A region of the Mare Imbrium was extremely bright, giving
a reading of 8 out of 10 on the Elger scale. Cameron notes
that from photos of the Full Moon, the area appears to
normally be the brightness of Archimedes floor i.e. 3.5 out
of 10 on the Elger scale. Atmospheric seeing was excellent
and the observer could see a lot of fine detail with their
2.4" and 3" refractors. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=62
and weight=3.
M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) got an abnormally low brightness reading for
Proclus, despite nearby Censorinus being normal. Crater Extinction
Device used. The Cameron 2006 Extension catalog ID was 163 and the
weight was 3. The ALPO/BAA weight was 2 too.
Plato 1982 Jun 02 UT 22:00. Mobberley could not see the
central craterlet on the floor of Plato tonight. Foley notes
that he could only just see the central craterlet on nights of
2-5th Jun and it was of reduced in brightness from normal.
North reported that the floor seemed nearly black, but
brighter in a green filter (x144 magnification used). All
three observers compared the Plato area to other areas for
reference. All the above seems normal, apart from the floor
being brighter in the green filter. Cameron 2006 extension
catalog ID 170 and weight=5. BAA/ALPO weight=1.
On 1989 Feb 17 at UT00:55 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5" reflector, x248) found that the brightness of the rim of
Proclus was 9.0, the north west wall to be 9.5, the west wall
to be 5.2, and the east wall 8.2 (normal?). The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=355 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Observed by Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA) "Temporary greyness seen in
interior shadow." ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1965 May 12 at UT 22:20 H. Miles (UK) found a possible
obscuration in Bailly crater. Most of the region was as sharp as
normal, but the central area was greyish and blurred. Although
the observer concerned considered themselves a non-experienced
observer, another BAA Lunar Section observer saw the same
effect. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2003 May 13 at UT06:40-07:26 W. Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x321 and x202, S=2, T=3.5) suspected (06:40-06:55UT) that he
saw an oval bright feature (intensity 5.5) near the centre of the floor
of Herodotus crater indenting into the shadow - however the seeing was
none too good, so it is more of a suspicion than a definite sighting.
At 07:14-07:26UT he re-examined the region (x202 and x321, S=1-2 and T=
3.5) and had better glimpses that conformed his initial suspicions of
there being an oval indentation bright spot (now intensity 6) into the
shadow in the centre of the floor. Of course Herodotus does not have a
central peak! There was also a very bright spot on the NW> sunlit rim
of Herodotus crater. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus Area 2004 Nov 22 UT 04:58-05:49 Observed by Gray
(Winemucca, NV, USA, 152mm f/9 refractor, seeing 4-5, trasparency 4-5,
x114, x228) "Blinked Herodotus with Wratten filters Blue 38A and Red
25. The illuminated west crater wall stood out brilliantly in blue
light, much more so than in white light. This was true also of
Aristarchus. Red light did not increase contrasts in Herodotus any more
than they were in white light. Shadows in Herodotus appeared as black
as the night west of the terminator and remained that way throughout
the observing period. No TLP seen in Herodotus tonight. A possible TLP
was seen to the west of Herodotus near the terminus of Schroters
Valley. It was noted at the beginning of the observing period that
there were four very bright spots of light, one near the end of
Schroters Valley, the other three grouped together a little farther
north. Although not far from the terminator they were definitely east
of it. It was noted that all of them nearly vanished in the Blue 38A
filter while Aristarchus and the rim of Herodotus gleamed brilliantly.
At 5:19UT it was noted that the most brilliant of the four lights, the
one near the terminus of Schroters Valley, had faded almost to
invisibility in white light. When first seen it had been brighter than
Aristarchus. It remained very dim after this through the remainder of
the observing period, and was unchanged at 7:35-7:49UT when I again
examined the area. The other three bright spots remained brilliant and
unchanged."
Herodotus 1956 Nov 15 UT 01:05-01:30 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5" reflector x100) "Pseudo c.p. clearly
seen est. I=5.5, wratten filters showed it neutral to green,
red, & yellow, but duller in blue. Floor est. 2deg, distinctly
olive-green. Precise time at 0117 at col. 55.27deg" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #655. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1973 Aug 10 UTC 20:14 observed by Baumeister
(48.63N, 9.25E, 110mm reflector, T=2, S=2) "Orange to red
colours at the crater floor disappeared until 21:04" -
Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984),
p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus area 1967 Apr 21 UT 19:00-21:20 Observed by
Darnella (Copenhagen, Denmark, 3.5" refractor, S=1-2),
Farrant (Cambridge, England, 8" reflector, x160), Corralitos
Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector with
Moonblink) "On exterior wall of Aris., 3 pts. in Cobra Head &
banks of valley were star-like & glowing; & Herod. were red.
Farrant could not bring hill N. of Herod. into focus. He says
color was deep red-orange & steady for 3 min. Started at
1915h (1916-1925h seeing was too bad) (indep. confirm.).
Suspected next nite but bad seeing. Not confirmed by
Corralitos MB." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1030.
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Herodotus 1966 Nov 24 UT 21:50 H.Hill (UK, 7.25" reflector,
x240), seeing 4-6/10, transparancy 4/5) sketched a central white
diffuse patch inside the floor of the crater, with a size of
about 1/7th the diameter of the crater. The eastern edge of the
white patch was encroached by the shadow of the eastern rim.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1972 Dec 17 UTC 18:30 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge, England,
8.5" reflector) "Crater appeared very bright (Apollo 17 Watch)." NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1359.
Plato 1973 Aug 10 UT 22:45 observed by Robinson (Devon, UK).
