W. of Mare Humorum (50W, 25S) UTC 00:00? Observed by Mac Farline (England?) "Bright Point" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID 719.
Aristarchus 1971 Sep 01 UT 20:45-21:05 Observed by Neville, Cunnington (Nottingham, UK, 4" refractor x180, altitude, low) "Saw a bright glow, especially in E. wall (Confirm. but not indep.?)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1310. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 Sep 12 at UT00:58-02:25 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5" reflector, x159, S=7/10) observed similar light conditions to 1989 Jul 15. At 02:00 he observed pink on the south west wall of Aristarchus crater. At 01:24UT the Aristarchus ray was yellowish, however the entire Moon had a grey-yellow tinge of colour. Chromatic aberation was observed at 01:56UT. By comparison Gassendi was checked and had no colour. At 02:10 the crater wall of Aristarchus was unusual and was quite different in appearance to rims of other craters. The cameron 2006 catalog ID=375 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Deslandre - 1965 May 12 at UT 19:10 E. Penzel (Rodewisch, East Germany) was taking a sequence of images during the impact of the Soviet Lunik 5 (upper stage of the carier rocket?). He detected a tens of km scale elongated cloud after the impact over a duration of 9.5 minutes. This was near to Deslandre crater. However there are differences between the images elsewhere on the Moon, possibly due to different exposures or some other effects and it is not 100% sure that what he detected was impact debris/cloud?. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1933 Oct 01 at UT 03:00 Rawstron (USA, 4" refractor, x330) observed the following in Mons Pico B: "Haze -- much narrower & elongated than on Sep. 1". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=407 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Observed by Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA) "Temporary greyness seen in interior shadow." ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1955 Oct 28 at UT00:00? Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet Union, 50" reflector) detected in Aristarchus Fraunhofer lines in UV spectra that were much narrower than in the solar spectrum. This indicated luminescent glow which overlapped contour(?) lines. Greatest after Full Moon, but fluctuated monthly with no indication of solar activity effect. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=621 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
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.
On 1955 Oct 28 at UT 00:06 W. Taylor saw a naked eye flash on the Moon in the north east area, on the edge of Mare Vaporum. The flash was intense and radiated to a large area. The duration was 1/4 seconds.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1971 Sep 02 UTC 20:00 Observed by Ayeau (Paris, France, 12" reflector, x100) "Brownish-red or maroon seen on Aris. W.wall ridge to Herod. on S.wall of Herodotus" NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1311. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1985 May 02 at UT 20:20-20:38 J.D. Cook (Frimley, UK) noted at 20:20 found the south rim (and just outside) to be blurred in appearence and there was also a hazy shadow inside the crater. M.C. Cook found a "break in clarity in break on S wall". Miles (UK) also found the south wall blurred in appearance and Foley (Kent, UK) noted that the area was featureless and the 2 craters positions at 1 o'clock high up on the inner wall were obscured", although just north of these was sharp detail. Foley also recorded that the shadow on the east wall was opaque"and that thye inside of Aristarchus was slate/blue in colour and dull, however by 20:28 the crater had brightened by 0.4 steps on Foley's CED device and the missing craterlets were visible again. Jean (Canada, 4" refractor) observed a rose colour intermittently (UT 1948- 20:58) - however Cameron suspects that this is chromatic aberation. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=269 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1988 Sep 23 at 19:40-19:55 & 20:36-20:41 G. North (760mm Coude Rrefractor, x250, Royal Grenwwich Observatory, Herstmonceux, UK, seeing V, Transparency: Fair). 19:40-19:55 image very unsteady. All seems normal in other crtaters with the exception of Arcimedes. Much of the rim seems indistinct apart from a 1/4 length of the west rim. Strongly suspected that this was due to a combination of seeing and illumination. UT 20:02-20:06 - checked the area with a lower magnification 10" Astrographic Refractor - the crater seems more normal, so suggesting that the theory was correct. 20:36-20:41 returned to the 30" reflector, and the crater appeared similar to the start of the session. This is almost certainly not a TLP, but it would be helpful to have some images or sketches to check this theory out. Weight=1.
