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.
Aristarcus 1975 Feb 26/27 UTC 21:00-00:30 Observed by: Foley (Kent, UK,
12" reflector), Kennedy (Dundee, UK, 8" reflector), Gannon (Middlesex,
UK, 6" reflector), Amery (Reading, UK, 10" reflector), Fitton
(Lancashire, UK, 8" reflector), Turner (Sussex, UK, 8" reflector)
"Foley) Neg. at 2100h. At 2123h NE wall was blue, decr. at 2220h. New
spot at 2221h due N. At 2227h blue fr. ENE to N. & faint blue on rim.
Interior clear detail, but obscur. at ENE-N, (Kennedy) at 2222h got
neg., also at 2229h-2300h. (Gannon) at 2245-2253h got neg. (Amery) at
2315h saw crater bright, bands clear, c.p. bright & very bright pt. to
NE of c.p. N. wall bluisg gray mist extending into N. part of crater.
Got slight blink in red till 2335h. (Fitton) at 2330h saw blue in N.
interior but no blink, no obscur. in long exam. Blue varied with
position in FOV. Polariz. with many rotations showed normal. Blue only
in Aris., none elsewhere till 2359h. (Turner at 2330h got neg. till
2359h. (Amery) at 2359h saw most detail clear. Blink distinct in red.
At 0030h(27th) saw blue mist now gray, seeing deteriorating. Herod. was
normal, (Fitton explains obs. as due to high press. system W. of
obs with temp. inversions). NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA
catalog ID #1399.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plinius 1889 Sep 13 UTC 23:00? Observed by Thury (Geneva,
Switzerland) NASA Catalog Event #265, NASA Weight=3 (Average)
Event described as: "Unusual black spot with intensely white 4"
border over CP. Normal aspect is 2 craters. #260 says that
Gaudibert saw same thing in Sep. - confirmed". References:
Nature 41, 183, 1890 (April). The ALPO/BAA weight=1, this is
probably perfectly normal.
Plato 1982 Sep 07 UT 0330-0430. K.P. Marshall (Columbia, 12"
reflector, seeing III) saw no craterlets on the floor of Plato,
but what he considered unusual was an extremely bright short
section of the north rim of Plato - far brighter than, any other
part of the rim, and only slightly less bright than Mons Piton.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 20 UTC 03:00-05:00 Observed by Foley (Kent, UK, no
spurious colour, Seeing Antoniadi II and transparency good.) -
colouration seen: very bright violet spot on the north west interior.
No brightness variations seen. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=44 and
weight=. The ALPO/BAA weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 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.
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 1979 Dec 11 at 05:05-05:28 UT A. Crotts (Princton, NJ, USA, CCD
camera and spectrophotometer) "Spectral Photometer recording - digital
pics. With spectral slit. CED eff 2%." Cameron 2006 catalog ID=77 and
weight=5.
On 1979 Dec 11 at 05:05-05:28 UT A. Crotts (Princton, NJ, USA, CCD
camera and spectrophotometer) TLP detected in Mersenius : "Spectral
Photometer recording - digital pics. With spectral slit. CED eff 2%."
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=77 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
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.
On 1989 Apr 09 at 02:13 was seen to be not very bright in binoculars,
despite visibility of Earthshine in general as being exceptional.
Darling confirmed this at 02:31UT, though it was quite bright in a
17" reflector,but Herodotus could barely be seen. Weier claimed to be
able to see Aristarchus with the naked eye. At 02:08 the brightness was
found to be 5.0 for several measurments. The observing team ware from
the Maddison Asgtronomical Society, WI, USA. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=359b and he weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1990 Apr 28 at UT 00:00-00:30 F. Graham (Marshall TWP, OH, USA, 6"
reflector) during a failed attempt to observe the occultation of X6493
that was thwarted by clouds, noticed that Gassendi was "Gass,>>,>Aris
or anything else". The crater had a "milky lustre". It is possible that
another occultation observing group may have a video of the Earthshine
at this time. Darling (Sun prairem WI, USA, 20x50 binoculars) could not
see Earthsine, though the sky was bright at the time. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=402 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1825 Apr 22 at UT0030 Argelander (England) and Gobel (Koburg,
Germany) saw the following in the vicinity of Aristarchus: "Points of
light in center. In low magn. appeared as a small star, somewhat
scintillating. At higher magn. became larger & diffused. (date 1824 ?