Observer noticed that the lighter areas on the floor were more
distinct in red than in the blue filter. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Blanco, J. Vidal, of Gijon, Spain (3" refractor x72)
noticed an unfamiliar very bright center near to Encke.
Cameron suspects that this was Encke B crater
on the basis that it is a prominent small crater
near to Encke. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=410
and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1949 Nov 03 UT 01:06 J.Bartlett (3.5" refractor, x100) noted that
the floor of Herodotus was very dark, the east wall was very bright,
and the floor contained a central bright peak. The BAA/ALPO weight=3.
Plato 1906 Mar 07 UT 22:00? Observed by Fauth (Germany? 6" refractor)
"Color (brightness?) greatly enhanced as on the previous nite" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #324.
Amery (Reading, England) saw blue in Aristarchus but a photograph did
not show the colour. Foley thinks this was spurious colour. Cameron
2006 extension catalog ID=27. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Promotorium Laplace: 1978 Apr 20 UT19:30-22:35 Peter Foley
observed a tiny yellow-brown region close the tip of the cape,
north east of the precipitous west edge, in the face of the
north facing slope. The area concerned was diffuse and varied
in density despite the surroundings not varying. Foley notcied
no colour elsewhere on the Moon, though Amery thought that he
saw some in Aristarchus, but Foley thinks this was spurious.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=27 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Vallis Schroteri 1991 Aug 23 UT 02:19-02:49. Flashing spot at
end of SV fluctuated. Herzog, Darling & Weier confirmed spot
but not fluctuation. Spot brighter in red than blue, but Cobra
Head was bright in blue. No other region was abnormal.
Aristarchus-Cobra Head, 1967 Nov 15 UT 05:40-06:00 Observed by Cross,
Tombaugh (Las Cruces, NM, 12" reflector x800) and Harris (Tucson, AZ),
and Dunlap (Organ Pass, NM, 24" reflector with Moonblink). "Obs.
reddish color N. & E. of Aris. & more intense color nr. E.(IAU?) rim of
Cobra Head. Red color nr.C.H. confirmed by Tombaugh. Obtained 10 photos
between 0543-0549h in 3 spectral bands (blue, yellow, red, & integ.
light). No change dur. obs. per. but spot got smaller at moments of
good seeing. Isodensitometry of photos. At Corralitos 0152-0155 on 24-
in image intensifier & filter sys. photoos at 0320-0330h. Harris at
Tucson got spectra. Neither of latter 2 show anything unusual. Its
edges were nebulous even at best seeing. Size @ that of Cobra's Head."
NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #1053.
Peter Foley (Kent, UK, 8" reflector, seeing=II) noticed that
the floor beneath the north wall, and the area over the north
wall were indistinct (almost out of focus). Despite looking
elsewhere in the crater and surrounds, no other blurring
(obscuration of detail) could be seen, indeed everywhere else
was sharp and detailed. Foley tried several eyepieces but this
made no difference. He used a crater extinction device but
found no variations in brightness. There was a slight
darkening when he used a red filter in the Moon Blink device.
The obscuration effect weakened between UT20:56 and 21:10,
was difficult to see at 21:13 and had finished by 00:15.
Patrick Moore (12" reflector, Dublin, Ireland) saw nothing
unusual when he started observing at UT 22:00. Cameron says
"Photos marked at location of phenomenon". Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=37 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus normal in red and blue filters however the
Cobra Head part of Schroter's Valley was brighter in blue.
Indeed it was very dull in red - Louderback says that this
was not surprising as the whole areas around Aristarchus is
brighter in blue. Louderback is an experienced observer
of the Aristarchus area of more than 10 years. Cameron 2006
extended catalogID=63 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1873 Apr 10 UTC 21:00? Observed by Schmidt (Athens, Greece, 6"
refractor) "Under high sun, 2 faint clouds in E. part of crater."
Moretus? 1871 Dec 25 UTC 22:00? Observed by Webb? (England?, 9"
reflector?) "Internal twilight in crater #132- a large circular crater
nr. S.pole (crater #132 on Goodacre's map is Plato. Webb's map?)" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #173.
The area west of Helicon not visible despite the area being
fairly bright at Full Moon time. This area was a very bright
patch one night. Cameron notes: comensurability of Full Moon &
Perigee. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=64 and weight=3.
Seeing=7 and transparency=4. 2.4" refractor used. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1937 Jul 22 UT 06:20 Observed by Haas (Alliance, Ohio,
USA, 12" reflector?) "Floor distinctly greenish, but was gray on
June 23, 1937 at 0430 & col.84 (normal?)" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #421. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1982 Jun 05 at 22:00? UT, Chapman (UK, using a 12" reflector), again
using a x2 yellow filter, noticed that the central craterlet
detectabilty changed such that sometimes it was visible and sometimes
not. Foley (Kent, UK)noticed that the central craterlet could only just
be seen between June 2 to June 5 and was much less discernable than
during the previous lunation. No CED brightness measurements made. The
floor of Plato was noted to be very dark though. Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=172 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1965 May 15 UTC 01:40-02:15 Observed by Weresuik, McClench,
Johnson (Pt. Tobacco, MD, USA, 16" reflector x240, S=F, T=G) and Delano
(Massachusetts, USA, 12" reflector). "Crater had color(red?) detected
by Trident MB & photos were obtained. There were pulsations. Delano saw
E. wall of crater unusually bright (confirm. if at same time)." NASA
catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #876.
Aristarchus. 2024 Feb 23 UT 19:22. A.Conway (Bootle, UK - 20cm
Newtonian (dobsonian), 9mm Plossl eyepiece, Samsung A33 mobile
phone camera, 36 sec AVI file at 30fps, seeing probably
average-good). Noticed a blue tinge on northern rim of the
crater. This is probably normal, but we are flagging this up
as a weight 1 TLP, in order to obtain some repeat illumination
observations and confirm that the strength of the blueness is
normal.