On 1995 Oct 06/07 at UT 23:05-00:00 P. Mirteto (a UAI observer, RI, Italy, 20cm reflector) observed some brightness changes in Prinz. Please note that this description is a summary of the material on the UAI web site. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1987 Mar 13 at UT02:00-03:00 De Groof (Belgium, 8" reflector x150, seeing=clear) noted that the north west part of Aristarchus had a blood red shimmering filling the whole crater. A video by Mobberley some 18 hours later, shows variation in Aristarchus. Cameron 2006 catalog ID= 301 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1977 May 30 at 21:04-02:13UT J.H.-Robinson noted a loss of detail inside Gassendi, however he did not regard this as a TLP. The effect was also seen by P.W. Foley. Cameron 2006 extension catalog TLP ID=16 and weight=0 ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
On 1983 Dec 17 at UT 17:25-19:20 Moseley (Covington, England, UK, x120 and x240, seeing=III and spurious colour present) found that the inside of Aristarchus crater was dull and slightly blue. Suspected the colour to be spurious: at 19:20 at x240 the colour was pink but at x120 there was no colour. Cameron 2006 catalof ID=234 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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 and Herodotus UT 20:00? Observed by Areau (Paris, France, 12" reflector x100) "Maroon color covering the ridge(?) E (ast. ?) & the ridge(?) S. of Herod. In 3 or 5 secs. Cloud disappeared after 10 min." NASA catalog weight=3 (average) NASA catalog ID #1312.
Schroter's Valley 1955 Jul 03 UT 22:00 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England, 6.5" reflector x200) "Drawing contains a star-like pt. at N. part of valley." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #597. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Aug 06 at 22:24-22:54 P.Madej (Hudersfield, UK, 6" reflector. Purple Wratten 35, and Yellow Wratten 15 filters used) Orange glow seen (at x73) on west side of crater, near the central peak. The central peak was coloured too at x110. At 22:32 (x75) the central peak was brighter than the rest of the area wrough the yellow filter. At 22:34UT at x73 everything looked OK through the purple filter. The TLP was still visible at 22:54. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1973 Dec 08 UT 20:20-20:22 observed by J-H Robinson (Devon, UK, seeing dair to poor). Suspected blink detected - might have been due to atmospheric condtions?. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1971 Jan 10 UTC 20:17-20:42 Observed by Taylor (Slough, England, 8.5" reflector) "Blink (dark gray to black), 13x3km diam. on E. wall & floor in indentation in wall. Smaller by 2028 h. gone at 2035h. Reappeared at 2028h & gone completely at 2042h)." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1282.
Schickard 1940 May 20 UT 20:00 Observed by Moore (England, 12?" eflector) "Fog on floor -- milky appearance, less pronounced than on 8/2/39 (see #456)." NASA catalog ID #465. NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
Madler 1940 Aug 17 UT 06:45 (Cameron gives 07:30 but Haas says this is wrong) Observed by Haas (New Mexico?, USA, 12" reflector?) Bright spot on S. rim had I=5.8 on this date but 8.9 on Aug. 17, when observing conditions were similar (see # 473). NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #470. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
On 1984 Dec 07 at UT 19:30-23:30 M. Mobberley (St Edmunds, UK, seeing=IV-V, transparency=good, spurious colour seen) found 2 bright pathces on the east rim on alternate sides of a bright region. The band from the central 16km wide region was dark on the east side. Foley (Kent, UK, 12"reflector, seeing=II-III) found Aristarchus to be not as bright as normal, apart from the band that Mobberley found (1 hour later). The dark regions were a murky green colour (bright through green, blue and yellow filters and dark through red and orange filters). Cook (Frimley, UK, transparency=excellent, CCD camera used) found a bright "bulge"on the eastern side. Apparently data suggests that the band was brighter in red than in near IR light. Cook's calibrated brightness measurements suggest that there was no change in brightness over the crater with time. Two other bright points were seen: one at the Cobra's Head and another half way between the east rim of Aristarchus and passes Herodotus. Wratten 29 (deep red), Wratten 87 (near IR) and combined Wratten 29 and Wratten 87 were used. In the red Wratten 29 filter the brightness falls at22:20 at Shroters valley and then rises in the bright ray. They return to normal at 22:30UT. There was however a lot of measurement noise from the brightness readings of points B and D. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=256 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Lichtenberg 1951 Jan 22 18:19.2-18:38.5 UT observed by Baum (Chester, England). Tiny red spot noticed initially and then faded. Location of spot 31.403N 66.167W. 20cm refractor x90- x100. Seeing fair-extremely good. NASA catalog assigns a weight of 3. NASA TLP ID No. #542. