In 1948 Aug 09 at UT 02:40 Woodward (Toronto, Canada, sky very
clear) observed, using a telescope, a bright, bluish-white to
greyish-yellow, 3 sec duration flash in Earthshine. The flash
was between magnitude 0 to 1 if one were looking for a similar
magnitude star in the sky without a telescope. There was
possibly a very slight motion of the flash in a southerly
direction. Also there were two terminal bursts. Cameron suggsts
that this might have been a meteor? Ref: Moore, P.A. Guide to
the Moon (1953), p117. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=508 and
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1970 Jul 07 at UT 23:00-23:30 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=good) observed the following in
Aristarchus: "Similar conditions as last night (#1264) but diminished
in brightness to 40% (to 6deg bright. Real phenom. in the dimming?)".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1265 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1990 Jun 27 at UT02:17-03:00 D. Darling (Sparta, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x36) reported that the crater had "Flared up at 0225 as a
point of light then went down" - the effect was fairly brief.
Earthshine was quite clearly seen and all features elsewhere were
normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=405 and the weight=0. The ALPo/BAA
weight=1.
Om 1990 Mar 01 at UT 00:59-02:20 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x36) observed that Aristarchus could barely be seen, but at
02:15 UT it brightened by about two times. Note that brightening might
refer to Lambert - it is worded in an ambiguous way in Cameron's
catalog). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=392 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Om 1990 Mar 01 at UT 00:59-02:20 D. Fryback (Madison, WI, USA, 8"
reflector) observed that Lambert was a star-like point, but later saw
it brighten up (02:15UT) by two times (note that this brightening might
refer to Aristarchus - it is worded in an ambiguous way in Cameron's
catalog). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=392 and
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Macrobius 1972 Apr 17 UT 20:10-20:45 Observed by Persson (Hvidore,
Danmark, 2.5" refractor x58 & x100, seeing=good) "Macrob. was a white
ring without outline or shadow. (shad. should have been seen--sun only
up 5deg alt. Something was raising albedo from 0 to surround." NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1328.
Proclus 1972 Apr 17 UT 20:10-20:45 Observed by Persson (Hvidore,
Danmark, 2.5" refractor x58 & x100, seeing=good) "Proclus not as clear
as usual" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1328.
On 1972 Apr 17 at UT 20:10-20:45 Hvidore (Denmark, 2.5" refractor, x58,
x100, seeing=good) noted a brightening of the dark limb between
Hercynian mountains and Cleostratus crater. Thought that it was due to
atmospheric disturbance. Cameron says similar to other reports e.g. No.
1156. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1330 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
In 1824 May 02 at UT 21:00-21:15 Gobel (Germany, seeing = excellent)
saw near Aristarchus (47W, 23N) a soft (matte) light like a star seen
through mist. Brightness increased suddenly to magnitude 9-10. After
several seconds it became weak, finally disappearing. repeated this 3
to 4 times in 15 minutes. The Moon was a very narrow sickle shape and a
major feature could be seen in Earthsine. The date given was 1821 but
Cameron says it is 1824. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=88 and weight=4.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Posidonius 1821 Apr 07 UTC 18:00? Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich,
Germany) "Small bright crater in it was shadowless. Schroter also saw
it shadowless several X" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID
#87. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1885 Feb 19 at UT 19:00-20:00, Gray of England?, saw a small crater
(in it?) that was dull red with vivid contrast. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID is 247 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1965 Oct 30 at UT 0200 Eastman (Palos Verdes, CA, USA, 12"
reflector) observed a brightening in Aristarchus in ashen light. The
photographs that were taken show it. The phenomenon was seen each
lunation since July. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=908 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1970 Jul 08 at UT 23:00-23:30 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=excellent) observed the following at
Aristarchus: "Conditions again similar (to #1264). Brighter tonite(8
deg) than last nite. but not as bright as on the 6th. Pin pts. of light
very accentuated. The radial open hand extended fingers form not so
frequently, perhaps because of the larger crescent illum. now.".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1266 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
McClure vicinity 1976 Apr 04 UT 19:36-2009 Observed by McKay
(England, 3" refractor, x160), Savill (England, 10x50
binoculars), Moore (Sussex, England, 15" reflector, x360, seeing
II), Buss (England, 6" reflector), Brady (England, 8"
reflector), Ross (England), Foley (Kent, England, 12" reflector)
"Noted a fuzzy, glowing spot at 1936h at 160x. 2 min later, spot
grew larger & flashed up to very bright. Changed power to 106x,
& 80x, still vis. Spot faded 10 m later, then suddenly flashed
up again. 5 m later it faded again & disappeared at 1959h. At
2006h returned to fuzzy, glowing spot then disappeared at 2009h,
never to reappear. Some obs. confirmed, others did not. Photos
afterward don't show anything, nor did blink aftwerward." Moore
though nothing unusual. NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #
1431. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cyrillus G 1983 Aug 13 UT 20:17-20:59 L. Paynter (Radcliffe,
UK, 22cm reflector, seeing III or better, transparency good).
Cyrillus G was relatively bright and surrounded by a shaded
area. On increasing the magnification from x65 to x130 he became
aware of a diffused "carise" colouration, in and around the
crater. The colouration was similar though to other spurious
colour on the Moon, but unlike other areas affected by spurious
colour, was more diffuse and spread out and not so concentrated.
In view of some uncertainty by the observer, ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2009 Mar 01 at UT 18:50-21:00 G. Smith (East Yorkshire, UK, 127mm
Maksutov Cassegrain telescope with zoom eyepiece and later a Plossl
eyepiece) observed an area between Plato and Sinus Iridum to be glowing
as a bright nebulous patch. It was brighter than anything else in
Eartshine. A change in eyepiece did not affect the appearance of the
nebulous patch. The patch had faded somewhat by 21:00UT. The observers
brother attempted to observe the patch through a 114mm reflector at
20:30UT but the optics were of poor quality and the effect was not
seen. BAA observers were alerted, but only after the event had faded -
they made observations from 22:00-23:46 UT but failed to detect
anything unusual in the region concerned. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
This may have been a mis-identification with Aristarchus - however
we cannot be 100% sure.
In 1965 Jul 04 at UT 03:53-05:59 Gridley, Welch (West Covina, CA, USA,
4.5" and 8" reflector, seeing=excellent), Albert (CA, 8" reflector,
x375) and Emanuel (8" reflector) observed star-like flashes in
Aristarchus crater. Cameron says this confirmed and that the date
in MBMW is 7/3/65 which is local time = 4th UT also but is in error due
to misreading of handwriting. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=883 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1963 Oct 22 at UT 21:00? Andre (Belgium, 2.25" refractor) noticed
that Posidonius A's shadow was not seen when it should have been seen.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=777 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1975 Mar 18 at UT 00:57-04:00 Reiland, Brown and Lojeck (Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, 6" reflector x45 and 8" reflector x200, photos taken)
observed the following at Aristarchus: "While obs. Earthshine on moon,
saw it glowing -- a bright steady star-like glow, est. at 5-8th mag.
First noted at 0057h. Obs. other obj. then came back to it. It was
still there -- till moonset (@0500h). Saw it in other telscopes &
Lojeck took photos. (photo shows Aris. prominent, but also LaLande,
Pytheas & Timocharis. 2 prs. in Aris. but there are other pts on the
print, it may be grain)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1404 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2012 Mar 28 P. Grego (Cornwall, UK, seeing II, 100mm
refractor, x132) observed a patch of light just inside the NW
rim of Menelaus on the shadowed wall or floor. Computer
visulaiztions of the illumination conditions using a digital
elevation model failed to produce this effect. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cepheus A 2000 Oct 04 UTC 08:15-08:50 Observer: Maurice Collins
(New Zealand, 90cm ETX) - observer noted that crater was
extremely bright - wasn't sure if this was normal and at the
time rated it as the brightest (contrasty?) crater that he had
ever seen on the Moon. Many years later he suspected that he may
have mis-identified the crater. This still leaves us with thr
problem as to why a crater should be so bright in this region,
and if so, which one? ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Jul 04 UT 22:08-23:09 Foley (12" reflector, Kent, UK) found
that Censorinus gave a low brightness CED reading of 58%, despite all
other measured points on the Moon as being normal. M. Cook (Frimley,
UK) found Censorinus to be extremely dull compared to Proclus. J.D.
Cook (Frimley, UK) found Censorinus to be quite dull, barely above
background levels. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=246 and the weight=4.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1984 Jul 04 at UT 22:05-23:09 Richardson (Swinton, Yorkshire, UK,
seeing=VE) found that a peak west of Theophilus crater had a deep blue
colour, and this was strange because no colour was seen elsewhere on
the Moon. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector), once alerted, found a dome
east of Kant? to be blue, and likewise no colour was seen elsewhere on
the Moon. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=246 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1984 Jul 04 UT 22:08-23:09 Foley (12" reflector, Kent, UK) found
that Torricelli B was a much lower brightness than was expected and
this remained the case for the rest of the lunation. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=246 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Lunar volcano, seen on the dark side, as bright as a
6th magnitude star,
A bright spot was seen. Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=40 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA catalog weight=2.
On 1915 Apr 21 at UT 1800? Houdard (France) noticed a special
occurrence south of Posidonius which he took as evidence of water
vapor. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=351 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Pitiscus 1981 Sep 05 UT ??:?? but assumed to be AM? which would make
it 00:00-03:00UTC. Observed by Slayton (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA,
8" reflector, ASA 64EK7 f/170, Kodak Kodachrome) photographed a bright
glow in the crater that appeared to move. Observer also reported seeing
it visually noting that it looked gray with a tinge of red. For further
information see p266 of Sky & Telescope (1991, March). Note that
Cameron gives the date and UT at 1981 Sep 06 UT 01:00-01:30, or one day
later. I will use this date and time from now on. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=152 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1982 Sep 24 at 22:45-23:40 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia) saw in
Theophilus an obscuration on the south west wall close to Cyrillus and
furthermore it had a red / mauve colouration (seen best in a 12mm Ortho
eyepiece). Through a Wratten 15 yellow filter the region was quite
bright. At23:40UT the obscuration faded. There was plenty of detail in
the region between Theophilus and Cyrils. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
184 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Albategnius 1972 Jun 18 UTC 19:20-19:25 Observed by Schnuchel (13.25E,
52.5N, 20x60 binoculars?) "Bright area at the inner N wall, diminution
of brightness well observable" S=4 T=4. Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon &
Planets (1984) Vol 30, pp53-61.
