Furnerius 1961 May 26 UT 02:20-03:00 Observed by Cameron (Aldephi, MD,
USA, 3.5" Questar reflector x160, S=G) "Crater stood out like
glittering points (small craters on rim?). Many features examined but
effect seen only on this crater and Stevinus (Specular refl. from flat
surface?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #738.
Stevinus 1961 May 26 UT 02:20-03:00 Observed by Cameron (Aldephi, MD,
USA, 3.5" Questar reflector x160, S=G) "Crater stood out like
glittering points (small craters on rim?). Many features examined but
effect seen only on this crater and Stevinus. (Specular refl. from flat
surface?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #738.
Plato 1971 Oct 30 UT 19:35-20:55 E.Watkins (Braintree, UK, 4.5"
reflector, x45,x150, x225), thought he saw a faint patch at
19:35 and it still was visible at 19:40. At 19:50-19:55 he saw
what may have been the remainder. At 20:55 he noticed a shadow
in the area. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Tycho 2971 Nov 28 UT 21:58-22:05 observed by D.B. Taylor (Dundee,
UK, darker area inside the crater (NE and SE floor) in a Moon
Blink device. However the observer does not report through which
filter ir was darker. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1969 Nov 20 UT 17:06-17:15 Observed by Duckworth
(Manchester, England, 8" refractor x250) Faint Pinkish
Obscuration on floor. Event in progress at 1706 - left telescope
at 1715 to report it, but TLP gone upon return. Gassendi was
normal from from 1734-1822h. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #1223. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1980 May 25 UT 21:33-22:54 Observed by North (Seaford,
UK, seeing III-IV, 460mm Newtonian) Definite strong reddish
glow along NNW border, definitely much stronger than spurious
colouration and always visible when telescope moved in RA and
Dec to eliminate possible chromatic aberation effects in the
eyepiece. Effect ended by 21:54 UT. BAA Lunar Section Report.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Hyginus N 1944 Apr 04 UT 20:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England,
15" reflector) "Darker than usual. S. edge of great crater valley was
bordered by a narrow dark band for 13km along its length" NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #490.
Gassendi 1969 Nov 20 UT 19:30-19:45 Observed by Becker (Holland, 4"
refractor) "Curious small shadow from NW (ast. ?) wall. (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1224.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 20 UT 19:45-20:05 Observed by Becker (Holland, 4"
refractor) "Sharp whiteness on inner W. (ast. ?) side (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1224.
SE of Ross D 1965 Mar 14 UT 07:40 Observed by Cross (Whittier,
CA?, USA, 12" reflector). Crater wall partially obscured;
bright area. NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #872.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1870 May 11 UTC 22:00 Observed by Birt (England) "Extraordinary
display of lights. Says not effect of sunlight" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #167.
Observer noted a bright spot on the interior west wall that seemed
brighter than what they would have expected. unfortunately the precise
time of this observation was not recorded so the moon-rise and
midnight UT values are used to place a limit on the time of
observation. Images by Shaw taken at UT 1754, 18:45 and 23:13
do not exhibit the effect.
Censorinus 1981 Apr 15 UT 22:15-23:10 M. Cook (Frimley, UK),
using a 12" reflector,found Censorinus to be glowing exceedingly
bright and was brighter than Proclus. It dulled later, but was
still brighter than Proclus. Censorinus was also slightly
brighter in blue than in red light. Cameron 2006 catalog
extension ID=130 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1968 Dec 31 UT 03:30-03:45 Observed by Taboada
(Mexico) "Terminator between the two was diminishing in brightness over
edge of Herod. at 0345, 2 darker spots seen over same place. (alerted
by Middlehurst for tidal predict.?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low).
NASA catalog ID #1112.
On 1968 Dec 31 at UT 03:30-03:45 Taboada (Mexico) observed the
terminator between Aristarchus and Herodotus was diminishing in
brightness at 03:45UT over the edge of Herodotus. Two darker spots were
seen over same place. Alerted by Middlehurst for tidal predict? The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1112 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Torricelli B 2005 Jan 21 UT 21:21-21:43 Observed by North (Norfolk, UK,
20cm reflector, x64, x128, Seeing IV, Transparency, moderate)
"Torricelli B appeared rather dull with a prominent dark halo of a
strongly bluish tint. The halo extends a few sec of arc beyond the
crater. At 21:21-21:43 crater was varying in brightness but this may
have been due to the seeing? By 21:42 the dark halo was gone. By 21:44-
21:49 UT the crater was brighter and more normal in brightness than
before. By 22:17 UT all was normal. The variations in brightness were
also seen by Cook (Mundesley, UK). Observations by Carbognani (Itlay)
21:20-23:10 failed to find any variations in brightness. Nor did Amato
(CT, USA) from 23:00-23:15 UT."