Madler 2005 Oct 17 UT 04:14-05:28 Observed by Robin Gray (Winnemucca,
NV, USA, 152mm refractor, x228, x343, S=5-8 and T=5-6) "Very bright
pinpoint spot seen towards end of observing period on east crater wall,
lasting 1 min in duration. Brighter than other spots, possibly 8.5-9 on
the Elger scale. The spot was not seen earlier during the long
observing session." An ALPO report. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Madler 1940 Sep 16 UT 02:10 Observed by Haas (New Mexico? USA,
12" reflector?) "Bright spot on S. rim was I=5.8 comp. with 8.9
on Aug 17 (see #470)." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #
473. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1919 Nov 27 at UT 23:00-01:00 Fock (Germany) observed in the
vicinity of Tycho, during an eclipse (mid eclipse at 23:56UT) a long
ray in the direction of Longomontanus that remained visible. It was
glowing in weak gray-green colour for the whole of the eclipse. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=373 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1973 Feb 15 UTC 17:07-19:31 Observed by Theiss (located at
51N 5.67E) "area 4-5 diameters of Aristarchus were coloured clearly
yellow-red" 120mm reflector used. Ref Hilbrecht & Kuveler (1984) Moon
and Planets Vol 30 p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Kepler 1962 Jul 17 UTC 06:24,08:36 Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson,
CA, USA, 60" reflector+photometer) "Crater was at Vmag 2.68 at earlier
obs. which was .47 mag brighter than av. mag. at 15d & it faded to near
normal at later time to V=3.10(photom. measures), a change of 1/2 mag.
or @1.5 times in brightness" NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA
catalog ID #761.
Plato 1973 Aug 13 UT 22:25-22:35 observed by Pedler (Devon, UK).
Observer noticed a slight blink on a lighter patch on the floor
just beneath the south(?) rim using Moon blink filters.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Kepler 1962 Jul 17 UTC 06:24,08:36 Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson,
CA, USA, 60" reflector+photometer) "Crater was at Vmag 2.68 at earlier
obs. which was .47 mag brighter than av. mag. at 15d & it faded to near
normal at later time to V=3.10(photom. measures), a change of 1/2 mag.
or @1.5 times in brightness" NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA
catalog ID #761.
On 1898 Jan 08 at UT 00:00-01:00 Chrevremont (France?) notcied that
during a lunar eclipse, the mid-eclipse shadow was so dark that details
of the surface disappeared, all except for the Tycho SSW ray . Cameron
comments that it is unsual for that ray to remain when usually the ones
towards Kepler and Aristarchus are the ones to stand out? The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=297 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1978 Aug 18 at UT 22:00 Coates (England?, UK, 3" refractor,
seeing=II) found that the inner bands of Aristarchus were hard to see,
this was odd because the seeing conditions were good and he usually
sees them? However he did not believe that there was any obscuration
going on. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=37 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1893 Apr 01 at UT 22:00 deMoraes of the Azores, Portugal, saw a
shaft of light projecting from the Moon. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=280
and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Manillus 1955 Aug 03 UTC 21:00 Observed by Firsoff (Sommerset, England,
6.5" reflector, x200) "Maniluus very bright in all colors, especially
blue, extraordinarily so" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID
#602.
Timocharis 1955 Aug 03 UTC 21:00 Observed by Firsoff (Sommerset,
England, 6.5" reflector, x200) "Crater was bright in blue, seemed large
& diffused." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #602.
On 1978 Aug 19 at UT02:45-04:00 Porter (Naragansetts, RI, USA, using a
6" reflector, Seing = 6/10) noticed blue on the north east corner of
Aristarchus and an orange glow on the south east wall. They detected no
movement or change in brightness. The observer used both eyes, to make
sure it was not an eye defect, and three filters: red Wratten 25, blue
Wratten 82 and Violet Wratten 47. Porter found that the colours faded
for a duration of 5 minutes and then returned. Their right eye gave a
good view and using their left eye they suspected that it was 0.5 steps
brighter than the remainder of the crater. The suspected colour
remained visible, even under moments of good seeing conditions. The
colour eventually faded over time and was eventually gone. Porter
reportd seein gcolour here on the following night. Apparently other
bright spots showed no colour. Fitton suggests that the filters used
confirm that the south east wass was definitely red in colour. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=37 and the weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1973 Nov 10 UTC 20:00? Observed by Coates (England, 8"
reflector x200, Moon at gigh altitude above horizon). "Attracted to
crater because of an orange hue extending towards Herod. Has seen this
at other times. Thinks not a LTP, but actual color on ground."NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1381.
In 1954 Jul 16 at UT 01:12 Chernov (Russia, 2" refractor, x33) observed
the following for Aristarchus: "Activity noted in it * in extension of
Moon's shadow on sky for 12 min during .17phase of ecl.(source gave
date as June 16, but ecl was July 16)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=566
and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1955 Nov 01 UTC 02:50-03:05 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 3.5" reflector x100, S=6, T=5) "Proc. D normally 5 deg bright
was vis. tonite only in blue light, whereas usually is vis. in
integrated light. However at col. 110.5 deg it was a dark spot (see #
816) C.p. tonite was normal 5 deg bright but in Oct. lun. was dark".
NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #625. Note Proclus D does
not refer to the crater Proclus D as defined by the IAU, but probably
to a spot inside the crater that Bartlett designated D!