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1956 Nov 17/18 UT 23:30-00:30 Observed by Argentiere et al. (Itatiba City, Brazil, 20, 10 and 6 cm reflectors) Crater may have been brighter than expected(?) during a lunar eclipse. NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #658. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Byrgius 1956 Nov 17/18 UT 23:30-00:30 Observed by Argentiere et al. (Itatiba City, Brazil, 20, 10 and 6 cm reflectors) Crater may have been brighter than expected(?) during a lunar eclipse. NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #658. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Kepler 1956 Nov 17/18 UT 23:30-00:30 Observed by Argentiere et al. (France?) "Crater was extra-ordinarily bright". NASA catalog weight=3 and catalog ID #658. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Manilius 1956 Nov 17/18 UT 23:30-00:30 Observed by Argentiere et al. (Itatiba City, Brazil, 20, 10 and 6 cm reflectors) Crater may have been brighter than expected(?) during a lunar eclipse. NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #658. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1956 Nov 17/18 UT 23:30-00:30 Observed by Argentiere et al. (Itatiba City, Brazil, 20, 10 and 6 cm reflectors) Crater may have been brighter than expected(?) during a lunar eclipse. NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #658. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Tycho 1956 Nov 17/18 UTC 23:30-00:30 Observed by Argentiere et al. (France?) "Crater was extra-ordinarily bright". NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #658.
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.
W.Humboldt 1897 Dec 09 UTC 23:00? Observed by Goodacre (Crouch End, England, 12" reflector) "Shadow anomaly. Chocolate penumbral shade edging black shadow on E. wall." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #296.
Cobra Head 1955 Oct 31 UTC 19:00 Observed by Milligan (England?) "Dark blue obscuration" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID 624.
Proclus 1972 Nov 21 UT 21:30 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge, England, 8.5" reflector, x130) "Thickened bright ring remained, but the dark patch had disappeared. (dark patch prob. real temporary phenom. as it was seen nr. FM when contrasts are strongest, yet disappeared" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1351.
On 1983 Jan 29 at UT22:09 M.Mobberley (Sulfolk, UK, 14" reflector) noted that Arago B had a slight tinge of violet colour, and was a lot less (bright?) than Torricelli B's blueness. Other craters checked but were not showing any blue colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1983 May 28 at UT 01:50-03:00 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia) observed the whole region of Aristarchus, Herodotus and Shroter's Valley all to have a brightness of 3 and all blue and impossible to focus on (he had never seen it like this before). Also the interior of Aristarchus was invisible. Brightness measurement taken and a sketch was made. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=222 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Jan 29 at UT22:09 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK), found that Moltke crater was "exceptionally bright". Other craters (apart from Arago B Torricelli B etc) appeared normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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!
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.
Gassendi 1940 Aug 20 UT 03:25 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12" reflector?) "Largest bright spot on SE pt. of floor had I=8.6 (real changes? see @ '#649, 474, & 475, all similar change)." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #472. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
1824 Dec 08 UTC 00:00? Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany) "Bright fleck in SE part of crater" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #104. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1947 Nov 30 UTC 00:00? Observed by Favarger (France?) "3 bright points on inner w. slopes." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #499. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Jan 30 at UT 23:45 Chapman (England, UK) observed that Censorinus was low in brightness. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=199 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Jan 30 at UT 23:45 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector) measured that the brightness of the region around Toricelli B was 2.3 (high) and there was a slight blue colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID= 199 and the weight=4. The 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.