A.S.Williams of West Brighton, UK, using a 2.75" Acromatic refractor
(x75, definition good, but it was too windy to use the 5.25") noticed
that the mare was a mass of light streaks and spots. This was not
considered unusual, but these features were unusually plain, distinct
and brught, especially the streaks. The observer could not recall
seeing the streaks so bright and clear with this instrument before, and
indeed hardly ever with the larger 5.25" telescope. The observer
continued to observe Mare Crisium on many nights for several months and
comments that such an unusual exhibition was later seen perhaps once
every 2-3 lunations. They are uncertain how much this effect depends
upon the state of the Earth's atmosphere. This TLP does not make it
into the Cameron 1978 catalog and so may not be a TLP - however it has
been included, just in case, and to try to understand what was actually
seen. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Censorinus 1984 Jul 05 UT 21:05-21:25 Observed by Cook (24" reflector
with line scan photodiode array at Mill Hill observatory, London) "Two
line scan photodiode array images were taken which used the motion of
the Moon to build up an image. The first image at 21:25UT did not
include all of Censorinus, but the part that it did include was not
very bright. The 21:25UT image did include all of Censorinus and the
crater was bright, including the part that was just visible in the
previous image. Possibly the seeing was worse at 21:05? and this could
explain the brightness descrepency, but it is worth checking again by
taking images at the same illumination conditions" BAA Lunar Section
report. At 21:17 M. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Proclus to be brighter
than Censorinus (more so than the previous night) and obtained variable
readings for Censorinus. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=247 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1972 Jun 18 UTC 20:50-21:15 Observed by Kern (8.75E, 48.25N,
60mm refractor) "Yellow to white bright pattern at the NW wall, visible
only occasionally" S=4, T=3 Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon & Planets
(1984) Vol 30, pp53-61.
Knopp of Paysandu, Uruguay on 1885 Feb 21 at 23:00-23:30? UT saw red
patches in the crater. Reddish smoke or mist. The observer says several
others had seen a star like point there that night. Cameron's 1978
catalog ID=348 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Triesnecker Rille 1912 May 23 UT 18:00? Observed by Gordeenko
(Russia) "Change in shape from representation by Brenner and
Krieger not accountable by lighting conditions" NASA catalog
weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1. NASA catalog ID #339.
Mons Piton 2022 Aug 04 UT 19:41-20:10 T. Smith (Codnor, UK,
16inch Newtonian, x247, Seeing IV) mountain was very bright
and red around its eastern slopes. An examination of the
bright and contrasty Proclus crater revealed that to be
relatively colour free compared to Piton. An examination of
other features, north and south along the terminator revealed
some tinge of coloiur but not as strong as on Mon Piton. Mons
Piton examined with a yellow filter at 19:50 and still showed
red along the eastern side, other features along the
terminator had no colour through the filter. Video images by.
A.Cook (Newtown, UK) made earlier at 1929 & 19:40 UT, (in the
SWIR (1.5-1.7 microns) did not reveal Mons Pico as especially
bright - but resolutioin was poor. A friend of Smith, phoned
up the next day to say that they saw a mountain on the limb
exhibiting red on the 14th August. Probably the redness was
due to atmospheric spectral dispersion as the Moon was low,
and it was especially visble on Mons Piton as this is an
exceedingly contrasty object on the terminator. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Theophilus 1969 Jul 21 UT 19:30-21:45 and 21:00-22:00 Observed by Fox
(Newark, England, 6.5" reflector,) and Baum (Chester, England, 4.5"
refractor) (S=6, T=4) "At wall, adjacent to Cyrillus was a redish glow,
then obscur. (Fox). Baum saw intermittant white-blue shimmering as if
glowing thru dust glowing & upsurge in brightness on c.p. Gradually
faded to normal at 21:20. 1st time ever seen by him tho. obs. since
1947. Image sharp, no haziness. (indep. confirm. of activity, but
details differ, but same time, Apollo 11 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1180. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1991 May 21 at UT05:30-06:15 J. Green (Orangevale, CA, USA, 11"
reflector) photgrapphed a broad bright band stretching east and north
of Cassini crater in 3 exposures taken 10 minutes apart. This
photographic sequence shows a gradual widening towards Cassini and by
the 3rd exposure the band is touching (and then obscuring) Cassini. A
"fan" was visible in the north east and WSW directions, later this was
seen as rays and this was even seen in the view finder of the camera.
Cameron comments that this might be lens flare but suspects that it
would not have been seen in the view finder. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=427 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Peirce A (Swift=IAU name) 1937 Mar? 23? UTC 22:00 Observed by Wilkins
(England, UK, 12.5" reflector) "Obscuration on floor if crater. Crater
invis. (similar to #394, 396)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #412. Note this is almost certainly supposed
to be 1934 Dec 23!
SE of Ross D 1964 Aug 16 UT 04:18-05:20 Observed by Harris and
Cross (Whittler, CA, USA, 19" reflector?) "Bright area.
Condensations varying with time" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #840. 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.
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.
Piton 1961 Jan 25? UTC 00:00? Observed by Schneller (Cleveland, Ohio,
USA, 8" x53) "Red obscuration concealing peak, @10mi sq (if near SR,
date is 27th; ancilary data given for 27th -- date not given)" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #731.
On 1887 Nov 23 at 16:15-17:00 UT Von Speissen & others of Berlin,
Germany, using a 3.5" refractor (x180), saw a "Triangular patch of
light (time in Middlehurst catalog wrong? Moonrise was at > 18:30h. If
year =1887, age=8.8 days & time OK. must be same observation as ID=256
in Cameron 1978 catalog - note similarity of names and also the
reference date). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=258 and weight=1.
Proclus 1984 Jul 06 UT 20:29-20:43 light green spot observed by Madej
(England) in the central region. No colour seen elsewhere. At 20:10
Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector) had seen a small extending of darkening
in the south east floor (not present 2 hours before) and a lot of fine
detail - though everything was normal again by 22:50UT. At 22:15 Amery
(Reading, UK) found a large dark spot on the south east floor. Other
observers: J and A.cook (Frimley, England) could not confirm but their
seeing was IV and tranparency was poor" Mobberley found no colour and
also no detail on the floor. BAA Lunar Section Report. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=248 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Alphonsus 1968 May 05 UTC 20:00 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector, x220, Seeing: Good). "Did not see gray patch SE
(ast. ?) of c.p. Noted W. (ast. ?) dark patch was invis. while S. one
was seen easily, emerging from shadow. On 7th all seen easily, emerging
from shadow. On 7th all 3 clearly vis. with the darkest one the invos.
one on 5th." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1071.
Plato 1882 Mar 27 UTC 20:10-21:00 Observer: A.S. Williams (Brighton,
UK, 5.5" saw the shadow filled floor of Plato at Sunrise with a
"Glowing and curious milky kind of light". About 1 hour after sunrise
at Plato, there was no trace of this effect. The TLP filled the whole
floor except at a quarter of the diameter from the east wall which was
actually quite black. The observer saw a curious phosphorescent glimmer
at sunset (April11th?). Cameron comments that Birt, Nelson and Waugh
saw obsecuring mist or fog in Plato on many occasions. Cameron 1978
catalog ID=229 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
A track of reddish light, like a beam, was seen
crossing the shadowed floor of Plato.This TLP has an ID
No. of 17 in Cameron's 1978 catalog and a weight
of 3. It has an ALPO/BAA weight of 2.
On 1979 Sep 29 at UT10:00-12:00 S. Turner (Maryborough, Australia)
observed a strong beacon like flash in white light that moved back and
forth in the east wall of Plato (very bright) and Mons Pico. tried
changing eyepiece and the field of view, but this wasn't the cause of
the effect. A check at 11:07UT did not show the effect, but it was back
again by 11:18UT being more pronounced at Mons Pico than the east wall
of Plato. SSW of Mons Pico was also blinking slightly. At 11:32 the
blinking effect was irregular 5-10 sec and this continued until
12:00UT. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=71 and weight=0 but she suggests
atmospheric scintillation as a cause. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Sep 29 at UT10:00-12:00 S. Turner (Maryborough, Australia)
observed a strong beacon like flash in white light that moved back and
forth in the east wall of Plato (very bright) and Mons Pico. tried
changing eyepiece and the field of view, but this wasn't the cause of
the effect. A check at 11:07UT did not show the effect, but it was back
again by 11:18UT being more pronounced at Mons Pico than the east wall
of Plato. SSW of Mons Pico was also blinking slightly. At 11:32 the
blinking effect was irregular 5-10 sec and this continued until
12:00UT. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=71 and weight=0 but she suggests
atmospheric scintillation as a cause. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Knopp of Paysandu, Uruguay on 1885 Feb 22 at 23:00-23:30? UT saw a
definite light, looking like Saturn in Cassini?. The previous night he
had seen red patches in the crater. Cameron's 1978 catalog ID=348 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1972 Jun 19 UT 21:40-22:30 Observed by S.A. Jones
(Swansea, Wales, 12" reflector x150) and Moore (Selsey, England,
12.5" reflector x450) "Noted a bright area in the center. Moore
noted nothing unusual & he tho't obs. saw one of permanent light
patches" NASA catalog weight=0 (very low). NASA catalog ID #
1336. ALPO/BAA weight=1
On 1979 Dec 27 at UT 05:32 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 6"
reflector x240, seeing=3-6/10 and T=4) noticed "2 small high-sun areas
nr. Eimmart - brightening around Mare Crisium, except for interior of
Proclus - in blue light. They were brighter than 2 spots on Cap.
Agarum rated 8.5 & Proc. 9. Not as bright next night. Probably a real
blue light brightening". Cameron 2006 catalog ID=79, location on Moon:
(70E, 23N) and weight=4.
Plato 1895 May 02 UT 20:45, 23:45 Observed by Brenner and Fauth
(Germany?) "Streaks of light (Brenner) bright parallel bands in
center Fauth (indep. confirmation?)." NASA catalog weight=5.
NASA catalog ID #284. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1965 Sep 03 UT03:00-05:00 D.Harris (Located near Whittier
College, Whittier, CA, USA, using a 10" f/8.2 Newtonian
reflector, x78 & x208, seeing 5-6, transparency 2-0) observed a
ridge obscured SSW of Ross D. No drawing was made, only a
written description. "Ridge not visible near crater; possible
white patch 1/3 Ross D diameter" The ridge is the wrinkle ridge
extending NNE from Ross D, a well established often visible
feature. Harris comments that this was not one of the better TLPs
seen near Ross D, and there were no independent observers,
neverless he was ceratin of this being a TLP, and it was
consistant with other activity seen near this crater between 1964
and 1970. Cameron 1978 catalog ID 891 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 1887 Nov 23 UT 20:00? Observed by de Speissens (France?)
"Luminous triangle on floor. Klein says it was sunlight affect. (but
similar to Klein's own obs., #190. Fort says never seen before nor
since)." NASA catalog weight=0 (very unlikely). NASA catalog ID #256.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Censorinus 1969 May 24 UTC 21:10-22:15 Observed by Jean
Nicolini (Sao Paulo, Brazil, 12" reflector) "It was brighter
than Proclus between 2130-2145h. A very tiny cirrus veil
present & Censor. appeared less bright & Proc. continued to
look normal. Weather worsened at 2215h. (Apollo 10 watch)."
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1144. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Piton 1960 Nov 27 ? UT 00:00? Observed by Schneller
(Cleveland, OH, USA, 8" Reflector, x53), "Red obscuration
concealing peak, @10m2 (if near SR, date is 27th; ancillary
data given for 27th -- date not given)." NASA catalog weight=
3. NASA catalog ID #731. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Theophilus 1978 Nov 08 UT 20:49-22:00 Observed by J.D. Cook
(Frimley, 12" reflector, 6mm Ortho eyepiece, seeing III-IV)
Orange discolouration seen on ESE crater floor. Moon blink
tried, but no blink detected. By 21:10 the effect had lessened,
but was still orange. By 21:50-21:58 the effect was smaller and
perhaps more on the SE of the floor. Colour confirmed by Foley.