On 1978 Apr 23 at UT20:35 (Rawlings, UK, finderscope, x50)
observed a bright flash (~0.3 sec duration) near to Copernicus (20W,
9N) with rays to the south east whilst he looked through a finder
scope. Moore, who studied the drawing, suggests that the area of the
flash was near Copernicus. However Cameron says this cannot be the case
if the flash was in darkness as mentioned in the BAA Lunar Section
circular. She comments that it might have been a meteor? The Cameron
2005 catalog ID=28 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Littrow 1915 Jan 31 UTC 22:00? Observer: unknown (England?) "6 to 7
spots arranged like a gamma first seen on this nite. (Kuiper atlas.
Rect. 14-c shows spots in form of a 7 or a cap. gamma backwards, but
not l.c. gamma)". NASA catalog weight=0 (almost certainly not a TLP).
NASA catalog ID #349. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1970 Feb 22 UTC 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Stump, Corral.
Obs. (Organ Pass, NM, 24" reflector+Moonblink) "Bluing around crater --
vis. in monitor, but not photographable due to clouds." NASA catalog
weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #1235.
Mare Crisium 1962 Jul 18 UTC 09:54 Observed by Wildey & Pohn (Mt
Wilson, CA, USA, 60" reflector + Photometer) "Photometric meas. showed
change in brightness of the area of over a mag. during the nite.
Recorded at Vmag=3.56 first, & a few min(?) later at 4.62. It was .95
mag. brighter (@2.5x) than av. for that age & then returned to
normal." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #762.
On 1992 Jul 16 at UT 03:32-09:31 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x134) detected yellow on the southern rim of Aristarchus,
and the colour looked "darker" through a yellow filter and the region
was "duller" than normal. The region was 1 intesnsity step brighter on
the 2nd measurement, "on all points in it". The comet tail-like ray had
3 sections and was "mottled" in appearance. Finally the Cobra Head
region had possible variations in brightness. The cameron 2006 catalog
ID=451 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1940 Sep 18 UTC 03:15 Observed by Haas (New Mexico? 12"
? reflector) "Largest bright spot in SE part of floor had I=6.1,
but I=6.7 & 8.6 on other nites. (same ph. see #469, 472 & 475)"
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #474. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
East of Picard 1864 Oct 16/17 UT 23:00-01:00? Observed by
Ingall (Camberwell ?, UK) "Remarkable bright spot" NASA
catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #135. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1954 Nov 12 UTC 02:20-03:05 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, S=5-6, T=3-4) "Blue-violet glare on EWBS &
whole length of E. wall. Suspected viol. tint on VA; uncertain @
m" NASA catalog weight=4. This had faded later by 05:07. NASA
catalog ID #582. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1870 Feb 18 UTC 00:00? Observed by Gledhill (Halifax, England,
9" refractor) "Illum. of another group of craters different from group
in Aug. & Sep. obs. (date is F18 if phase is similar to Ap 1870)
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #164.
Mare Crisium 1962 Jul 19 UTC 07:30 Observed by Wildey & Pohn (Mt
Wilson, CA, USA, 60" reflector + Photometer) "Photometric meas. showed
change in brightness from Vmag=3.46 to V=3.07, where av. mag. for that
age=3.26, or a brightening of .58 mag." NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #763.
Plato 1938 Jun 15 UTC 08:00 Observed by Haas? (New Mexico?, 12?"
reflector) "NW. end of floor had intensity I=2.0, but on 7/15/38, I=
3.7, conditions similar." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID
#439.
On 1965 May 18 at UT 03:00-03:30 Cragg (Mt Wilson?, CA, USA, 6"
refractor?) observed a TLP (no feature nor description given in
the Cameron 1978 catalog) on the Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=877
and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Mare Crisium 1962 Jul 19 UTC 09:48 Observed by Wildey & Pohn (Mt
Wilson, CA, USA, 60" reflector + Photometer) "Photometric meas. showed
change in brightness from Vmag=3.46 to V=3.07, where av. mag. for that
age=3.26, or a brightening of .58 mag." NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #763.
On 1990 Jan 13 at UT 22:15-23:05 J. Pedler (Bristol, UK, seeing=III and
transparency=excellent, no spurious colour) detected a blue region on
the north of Aristarchus, varying in sharpness/diffuseness. The crater
rim in this region could not be descerned. Eleswhere the crater rim was
normal as too were other features. When a Moon blink device was used,
no colour blink was detected, however through the blue filter the
suspected area was bright and the crater rim indistinct. Whereas
through the red filter the area looked perfectly normal. At 22:30UT the
effect had vanished and everywhere was normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=388 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Four bright spots seen in Mare Crisium. There was also peculiar
behaviour of the terminator. Source: Midlehurst 1968 catalog TLP ID=16.
Ref Web 1962 p62-76. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Jan 14 at UT 01:14-01:55 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing=poor)
observed that Aristarchus did not appear normal for this illumination.
the northern half of Aristarchus was "2x>" than the southern half of
the crater. There were two white patches of apron material near to the
crater Herodotus that were 50% of the brightness of the southern half
of Aristarchus. Furthermore the southern half of Aristarchus had a
circle - "dull patch on inner S wall with a bright point shining
through it. (Bartlett's EWBS?)". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=389 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 Mar 04 at UT10:30-10:34 D. Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA,
12.5" reflector, x344) detected a pin-point light in the shadowed area
of Mare Crisium that varied in brightness then faded. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=84 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1940 Sep 19 UTC 06:00 Observed by Haas (New Mexico,
12?" reflector) "Largest bright spot in SE part of floor, had I=
6.7, but 6 for last nite & 5.6 on others (see #'s 469, 472, &
474)." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #475. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Darling, alerted by Keyes saw Aris >> brighter obj on moon (as
it normally is) Comet ray & N rim of Herod. >> could see no
detail - Aris. except two bands, moon was pale yellow (low alt.)
with halo around it. Nothing unusual elsewhere. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID #384 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1,
just in case there is some merit in this report?
