seen just inside eastern border of walled plain
Plato. Colour was said to be orange side of yellow. NASA
catalog weight=4 & NASA catalog TLP ID No. #494. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1964 Sep 20 UTC 04:15-04:50 - Observers: Crowe &
Cross (Whittier, CA, USA, 19" reflector x390) "Several red spots in
area between the 2 craters. No change in phenom. so stopped observing"
NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #849.
Aristarchus 1959 Jan 23 UT 06:20 - Observer: Alter (Mt Wilson,
CA, 60" reflector x700) "Brilliant blue in interior later
turning white. Photos obtained. (MBMW has this entry twice for
diff. dates because source gave UT date as 23rd.)" NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID = #712. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1976 Feb 14 at UT23:35-0053 LeCroy (Springfield, VA, USA, 4.5"
reflector, x75, S=6 and T=4.5). A blue haze was seen on the east side
of Aristarchus and red haze on the west side. At 00:00UT details were
more clear and at 00:24UT Aristarchus and Herodotus, were seperated. At
00:34UT colours were gone. At 00:35UT blue was on Aristarchus and the
area was bright, but was black in a red filter. At 00:53UT the features
were clear and the colour gone and the brightness had decreased to 9.
Cameron comments that the colour was not due to temp. inversion because
of being dark in the red filter, implying a medium). The Cameron 1978
catalog TLP ID is 1428 and the weight=1. This is an ALPO report. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1977 Jan 04 at 16:25-17:30 Kozyrev (Pulkovo Observatory, Crimea,
Ukraine, Soview Union) "Observed unusual processes on moon. Activity in
progress at beginning of obs. Still vis. at 1710, gone at 1730h.
Latharn & colleagues found no seismic activity at that timeunder a
quick look". The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 and ID=1460. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1965 Sep 11 UT 08:08-08:15 Observed by Cross,Rasor (Parlos
Verdes, CA, USA, 22" reflector x133, S=F-P) "Red glows,. Photos
obtained but do not show phenom. Haze terminated obs." NASA catalog
weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #894.
Aristarchus 1964 Sep 22 UT 02:54-03:03 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 4" refractor x240, S=5, T=5) "Bright blue-
viol. gl. on NE rim & EWBS; dark viol. nimbus; S. floor 8deg br.
rest of crater 7 deg. Red-brown, changed to coppery, to yellow-
brown (Gilheany, et al. examined crater later, but did not
detect any color in MOON BLINK, so red-brown must have
disappeared." NASA catalog ID #851, NASA catalog weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Kunowsky 1964 Sep 22 UT 03:25-04:30 Observed by Gilheany, Hall, and
Johnson (Port Tobacco, MD, USA, 16" reflector, Seeing=good) "Red area
detected by Trident's MOON BLINK (MB) device, (Aris. normal)." NASA
catalog weight= 5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #852.
E. of Pytheas in M. Imbrium 1970 Jun 19/20 UTC 23:54-00:23 Observed by
Sendor-Mark (Szolnok, Hungary, 4" reflector x 200) "Bright spot nr.
Timocharis (on E. Copernican ray?) decreased slowly for next 8min 19
sec. At 00:11:05 flared up. After 2nd decreasing, brightened again at
00:25:54 after which no variablity. Event was star-like < 3km. No
events on 21st." NASA catalog weight=2 (poor). NASA catalog ID=#1262.
Aristarchus 1975 Dec 19 UT 22:45 Observed by Foley (Kent, England)
"Suspected anomaly in it", NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #1424.
On 1975 Dec ?? at 19:00UT P.W.Foley (Kent, UK), and possibly P. Moore?
(Selsey, UK) - unusual events were reported which might have been due
to minor structral changes. Albedo=76% (=7.6?). Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1425 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Dec 19 at UT22:45 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) suspected an anomaly in
Aristarchus. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=1424 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1975 Feb 27 at UT21:26-23:32 P.W. Foley (Wilmington, Dartford, Kent,
U.K., 12" reflector) picked up a colour Moonblink blink (brighter in
blue) in Plato crater at 21:36, 22:15 and 23:32UT extended from 11 - 3
o'clock along entire area inside the crater - the effect was
particularly diffuse and obscure, despite the surrounding localities
being sharp. The effect was seen visually and was continuous. A check
was made on star images and these were found to be very sharp and not
pulsating, thuis indicating good atmospheric conditions. This is a BAA
Lunar Section report. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato - Hibbard (Orlando, FL, USA, 2.5 inch refractor, NASA
catalog quotes: "Whole crater had a bluish tinge, (photos
obtained but out-of-focus -- chrom. aberr?" - NASA catalog
weight=1, NASA catalog ID 903. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1975 Feb 27/28 UT 22:00-01:00 Observers: Robinson
(Teignmouth, England - 10" reflector), Fitton (Lancashire, England -
8" reflector), Amery (Reading, England - 8" reflector), Mills
Observatory (Dundee, Scotland, 10" reflector) - NASA catalog states:
"Robinson at 2200h got blink on E.wall, stong at 200x till 2225h.