Ref. refers to a ref. dated 1824 -- If so age would have been 23rd"
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=107 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1989 Apr 10 at UT01:30-02:00 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x64, seeing excellent) observed that Earthshine was not as
good as the previous night "~1/4 Boussingalt 1860 Apr 24 UT 20:00? Observed by Schmidt (Athens, Greece,
7" refractor) "Noted weak glows on the crater he tho't prob. due to
wall reflections on floor" NASA catalog weight=0 (very unlikely to be a
TLP). NASA catalog ID #132. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Observations made by Challis of Cambridge, and N. Pogson of Hartwell,
both of the UK. Before the occultation, Saturn's rings were
distorted. A dark border was seen around the Moon. Just before
re-appearance a sea green colour was noticed. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=5 and weight=2-5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Mar 18 at UT17:30 M.Kidger (Winterbourne Down, Bristol, UK,
60mm refractor, x36, very good conditions with a very sharp image and
the sky was almost perfectly clear apart from a very few small clouds).
In Mare Crisium it was observed that only a ray of Proclus could be
seen to cross the floor - normally there are at least four craters
visible inside mare Crisium on good nights and at least one being
visible under bad conditions. So despite it being very clear and the
image quality being good, the observer found it odd that no craters
were visible on the floor of mare Crisium. This is a BAA Lunar Section
report. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1855 Jun 20 at UT 21:00 T.W. Webb (England) observed a trace of
twilight (Cameron says also seen by Gruithuisen, Henry and others at
times). Webb gives a low weight to his own observation, saying "for
want of better optical means". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=130 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2012 Mar 28 at UT 20:45-20:50 Two unknown Italian
observers, reported on an on-line formum that they had
independently seen a distinct glow with a comma/drop shape.
One of them moved the Moon and the glow moved with the Moon.
It is uncertain how experienced the observers where. A chart
was provided which shows the lcoation of the glow in the
western side of Mare Imbrium. It is just possible that this
was Aristarchus in Earthshine, though that is very slightly
further west and south than the observers reported. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 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.
On 1970 Apr 13 at UT09:00-09:03 Whelan (Walters, New Zealand, using a
10" reflector) observed Menelaus to have a deep red cloud that seemed
to surge upward from outside the southern edge of the crater wall and
disperse around the outside edge, spreading out on reaching Mare
Serentiatis. All clear again though by 09:03UT, (Apollo 13 watch).
Drawing supplied. Cameron 978 catalog ID=1246 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
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.
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.
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.
2009 Apr 13 UT 18:55-20:00 J. Adee (UK) and later A. Jarwaski (UK) saw
Mons Pico to be incredibly bright. Adee reported naked eye visibility,
though this does not show up in later CCD images. Jarwaski saw another
nearby Mt very bright as well. This has been assigned an ALPO/BAA
weight of 1, though I suspect it is just normal for Pico to get quite
bright at sunrise.
Patches of brightness seen in the area between craters Aratus and Joy.
Seemed to the observer to be perhaps slightly brighter than one would
expect - the observer thought that their observation only barely
constitured a TLP but decided to send the report in anyway. This
has been assigned an ALPO/BAA weight of 1.
Proclus 1970 Jul 11 UT 20:35-20:45 Observed by Dean, Jamieson,
Sparks (Ruislip, ------, England, 6" relector x156) "Dean saw
something in Proclus, alerted Jamieson who saw nothing unusual
at 2043h, but tho't Secchi was quite bright. At 2035 Sparks saw
Proc. fluctuate. Red & blue filters showed some reduction in
brightness. E. edge showed darkening, but not as dark as in
shadows. 10 min later, returned to normal. (Sparks confirmed
Dean)." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1267. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
1970 Jul 11 UT 20:35-20:45 During a TLP alert for Proclus, Jamieson
saw nothing unusual, but found instead that Secchi was quite bright.
NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #1267. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1983 Sep 15 at UT 05:20-05:24 Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
8" reflector and 3" refractor, seeing poor) found that the west wall of
Eimmart was unusually bright (8.3) and apparently it was almost as
bright as the "WEBS(of Aris?) at its brightest". The crater was
apparently normal again on Sep 20 and 26. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
228 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Purbach 1970 Apr 14 UT 12:00-14:00 Observed by Osawa (Awajt-Shima,
Japan, 8" reflector, x288) "Photos in blue and orange taken. Ill-
defined obscur. in blue photo in S. part of crater compared with
orange. (neg. is so faint it is doubtful. Apollo 13 watch. Similar to
Alter's findings in Alphonsus)." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA
catalog ID #1250.
SW of Pico 1844 Apr 25 UT 20:00? Observed by Schmidt (Athens,
Greece, ? refractor) "A bluish glimmering patch of light not
quite within the dark side" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #123. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1990 May 03 at UT 02:03 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, seeing
steady) observed a point of light inside Alphonsus just to the north
of the central peak, along the "center ridge". It was seen again, half
way between the central peak and the noth west rim - along the ridge.
All other features were normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=403 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1972 Apr 21 at UT19:01 Mattingly (Apollo 16 commander, in orbit
around the Moon, using his naked eyes) saw a bright flash from below
his horizon on the lunar farside (approximate longitude=180 deg). he
was dark adapted at the time. However no sesimic event was recorded and
so Cameron suspects that this was not a meteor impact but a cosmic ray
striking his eye. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1331 and weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Alphonsus 1967 Aug 13 UT 18:40-18:55 Observed by Horowitz (Haifa,
Israel, 8" reflector?) "Glow or hazy patch seen while using filters.
Brighter than background. Not seen after 2055 or next nite" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1041.
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.
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.
On 1988 Jul 23 at UT03:07 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12"
reflector, x150, seeing = 6/10) discovered that the dark area on the
floor of Proclus, seen earlier by UK observers was still present, but
less so (?) and the shape changed. When viewed through a green filter
it was less distinct. "Change with two other filters. Polarizer gave a
circular shape with a knot on SE side & W58 in White." The measured
brightness of Proclus was 9 on three sides and 8.5 on its west rim. The
floor was 5.5, but the dark spot was 4. Alphonsus, Bullialdus,
Copernicus, Eratosthenes, Plato and Ptolemeaus were all normal. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=332 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Plato 1982 Nov 24 UT 22:00-23:30. K.P. MArshall (Columbia, 12"
reflector, x100, x200, x480, seeing III, reasonably steady, but
some turbulence. No craters could be seen on Plato's floor,
despite observing conditions being acceptable. The floor was
evenly toned, and the walls were sharply defined. By 23:10 there
was a suspicion that the central craterlet was there, but he
could not quite make it out, even with averted vision. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1952 Apr 04 UT 02:45 Observer: T.A.Cragg (Mt Wilson, CA,
USA, 31cm reflector, x420, seeing fairly good, transparency
fair) - Obscur. of floor (seen a few hours after Wilkins & Moore
obs. confirm.?) " - indeed Haas in Stolling Astronomer 2002 Vol
45, p29 states that Cragg was amazed to see Plato's floor with
absolutely nothing on it! He was able to draw details elsewhere
in other features. NASA catalog weight=5. NASA TLP ID No. #551.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1972 Apr 22 at UT 17:30-18:15 Iwanoff (60mm refractor, 1000mm focal
length,transparency 3 out of 5 and seeing 3 out of 5, located at 53deg
5' N and 8deg 45'E) At Censorinus a diffuse bright area, greater than
the crater itself, yellow to white in colour. Published in Hilbrecht
and Kuveler, Moon and Planets, 30 (1984) p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Morales of France?, observed "an illumination" in Kepler on 1884 Feb 05
at UT20:00?. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID is 241 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1974 Mar 02 at UT 23:00 Fitton (Lancashire, UK, 8.5" reflector,
x200, seeing = excellent and transparency = excellent) observed "A fine
deep red line seen at 1st contact with B-ring of Saturn. Nothing
unusual at A-ring contact. Persisted during occult. of B-ring. It
divided into 2 components & space between B-ring & globe cutting ring
into 2 disjointed ends persisted till dark limb passed onto globe of
Saturn, then a short red line corresponding exactly to chord of planet
disk defined by lunar limb. It increased in length as occult.