On 1979 Aug 12 at UT07:00-10:35 D. Darling and wife (Sun Prarie, WI,
USA, 12.5" reflector, x342, photos, S=9/10) observed a cigar shaped
protruberance in Romer crater that cast a 32km long shadow, nestled in
a valley rille next to Romer. This was a confirmed observation. The
effect persisted intil sunset. The top of the object and two points on
the crater rim were reflecting the Sun's rays. "Top of obj. & 2 pts on
crater rim reflected suns rays. It was as high as the crater rim
whereas the rill wall was not. Took photos. he has studied this area
and never saw such a phenom before. Photos did not show it". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=65 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Theophilus 1971 Dec 06 UT 21:35-23:20 Observed by Findlay, Ford,
Taylor, Robbie (Dundee, Scotland, 10" reflector x180), Bolger
(Chester, England), Fitton (Lancashire, England, 8" reflector).
"Red-orange patch on E. (IAU?) floor even without a blink.
Others confirmed. Dimmed by 2105h but still seen. Dimmer yet at
2230h & gone at 2300h. Baum saw brownish-red patch at 25.5E,
12.5S. Taylor saw reddish patch SE of crater, fainter at 2220h,
gone at 2300h. Fitton saw image very dull,yellow & steady.
Filters showed nothing unusual, & nothing seen at 2320h." NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1320. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristillus 1939 Sep 03 UT 05:00 Observed by Haas? (New
Mexico?) "Dark area in W. part of floor was I=4.0, comp. with
I=1.3, & I=3.7 (see #450, & #454). Used different telescope,
but can't explain diff. in albedo, since phase is similar in 2
& dist. from term. similar in all (normal?)." NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #459. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Observed by Dachille & daughter (Univ. Park, Pennsylvania, 10.5"
reflector, x75) "Flash -- then a brownish - red color patch. Alt. @
20deg. (MBMW has Oct. 12, but is 13th UT)". NASA catalog weight=5
(very good). NASA catalog ID #674.
On 1979 Jul 14 at UT 00:24-01:10 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 15cm
reflector, x35, x52, x73 and x110, seeing IV-V, transparency very
good). Note that the observing date was also written as Jul 18th in the
original report? Puiseaux was very clear in white light, but could not
see the cenrtral peak. The central peak though was visible through a
Waretten 15 (yellow) filter. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1904 Aug 01 at 05:00? Pickering (Echo Mt., CA, USA) UT Plato:
"Bright hazy obj., 2" diam. on floor, Obs before & after were normal".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=318 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Messier A 1951 Oct 20 UT 00:00? Observed by Moore (England)
"Brilliant white circular patch in it. has seen it & Messier
blurred several times." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA
catalog ID #545 Note that the date and time given are probably
wrong as the Sun is ~7deg below the local horizon at this time.
ALPO/BAA weight=1 to reflect this error.
Eratosthenes 1976 Sep 14 UTC 04:24 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector, 45-300x, S=6, T=3 hazy) "Pseudo shadow F
disappeared & wall here is same intensity as whole inner crater wall, =
4deg. No change in X, X3 or X2 (4 deg much brighter than normal)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). Cameron c1978 atalog ID=1453 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1964 Jan 05 at UT 22:00? Doherty (Stoke-on-Trent, UK, 3" refractor,
8" or 10" reflector) observed aristarchus to be purplish-blue in
colour. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=794 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Aristarchus 1956 Jul 28 UT 05:20-05:55 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=4) "Vivid blue-
viol. gl. on c.p., band across E. floor, & EWBS, E. & NE wall".
N.B. The effect had vanished by 07:20UT. NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID 646. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Observations made with a variable polarizer (akin to a crater
extinction device) to measure brighness with red and blue filters.
Some variability in brightness noted. With the Kodak Wratten
25 and 38A filters there was little or no increase in contrast with the
red filter, but with the blue filter there was a great increase in
contrast of the brighter areas of the crater - the crater floor and
patches of lighter material, especially at the north end. The remaining
areas were supressed with the Blue 38A. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1966 Dec 04 UTC 01:05-01:23 Observed by Whippey (Northolt?
England, 6" reflector, x212) "Abrupt flash of red, setling in
immediately to a pt. of red haze nr. NW (ast.?) wall. Continuous till
0123 (date given was 4-12-66 = European convention?)." NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1000.
On 1966 Apr 12 at UT 01:05-01:23 Whippey (Northolt, England, UK, 6"
reflector x212) and Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24"
Moon Blink) observed in Gassendi: "Abrupt flash of red, settling
immediately to a point of red haze near NW (IAU?) wall. Continuous till
0123h. (Not confirmed at Corralitos Obs. MB--at same time?". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=927 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1964 Jan 06 at 02:00? Markov and Khoshlova (Russia) observed
anomalous IR radiation on the Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Kepler 1966 DEc 04 UTC 05:10 Observed by de Beraud (Flossmoore,
Ilinois, USA, 6" reflector, x360, S=G) "Saw a bright area thru. blue
filter but could not see it in red filter. Decided it was a bluish
phenomenon." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1001.
Copernicus 1939 Sep 06 UTC 06:00 Observed by Haas? (New Mexico?, 12"
reflector) "Dark area at foot of N. inner wall had I=4.8 comp. with I=
1.8 in #451. (same phase so a real difference)." NASA catalog weight=4
(good). NASA catalog ID #460.