Fitton may also have been observing. At 22:00 A.C. Cook observed
and commented that a darkish, perhaps brown-orange colour seen -
but suspected it was probably spurious colour - but by now the
seeing was V. J.H. Robinson, whilst doing a Moon Blink sweep of
several features, including Theophilus, had not noticed anything
unusual 18:50-19:10. By 22:30-22:35UT, he still could not detect
a blink, but noticed intermittent darkining on the shaded area
on the E. floor, but seeing was now IV. The darkening was more
noticeable in blue than red light. BAA Lunar Section
observation. 2006 Cameron catalog ID #40 weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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.
Copernicus 1939 Mar 29 UT 19:00-19:15 Observed by Wilkins (Kent,
England, 6" reflector) "C.P. diffuse light spot, faint glow s as
tho in a luminous mist (3h before SR) Some indication of
E.terraces, then vanished." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #447. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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.
Copernicus 1976 Nov 30 UT 19:40 T. Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 29cm
reflector, Wratten 25 and 44a filters) observed that the
Copernicus craterlet chains werebetter seen through a red
filter than a blue. ALPO.BAA weight=1.
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.
Purbach 1976 Nov 30 UT 19:40 T. Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 29cm
reflector, Wratten 25 and 44a filters) observed that the
crater interior was better see through a red filter than a
blue. ALPO.BAA weight=1.
Clavius 1915 Apr 23 UTC 20:00 Observed by Cook (England?) "Narrow
straight beam of light from crater A to B" NASA catalog weight=1 (very
poor). NASA catalog ID #352. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1932 Apr 15 UT 06:57 Observed by A.V. Goddard & friend
(Portland, Oregon, USA, 16" telescope, S=G steady) "Sudden
appearance of a white spot like a cloud of steam (in appearance
only), and in less than a minute it had spread in a NW
direction, until it almost reached the rim of the crater" NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #403. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 2009 May 03/10 UT23:20-00:11 P. Abel (Leicester, UK, 20cm reflector,
x312, seeing III-IV) observed that the north east wall was slightly
brighter than would have been expected, slightly blurred (not seeing
related blurring) and had a strong orange-brown colour. No spurious
colour seen elsewhere. A change in eyepieces showed the same effect. No
luck in alerting other observers. A drawing was made at 23:20UT and
finished at 00:12UT. At 23:12UT part of the inner NW floor had a dull
brown colour, whereas before it was grey.By 00:11UT the colour effect
was fading and by 00:18 seeing condirions were too bad to continue. M.
Cook (Mundesley, UK, 9cm Questar telescope, x80, x130, seeing III,
transparency moderate to good) had observed Tycho earlier in the
evening at 22:15UT, but had seen no signs of colour. W. Leatherbarrow
(Sheffield, UK, 8cm scope, high cloud interuptions and bad seeing) had
taken monochrome images at UT 20:07 and 20:10, but these showed nothing
unusual, and he checked the crater visually at 00:00-00:30, but
detected no colour, although the Moon's low altitude contibuted to poor
seeing conditions and some spurious colour was seen. CCD images from M.
Collins (Palmerston North, New Zealand) taken at 00:46UT showed
nocolour apart from spurious colour on contrasty edges, in no way
reflecting what was seen early by P. Abel. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Observer made a drawing over a period of 30 minutes. Upon
examining drawing, and comparing with photos made under
similar illumination was struck by the abnormality of a
a small white blob in the north east corner of the shadowed
floor. There should be no raised topography between the wall
and the central peaks that could give rise to this. The making
of the sketch overlapped with an earlier drawing made by Rony
de Laet (Belgium) which did not show this blob. Subsequent attempts
to find sketches/images at very similar illumination angles have
failed to show the blob in the north east corner of the chadowed
floor. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Birt 1955 Apr 15 UT 03:20-05:00 Observed by Capen (California
Seeing=Excellent) "Small craters between Birt & wall were invis. at
times under excellent seeing, while craterlets on w.side were
continually obs." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #586.
On 1990 Apr 04 at UT 21:30-21:50 B. LeFranc (France?) reported
observing a white flame effect in Copernicus crater (sketch made) -
though Foley comments that the actual location was east of the crater.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=398 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 1964 Nov 14 UT 01:00? Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 4" refractor?) "Peak on E. wall brilliant white,
strong blue band at inner base; on S. wall was a small, bright
red spot." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #864.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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 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.
On 1984 Jul 08 at UT 20:10-22:05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, seeing IV-V)
suspected that the floor of Proclus was slightly darker than normal.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=249 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1991 May 24 at UT 00:05-00:08 UT 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 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.
Plato 1968 May 07 UTC 20:48-21:05 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector x220) "Red color No. of landslip in W. wall seen
in blink & vis. Vanished by 2105h. Had not returned at 2125. (Moore has
wrong date in his extended catalog.)." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #1074.
South of Copernicus 1972 Feb 24 UT 19:30-20:00 Observed by McConnell
(England, 6" reflector, x195, seeing=good) "White spot just S. of Cop.
about same size as Copernicus H (@ 5km), (there is a bright area or mt.
SW of Cop. H)." NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID 1323.
On 1882 Jan 29 at UT 17:00-17:30 an unknown observer noted an unusual
shadow in Eudoxus crater. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=227 and the
weight=2. Reference: Sirius Vol 15, 167, 1882. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1969 May 26 UT 20:30-21:05 Observed by Farrant
(Cambridge, England, 8" reflector, x160, S=G) "Had misty
portion of SW(ast. ?) floor from 2030-2105h at which time it
was gone. Clearly seen, had ill-defined boundaries & was an
easy obj. to see. Alt.=33 deg. (Apollo 10 watch)." NASA
catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID No. 1148. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1989 Jul 13 UT 21:04-21:13 Observed by M.Cook (Frimley, UK,
90mm Quastar Cat., Seeing III, transoparency hazy) and by Moore
(Selsey, England) "Following an alert call by Miles concerning the
crater Proclus looking different, Cook observed a circular dark patch
that filled about half of the eastern half of the crater floor. To cut
down the glare a blue filter was then used and a slightly less dark
area was seen extending from this in a southerly direction. 8 rays were
seen. The dark patch was confirmed by Patrick Moore. However David
Darling (USA) who observed a few hours later on 1989 Jul 14 at 03:28 UT
could not see this dark patch." BAA Lunar Section observation. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=370 and weight=?. The ALPO/BAA weight=2
Scarcely a trace of nebulae tonight. As long as to June 10 at
2000UT? A little blackness remained. (P. Moore thinks it
was a LTP, WSC it was a permanent feature?) Drawing. Seen
by Nevelius Emmett, J. Boroughbridge, England. The 2006
Extension catalog by Cameron assigns an ID No. of 4 and a
weight of 1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A.S.Williams of West Brighton, UK, using a 5.25" Calver, x150 and
definition fairly good. Observer noticed that the Mare seemed covered
with a close network of innumerable streaks, and spotted with countless
numbers of light specks, so that it would hardly be possible to
delineate them all in one night. The spots and streaks together must
have numbered ~1000. The observer had never seen anything like the
number of spots and streaks. Peirce A, was not at all easy to see and
neighboring spots almost as bright made it difficult to distinguish
which one was Peirce A. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Gassendi 1967 Jun 18 UT 22:50-23:59 Observed by Whippey
(Northalt, England, 6" reflector?) "Faint redness outside NE &
SE wall of crater." Moore (10" Armagh refractor, x360) was
observing earlier 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.
Posidonius 1952 Jul 03 UT 19:13-19:27 Observed by Dzaplashvili,
Ksanforalif, Negrelishvili (Georgia, Soviet Union, 13" reflector,
polarimeter, S=clear) "Making polariz. mess. of it. Aristotles.
Eudoxus. & Aristillus. only Pos. gave higher rdgs. & oscillated while
others gave repeatedly same results. 40 other times Pos. was normal.
Never had seen such behavior Table gives deflections. Obs. repeated 2X
Obs. from 1843-1947h." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog
ID #552. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Aristrachus 1966 Jul 29 UT 03:40 Observed by Simmons (Jacksonville, FL,
USA, 6" reflector x192, S=7, T=4-5) and Corralitos Observatory (Organ
Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector + Moonblink) "Spot on S.wall vis. only in
red filter, brightness 8deg. Slightly brighter than surrounding wall.
No confirm. Says it might be part that reflected better. Not confirmed
by Corralitos Obs. MB." NASA catalog ID #968. NASA catalog weight=1
(very low).
Aristarchus 1975 Dec 14/15 UT 17:05-00:30 Observed by Foley
(Dartford, England, 12" reflector, S=II) and Moore (Sussex,
UK, 15" reflector x250 S=IV) and Argent and Brumder (Sussex,
UK). In early sunrise conditions, W. wall was less brilliant
than usual -- matched only by Sharp, Bianchini, & Marian.
Extraordinary detail could be seen on this wall. Also noted
intense & distinctly blue color entire length of W. wall. 3
others corroborated detail, but not color. Moore found things
normal & saw Aris. brightest at 2030-2125h tho Argent &
Brumder made it < Proclus" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catlog
ID #1422. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1938 Mar 13 at UT 04:00-06:00 Barker (Chestnut, England, UK) noted a
slight reddish colour in Plato. However Fox (Newark, UK, 6.5"
reflector, x240) saw none on the south east wall, but instead saw a
yellowish glow on the southern floor at the same time (confirmation?).
Appearently Fox saw the same effect on Apr 10, 11, and May 8-11, then
on June 8-10. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=432 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1989 May 17 at UT Fabian (Chicago, IL, USA, 4" reflector, x35-x50
and 8" reflector) noted a pale blue colouration in the ridges situated
west of Aristarchus and north of Herodotus craters, in the vicinity of
the terminator (and on the night side). Aristarchus itself did not have
any colour. Īt was only area with such color though there were numerous
others of similar elevation and relation to term. The colour was seen
in a 4" Cassegrain telescope, but when an 8" reflector was used at
02:30UT, even with the same eyepieces. Cameron comments that maybe the
larger telescope spread the colour out? The sketch that Fabian
suplied, suggested to Cameron that the TLP was located at Herodotus,
and the ridge was part of Schroter's valley - Cobra Head. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=364 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
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.
Two small conical mountains, near last 4th May eruption,
close to the third one that he had seen before, but not
these two. They were not on any map.
SE of Langrenous 1947 Aug 28 UT 21:00? Observed by Baum
(Chester, England) A long mountain mass, on limb to the SE of
Langrenus crater, had a decidedly bluish cast. To the north, on
the limb, were several ordinary peaks appearing in profile and
some were sharp and pointed. NASA catalog ID=498. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1950 Jul 27 UT 02:56 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "C.p. of Proc.
disappeared)" 5" reflector used at x100, NASA catalog weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1962 Dec 09 at UT 07:36 Wildey and Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector) observed that Oceanus Procellarum was 1.13 magnitudes
brighter than normal. Observation at sunrise and is abnormal if area
measured was mare. If it were an east facing wall it would be normal.