progressed. It suddenly vanished after 3/4 of globe had been occulted.
No afterglow at spot on limb, no irreg. at limb could be seen. Obs.
eliminates Saturn, telescope, & atmosp. as possible cause. Suggests
refraction from tenuous atm. of destructive interference of reflected
light from very small angle at limb, or diffraction of Saturn light
grazing limb". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1389 and weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Linne 1867 Jan 14 UT 20:00 Observed by Knott (England?) "White covering
had seemingly disappeared, was a dark spot. Definition (seeing?) was
poor." NASA catalog weight=1 very low. NASA catalog ID #148.
On 1972 Apr 22 at UT 18:58-00:28 Hopp (75mm refractor, 1200mm focal
length,transparency 4 out of 5 and seeing 4 out of 5, located at 52deg
30' N and 13deg 15'E) Censorinus brighter than normal relative to
Proclus. Published in Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Moon and Planets, 30
(1984) p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1960 Feb 06 at UT14:30 Morozov (Moscow, Russia) saw with the naked
eye a bright point inmovable but with brightness variations in dark
part of Moon, 3days past first quarter, 2days before SR! (says
Cameron). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=728 and weight=3.
Plato 1976 Nov 30 UT 19:15 T. Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 29cm
reflector, Wratten 25 and 44a filters) observed that there
were two whitish semi-circular tide like marks enclosing two
dark patches adjoining the interior west wall The observer was
puzzled because if these were two masses of spawning foot
hills, then why would the cental areas, presumably the higher
parts, be dark - when the contrary is usually the case?
ALPO.BAA weight=1.
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 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.
Dawes 1973 Feb 12-23 UT 22:30-01:20 Observed by Porter (Narragansett?,
RI, USA, 6" reflector x96, S=9, T=0-4, alt=55-75deg?) "Brightening of
some of permanent pts. monitored while others stayed steady & normal
brightness. (Other nites' obs. suggest that he saw end of dimming event
& return to normal). Distinct fluctuations." NASA catalog weight=4
(good). NASA catalog ID #1361.
Tycho 1998 Feb 06 UT 22:48-22:54 R. Braga (Corsica (MI),
Italy, 102mm f8.8 refractor, x180, with diagonal, Wratten 23A,
80A and an OR5 filter, seeing II, Transparency good). Observer
noticed that the floor darkened towards the NW (IAU),
particularly with the blue Wratten 80A filter. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1975Mar22 at UT 21:17-21:23 Findlay and Ford (Mills Observatory,
Dundee, UK, 25cm refractor, Wratten 25 and 44a filters used) A white
spot was observed on the rim of Bulialdus that was perhaps slightly
brighter in red than in white light. The observers however decided that
they did not regard this as a TLP. This is a BAA Lunar Section
Observation. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1997 Dec 09 at UT 18:42-19:02 P. Salimbeni(Cugliate Fabiasco,
Italy, 20cm reflector) observed colour on the northern edge of the
crater - 23A filter used. This is a UAI reported observation and has
come from this organizations web ste. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1975 Mar 22 at UT22:10-22:25 T.Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 30cm
Newtownian, x75) observed 3 large areas on the floor of Plato to be
delicately darker in the blue filter. There were of different darkness.