Area of darkness overlapping NW rim. It was visible through this area of obscuration. Sketch. Cameron 2006 extended catalog ID=376 and Cameron weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Messier & A 1972 Aug 27 UT 08:51-09:21 Observed by Hansen (LeMoore, CA, USA, 6" reflector, x200) "Perculiar thread of shadow connecting the 2 craters. Sun's elev. @ 6deg. Drawing (possibly a high peak on E.wall of A casting a shadow?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1342.
On 1944 Mar 12 at UT 23:00 H.P. Wilkins (Kent, UK, 8.5" reflector) observed that Plato appeared incomplete - the central crater had it's north wall obscured. cameron comments that maybe this was due to the low altitude of the Moon? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=491 and the weight=4. The 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?
Aristarchus 1969 Sep 30 UT 04:46-05:10 Observed by Maley, Saulietis (Houston, TX, USA, 16" reflector, x130) "Intermittent blue color on SE wall, verified by others. At 0500h, taking 10s to reach max. then slowly disappeared. Gap appeared after 1st event. Drawing." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1202. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
C.Brook (Plymouth, UK) noticed that the east wall of this crater was brighter than the walls of nearby craters. Cameron comments that Foley says that this is normal and agrees. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID= 433 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 May 31 at UT03:45-04:30 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia) noted that the whole area of Aristarchus, Herodotus, and Schroter's valley was both blurred and violet. There was hardly any detail seen inside the crater. Herodotus could hardly be seen either and Schroter's valley was totally unrecognizable. A sketch was supplied. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=223 and the weight=3.
On 1964 Feb 02 at UT08:30-09:40 G.Reneau and B.Crowe (2.4" refractor, x90)observed Ross D to be double. This was during a time when observers were looking for a Ranger crash plume. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=799 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Something resembling a cigar shaped shiny object seen on S rim - hanging over a smaller crater. It looked like a bright aluminum can in the sun & cast a shadow onto the rim. The length was 8-10 miles long x 1 mile wide at the central point. It appeared tapered to points at both ends. Observer studied it for several hours. S term. ~60-70miles away. Apparently not related to topog. Alt. 8deg. Cameron 2006 Extension catalog weight=3. ALPO/BAA catalog weight=1.
Plinius 1937 Jul 27 UT 04:37 Observed by Haas (Alliance, OH, 12"? reflector) "E. end of c.p. varied in intensity at similar lighting conditions. Intensity was low est on this nite, being at I=5.0. Other nites were: Date Time col. I 6/23/37 0600 84 8.5 7/20/37 0200 58 6.0 7/22/37 0300 78 6.5 9/22/37 0700 114 6.0 9/24/37 0830 142 6.5 10/17/37 0100 59 8.5 10/21/37 0500 109 8.5 NASA catalog weight=4 (good) on this and the nights listed. NASA catalog ID #422. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Observed by Bartlett (Baltimire, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x150) "N. half of crater hazy & ill-defined". S=5, T=4. NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID 571.
Alphonsus 1972 Jul 30 UT 00:30-03:30 Observed by Morgan (UK using a reflector) "Orange glow, brighter this nite than last nite. Following nites were cloudy. Aristarchus and Gassendi were negative." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1338. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 01:55-02:45 Observed by Brook (Plymouth, England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness and definition of A of about 1/4 to 1/2 minute period. Rest of field unaffected. Checked for cloud wih naked eye during fades - negative. Checked for misting and tear salt on eyepiece by shifting A around the field - negative." BAA Lunar Section report.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 03:00 Observed bt Michael Amato (West Haven, CT, USA, 127mm Maksutov, x123) "The brightness variation (as seen by Brook earlier) was very apparent. One thing never seen before by Amato was a thin short bright ray that extended out in the opposite direction as Aristarchus bright ray". The higher the Moon climbed in the sky the more obvious this short thin bright ray became. An ALPO report.
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.