The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1963 Oct 30 UT 01:50-02:15 Observed by Greenacre and
Barr (Flagstaff, AZ, USA, 24" Clark Refractor) observed 2 ruby
red spots - one just to the SW of the cobra's Head and the other
on a highland area east of Vallis Schroteri. A pink colour
formed coverting the SW rim of Aristarchus. Effects present with
or without Yellow Wratten 15 filer. Similar effects checked for
elsewhere on other craters but not seen. So presumed not to have
been due to chromatic aberation or astmospheric dispersion.
Effecta not seen in 12" refractor, but this may have been a
resolution issue. The NASA catalog ID No. is #778. The NASA
catalog weight is 5 (highly reliable). ALPO/BAA weight=4.
In 1962 Dec 09 at UT 07:42 Wildey and Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector) observed that Aristarchus was 0.80 magnitudes (x2) fainter
than average for this age (photometric measurement) Vmag=3.80, average=
3.0. The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Feb 16 at UT 01:05-01:35 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 12.5"
reflector, seeing=III) found the north rim area to be both very
bright and misty - though he did not think it to be a TLP but
wanted it to be recorded, just in case. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=440 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Herodotus 1950 Jul 27 UT 03:56 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "Pseudo
c.p. in Herod. Drawings. (Similar to NASA catalog event #523)"
5" reflector used at x100, NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1970 Apr 18 UT 20:14 Observed by MacKenzie
(UK,2.5" refractor x45, seeing Antoniadi I) "Fairly strong blink
in a spot 1/2 way between the 2 craters. Drawing (Apollo 13
watch). NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1257. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Torricelli B 2002 Oct 18 UTC 20:56-21:59 Observer: G.North (UK, 8"
reflector, x134, Seeing Antoniadi IV, Transparency good) - thought that
Torricelli B was perhaps a little brighter than expected, especially
when compared to Moltke and Censorinus based upon past recollection of
relative brightnesses at this colongitude). Slight bluish tint seen as
well. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus and Cobra Head 1966 Jul 30 UT 06:35-07:29 Observers Ariola
and Cross (Whittier, CA, USA). NASA catalog states: "S. part of Cobra
Head nr. Herodotus was a red spot; also nr. Aris. & the fork of
Schroter's Valley. Variations in phenom. color, 1st on S. rim of Aris.,
later on N. rim. Drawings". 19" x390 reflector used. NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog TLP ID No. #959. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1975 Feb 23 at UT 18:00-00:24 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12 inch
reflector, seeing Good), noticed that Aristarchus was a slate-grey
tinged with blue, and abnormally bright, fading at UT 18:47, and
decreased activity at UT20:45 after a cloudy period. Blue was seen on
the northern wall at UT19:00, but at 19:10 no colour, but instead an
obscuration. All normal from UT 21:04-21:46 according to Foley. At
UT19:00 G. Amery (Reading, UK, 10 inch reflector) noted shadowy grey
near the shadow under the south wall, indistinct small area, no colour.
At UT 20:00 activity increased. Colour negative fr. 150-300x till 21:10
(Hunt, Cambridge, UK, 2.5" refractor, seeing Poor-Very good). Negative
fr. 20:20-21:00 in bad seeing, and very good seeing at 200x all
negative (colour blink filters). From 23:45-00:20UT (Fitton,
Lancashire, UK, 8" reflector). Turner of Sussex, UK with an 8"
reflector, observed as well. (confirm. of activity earlier & neg.
later). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1397 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1963 Oct 30 UT 05:00-08:00 Observed by Greenacre and
Barr (Flagstaff, AZ, USA, 24" Clark Refractor) a violet or
purple-blue colour formed beyond the NW of Aristarchus. ALPO/BAA
weight=2. This followed an earlier observation that night of two
red spots and a pink glow.
On 1981 Oct 11 at UT 00:05-02:00 B.Hobdell (St Petersberg, FL, USA, 4"
refractor, S=3 and T=5) observed a brightening on the floor of Plato. 4
bright spots appeared and vanished and there was a fith one in the
centre that was very bright at times. At UT 00:14 the central spot
became bright then was "followed by a haze permeating entire floor,
heaviest in the northern quadrant. Came from 2 S peaks or white spots,
shaped like a boomerang extending to presumed c.p. (c.c ?). White
flashed at 0052 from it cloud changed shape - spread N. At 0136
brightening from c.c. area 0419 dissipated. All white spots seen at
0200. Its outer flanks seen clearly the whole time". The above is
quoted from the Cameron 2006 catalog ID=155 and weight=3. 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=3.
In 1959 Nov (Day unknown) at UT 21:15-22:15 Bradford (South Shields,
UK, 15" reflector, x480) observed in Plato: "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.
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.
On 1989 Jun 17 at UT 06:33-07:16 R. Manske (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) sketched a nebulous spot near to Herodotus crater that at
06:49 (when he tried some filters out) was visile through red, blue and
yellow filters, though it was slightly fainter through the red filter.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=366 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1963 Oct 30 UTC 22:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK)
observed a 30% enhancement at 540nm in the spectra of
Aristarchus. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID No. is 778 and weight
is 5. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 because Oct 30 is not mentioned in
Cameron's refernce.
In 1963 Oct 30 UT 22:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK) observed a
30% enhancement at 540nm in the spectra of Copernicus. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID No. is 778 and weight is 5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1 because Oct 30 is not mentioned in the ref
that Cameron give's to Scarfe's paper.
On 1789 Jan 10 at UT 00:00 Seyffer (Germany) observed "a lunar
volcano". Cameron comments that this must have been bright as it was
near full Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=56 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 Nov 10 at UT 07:54-08:22 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor and filters, seeing=2-3 and transparency=5) observed a
blue light at the Cobra's Head, near Aristarchus, that fell back down
to a normal brightness of 7. although the west wall (his point D) went
down to 6.5 (this was 8 back on Oct 5). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=158
and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1972 Feb 27 UT 23:15-00:10 Observed by A.Kemp (Cheshire,
UK, 8.5" reflector x286) "Suspicion of blink between Gass. c.p. &
Gass A. Clouds prevented confirm. Hedley-Robinson didn't see
anything unusual earlier (20:00-20:20)." Note that the duration
of the event, or indeed precise UT at which it was seen is not
given. NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #1324. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1891 Sep 16 at UT 19:00? Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Dense clouds of vapor apparently rising from its bottom and pouring
over its SW wall torrds Herodotus. He says no activity till day after
sunrise & ceases a few days before sunset. (Part of an extensive
observing of only a few features under all aspects of lighting.
Drawings and Phtos obtained." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=269 and weight=1.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1985 Sep 27 at UT 20:55 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK) found that the
brightness of Torricelli B varied and starlike points seen in the
crater. There is no Cameron 2006 catalog entry for this TLP report. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Interior bands were faint at 22:40 but sharper at 23:20.
Observer noted some blue spurious colour to the north of
Aristarchus but this had gone by 23:50.
Observer noted some variability in the brightness of Moltke
and Torricelli B. This observation has an ALPO/BAA weight of 3.
Observer noted some variability in the brightness of
Torricelli B and Moltke. This observation has an
ALPO/BAA TLP weight of 3.
Aristarchus 1975 Feb 24 UTC 18:00-23:30 Observers (all in UK): Foley
(Kent, 12" reflector), Gannon (Middlesex, 6" reflector), Peters (Kent,
8" reflector), Farrant (Cambridge, 8" reflector), Turner (Sussex, 8"
reflector), Fitton (Lancashire, 8" reflector) - "(Foley) 1800h -- slate
gray bluish on all of crater; blue at 1816h, fading at 1835h, no color
on floor. At 1949h brillinance reduced, eyepiece tested at 1959h with
result of elong. gray blur & afterward activity at reduced light level.
Blue again at 2013h. (Gannon) at 1851h saw red tint on S.rim (instru.),
neg. in white & filter lite till 2000h, (Peters) at S=P had impression
of large faint blink on S.side, diffuse till 2000h, then seeing
improved & saw darkish patch on S.wall -- darker in blue than red.
Craters on limb were normal to 2017h, neg. at 2058h & 2130h, (Farrant)
at 2000h, normal. At 2053h color in small area to W. of W. wall.
(Turner) at 2230h-2300h got neg. (Fitton) at 2330h got neg. in white,
seeing too poor for filters. Fitton & Farrant think obs. due to atm.
effects. (activity earlier & none later confirmed)." NASA catalog
weight= 5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #1398.
On 1983 Aug 22 at UT 05:44-06:33 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3"refractor, x150) found the brightness of Aristarchus (diffuse white
patch) to be 7 to 7.5 but apparently it is normally 8-8.5, so fainter
than normal. Another brightness reading found "brightening then nearly
extinction at S. wall similar to changes seen on Eimmart before.
Watched fluctuation compared to Cobra Head, they were similar but more
pronounced at Aristarchus" especially in blue light compared to red
(although there was a little brightness in red). Timings of these
fluctuations were 7sec, 7sec, 9-10sec and 9-10sec. The latter two might
have been seeing related as the crater enlarged up at these times. The
observer felt that the Cobra Head appeared fainter than the previous
year and had faded during the second set of brightness measurements.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=227 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Aug 22 at UT05:44-06:33 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor, x150) found that Mons Piton was still brighter in red light
than in blue - the opposite was found in his July observations. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=227 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 Oct 12 at UT 00:00?(?) B.W. Chapman (12cm refractor,
Seeing II, transparency poor, Kingston-Upon-Thames, UK) found
that Mons Pico was brighter in red light than in blue.
Aristarchus for comparison was the same brightness in both
filters. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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 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.
Aristarchus 1966 Aug 01 UT 00:50-01:20 Observers: Moore,
Moseley, Corvan (N.Ireland, 10" refractor) - "Eng. moon blink
detected color (red?) on SW wall. Tel. link got other vis.
confirm, & also another moon blink."NASA catalog ID=#960,
weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1983 Oct 20 at UT23:40 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) observed that
Aristarchus was brighter than normal (as measured with a CED) and much
more so that Censorinus, Menelaus, and Proclus craters (in turn).
Cameron comments that Moore is a very experienced observer. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=231 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1965 Sep 10 UT 04:08-04:38 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector x130, x180, S=4, T=3) "S.region of floor
granulated, 7 deg bright, very faint brownish tinge; rest of crater 8
deg bright white (confirm. of Presson?)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #892.
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.
On 1977 Mar 04 at UT 20:55-21:18 JH Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
26cm reflector, x200, Wratten 25 and 44a filters, seeing steady,
transparency varies from fair to very poor and cloud eventually halted
observations). Copernicus was very indistinct. All other features
examined were normal. This is a BAA Lunar Section observation. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1977 Mar 04 at UT 20:55-21:18 JH Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
26cm reflector, x200, Wratten 25 and 44a filters, seeing steady,
transparency varies from fair to very poor and cloud eventually halted
observations). The floor of Fracastorius is significantly brighter in a
red filter than in a blue filter. This is a BAA Lunar Section
observation. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 May 09 at UT08:24-08:28 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
reflector, x150, Clears sky) noticeed in Promontorium Agarum (Cape
Agarum), that at 08:24UT the west point (C) dimmed to a brightness of
6.5 before ragaining its normal brightness at 7. Cameron comments that
these are wedge measurements equivalent to 0.5 steps in Elger's
brightness scale. No other effects noticed elsewhere. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=404 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1977 Jan 04 at 16:25-17:30 Kozyrev (Pulkovo Observatory, Crimea,
Ukraine, Soview Union) "Observed unusual processes on moon. Activity in
progress at beginning of obs. Still vis. at 1710, gone at 1730h.