He did not regard these as TLP, but permanent blinks. This is a BAA
report. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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.
Callipus and vicinity 1973 Feb 13 UT 23:16-23:50 Observed by Frank
(E.Pepperell, Massachusetts, USA, 6" reflector x100, Seeing=good,
altitude=45 deg). "Large dark patch, albedo=3 present E. of Calippus.
Drawing. (Shows it into Callippus also). Never seen before or since.
Albedo normal (4.5) at 2350h. (obs. monitors Callippus in ALPO-LTP
program)." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1362.
Gassendi - 1966 Sep 25 UT 20:20-20:50 observed by Moore and
Moseley(Armagh, N.Ireland, 10" refracfor x140) "Reddish patches,
regarded dubious, owing to low altitude of the Moon". NASA
catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #981. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Mar 23 at UT 20:40 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) found a brownish
colour on the north west wall. This is a BAA Lunar Section report. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Bullialdus 1979 Oct 31 UT 20:20-20:30 G.W. Amery (Reading, UK)
observed a plateau area to be dark and distinct in blue light
(Wratten 44a), but only just visibly in red (Wratten 25) and
yellow light. Observer wonders if this is natural surface
colour? ALPO/BAA weight=1.
SE limb of Moon 2003 Aug 08 UTC 20:50 Observer Brook (Plymouth, UK)
x70 60mm OG on a very hot evening, when I saw a fountain-like
appearance suddenly "squirt" from the SE limb. Seeing not particularly
good, but not so poor as to account for what was seen. Duration of
phenomenom perhaps a fraction of a second, hight of pehaps a few miles.
Thought I saw another one a few minutes later. - observer suspected hot
weather and Moon's low altitude" The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 May 24 at UT 23:10 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found the
apron region of Censorinus had a very dull white apron, but was
not diffuse. A sketch was supplied by this experienced observer.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=428b and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 1872 Jul 16 UTC 21:00? Observed by Pratt (England?) "NW portion
of floor was hazy" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
179.
2004 Jul 28 UT 07:25-07:31 R. Dewitt (Transparancy very poor due
to forest fire pollution - Moon looks red, USA, location: Mill
Creek, WA) observed several pin point-like orange flashes of
light occur (2-5 sec duration each and static wrt the Moon's
surface) across the bright illuminated side of the Moon with the
naked eye. Other much fainter, almost instantaneous sparkles
were seen. The brightest flash seen was of 5 sec duration.
Switching to binoculars (15x45, another fainter one was seen
too. Binouculars were handed to wife, who also confirmed similar
flashes. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1967 Jun 18 UT 21:10-22:30 Observed by Whippey
(Northalt, England, 6" reflector?) "Faint redness outside NE &
SE wall of crater." Moore (10" Armagh refractor, x360) was
observing too 22:10-22:40, with and without a Moon Blink but
detected no redness, however his observing conditions were not
very good at the time. NASA catalog ID #1039. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO.BAA weight=2.
Plato 1966 Sep 25 UT 23:12-23:35 Observed by Moseley (Armagh, Nortern
Ireland, 10" refractor, x140) "Eng. moon blink sys. blinks inside the
crater. Very dubious due to low alt. of moon." NASA catalog weight=1
(very low). NASA catalog ID #982.
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.
Proclus 1990 Mar 09 UT 00:12-00:13 Observed by Marie Cook (Frimley, UK,
3.5" Questar telescope) observed a "long plume of light" the brightness
was the same as the wall region. It went from the southern rim about
half of the way across to the centre in the "northerly". The plume
feature was not seen at higher magnifications. Change in brightness
also noted. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=394 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1975 May 24 UTC 22:00 Observed by P.W. Foley (Kent, UK)
"Brightenings(?). Seen by more than one obs. ? Foley recorded a ray
projection on photos, but not seen vis. by others." NASA catalog
weight=3? (average?). NASA catalog ID #1405.