(Fitton) at 2200h (moon low) at 200x saw vivid blue to N., vivid yellow
& orange to S. in Aris., Proc., Menelaus, & many other bright craters
til 2300h. Then Aris. less blue & mare obj. no colors. No blinks in
these craters. No obscur. Polariz. normal till 2330h using many
rotations. At 2330h Aris. blue in N. but fainter. Only Proc. remained
blue till 0020h (28th). Photo-electric scan at 2340h was normal for
Aris. (600 microamps) compared with Tycho (900 microamps), total of 10
scans. all neg. with 15km resolution. Blink neg. but blue still vis. in
N. in white light till 0030h. At 0100h (S=III at 200x) Proc. clear of
blue, Aris. nearly clear, blink neg. (Amery) at 2310h saw blue on N.rim
of Aris., no color in other craters at 300x. No blink in Aris. S. part
of Aris. indistinct but abnormal. No blink till 2350h. (Mills
Observatory) at 0000h checking rep'ts got blink in S.part of Aris. Blue
only in N.part. Similar blue in bright craters in E.hemisphere & blue
halo on S.limb till 0020h. Concluded due to optical effects. Fitton
says due to atm. effects from high press. sys. W. of obs (blue on one
rim & red on other due to chrom. aberr. ? If spurios, should get no
blink & similar crater conditions should exhibit same phenomena all
over Moon). NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog TLP ID No.
1400. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1975 Feb 27/28 UTC 22:00-01:00 Observers: (Fitton) at 2200h
(moon low) at 200x saw vivid blue to N., vivid yellow & orange to S. in
Aris., Proc., Menelaus, & many other bright craters til 2300h. Then
Aris. less blue & mare obj. no colors. No blinks in these craters. No
obscur. Polariz. normal till 2330h using many rotations. Only Proc.
remained blue till 0020h (28th). Photo-electric scan at 2340h was
normal for Aris. (600 microamps) compared with Tycho (900 microamps),
total of 10 scans. all neg. with 15km resolution. Blink neg. but blue
still vis. in N. in white light till 0030h. At 0100h (S=III at 200x)
Proc. clear of blue, Aris. nearly clear, blink neg. Concluded due to
optical effects. Fitton says due to atm. effects from high press. sys.
W. of obs (blue on one rim & red on other due to chrom. aberr. ? If
spurious, should get no blink &similar crater conditions should exhibit
same phenomena all over Moon). NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA
catalog TLP ID No. #1400.
Aristarchus (Bartlett, 1965 Oct 12 UTC 02:15-20:25, 5 inch
reflector x280) - NASA catalog quotes "Nimbus was only a dark
violet hue". NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #904.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
In 1790 Mar 03 at 22:00 UT Wilkins (England?) observed Herschel's 1787
lumninous point (Aristarchus) in the same place. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=67 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1966 Sep 02 UT 22:55-02:55 Observed by Moseley, Moore,
Gill, Harris, Frost and Hall (Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10"
refractor + Moon Blink, Seeing=fair) and by Cave (England using
a Moon blink) "Eng. Moonblink sys. detected red glows on c.p. &
around it; seen vis. too. (Corralitos obs.at the time? did not
see anything?)" Note that the Arnagh observers were all using
the same telesope, The observing times of M. Cave are not given
but they saw a blink SW of the central peaks. NASA catalog ID
972. NASA catalog weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Atlas 1969 Aug 01 UT 03:36-04:00 Observed by Pither
(Nottinghamshire, England) NASA catalog reports: "Eng. moon
blink in crater at 0336h close to E. wall, NE of central
feature. Oval in shape & dirty brownish color & hazy. Started
fading at 0345h but may have been due to dawn, Neg results on
other features, (Apollo 11 watch)." 12" x450 reflector used.
NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog TLP ID No. #1195.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Aug 01 UTC 04:40-05:38 Observed by C. Pamplona
e J. Barbosa(Fortaleza, Brazil using 12" x235 and 5" x100
reflectors) - NASA catalog reports: "Enhanced area in SE wall,
no pulsation, no color. Usually NW wall is brightest. After
0538h NW region was brightest again, (Apollo 11 watch, indep.
confirm. ?)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog TLP ID No. #
1196. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1966 Sep 03 UT 01:11-01:46 Observers: Moore (Armagh, N.