Latharn & colleagues found no seismic activity at that timeunder a
quick look". The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 and ID=1460. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1938 Jan 16 at UT 00:00 Barker (Chestnut, England, UK, 12.5"
reflector) noticed that Plato crater had a brownish-gold veined
surface, colour irregular - laid on a smooth floor. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=430 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1976 Feb 14 at UT23:35-0053 LeCroy (Springfield, VA, USA, 4.5"
reflector, x75, S=6 and T=4.5). A blue haze was seen on the east side
of Aristarchus and red haze on the west side. At 00:00UT details were
more clear and at 00:24UT Aristarchus and Herodotus, were seperated. At
00:34UT colours were gone. At 00:35UT blue was on Aristarchus and the
area was bright, but was black in a red filter. At 00:53UT the features
were clear and the colour gone and the brightness had decreased to 9.
Cameron comments that the colour was not due to temp. inversion because
of being dark in the red filter, implying a medium). The Cameron 1978
catalog TLP ID is 1428 and the weight=1. This is an ALPO report. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1996 Dec 24/25 at 18:12-00:02UT P. Moore (Selsey, UK, using a 15"
reflector x250-360, and seeing III) saw a strong orange colour on the
south wall and floor of Aristarchus. He suspected it to be spurious
colour but could not detect colours on any other craters. The colour
remained but at 18:12 UT he suspected a trace on colour on Mons Pico
but was not sure. However he reported it to the TLP coordinator of the
BAA Lunar Section. The orange in Aristarchus gradually faded and had
almost vanished by 00:20UT when seeing was too bad to continue
observing. At 02:30UT he was able to re-observe again and there was
still a very very slight hint of orange in Aristarchus - but he
comments that if he had not been looking for it he might not have
noticed. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1985 Sep 28 UTC 20:54-23:52 P.W. Foley (Suffolk, UK) found (actually
before 20:54 UT) brightness variance in Torricelli B. J.D. Cook
(Frimley, UK) observed a brief blue coloured patch somewhere in the
Torricelli B region, but could not pin it down precisely. At 22:50UT
M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, 30cm reflector, seeing III - occasionally V,
transparency moderate to good) Found the crater to have an elongated
appearance (in SSW-NNE direction) in white light, similar to the
previous night. A bright elongated spot was seen on the NNE floor,
close to where the wall should be. Not able to define the rim. There
was a very dark surrounding area to the crater, similar to what it was
on the previous night (roughly 1/4 brightness of Censorinus). 23:04UT
brighter in yellow, then red, then blue. At 23:10 it was seen that blue
filter dulled the crater - this was odd because both Censorinus and
Proclus were brighter in blue, which is what he would normally expect.
At23:15 UT Censorinus was brighter in blue, then yellow then red
filters and some orange spurious colour seen to the south of
Censorinus. At 23:23UT no spurious colour seen on Proclus or
Censorinus. 23:46UT Torricelli B elongated as before, but a very faint
ray might have been seen to the south west of the rim. This report is
not in the 2006 Cameron catalog. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1966 Aug 01 UT 06:14 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 8" reflector x300) The wall from the S to the NNE wouldn't
focus well though at least 4 craterlets on the floor were
clearly seen (Ricker uncertain if real TLP. Cameron thinks it
probably was -- similar to Bartlett's experience on Aris. NASA
catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #961. 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.
On 1898 Apr 06 atUT 23:00 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass, USA, 15"
refractor?) observed in Schroter's valley and it's vicinity "Variations
in vapor col. Crater E now most conspicuous instead of C which is now
least conspic., but not covered with vapor. (in drawing 2 gaps show,
time est. fr. given ol. ". The cameron 1978 catalog ID=298 and weight=
3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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 02 at UT 00:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK) observed a spectral
line dpeth anomaly? The cameron 1978 catalog ID=780 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1980 Sep 24 at UT 21:13-23:50 P.Moore (Selsey, UK) at 22:45 saw loss
of detail in the north west wall, especially in red light, but also
slightly in blue light too. By 22:48 there was activity on the crater
floor i.e. the four bright spots were visible in white light but not in
red. In blue the central spot was seen and there were dark radial
streaks to the south wall and south east. At 22:50 there was a loss of
detail. Other craters were normal. At 23:08 the floor was dark in red,
but some details were visible in blue. the effect had finished by
23:35. At21:34 J-H Robinson found Plato to be normal and no blinks,
though floor clearer in red than in blue, however the floor detail had
gone by 21:57. Blair suspected a dusty patch in north of Plato,
especially in red light. at 21:57 and it started spreading at 21:13,
then east at 21:15 and then north. Though it faded at 21:25 but was
back again at 21:35, and Moon blink colour filters still gave a
reaction at 21:50 - the TLP remained strong until 23:50UT. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=110 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
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. The Cameron catalog says that Moore
saw something between 23:30 and 03:00, but it is not clear
what exactly, or whether it was Copernicus, Kepler, or
Aristarchus? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=779 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 1980 Sep 24 at UT21:34 J-J. Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK, 10"
reflector, x200, seeing=III) found, using a Moon Blink device, that
Fracastorius blinked on the northern side in the red filter. Cameron
2006 catalog ID=110 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1993 Mar 08 at UT 22:30 R. Titford (England, UK, 8.5" reflector,
seeing=III) found a very bright white area on the northern wall, "floor
< Mare Imbrium". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=456 and weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1938 Jan 17 Barker (Chestnut, England, UK, 12.5" reflector)
noticed that Plato crater had a brownish-gold veined surface,
colour irregular - laid on a smooth floor. It had extended
further E than on the previous night. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 15 UTC 19:10-22:15 Observed by Foley (UK) -
Colouration seen - violet spot on north west interior. There was no
colour on the crater floor from 19:10-20:05, but suddenly the floor
colour changed to a slate blue-grey colour from 20:05-21:45UT. Colour
was not detected elsewhere. CED brightness measurements taken - these
were normal for Proclus, Mons Pico, Mons Piton and Tycho, but for
showed that Aristarchus varied in brightness. Crater Extinction Device
(CED) used. Seeing Antoniadi III, Transparancy Fair.
Mare Crisium 1948 Jul 21/22 UT 22:00?-01:00? Observed by Moore
(England, 12" reflector) "Almost featureless except for Peirce &
Picard" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #506. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1981 Dec 12 at UT 00:31 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK) saw some flashes
between Plato and Mons Pico. The cameron 2006 catalog ID=160 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1965 Sep 11 UT 08:08-08:15 Observed by Cross,Rasor (Parlos
Verdes, CA, USA, 22" reflector x133, S=F-P) "Red glows,. Photos
obtained but do not show phenom. Haze terminated obs." NASA catalog
weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #894.
Plato 1966 Aug 02 UT 06:26 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA, USA, 8"
reflector x300) "Again E(IAU?) wall would not focus" NASA catalog
weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #962.
On 1891 Sep 18 at UT 21:00 Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column. Drawings. Time estimated from given
colongitude)." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=271 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 1921 Nov 15? UT 20:00? Observed by Chernov (Russia, 2" refractor
x94) "Temporary increase in brightness of the light band at bottom
noted close to FM. Crater actively noted in Oct. 10." NASA catalog
weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #384.
E. of Pytheas in M. Imbrium 1970 Jun 19/20 UTC 23:54-00:23 Observed by
Sendor-Mark (Szolnok, Hungary, 4" reflector x 200) "Bright spot nr.
Timocharis (on E. Copernican ray?) decreased slowly for next 8min 19
sec. At 00:11:05 flared up. After 2nd decreasing, brightened again at
00:25:54 after which no variablity. Event was star-like < 3km. No
events on 21st." NASA catalog weight=2 (poor). NASA catalog ID=#1262.
Aristarchus 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.
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.
Aristarchus 1969 May 03 UTC 07:00? Observed by Smith, Gallivan
(Corralitos Observatory, Organ Pass, NM, 24" reflector, photos) "Bluing
around crater. Visible on monitor, but immeasurable in photos" NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1125
On 1898 Apr 07 at UT 22:30 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass, USA, 15"
refractor?) observed in Schroter's valley and it's vicinity "Variations
in vapor col. Lge. gap in main column near edge of C. Gap not
previously seen, but fine lines crossing it had. E is still most
conspic. (time est. fr. col. given)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=298
and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1983 Oct 22 UT 22:00 G.W. Amery, (Reading, UK, Seeing
III-IV) found Aristrachus so bright that the CED was unable to
give a reading. The crater's interior was also diffuse in
appearance. The Cameron 2008 catalog ID=232 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1989 Jun 20 UT 0628-06:58 R. Manske (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) discovered blue on the north west inner wall and red on the
south east outer wall. At 05:39 he could see the blue but not the red.
No colour was detected on Tycho, but he thought that he could detect a
pinkish colouration over the whole Moon. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
367 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Sep 25 atUT 20:20-22:14 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15"? reflector,
seeing=III) found that Mons Pico was bright and had a reddish glow to
its south west. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=111 and weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Sep 25 at UT20:20-22:14 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) noticed that the
central craterlet was more visible in red than in blue. There was also
a streak on the floor that was "shifted to S & W." The floor was dark
and Mons Pico was bright. Peters found Plato's floor (and central
craterlet) to be dark, and darker in blue than in red, however he was
suffereing from spurious colour at his observing site. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=111 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Sep 25 at UT 20:20-22:14 Peters (Kent,UK, x240 and x120,
seeing=III) observed Proclus to have an orange tint, however there was
a lot of spurious colour in the area. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=111
and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
2004 Aug 31 UT 22:30-22:35 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK) looked at Gassendi
and noted a slight chestnut brown colouration in the dark area on the
crater floor to the north of the central mountain leading to Gassendi
A. It lasted for about two minutes during 22-30 hrs UT to about 22-35
hrs UT (observer unable be more precise). Used 60mm OG x120. Seeing
quite steady trans good. Checked Gassendi again at 23hrs UT to 23-05.
No sign of colour. Also area mentioned earlier seemed lighter now. No
colour on Aristarchus. Plato floor dark -no sign of craterlets. Seeing
good with just slight tremor. Trans good 60mm OG x120 used. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
East of Picard (56E, 15N) 1877 May 29 UT 00:30 Observed by an unknown
observer (in England?) "Bright spot. (nr. sunset, should normally be
faint? as in Kuiper atlas where it is invisible.)" NASA catalog weight=
3. NASA catalog ID #191.
Plato 1965 Sep 12 UT 05:00 Observed by McCord (Mt Wilson
Observatort, CA, USA, 60" reflector+spectrometer) "line depth
ratios in spectra a/b (H), c/d (K) were abnormally high compared
with 23 other areas, but not quite as pronounced as other areas
on other dates." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID 895. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Mare Crisium 1973 Mar 20 UT ~19:55 Robinson (Devon, UK) patches
clearer in a red filter than in a blue filter. This is
unlikely to be a TLP, more likley something to do with effects
in our atmosphere, but is worth checking out, just in case.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 16 UTC 19:40-19:45. Observer: Mark Kidger (UK, 6"
refractor x40, x133, x200, seeing poor-boiling) - saw the north wall of
Aristarchus to be an electric blue. No spurious colour was seen in
other craters (despite the conditions). No other observers were able to
confirm this due to the weather. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1975 Dec ?? at 19:00UT P.W.Foley (Kent, UK), and possibly P. Moore?