Aristarchus 1972 Apr 25 UTC 19:15-19:20 Observer Ventzke (located at
48.67N, 12.00E) - diffuse brightening on inner N. wall, reddish. 60mm
refractor used. Ref. p53-61 of Hilrecht & Kuveler Moon & Planets vol
30, 1984.
On 1975 Mar 24 at UT22:28-22:19 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) observed
vivid blue/green in Aristarchus. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Herodotus 1998 Dec 30 UT 18:50-19:10 observed by J.Knott
(Liverpool, UK 22cm Newtonian, x216, seeing II, transparency
good). Observer reports a bright spot, as bright as the
central peak in Aristarchus on the NW rim of Herodotus at
19:10 (still there at 19:15, but the curious thing was that it
was not visible earlier at 18:50? Now there is a bright
craterlet here, and the observer doubted if what he had seen
was unusual - though we have the rise in brightness o20
minutes to account for? The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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 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.
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. Īt 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 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.
Grimaldi 1839 Jun 24 UT 22:00? Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich,
Germany) "Smokey, grey mist". NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #117. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Oct 19 at UT 21:09-23:40 G. North (Bexhill on Sea, UK, seeing
III) found Aristarchus crater to be slightly blue in colour, and very
bright, despite the fact that no colour was seen elsewhere on the Moon.
At 22:08UT Foley (Kent, UK, 12"reflector, seeing II) obtained an
extremely high CED brightness measurement and also picked up a "blue-
violet" cast, especially inside the west rim, furthermore he saw noe
detail in it. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=230 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1959 Nov (Day unknown) at UT 21:15-22:15 Bradford (South Shields,
UK, 15" reflector, x480) observed in Littrow: "Cocealed by a dusky cloud.
Appeared to be stream or smoke. No change in 1h. Following week no
trace. (SR Nov 5, SS Nov 18. Says he obs. at time of unmanned landing,
but there were none in Nov.) Similar to #722". The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=726 and weight=2. The ALPOS/BAA weight=2.
(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.
On 1977 Dec 24 at UT 19:30-23:20 P.Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector).
CED Brightness changes were noted in the central peak and the west
wall. The following features remained relatively steady in comparison:
Proclus, Mon Pico north peak, Mons Piton and Censorinus. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=19 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1971 Apr 09 at UT 22:30-23:05 N. Brown (Huntington, York, UK, 37cm
reflector, x252) noted that the bands in Aristarchus were noticeably
more prominent in blue light than in red. This has no entry in the 1978
Cameron catalog. It has an ALPO/BAA weight of 2.
On 1891 Sep 17 at UT 18:00? Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column. Crater D covered. (there are rays here --
high sun effect on them?) Drawings. Time estimated from given
colongitude)." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=270 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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 1944 Sep 03 UTC 03:40 - A.W. Mount (Fort Worth, TX, USA,
Conditions good, seeing 6/10) saw a small white bright point of
light appear suddenly close to the W. wall of Plato glowed
briefly as by far the most conspicuous object in the lunar field
of view and vanished quickly after approximately 2 sec. It was
star-like in appearance and was stationary on the Moon's surface
- about magnitude 6? Angular diameter of the flash was <= 1".
Observing conditions good enough to see the central craterlet in
Plato. 20cm reflector used. Ref. DJALPO Vol 45, p28 Spring 2003.
On 1963 Nov 01/12 at UT 22:30-03:00 P. Moore (UK, 12" reflector)
observed something unusual in Aristarchus/Copernicus/Kepler -
the Cameron catalog is not very clear which. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=779 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1963 Nov 01 at UT 00:20-00:35 Kopal and Rackham (Pic du
Midi, France, 24" reflector) observed in Kepler an
enhancement in red light at 672.5nm and 545.0nm. Luminescence
~86% +/-3% of background. According to the Cameron catalog,
Moore(12" reflector, UK) noted something unsual between 22:30
and 03:00 but this might apply to Kepler, Coperncius, and/or
Aristarchus and that was seen 23:30-03:00? - the catalog is not
very clear. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=779 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.