Ireland, 5 & 12" reflectors), Moseley (Armagh, N. Ireland, 10"
refractor), Corralitos Observatory (B.Middlehurst, Organ Pass,
NM, USA, 24" reflector), Cave , Gill (UK? 6" reflector x365),
"Eng. moon blink sys. detected red glows on c.p. & round it.
Independently seen by Cave. Not confirmed by Corralitos M.B."
NASA catalog ID#975, NASA weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Alphonsus 1958 Nov 29 UTC 22:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, UK,
15" reflector) "Near site of Kozyrev's outbreak saw a circular
patch, black pit center, & red, round masses all around it."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #708.ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Sep 28 at UT05:00-07:00 W. Steed (Ocean City, MD, USA, 3"
refractor, x45 and x220) detected a "tower-like" feature on the east
rim of Mouchez crater, and appeared about 2-3x higher than other
mountains nearby. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=112 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1971 Jun 13 UT 08:21 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4" reflector x51, x93, x121) "S. part of floor was brownish &
granulated" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1296.
Gassendi 1971 Jun 13 UT 07:22-08:05 Observed by Raimundo Nonato
da Silva (Parnaiba, Brazil, 9.5" reflector, x180) "At 0755h
variation on W.(IAU?) edge of crater "brightness seemed to
become a little darker" as it was gugacious (foggy?), Was not
sure it was a LTP. Other features & it were normal from 0658-
0755h". NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID 1295. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 19 UT 22:40-23:05 Observed by Pedler
(UK, 12.5" reflector, x200, seeing fair) Blue colour seen and
could not focus on this part, where as other craters were
nice and sharp in this filter. Aristarchus darker in red
light. all other craters were normal in red. Attempts to
change the eyepiece did not make any difference to the blue
colour. Cameron 2005 catalog ID=43 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 Nov 09 at 10:30-11:05UT D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, S=
4-2/10, T=P) detected a rapid fade in brightness of south and north
sunlit slopes of Mons Piton. Then the western flank faded and became
obscured in detail. The variations detected were approximately 5 sec in
duration, where as seeing effects were of the order of 15 sec. Mons
Pico and other mountains did not show a similar effect. "It was seen
only in viol. filter tho once seemed blurred in red. No changes,
dimming was like a veil of mist covering the mtn - swiftly, then
dissipating as rapidly. Sketch. Phenomenon went on & off till 11:00UT.
Cloud was cir. In viol & spreadover mtn in 2s. Saw 6 rapid, spinning
motions within the cloud like an explosion or tornado seen from above.
Blurring in red was more elongated. Motion across it was like a heat
wave. Whole event lasted ~35m but disappeared in a few secs. Albedos
7.4 cp, 7.5 pt A, 7 pt B." Cameron 2005 catalog ID=75 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1964 Jul 29 UT 05:40-06:06 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA) "Nimbus only -- dark viol. hue. S.floor granulated, dull --
6 bright. Faint yellow-brown tinge. Rest of crater 8." S=6, T=3-
2. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #838. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 20 UTC 03:00-05:00 Observed by Foley (Kent, UK, no
spurious colour, Seeing Antoniadi II and transparency good.) -
colouration seen: very bright violet spot on the north west interior.
No brightness variations seen. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=44 and
weight=. The ALPO/BAA weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Heraclides Point 1948 Jul 27 UT 02:00? Observed by Doherty (Stoke-on-
Trent, England, 3" refractor? or 6" reflector or 10" reflector)
"Strangeley blurred & misty; La Place Prom was perfectly sharp."
NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #507.
On 1995 Apr 03 at UT 03:30 Unknown Observer (Transparency good) saw a
darkening in the Cobra Head, Schroter's valley area of Aristarchus -
the best example that he had ever seen. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=474
and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=. Reference - BAA Lunar Section
circular 1995 Oct, p125 and personal communication from David Darling
to the BAA on 6/6/1995. Note it is uncertain whether this refers to the
Clementine mission or to somebody who observed during the Clementine
mission, or somebody with that surname. Anyway if it is the Clementine
mission then the date is wrong - possibly the year should have been
1994? The Cameron catalogue does actually mention a TIFF on Clementine
mission? The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=474 and the weight=3. I am
assuming that the year should be 1994 and not 1995? The ALPO/BAA
catalog weight=1 until we can find out what the correct date is?
Aristarchus 1964 Jul 31 UT 02:00-02:23 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x180) "Deep ravine on E.glacis
interrupted midway of its length by apparent break just below
rim of craterlet assoc. with EWBS. Normally, ravine is seen
continuous. Probable obscuration at pt, of break." S=7, T=5.