(Selsey, UK) - unusual events were reported which might have been due
to minor structral changes. Albedo=76% (=7.6?). Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1425 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1975 Dec 19 UT 22:45 Observed by Foley (Kent, England)
"Suspected anomaly in it", NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #1424.
On 1975 Dec 19 at UT22:45 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) suspected an anomaly in
Aristarchus. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=1424 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1975 Feb 27 at UT21:26-23:32 P.W. Foley (Wilmington, Dartford, Kent,
U.K., 12" reflector) picked up a colour Moonblink blink (brighter in
blue) in Plato crater at 21:36, 22:15 and 23:32UT extended from 11 - 3
o'clock along entire area inside the crater - the effect was
particularly diffuse and obscure, despite the surrounding localities
being sharp. The effect was seen visually and was continuous. A check
was made on star images and these were found to be very sharp and not
pulsating, thuis indicating good atmospheric conditions. This is a BAA
Lunar Section report. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato - Hibbard (Orlando, FL, USA, 2.5 inch refractor, NASA
catalog quotes: "Whole crater had a bluish tinge, (photos
obtained but out-of-focus -- chrom. aberr?" - NASA catalog
weight=1, NASA catalog ID 903. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1975 Feb 27/28 UT 22:00-01:00 Observers: Robinson
(Teignmouth, England - 10" reflector), Fitton (Lancashire, England -
8" reflector), Amery (Reading, England - 8" reflector), Mills
Observatory (Dundee, Scotland, 10" reflector) - NASA catalog states:
"Robinson at 2200h got blink on E.wall, stong at 200x till 2225h.
(Fitton) at 2200h (moon low) at 200x saw vivid blue to N., vivid yellow
& orange to S. in Aris., Proc., Menelaus, & many other bright craters
til 2300h. Then Aris. less blue & mare obj. no colors. No blinks in
these craters. No obscur. Polariz. normal till 2330h using many
rotations. At 2330h Aris. blue in N. but fainter. Only Proc. remained
blue till 0020h (28th). Photo-electric scan at 2340h was normal for
Aris. (600 microamps) compared with Tycho (900 microamps), total of 10
scans. all neg. with 15km resolution. Blink neg. but blue still vis. in
N. in white light till 0030h. At 0100h (S=III at 200x) Proc. clear of
blue, Aris. nearly clear, blink neg. (Amery) at 2310h saw blue on N.rim
of Aris., no color in other craters at 300x. No blink in Aris. S. part
of Aris. indistinct but abnormal. No blink till 2350h. (Mills
Observatory) at 0000h checking rep'ts got blink in S.part of Aris. Blue
only in N.part. Similar blue in bright craters in E.hemisphere & blue
halo on S.limb till 0020h. Concluded due to optical effects. Fitton
says due to atm. effects from high press. sys. W. of obs (blue on one
rim & red on other due to chrom. aberr. ? If spurios, should get no
blink & similar crater conditions should exhibit same phenomena all
over Moon). NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog TLP ID No.
1400. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1975 Feb 27/28 UTC 22:00-01:00 Observers: (Fitton) at 2200h
(moon low) at 200x saw vivid blue to N., vivid yellow & orange to S. in
Aris., Proc., Menelaus, & many other bright craters til 2300h. Then
Aris. less blue & mare obj. no colors. No blinks in these craters. No
obscur. Polariz. normal till 2330h using many rotations. Only Proc.
remained blue till 0020h (28th). Photo-electric scan at 2340h was
normal for Aris. (600 microamps) compared with Tycho (900 microamps),
total of 10 scans. all neg. with 15km resolution. Blink neg. but blue
still vis. in N. in white light till 0030h. At 0100h (S=III at 200x)
Proc. clear of blue, Aris. nearly clear, blink neg. Concluded due to
optical effects. Fitton says due to atm. effects from high press. sys.
W. of obs (blue on one rim & red on other due to chrom. aberr. ? If
spurious, should get no blink &similar crater conditions should exhibit
same phenomena all over Moon). NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA
catalog TLP ID No. #1400.
Aristarchus (Bartlett, 1965 Oct 12 UTC 02:15-20:25, 5 inch
reflector x280) - NASA catalog quotes "Nimbus was only a dark
violet hue". NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #904.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 Jun 21 at UT07:03-07:27, R. Manske (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 1
"refractor) found the colours pink and blue on Aristarchus, like the
previous day, however this time there was also an orange tinge on the
"back"" (North?) rim of Sinus Iridum and the same too on mare Crisium,
all the way past Plato, in the direction of Cassini. This colour was
not seen at higher magnifications. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=368 and
the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 Jun 21 at UT 07:03-07:27 R. Manske (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) saw orange on Cassini all the way past Mare Imbrium edge,
Plato etc - maybe atm. At high power (8mm eyepiece) & no filter. Saw no
hint of color (due to smearing at high power?)." The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=368 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 Jun 21 at UT 07:03-07:27 R. Manske (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) saw orange on Mare Imbrium edge all the way past Plato upto
Cassini - maybe atm. At high power (8mm eyepiece) & no filter. Saw no
hint of color (due to smearing at high power?)." The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=368 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 Jun 21 at UT 07:03-07:27 R. Manske (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) saw orange on Plato all the way past Mare Imbrium edge upto
Cassini - maybe atm. At high power (8mm eyepiece) & no filter. Saw no
hint of color (due to smearing at high power?)." The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=368 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 Jun 21 at UT 07:03-07:27 R. Manske (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) saw orange on the north? wall of Sinus Iridum and over a
large part of the north of Mare Imbrium - "maybe atm. At high power
(8mm eyepiece) & no filter. Saw no hint of color (due to smearing at
high power?)." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=368 and the weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1963 Nov 04 at UT 00:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK) observed a spectral
line dpeth anomaly? The cameron 1978 catalog ID=781 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Plato 1965 Sep 13 UTC 05:40 McCord (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector with spectragraph) - "Line depth ratio in spectra a/b (H),
c/d (K) were abnormally high compared with 23 other areas, but not
quite as pronounced as other areas on other dates." NASA catalog
weight=5 (very high), NASA catalog ID #895.
Plato 1971 Apr 13 UT 03:30-04:30 W. Cameron (Greenbelt, MD,
USA, 36" reflector & 6" grating) "spectrum obtained showed an
extra absorption line at 4908+/-4A & possibly another. No other
of 6 spectra of other features on the plate show it. No other of
20 spectra of Plato, including another on the same nite show it.
Further reduction & analysis remain to be done." NASA weight=5.
NASA catalog ID=#1291. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Aristarchus 1987 June 14 UT 04:43-08:00 Observed by Curtis, Jacobs, and
Manske (Yanna Research Station, Carl A. Fosmark Jr. Memorial
Observatory, Madison Astronomical Society, WI, USA, 17" f4.5 Dobsonian
and the 8" f10 SCT Celestron) "On the night 13/14 June 11:42 P.M. to
3:00 A.M. local time or 14 June 04:43 to 8:00 UT. Three people
witnessed this event and all three of them observed with three
different telescopes to rule out instrumental aberration. These three
pople were members of the Madison Astronomical. The three observers
involved are Keith Curtis, Tom Jacobs and Robert Manske. Keith Curtis
took detailed notes of the event as he observed it. The observations
were made at the Yanna Research Station, Carl A. Fosmark Jr.
Memorial Observatory of the Madison Astronomical Society following the
annual picnic. This is MAS dark sky site and is located near Brooklyn,
Wisconsin. As they were observing the night sky they saw the Moon
rising and noted a strong orange color due to atmospheric effects.
Approximately 1/2 hour after the Moon rise they decided to turn one of
the telescopes on it. It was at 04:43 UT, it was noted by Keith Curtis
that as the Moon rose it began to loose the horizon color effect and
return to its normal color, but he found that the red color was not
leaving the crater Aristarchus. At first they all thought this was an
atmospheric effect but decided it was a real event since they detected
a second crater (Euler) showing red color on its rim. Keith Curtis
said that the red color was very strong on the Western rim of
Aristarchus with a strong blue/green or aqua green on the Eastern rim.
Keith also reported that the glow opaque enough to prevent viewing of
the interior of crater Aristarchus. He said they observed until 3:00
A.M. daylight saving time or 8:00 UT. and the red glow was still
visible when they ended their observing session. Robert Manske
description of the event was that he saw two craters glowing a strong
red and blue giving it a rainbow effect. He said that the red glow was
so strong he was unable to see the craters underneath during the entire
observing session. Concerning the orientation of the red and blue was
on the crater he stated that he did not remember since he failed to
take any notes. Concerning whether there was any difference in
appearance when they observed it with the 17" f4.5 Dobsonian and the
8" f10 SCT Celestron. He said that he could not detect any difference
to the lunar formation or the color on it regardless of which telescope
he used. He did mention that as the Moon was rising it had the
appearance of one large Maria in the center of the disk. This illusion
disappeared as the Moon rose higher into the sky. When talking to Tom
Jacobs he said that he remembered that he did not see anything on the
Moon until 1/2 hour after Moon rise. He said that he remembered that
the entire Aristarchus region had a strong reddish or pinkish color.
All three witness all reported variations in the type of color they
were seeing. This would indicate that individuals color perception is a
major factor during a color event. Keith Curtis saw a very strong
coloration around the rim of the craters, where Robert Manske saw the
entire region covered by this red and blue coloration and he could not
see the interior of the craters underneath. Tom Jacobs reported that
the glow covered the entire crater but he could see the crater
underneath it. The Moon never achieved a height greater than 21 degrees
so it could be that what the observers saw was caused by the Earths
atmosphere. Further details can be found on the following web site:
http://www.ltpresearch.org/ltpreports/ltp19870614.htm " ALPO
observational report. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=303 and
weight 5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1965 Sep 13 UTC 07:20 McCord (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector with spectragraph) - "Line depth ratio in spectra a/b (H),
c/d (K) were abnormally high compared with 23 other areas, but not
quite as pronounced as other areas on other dates." NASA catalog
weight=5 (very high), NASA catalog ID #895.
On 1993 Dec 31 at UT 05:00-07:40 S. Beaumont (Cambridge, UK, 12"
reflector) "saw a patch of hazy light to NW (from c.p. alpha) at 0550
craters B & J shadow of alpha had not reached E wall yet, but at 0536
it did. Alpha > at 0550. Craters B & J to SE had faded, vanished at
0630. Hazy patch remained around peak, alpha low mainly to NE like a
comet's tail. Slightly reddish fringe to E wall. (shown in sketch)".