On 1983 Dec 28 at UT03:30-05:00 Moseley (Covington, England, UK,
seeing=V-IV and transparency=good) detected some detail within the
shadow under good moments of seeing. The external brightness was
extended to the east wall at a clock position of 9 O'clock, but did not
go outside the rim. It was less bright at the 11 O'clock position. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=236 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1979 Jul 18 at UT 00:24-01:10 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 15cm
reflector, x35, x52, x73 and x110, seeing IV-V, transparency very
good). Note that the observing date was also written as Jul 14th in the
original report? Puiseaux was very clear in white light, but could not
see the cenrtral peak. The central peak though was visible through a
Wratten 15 (yellow) filter. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Sep 29 at 21:15-21:55UT P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, using a 12"
reflector, x200, seeing III), saw colour on Plato - blue on the inner
south west rim and red on the inner south east rim. No colour was seen
elsewhere on the Moon. This was a BAA Lunar Section Observation.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1956 Jul 30 at UT 19:13 Dzapiashvili (Pulkova, Russia) observed the
following in Posidonius: "Short term sharp changes in polarization in
crater (in ashen light)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=643 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Aristarchus 1897 Sep 22 UT 00:41 Observed by Molesworth (Trincomali, Shri
Lanka, 9" reflector, conditions very good) "A Glimmering knotted streak seen
beneath and parallel to the W wall. At the centre of the E. Edge of the shadow
was another faint glowing effect – probably coincident with the central peak.
The crater was more than half filled with shadow." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #290. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1966 Apr 17 UT 05:06 Observed by Cross (England) "Blink on SW
floor of Alphonsus (moon rise @ 04:20, rotating filterblink rechnique
without image tube that Tridant and Corralitos had)." NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #928
On 1912 Nov 07 at 06:37 A.C. Henderson, using a small telescope, after
the Moon emerged from cloud, saw a complete silvery light around the
Moon's disk such that the Moon resembled a ring rather than a crescent.
This was seen both with the naked eye and the telescope. The reference
for this comes from: Henderson, Alex, C.; "Circle of Silvery Light
around the Old Moon", English Mechanic, 96:394, 1912. The ALPO/BAA
weight=0.
On 2002 Feb 26th at 18:41:25 UT Michael Hather saw, on the limits of
vision, a brief magnitude 7 white flash about 300 km north west of
Aristarchus, in Earthshine. He was using a 120 mm refractor. No
other observers were observing at this time.
1977 Apr 23 UT19:30-22:45 Foley (10.75" Newtonian and 4.5"
refractor, seeing II, transpaency excellent) saw som every large
variations in the brightness of Aristarchus whereas other
features in Earthshine remained stable. Aristarchus was seen to
be blue/violet. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Aristarchus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Censorinus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hopmann (Czecholovakia?)
"Green flash or brightening (date correct ? written 8-4-65. First taken
as American convention, thus as Aug. 4, but now think it was in
European convention of day first then month)." NASA catalog weight=2
(low). NASA catalog ID #873a.
Hyginius N 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Linne 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Proclus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
On 1987 Nov 28 at UT 04:16-04:45 D. Louderback (South Bend, WI, USA,
3"reflector, x150, S=E) observed that the Promontorium Agarum plateau
was rather dull and grayish - usually it was "tannish" "even > sunlit
areas, & twin craters at his point A which are always > spots on
plateau. At 0420 whole plateau sank into complete darkness, hard to
distinguish from mare plain. albedo dropped to 5 from 6.8 reading.
Nearby plain was normal 5 so phenomena had not spread to it. At 0424
Cape started to reappear to albedo 6 until 0445, when it returned to
normal, but not sharply defined - like through haze. Detail better in
red than in blue filter, sketches. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=315 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1878 Oct 03 at UT 20:00 an Unknown observer noted that Hyginus Nova
had the most conspicuous of all appearances, and there was no trace of
it on 1878 Oct 04. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=201 and weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Einmart 1913 Jan 15 UTC 00:12 Observed by Pickering (Cambridge,
Massachusets, 11" refractor, x330) "Spreading apron of white material
like a sea of cloud. Not seen again after this date. Crater had been
brightest area on moon between it & limb -- albedo 9. on Aug 5 albedo =
6. His atlas shows it bright. It grew dull after this date. He gave
col. as 117? but FQ was at 1/15/?? at 10h" - note the quality of the
NASA microfische is very bad and probably some of this text has been
incorrectly read?. NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
342.
2004 Dec 20 UT 02:51-03:26 R. Gray (Winumma, USA) noted that
the crater had exceptional brightness to nimbus surrounding it. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Proclus 1972 Aug 17 UT 20:05-21:10 Observed by Haiduk (13.25E, 52.5N,
60mm refractor, S=1, T=3) "Well visible bright area at the NE wall, end
of event uncertain for seeing became poor" Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon &
Planets (1984) Vol 30, pp53-61.
Proclus 1972 Oct 15 UT 20:48 Observed by Hopp (13.25E, 52.5N,
75mm refractor) "Bright flash at the NW wall but poor seeing."
T=3, S=5. Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon & Planets (1984) Vol
30, pp53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1995 Jul 06 at UT 03:22-03:57 R. Spellman (Los Angeles, USA
found that the floor of Proclus appeared to darken slightly
through a blue filter. The ALPO/BAA weight=2. Source of this
observation came from Spellman's web site.