On 1987 Oct 13 at UT14:00-17:00 J. Moeller (Kirkville, NY, USA, 6" reflector) observe and 10x70 binoculars) noted that Aristarchus was brilliant in the sky and the most striking feature on the lunar surface (2-3x brighter than Tycho). It appeared as a hazy white cloud at first. The effect lasted for 3 hours. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=309 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1997 Jul 25/26 at UT 23:00-00:00 S. Fox (Dundee Tayside, Scotland, UK, 15cm f/5 reflector with x4 Barlow). A series of photographs were taken that show a glow just beyond the terminator, near to Callipus crater. Almost certainly this is lens flare from the Barlow lens. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
On 1980 Jul 05 at 03:20UT P.Moore (Selsey, UK, 12?" reflector) found Aristarchus to be "Very brilliant indeed". Cameron 2006 TLP catalog ID=100 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1956 Oct 26 UT 12:54 Observed by Alter (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60" reflector, S=E) "Photog. thru UV & IR filters. Obscur. of E. 1/2 of floor evident in blue plates -- KodakII-O plate no filter. 2m later Kodak I-N. One pair of plates best he'd ever seen. Similar obscuration seen 2X on Linne (this started Kozyrev on his spectrographic program.)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #653.
On 1981 Mar 28 at 01:45-02:45UT M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, using a 14" reflector) noted that Aristarchus was very bright, but everything else was normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=127 and the weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Aristarchus 1955 Jul 13 UTC 02:50 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England) "Brilliant in blue & green filters. Didn't seem to be as clear as other craters." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #598.
Spitzenberg Mountains 1980 Jul 06 UT 02:05-02:26 Observed by Madj (Newsome, Huddersfield, UK, 70mm OG, Seeing started as I and ended up as IV) "Obscuration seen near Spitzenberg Mountains" BAA Lunar Section Report.
Tycho 1990 Dec 10 UT 11:03-12:49 Observed by Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, 12.5" Newtonian, x63) "Nebulous patch seen where the central peak should have been in the 90% shadow filled crater. The nebulous patch is seen to vary in size and a star-like point is seen inside it briefly for 1 sec. The nebulous patch was a bit like what one expects from a close-up view of a cometry nucleus. A sketch and an image can be found on the following web site: http://www.ltpresearch.org/ltpreports/ltp19901210.htm " An ALPO report.
Copernicus 1996 Sep 06 UT 01:45 Observed by C Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm refractor x28, x112, transparency, not good) "Shadows of central mountains could not be seen although the shadows on the crater ramparts were visible" BAA Lunar Section report. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
UT 08:30 or UT 20:30? SW inner wall of Aristarchus was intesnsity I=0.5, but was I=2.5 on July 2 at Col. 195. Observing conditions were identical. Band is darkening near col. 180. (Observation made in daylight?). Cameron 1978 NASA catalog ID=425 and weight=4 (very experienced observer). ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Tycho 1991 Sep 02 UT 07:34-08:40 Observed by Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5" f/5 Newtonian, 159-248x with red and green filters) "Central peak appeared initially star-like with occasional glimpses of a nebulous patch. At 07:54 an arch of light seen inside the crater. Various starlike or blurriness states seen to the central peak. The luminescence seen was brighter in the red filter than in the blue." An ALPO report - for further details see: http://www.ltpresearch.org/ltpreports/ltp19910902.htm
Aristarchus 1973 Aug 22 UT 00:22-00:23 Observed by Germann (Observer at 47.3N, 8.9E, 200mm reflector, S=2, T=2) "Well Observed bright point disappeared within a minute". - Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-61
Riccioli 1937 Sep 29 UT 09:10 Observed by Haas (Alliance, OH USA, 12?" reflector) "Vivid deep purple (Deep purple color on the previous day), but on July 2, 1937 at col. 195deg it was gray tinged with brownish purple. Obs. conditions similar on all." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #426. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Riccioli 1937 Sep 29 UT 09:10 Observed by Haas (Alliance, OH USA, 12?" reflector) "Vivid deep purple (Deep purple color on the previous day), but on July 2, 1937 at col. 195deg it was gray tinged with brownish purple. Pbs. conditions similar on all." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #426. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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 1969 Feb 12 at UT 12:00 Taboada (Mexico, seeing=excellent) found that the Aristarchus region had the same characteristics as the previous days, perhaps a little darker colour brown, but more remarkable. He used red, blue and green filters and a difference in colour was noticed in and out of the region. Cameron suspects that permanent colour was being seen? The cameron 1978 catalog ID=1116 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weigh=2.