The above has been quoted in full from the Cmeron catalog because the
catalog desription is slightly ambiguous and any attempted summary
might make the description more unreliable. The cameron 2006 catalog
ID=470 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Feb 21 at 03:00-03:55UT C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 3" refractor
x116, seeing II) found that Janssen K was very bright. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=441 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Cassini/Tycho 1995 Jan 19 UTC 04:35 Observer: R.Livesey (UK) - Tycho
appears brighter than Cassini bright spot in red filter. In violet
filter Tycho and Cassini bright spot appear equally bright. (Tycho and
Cassini bright spot in Deslandres - added at bottom of report?). 2.5"
refractor x48 (indoors), seeing Antoniadi II-IV. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Tycho/Cassini 1995 Jan 19 UTC 04:35 Observer: R.Livesey (UK) - Tycho
appears brighter than Cassini bright spot in red filter. In violet
filter Tycho and Cassini bright spot appear equally bright. (Tycho and
Cassini bright spot in Deslandres - added at bottom of report?). 2.5"
refractor x48 (indoors), seeing Antoniadi II-IV. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Schroter's Valley 1898 Apr 09 UT 04:00 Observed by Pickering
(Cambridge, Mass. USA, 15" refractor) "Variations in vapr col. Break in
main col. Similar to earlier. time est. fr. given col. Date given is
8th LT =9th UT?."NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #300.
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.
Plato 1886 Nov 14 UT 21:45 Observed by Lihou (France?)
"Brilliant band N-S, area marked G in NE was only slightly
visible, poorly defined. Drawing (there were rays on the
floor)." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #253. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1979 Nov 08 at 00:16UT P.Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 6" reflector, x48
and x110, seeing II and transparency very good) detected a small faint
orange spot, close to the centre, but not at the centre. Spurious
colour was visible on the northern flank of Aristarchus. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=74 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 Oct 26 UT 20:44-21:14 M. Mobberley (Bury St Edmunds, UK,
14" Cassegrain, seeing III) noticed an ~100deg wide fan on the
floor of Theophius, radiating on the central peak upto the
surrounding base of the wall next to Cyrillus crater. This fan
had a hint of yellow/red. The observer did not consider this to
be abnormal - there was certainly no loss of focus here as far
as the observer was concerned, and no mention is made of this
effect in later observations that night. Plenty of spurious
colour was reported. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1966 Aug 05 UT 05:22-05:38 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 4" reflector x93, x125, x281, S=4, T=5), "S. part of floor was
granulated & est. at 6 deg bright; faint yellow-brownish tint. Rest of
crater 8 deg bright white."NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog
ID 963.
In 1937 Apr 29 at UT 09:30 Firsoff (Glastonbury, UK, 6" reflector and
filters) observed a slight greenish colour (Cameron says colour of
ground? no TLP?). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=420 and Weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Alphonsus 1958 Nov 29 UTC 22:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, UK,
15" reflector) "Near site of Kozyrev's outbreak saw a circular
patch, black pit center, & red, round masses all around it."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #708.ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Sep 28 at UT05:00-07:00 W. Steed (Ocean City, MD, USA, 3"
refractor, x45 and x220) detected a "tower-like" feature on the east
rim of Mouchez crater, and appeared about 2-3x higher than other
mountains nearby. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=112 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1958 Jul 14 at UT 21:00 Classen (Pulsnitz Observatory, East Germany,
8" refractor) observed Kepler to be 0.5 magnitudes brighter than
Aristarchus, normally it is the other way around with Aristarchus being
0.3 brighter than Kepler. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1084 and weight=
3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Theophilus 1965 Jul 18 UTC 08:52-09:01 Observed by Cross, Ariola
(Whittler, CA, USA, 19" reflector, x450, S=4, T=3) "Red spots;
ruby red within a pink area on c.p." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA
catalog ID #885. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
1999 Jan 07 UT 01:57 C. Brook (Plymouth UK, 65mm refractor,
x125, seeing good) found this mountain unusually dull. In
contrast, Mons Pico, Montes Teneriffe, Montes Spitzenberg,
were all normal. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1825 Apr 08 UT 01:00 Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich,
Germany) "West part of crater brighter than east part". NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #106. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1971 Jun 13 UT 08:21 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4" reflector x51, x93, x121) "S. part of floor was brownish &
granulated" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1296.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 19 UT 22:40-23:05 Observed by Pedler
(UK, 12.5" reflector, x200, seeing fair) Blue colour seen and
could not focus on this part, where as other craters were
nice and sharp in this filter. Aristarchus darker in red
light. all other craters were normal in red. Attempts to
change the eyepiece did not make any difference to the blue
colour. Cameron 2005 catalog ID=43 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1971 Jun 13 UT 07:22-08:05 Observed by Raimundo Nonato
da Silva (Parnaiba, Brazil, 9.5" reflector, x180) "At 0755h
variation on W.(IAU?) edge of crater "brightness seemed to
become a little darker" as it was gugacious (foggy?), Was not
sure it was a LTP. Other features & it were normal from 0658-
0755h". NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID 1295. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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.
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.
1964 Jul 29 UT 05:40-06:06 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA) "Nimbus only -- dark viol. hue. S.floor granulated, dull --
6 bright. Faint yellow-brown tinge. Rest of crater 8." S=6, T=3-
2. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #838. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1982 Oct 08 at UT 04:15-04:30 W. Cameron (Silverspring, MD, USA,
3.5" reflector, x160, Seeing-very good) suspected blue tinge on north
west rim and brown/red on south east rim of Aristarchus crater + focus
was slightly difficult. No similar colour effect seen on other craters.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=186 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1982 Oct 08 at UT 04:15-04:30 W. Cameron (Silverspring, MD, USA,
3.5" reflector, x160) found that Clavius had a "D" shaped crater on its
outskirts that made it appear to have a ridge crossing through it.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=186 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Oct 18 UT 22:14022:16 M.Mobberley (Bury St Edmunds, UK,
14" Cassegrain, seeing variable, transparency misty) found that
the central craterlet on the floor of Plato was not visible,
despite it being visible under similar colongitudes on other
nights. Might be due to observing conditions, but observer
suspicous. At 02:08 the observer comments that the central
craterlet was ellusive, and at 02:42, though it is uncertain
whether they regarded it as suspicous still at this stage?
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Triensecker Rille 1915 Jul 03 UTC 00:00? Observed by Markov (Russia)
"Several spots changed their shapes compared with Gordeenko's depiction
on 5/23/12 see #339; which cannot be explained by light variations."
NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #356.
On 1891 Sep 23 at UT 22:00 Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column. Drawings. Time estimated from given
colongitude)." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=272 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Heraclides Point 1948 Jul 27 UT 02:00? Observed by Doherty (Stoke-on-
Trent, England, 3" refractor? or 6" reflector or 10" reflector)
"Strangeley blurred & misty; La Place Prom was perfectly sharp."
NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #507.
Tycho 1983Aug30 UT 00:15-00:18 R. Moseley (Coventry, UK, 6"
f/10 reflector, x60, transparency very good, seeing III,
improving with altitude) attention initially caught by the
impression of a rosy colouration along the NW crest and outer
wall. For perhaps 2-3 min this persisted - before fading
entirely. The observer felt that the cause may have been
psysiological - or short-lived spurious colour. However
interestingly nearby craters did not show the effect. A
sketch was made over a longer time span 00:15-00:40UT.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1919 Feb 21 at UT 22:00? an unknown English observer observed in
Lexell crater an intensely dark line going out from it. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=370 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Sep 20 at UT 08:00-09:40 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5" reflector, x342, seeing=excellent) detected the small crater on
its western rim But not on the eastern floor. This was odd because both
are equal in size, furthermore smaller craters could be seen and the
Moon was at a high altitude above the horizon, so seeing not a problem.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=154 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1995 Apr 03 at UT 03:30 Unknown Observer (Transparency good) saw a
darkening in the Cobra Head, Schroter's valley area of Aristarchus -
the best example that he had ever seen. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=474
and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=. Reference - BAA Lunar Section
circular 1995 Oct, p125 and personal communication from David Darling
to the BAA on 6/6/1995. Note it is uncertain whether this refers to the
Clementine mission or to somebody who observed during the Clementine
mission, or somebody with that surname. Anyway if it is the Clementine
mission then the date is wrong - possibly the year should have been
1994? The Cameron catalogue does actually mention a TIFF on Clementine
mission? The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=474 and the weight=3. I am
assuming that the year should be 1994 and not 1995? The ALPO/BAA
catalog weight=1 until we can find out what the correct date is?
Aristarchus 1964 Jul 31 UT 02:00-02:23 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x180) "Deep ravine on E.glacis
interrupted midway of its length by apparent break just below
rim of craterlet assoc. with EWBS. Normally, ravine is seen
continuous. Probable obscuration at pt, of break." S=7, T=5.
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #834. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1891 Sep 25 at UT 20:00 Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column. Time estimated from given colongitude)."
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=273 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus and Cobra Head 1968 Jul 18 UT 00:50-01:30
Observed by Moseley & Corvan (Armagh, N.Ireland, 10"
refractor, x255) and by Moore (Selsey, England, 3" refractor,
x 120) "Distinct red glow & obscur. 1st at 0050 S. of C.H. &
same size. At 0052h saw color on S.wall of Aris. Both
persisted till 0100h then both (faded, then brightened, then
faded. Plato, Gassendi & Kepler checked with neg. results.
Obscured areas reached greatest extent at 0125h wgen it was
1/2 size of C.H. & SSE (ast. ?) of it. Moore was alerted to
it & saw it in blink, but not vis. at 0107-0220". NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID 1085. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1971 Jun 16 at UT 07:08-07:09 Raimundo Nonato da Silva
(Parnaiba, PI, Brazil, 9.5" reflector, x90, seeing=good)
observed during a lunar eclipse that the Straight Wall
surroundings were darker than an observation from two days
earlier. At 07:09UT tonality became clearer. As dawn was in
progress and atmospheric turbulence, not sure if it was a TLP?
Other features were normal. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1297 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1996 Feb 12 at UT 07:30-08:27 J.Sandel (Caycee, SC, USA)
noted a contrast effect inside Tycho at sunset. At 07:30UT there
was a slight, but definite illumination of small areas of the
crater floor west of the central; peak. Also seen by T. Ferrel
(Lawrenceville, GA, USA, SCT C8). This was oval in shape and
gray in colour - Ferrel noted some diffuseness. It brightened
over 30 minutes. At 08:11UT a definite brightness fade noted in
Tycho's central peak. The crater floor had increased
illumination of entire crater floor. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1966 Sep 09 at UT 21:00-21:30 Cave (England, UK, 6" reflector, x364,
S=F) observed that the flor of Wargentin was a very dark gray, two
shades darker (on scale of 1-10) than the floor of Nasmyth and nothing
to be seen on it even along the ridge. A drawing was made. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=976 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Near Gassendi 2003 Aug 23 UT 09:00 Observed by Weeks (USA, 88deg 33'
W, 22deg 33' N, 20cm reflector) "Observation period ~30 min, terminator
straight down middle of Gassendi, very bright spot seen glaring on
the dark side ~2-3 Gassendi diameters away (SW or NW?). Intense glare
unlike anything seen on Moon before. Spot did not brighten or fade. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Mercurius E (76E, 48N) 2004 Aug 11 UT 18:28:27 Takamura_Y (Ogawamura
Observatory, 137:59:13E, 36:39:34N) observed a 9th magnitude impact
flash. This was verified by 2 other observers elsewhere in Japan.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Oct 28 at UT 05:05 G. Hewick (UK) observed a 1 sec duration
flash on the lunar surface (night side) whilst waiting to observe a
lunar occultation of X17959. The colour was yellow and the brightness
was approximately magnitude 1 - there was no movement. The location of
the flare was between Daws and Vitruvius (17N, 29E).