In 1878 Oct 04 at UT 20:00 an Unknown observer noted that Hyginus Nova
could not be seen, whereas the night before the crater had the most
conspicuous of all appearances. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=201 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Williams of the UK, on 1882 Sep 20 at Moon's age 8.4 days, noticed a
spot that had been seen on the 21st and 23rd of the same year with
abnormal brightness. The spot was near Picard. Williams comments the
spot was "nearly as large but a little fainter than Picard, This
observation was reported in the Astronomical Register of the Royal
Astronomical Society and is not included in the Cameron catalogs. It is
one of many measurements of the brightness of this spot for different
illumination angles and is one of three outlying brightness points
spotted on a graph by Willaims. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1867 Apr 12 at UT 19:30-21:00 Elger (Liverpool? UK, 4" aperture
telescope) observed Aristarchus in Earthshine "grew fainter 7th mag.
star; much fainter in last 15 min. & barely perceptible at 9PM. Had
seen something similar on former occ." The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=152
and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1964 May 20 UT 01:00-01:30 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 2.4" refractor x117, S=6, T=5). "Orange-red color on W. wall.
Vivid" NASA catalof weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #813.
Eratosthenes 1976 Jun 06 UT 02:01 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3" reflector x54-300, S=5, T=5) "Bowel was
full of shadow but a small 5 deg bright spot on NE floor.
Nothing seen in 1975 at nearly same col. but shadow was deeper."
NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1432.
Atlas 1966 Dec 21 UT 17:10 Observed by Andre (Belgium, 3" refractor)
"Bright spot on SE part of floor, not seen in photo on 12/18/66" NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1003.
Mons la Hire 1972 Nov 15 UT 09:45-10:18 M.Geisel (Brisbane,
Australia, 12.5" f/8 reflector, x90) discovered the TLP, P.
Anderson (9.5" reflector) independently confirmed that the TLP
had an effect in his Moon Blink device - but the effect
(suspected that the blink was caused by the extreme nrightness
of the mountain?) was weak and thought it not worth further
investigation. Photographs taken by Anderson. Geisel believes
the effect to be real and states that the area remained sharp
and clear throughout. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1976 Jun 06 UT 21:30-21:40 S.Spencer and R. Hunt
(60mm refractor, x150 and x60) both observed red on the SW
corner of Aristarchus. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 May 23 at UT22:30 (P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 10" reflector, seeing
II) described Aristarchus as a "blue luminous patch", but it was too
faint to obtain a CED brightness measurement. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
96 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 May 25 at UT 22:18 G. Blair (Bridge of Weir, Scotland, 216mm
reflector, seeing II-IV) suspected a short sharp flash, white in colour
north of Tycho's north wall. Nothing more seen. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Aug 30 at UT02:11-02:36 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x90, seeing conditions: "at,. boiling") noted a coloured
area on the west wall of Copernicus that was unusual in appearance -
however other craters along the terminator had a similar effect. There
was also a "dazzling bright spot on the E. rim and he witnessed 6
flashes from the lighted part of Copernicus over a very short time
interval. Cameron comments that the colour may well have been dur to
chromatic aberation because a refractor was used. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=408 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Aug 30 at UT 02:11-02:36 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
reflector, x90, atmosphereic conditions: boiling) found "N rim of Proc.
bright interior uniform gray". The Cameron 2006 catalog report is
slight unclear as the description for thnis 1990 Aug 30 TLP also
includes Copernicus and Censorinus in the list of TLP craters. So one
description which might refere to Copernicus, could possibly have been
meant for Proclus, namely: "Dazling bright spot on E rim. Rotated
eyepiece but no change. N rim of Proc.......". The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=408 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
2012 Sep 24 UT 22:00-23:00 Copernicus. E. Horner (Salisbury,
UK, 15cm reflector) observed a prominent red arc where the
sunlit part of the interior wall met the shadow. Sometimes the
arc was 1/4 the way around the interior, and sometimes half of
the way around. Telescope moved, but the red arc stayed where
it was. Eyepieces change, but the effect remained. Other parts
of the Moon checked, but no red seen. There were however
splashes of green e.g. Longomontanus on the terminator,
elsewhere further inland from the termionator, and little
splashes of green on Mare Frigoras - but lasting a brief time.
The red colour was as strong as a red LED and the green similar
to that of the northern lights. The observer's husband was asked
to independetly check Copernicus and remarked that he could see
a little bit of green at the top and some red near the bottom,
along the line of the internal shadow. Although there were
checks for red elsewhere on the Moon and none were seen, the
Moon was starting to get low and it is typical of spurious
colour in a few respects. Therefore the ALPO/BAA weight=1 for
safety.
Proclus 1969 Nov 18 UT 20:00? Observed by Classen (Pulnitz,
Czechoslovakia, 8" refractor) "Brightened, exceeded normal.
Brightness is monitored relative to Censorinus. (started July,
1969) Obs. thinks all bright craters are variable. (Apollo 12
watch)." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1216.
ASLPO/BAA weight=1.
2007 Oct 20 UT 17:31 A.Pink (Basinkstoke, UK) images a flash on
the dark size of the Moon near to Vitello. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1995 Jul 07 at UT 04:22 R. Spellman (Los Angeles, CA, USA) noted
that the floor of Copernicus was slightly darker in blue light. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1. This report came from R. Spellman's web site.
On 1995 Jul 07 at UT 04:22 R. Spellman (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
noted that the inside of Bodin darkened in blue light and also
the floor was darker in white light than it was the previous
day. The ALPO/BAA weight=1. This report came from R.
Spellman's web site.