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #834. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Triesnecker 1966 Jul 10 UTC 02:00-02:15 Observed by Allen (Cambridge,
England) and other observations by Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass,
NM, USA). Described in NASA catalog as: "Faint illum. of a ridge in
shadow; faded quickly (in BAA judged dubious). Not confirmed by
Corralitos MB." 12?" refractor (x280) used at Cambridge and at
Corralitos 24" reflector. NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog TLP ID No. #956.
On 1996 Feb 12 at UT 07:30-08:27 J.Sandel (Caycee, SC, USA)
noted a contrast effect inside Tycho at sunset. At 07:30UT there
was a slight, but definite illumination of small areas of the
crater floor west of the central; peak. Also seen by T. Ferrel
(Lawrenceville, GA, USA, SCT C8). This was oval in shape and
gray in colour - Ferrel noted some diffuseness. It brightened
over 30 minutes. At 08:11UT a definite brightness fade noted in
Tycho's central peak. The crater floor had increased
illumination of entire crater floor. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Aug 09 UT 01:00? Observed by Hiscott
(Canterbury, 12" reflector) "Bright spots photog. on E. wall
(EWBB) (crater wall seen in ashen light at this time accord.
to LION obs.). Pearce, in BAA Circ. 5 (3) says LO 4, fr. 150
shows highlights in similar areas & in Cobra Head & are due
to slopes.) Spots were on all 8 negs." NASA catalog weight=5.
NASA catalog ID #1199. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Herodotus 1969 Aug 09 UTC 03:00-04:03 Observed by Gomez (Sabadell,
Spain) desribed in NASA catalog as: "Bright point on SE wall at 0300h,
gone at 0322h. Brightened in blink device (Eng.) at 3:30:50, 3:41:36,
04:03:21" 12" reflector x155,x258,x388. Average weight=3 in NASA
Catalog.
ALPO/BAA weight=2,
On 1940 Dec 25 at UT 10:00? Haas (New Mexico, USA, 12" reflector?)
observed the northern horn to be elongated by about 10'. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=482 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1940 Dec 25 at UT 10:00? Haas (New Mexico, USA, 12" reflector?)
observed the southern horn to be elongated by about 10'. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=482 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
James Short, Dr Harris and Mr Stephens saw initially a streak of
light on the shadowed floor of Plato. They were not expecting to see
any light to reach the floor. Shortly afterwards they saw a second
streak of light parallel to the first and this shortly divided
into two. Gaps in the mountains were found for both streaks,
but they were unable to understand why one of the streaks divided
into two. Cameron's 1978 assigns this TLP an ID of 20 and a weight
of 5. The ALPO/BAA catalog assigns a weight of 1.
During an occultation of lambda Geminorum on the eastern limb
the light from the star took 3 seconds to fade. Cameron 2006 catalog
extension ID=8 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1883 Mar 12 at UT 20:00 Hopkins (located somewhere in the eastern
USA) saw a line of light-well seen (similar to Cameron's TLP catalog ID
235, except for the apparent phase. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=235 and
the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Oct 12 at UT23:30 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x75, seeing 10/10) observed the crater to be glowing faintly
- photos showed it to be blue. Cameron 2006 TLP catalog ID=113 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Mare Crisium 1998 Jan 31 UT 17:15-17:35 R. Braga (Corsica
(MI), Italy, 102mm f8.8 refractor, x180, with no diagonal,
seeing II, Transparency poor). A very bright point located at
23N 54.5E this was normal! - what was unusual was that it
vanished when viewed through a blue Wratten 38A filter (this
filter absorbs red, UV, and some green light). The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
In 1821 May 06 at UT 21:45 Ward (England? Large aperture
telescope, x80), Bailey (England?) and Olbers (Bremen, Germany,
refractor) observed in the Earthlit part of the Moon an apperent small
comet like feature extended from Aristarchus towards Grimaldi. The
light was similar to a glow worm. The observer had never seen anything
like it. The cameron 1978 catalog ID=89 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Cusps 1953 Apr 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England, 15"?
reflector) "Faint extension of the cusps. (high peaks in sunlight)."
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID 558.
Cusps 1953 Apr 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England, 15"?
reflector) "Faint extension of the cusps. (high peaks in sunlight)."
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #558.
Messier 1981 Sep 03 UT 19:15-19:55 Observed by Evans (England, 254mm
Newtonian, seeing II-III, transparency fair). "Messier was under going
obscuration" BAA Lunar Section Circular report. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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 1990 Mar 02 at UT 19:35-19:50 P. Williamson (Shropshire, UK, 14"
reflector, x178, seeing=good and steady) noticed a yellow-orange glow
in Gassendi (from a small illumnated crater?) in Earthshine at 19:35UT
and by 19:40UT it had become very bright white, afterwhich it
completely faded within 10 minutes. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=393 and
the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.