During an occultation of lambda Geminorum on the eastern limb
the light from the star took 3 seconds to fade. Cameron 2006 catalog
extension ID=8 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1879 Mar 21 at UT 04:00 Barrett (England?) observed brilliant
illumination in Earthshine, not by the light of the Sun. This was with
a Moon's age of 1.5 days before New Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
213 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Jul 17 atUT 03:00-03:25 Philips (Midland, TX, USA, 6"
reflector) "Complete rim pulsating white light, @4-5th mag.Suddenly
brightened at 0300h. Crater seemed to glow a brilliant white for @ 15m.
2 others confirmed from 0315-0325h. Resumed its normal appear. after
fading gradually at 0325h. (author (WSC) noted nothing abnormal at
0100-0115h & couldn't disting. Aris. Apollo 11 watch)". The cameron
1978 catalog ID=1152 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1976 Mar 03 at UT 17:30-18:30 Classen? (Budapest, Hungary, 8"
refractor, 14" reflector) observed Aristarchus to have a point-like
brightness -- white. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1429 and weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 Apr 17 at UT 01:22-02:37 D. Spain (Fairdale, KY, USA, 3.5"
refractor, x30-x111, S=5/10, T=5.5) observed (UT01:22-02:25) an orange
flare and some brighenings in the crater Gassendi. With the naked eye
he saw a glowing spot on the Earthshine side of the Moon. When he
turned his telescope onto this he found out that this was Gassendi
crater. By comparison, Aristarchus was just a small point. Herzog
(Racine, WI, USA, 2.5" refractor, x28, S=G and T=6-7) confirmed Spain's
observation UT 01:51-02:37?. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x56, S=7/10, T=5) did not see anything unusual UT 02:15-
02:32?. Cameron speculates that the orange colour might be from the
Moon's low altitude. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=421 and the weight=1.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1877 Jun 14 at UT 20:00 Harrison (USA?) noted on the western limb
variations of brilliancy along the dark limb reembled light of a moving
mirror held to a strong light against shadow of a dark ha.. Faint
greenish-blue streamers resembling terr. aurora streamers. He thought
they were same cause on the Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=3 and
ID=192.
Plato 1919 Mar 05 UT 17:19:17:34 Observed by Selivanov, Tartakov
(Russia, 4" refractor? x150) "Crater seemed to be an intense green in
the background of Ashen light. Slightly to the left (east?) of it's
centre a bright spot that sparkled with a phosphor. light, lighting up
the whole crater so that its W. edge could be seen. Light did not
change for the whole time." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog
ID #371.
In 1949 May 31 UT02:37 LT Johnson observed a flash near the W
limb of the Moon at the same latitude as Riccioli. No colour
seen, the magnitude was 9-10, and duration < 0.5 sec. If there
was any motion then it must have been < 24 km. He wasn't looking
at it when it happened, so the motion aspect is uncertain.
Indeed he was not absolutely certain if it was on the limb, or
just inside or outside? The BAA/ALPO weight=1.
On 1969 May 20 at UT 03:18-04:27 Cross (Las Cruces, NM, USA 6"
refractor), Olivarez (Spain?), Kohlenberger, Gibson, Miller, Duarte and
Harris (CA, USA) observed brightenings, pulsations, scintillations in
Aristarchus crater. Cameron says independent confirmation seen by 4
observers, 1-2 magnitude increases, ranged between 1-30sec. Most active
period was 03:18-03:20UT, 04:17-04:27UT (Las Cruces). Calkins (West
Covins, CA, USA) UT 03:40-04:25 saw one major brightening up 2
magnitudes above steady state lasting 0.2 to 1.5 sec and another slow
brightening lasting 5-10 seconds. Kelsey (CA, USA) saw at 03:43-03:48UT
some brightenings. These observations were made during the Apollo 10
watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1127 and 1128 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Mare Crisium 1972 Mar 18 UT 19:06-21:00 Obsevred by Prvost and Dorchain
(Belgium, 3.5" reflector, 168x and 336x) "at 1906h Pruvust rep'ted 2
pts. moving from Aout to Prom. Olivium. Minutes later, Dorchain saw a
new pt. Others saw nothing unusual fr. 1912-2100h (Fitton, Ash, Peters,
Watkins,et al in England - but this was later than the event)" NASA
catalog weight=2 (poor). NASA catalog ID #1325.
On 1973 May 06 at Ut 04:48 Bell (Lodi, CA, USA, 8.5" reflector x142)
saw a slow brightness increase in Reiner to magnitude 6, when suddenly
in the north east (IAU?) quadrant of the floor there was a very bright
pin-point blue-white flash of magntude 2 for approximately 0.5seconds.
After this the bright glowing of the crater diminished over about 15-
20 sec befofre returning to normal. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1366
and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1972 Mar 18 at UT2015 E. Watkins, P. Hooks, D. Harris and R. Pieper
(Conditions bad: a lot of mist and haze in the sky, 10" (x80 and x160)
and 4.5" reflectors (x45, x150 and x225), observers were located in the
UK) Aristarchus seen on the night side of the Moon - P. Hooke saw a red
orange outburst from the ctater. When E. Watkins had a look, it just
resembled a misty white area i.e. normal. Eyepieces were changed but it
stayed misty white. Hooke was an inexperienced TLP observer at the
time. Watkins did however notice some variation in brightness but put
this down to atmospheric conditions. This is a BAA observation.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Jul 18 at UT 03:53-04:21 Tungside? (CA, USA, 8" reflector) saw
a blue flash in Aristarchus crater. Apollo 11 watch. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1156 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Jul 18 at UT 04:16 Harris (Torrence, CA, 12" reflector) saw
Kraft brighten at this time. Apollo 11 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1156 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Jul 18 at UT 03:53-04:21 Kohlenberger (Fullerton, CA, 4.5"
reflector), Harris and Bell (Torrence, CA, 12" reflector) saw a 65km
long limb brightneing between Grimaldi and Aristarchus, a third of the
way from Aristarchus. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1156 and weight=3.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 Apr 18 at UT 02:00-03:02 D. Spain (Fairdale, KY, USA, 3.5"
reflector, S=6/10) could only see Aristarchus using averted viion. K.
Herzog (Racine, WI, USA, 6" refractor, x38) observed Aristarchus to
cycle through glowing and fading down to Earthshine brightness in a 3
minute cycle, but they could niot see Copernicus, Kepler or Tycho in
Earthshine. W. Dembowski (USA) obtained photographs but these did not
reveal anything unusual. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=422 and the
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1965 Aug 01 at UT 05:00 Welch (Table Mountain, CA, USA, 6"
reflector, seeing=excellent) observed some star-like flashes in
Aristarchus in ashen light. Cameron says 7/31/65 in MBMW=local time =
6/1/65 in UT. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=886 and the
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1881 May 04 UT 20:00 "Gamma" a psuedonym for an astronomer
(Germany?) observed Aristarchus to be be a very bright 8th magnitude
star with pulsations. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=221 and the weight=3.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 May 21 at UT 03:40-04:25 Kohlenberger (Fullerton, CA, 12"
reflector), Harris, Miller (Torrence, CA, 12" reflector), Bell and
Calkins (Ojai, Duarts, CA, USA), Kelsey (West Covins, CA, Riverside,
CA, USA) observed scintillations in Aristarchus - Cameron says
independent observations?). Members of Astronet took part in this
observation. Kelsey saw a brightening but not on the order of seconds
as others reported. Cameron suspects an atmospheric effect and also
comments that this was during the Apollo 10 watch. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1130 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1965 Aug 02 at UT 03:57-03:58 Bornhurst (Monterey Park, CA, USA,
10" reflector, x240, S=5) observed some star-like flashes in
Aristarchus in ashen light. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=887 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Jul 19 at UT 03:53-04:19 Harris (Torrence, CA, USA, 12.5"
reflector), Bell (Duarte, CA, USA, 4.5" reflector), and Miller (Ojai,
CA, USA). "Harris saw 20 brightenings or light flashes, lasting fr, 1/2
to 3s at 03:53:56 (1/2s), 03:54:19 (1s), 03:54:55 (2s), 03:55:06,
03:56:54, 03:56:56, 03:58:37, 03:59:58, 04:07:28, 04:15:00, 04:16:02,
04:16:45, 04:20:29, 04:21:14. First 4 were confirmed by Bell, Harris
also saw 100 mi(160km) long limb brightening (blue) between Aris &
Grimaldi, due W. of Aris., brighter than Aris. At 04:14 saw the
brightening 1/2 way between Aris. & Grim. as pinkish or orange. Miller
at 0417h saw a star-like pulse in W. (IAU?) rim of Grimaldi. (confirm.
of Harris'04:16:45 obs. ? Apollo 11 watch)." The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1161a and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Jul 19 at UT 03:53-04:19 Harris (Torrence, CA, USA, 12.5"
reflector), Bell (Duarte, CA, USA, 4.5" reflector), and Miller (Ojai,
CA, USA). "Harris saw 20 brightenings or light flashes, lasting fr, 1/2
to 3s at 03:53:56 (1/2s), 03:54:19 (1s), 03:54:55 (2s), 03:55:06,
03:56:54, 03:56:56, 03:58:37, 03:59:58, 04:07:28, 04:15:00, 04:16:02,
04:16:45, 04:20:29, 04:21:14. First 4 were confirmedby Bell, Harris
also saw 100 mi(160km) long limb brightening (blue) between Aris &
Grimaldi, due W. of Aris., brighter than Aris. At 04:14 saw the
brightening 1/2 way between Aris. & Grim. as pinkish or orange. Miller
at 0417h saw a star-like pulse in W. (IAU?) rim of Grimaldi. (confirm.
of Harris'04:16:45 obs. ? Apollo 11 watch)." The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1161a and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1877 Jun 15 at UT 20:00 Birt (England, UK) observed a bright spot
east of Picard. The reason why this was regarded as a TLP, accoridng to
Cameron was that it was supposed to be faint or invisible. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=193 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Hipparchus 1972 Mar 19 UT 21:07-21:29 observed by Schnuckel (52.5N,
13.8E, 60mm refractor) "Two sudden white brightenings in the West wall
approx 7 magnitude. First was at 21:07 UT and the second was at
21:29UT. Both lasted approximately 1 sec in duration." - Hilbrecht and
Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-61
Bright point seen near Plato. A much brighter one was near
Aristarchus. Apparently seen by both Schroter and Bode.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=43 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
Bright point 26" N of Aristarchus rim. Resembled one
near Plato but less conspicuous. The was a confirmed
observation by Schroter and Bode?
On 1983 Sep 11 at UT 23:52 K.P. Marshall (Columbia, 12"
reflector, x268, seeing II), whilst sketching the crater
Janssen noticed a tenuous red patch on the southern junction
of the valley which joins Fabricius to A. Nothing resembling
this found on nearby areas. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1821 May 06 at UT 21:45 Ward (England? Large aperture
telescope, x80), Bailey (England?) and Olbers (Bremen, Germany,
refractor) observed in the Earthlit part of the Moon an apperent small
comet like feature extended from Aristarchus towards Grimaldi. The
light was similar to a glow worm. The observer had never seen anything
like it. The cameron 1978 catalog ID=89 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.