On 1995 Jul 07 at 04:22UT R. Spellman (Los Angeles, CA, USA) noted that
the floor of Proclus looked slightly darker in blue light. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Copernicus 1969 Nov 18 UT 21:10-21:11 Observed by Hedervari
(Budapest, Hungary, 3.5" refractor) "Yellowish-red stripe on
inner W. wall (chrom. aberr.? Apollo 12 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID No. 1217. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1960 Aug? 01 at UT 22:00? an unknown observer detected that Vitello
was illuminated -it should have been in shadow? Cameron says that if
several days before sunrise then the date could have been July through
to December, with August 1st most likely, and ancilary data is
therefore given for this date. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=729 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Goldschmidt 1969 Nov 18 UT 21:59 Observed by Brandi (Wald, Switzerland,
6" reflector x90) "Brightening -- photo. (the author, WSC, cannot
verify LTP on film. Its brightness similar to other features at same
term. dist. Shadow is anomolous if real -- very narrow streak beside it
& beyond main shadow (Apollo 12 watch)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #1218.
Plato 1878 Oct 05 UT 21:40 Observed by Klein (Cologne,
Germany, 6?" refractor) "Fog in W. part of crater. Faint
shimmer like thin white cloud" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #203. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1982 Mar 04 at UT 20:00 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Censorinus
(4.6) to be brighter than Proclus (4.0) in white light. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=164 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1982 Mar 04 at UT 20:00 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Proclus
(4.0) to be fainter than Censorinus (4.6) in white light. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=164 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1989 Jan 16 at UT 20:00 G. North (Herstmonceux, UK, 30" reflector)
observed Toricelli B to change in brightness and found colour in it. A
10 minute exposure spectrum was taken (Cameron does not have
information on whether anything unusual was recoeded) before clouds
obscured the Moon. Normally a 30 minute exposure would be needed. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=345 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1979 Apr 06 UT 18:00-21:00 Observed by Crick (Belgium, seeing II-
III) Part of floor darker than normal and obscuration on inner west
wall - the effect did not change during the observation. Drawing made.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=49 and weight=3. ALPO-BAA weight=2.
Observed by G.H. Johnstone of Albuquerque, NM, USA on 1954 Nov 05 UT
20:00 (according to Cameron), but 02:00-04:00 according to the
original observation and at colongitudes 34.7 to 35.7 deg. 4"
reflector, x150 used. The obsewrver reported that the western part
(about 1/3rd of the interior) was pitch black with shadow. However
there was a zone about as wide, or perhaps only a fourth of the total
width that was distinctly a lighter bluish shade, almost like twilight.
The shadows of the peaks on the western edge of the rim were clearly
seen crossing this bluish shadowed area. Then this area ended sharply,
and the farside was bathed in light from the rising sun. The shadows of
the peak were sharply defined across the twilight zone, and the edge of
the pitch black shadow was easily defined but not as sharp as the
darker shadows crossing the the blue twilight zone. The observer
checked other craters but did not see this condition in any of them -
they all had the abrupt division between black and white that we would
normally expect to see. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=579 and weight=2.
Reference 1962 edition of ALPO's Journal: The Stolling Astronomer.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Censorinus 1969 Nov 19 UT 1922 Observed by Brandli (Wald,
Switzerland, 6" reflector, x90) "Brightening -- photo, (the
author, WBC, cannot verify from photo. It is brighter, but so
are Proc. & Dionys. -- it being between. i.e. Proc. > Censor. >
Dionys. Apollo 12 watch)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID #1220. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
P. Moore at 21:10 found the southern wall (and ontothe southern floor)
of the crater to be indistinct. Elsewhere in the crater everything was
sharp. The effect was still seen at 21:42UT, but less strong. A check
was made for colour with aq Moonblink device, but none was seen. There
was still a trace of this effect at 21:44UT, although detail was now
becoming visible. By 21:48UT vertical streaks were seen crossing
the floor from the obscuration area and these were more visible in the
red filter and not in the blue. Cameron comments that undefined patches
on the floor of Plato are not normal. By 21:55UT some craterlets on the
floor started to become visible and the TLP for Moore ended by UT22:23.
P.Foley was alerted by Moore and saw a "amssive dense obsecuration
on the south wall, south floor and south outer glacis to the Mare".
Foley noted that by 21:50UT the effect was fading and finished by
22:03UT. Foley reported an orange translucent haze covering half of the
floor, but floor craterlets could be seen on and off - however his
atmospheric seeing conditions were IV. At 22:00 UT Foley reported the
floor close to the north wall to be "milky or misty". No detail was
visible at 21:15UT and variability in the floor continued until
23:10UT. Hedly-Robinson was aleted at 21:35UT and found no difference
between red and blue views of the area, however he did find that the
south rim was indistinct although this effect had lessened by 22:00 UT
and was normal by 22:17UT. M. Mobberly saw a white spot on the floor at
21:20 UT, whereas he normally would have expected to see craterlets.
Mobberly was alerted at 21:40 UT and took some colour photos. He also
made sketches that showed variability in the floor and dark lines and
patches in the north west corner. However the altitude of the Moon was
low. Cameron mentions that two of the photos show loss of detail at the
south wall and beyond.and also a change in the floor markings.The north
wall at 21:50UT was strangely reddish (didn't think this was spurious
colour). The rest of the wall was sharp at 22:20UT through a yellow
filter. Large bright patch in the centre and rest of the floor was
apparently of the same shading as Mare Imbrium. The above notes are
based upon the Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID 145 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1870 May 10 UTC 22:00 Observed by Birt (England) "Extraordinary
display of lights. Says not effect of sunlight" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #167.
Piton 1969 Nov 19 UT 21:15-22:00 Observed by Baum (England,
4.5" refractor) "Traces of cloudiness on E. slope at 2115h.
Increased at 2150h in extent & brightness. Spread onto plain.
Summit & shadow in W. part sharp & clear. (Apollo 12 watch)."
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1221.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.