On 1983 Feb 08 at 06:30UT Toricelli B was observed by P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector) to be visible in Earthshine as a luminous patch. This was rather odd because it is only a small crater and not normally bright. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=201 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1824 Oct 18 at UT 05:00 Gruihuisen (Munich, Germany) observe near Aristarchus a mingling of all kinds of colours in small spots North west of the crater. Cameron suggest the wrong date and suggests seeing her TLP ID No, 121). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=101 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1884 Sep 16 at UT 09:30-10:00 Heywood (Westville, Ohio, 2" refractor) saw an unusually bright glow covering dark part, nearly uniform. Thought it was electric because it was too bright for Earthshine. It obscured features. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1
In 1872 Mar 19 at UT 23:17 an unknown observer observed in Sinus Iridum: "Covered with a light gray shadow thru which he saw dimly the surface below - indicating obscuring matter over it. (Cameron says: only w. 1/3 of bay would be in shadow as boundaries are 25-37W)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=178 and the weight=3.
Ross D vicinity 1964 Apr 22 UT 05:43-0637 Observed by Cross et al. (Whittier, CA, USA, 19" reflector, x800-1200 & filters, S=7- 8, T=1) "Gas cloud over it & its companion; everywhere else was fine detail" NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #809. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Colour seen, mostly blueness on south rim and exterior of south rim at Bullialdus crater. Blueness seen too on Plato on inner SSW rim, but no colour reported on any other craters. Seeing III, 12" reflector used x200 and x360.
Colour seen, mostly blueness on inner SSW rim. Blueness also seen on south rim and exterior of south rim at Bullialdus crater. No colour reported on any other craters. Seeing III, 12" reflector used x200 and x360.
Daniell 1979 Jul 04 UT 20:40-21:19 Observed by Saxton (UK?, 216mm refractor?, seeing III, transparency: Good) "noticed that the east end of Daniell was bright and fuzzy and had somewhat poorly defined edge to the bright part. A sketch was made, and possibly shows the same as in past reports" BAA Lunar Section Report. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=59 and weight=3. Observer located in Leeds, England and used a 9" reflector x250. Seeing=III and transparency=good. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
H. Davies (Llamandel, Swansea, UK, using a 3" refractor, detected a short duration reddish hue along the inner NE-NW? rim (4-7 O'Clock location. Sketch supplied to Foley (BAA coordinator). No similar effect seen elsewhere. A.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) detected spurious colour on several craters, including Plato that night. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID= 337 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1967 Feb 19 UT 20:30-21:11 Observed by Moore, Moseley (Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x360) "Blink area between 1900 & 1940 with neg. results. Suddenly at 2030 there was a bright red glow, brightest Moseley had ever seen, at Feb 17 suspectec place. Moore returned at 2037h in time to see fading effect. Brief return at 2105-2111; neg. from 2120-2250h then clouds. Nothing on Feb 20. confirmation)." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1016. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Arsyukhin and others (Moscow, USSR), with naked eye and binouculars saw three dark spots suddenly appear on Mare Crisium and disappear approximately 30 minutes later. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=145 and catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Arsyukhin and others (Moscow, USSR), with naked eye and binouculars saw TLP activity in Plato that Cameron thinks confirms what UK observers saw later. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=145 and catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1966 Apr 01 UT(?) 03:00-03:20 Observed by Jenning, Harris (Coral Estates, CA, USA, 12" reflector) "Red patch from c.p. to W. wall (no confirm. from Corralitos obs. moon blink device & obs. at that time)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #924. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Agrippa and vicinity 1878 Dec 04 UT 20:00? Observed by Capron (France?) "Odd, misty look as if vapor were in or about them" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #209.
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.