Kepler 1954 Nov 07 UT 23:20 Observed by F.A. Lugo (Caracus,
Venezuela, 3.5" scope x125) Bright red star=like point just
outside E.wall - visible for an hour. NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #580. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1972 Oct 19 UT 17:55-18:05 Observed by Gabriel (Wettern,
Belg. 4" refractor, x166, S=E), Hitchens (Stamine Locks, Eng., 8.5"
reflector, S=F), Peters (Kent, Eng., 10" relector), Amery (Reading,
Emg. 10?" reflector), Flynn (england, 12" reflector) "At 17:55h noted
bluish-purple color area just N. of Aris. & it reached just over N.
wall, lasted 2 min. At 1800h color noted again, but not as brilliant &
gone at 1801h. Seen again at 1804h & now was on E. (ast. ?) wall,
lasting M 1min. Sure of its reality but not of lunar origin. All gone
at 1805h. Hitchens noted a very bright spot on W. (IAU?) wall between 2
prominent bands. Blue darkening in W#38 filter, neg. in W#8,25,58 &
integrated light. Other areas gave similar but lesser effects. May be
due to damp geletin. (Moore thinks not LTP but many obs. have rep't
blue in Aris.) Others obs. later (2100, 2215-2300, 2305h) & noted
nothing unusual." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1346.
Aristillus 1972 Dec 17 UTC 21:50-22:20 observed by Berger (51.5N, 9E,
60mm refractor, T=2, S=3) "Diffuse bright cloud in the NE corner of the
crater" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-
61.
Daniell 1979 Jul 06 UT 21:15-22:30 Crick (Belgium, 6"
reflector, Seeing=II and transparency=good.) noticed
obscuration on a bright spot on the south east wall. This spot
was quite prominent through a red Wratten 25 filter. The floor
was very dark. Other craters were checked and were normal. A
sketch was supplied and the position was the same as in other
earlier reports. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=60 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Mons Piton 1984 Mar 14/15 UT 19:18-01:48 Observed by Foley
(Kent, England, 12" Reflector seeing I, Transparency Very
Good) "Colouration and brightness seen on Piton (CED used)"
BAA Lunar Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1984 Mar 14/15 UT 19:18-01:48 Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" Reflector seeing I, Transparency Very Good)
"Obscuration and colour seen on Plato" BAA Lunar Section
Report. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1987 Feb 10 UT 21:05-22:10. M. Cook (Frimley, UK), "NE
ray distinct & also floor E of it, not distinct as on Dec 13 &
Jan 11, while March 10, 11 & 12 seen by Price, North, Peters,
Foley & M Cook, where rim was clear and sharp." - quote from
the 2006 Cameron Catalog extension - TLP ID=297 and weight=5.
Cameron gives the observers confirming this TLP as: M. Cook,
G. North and Davies. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1993 Sep 28 at UT 04:30-06:10 S.Beaumont (Cambridge, UK)observed
that the north east edge of Herodotus appeared as a "highland area
spilling over into" the Cobra's Head border or "overlook". The shadow
on the elevation was contiguous with a similar shadow over the Cobra's
Head "like a darkening of the terrain. Shadow appears softer diffused
without sharp bounds of most Lunar shadows. sketch. S. edge of crater
started to appear at 0615". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=468 and the
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 as the date or UT are wrong.
Plato 1972 Oct 19 UT 20:10 Observed by Taylor, Phillips, Ford, Kennedy
(Dundee, Scot. 10" refractor) "Taylor noted a slight blink on NW wall.
Ford said it was neg. Phillips was not sure. Taylor returned to
telescope & no blink. Kennedy reported neg." NASA catalog weight=1
(very low). NASA catalog ID #1347.
Foley, Kent, UK noted that the floor was slate blue-grey
with no colour seen elsewhere. 12" reflector used, seeing=II.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID 131 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1870 May 12 UTC 22:00 Observed by Birt (England)
"Extraordinary display of lights. Says not effect of sunlight"
However an article by Nigel Logshaw in the Feb 2014 LSC suggests
that it was probably just normal fine scale spots and streaks on
the floor of the crater. NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=
1. NASA catalog ID #167.
Plato 1986 Dec 13 UT 20:30 Observed by A. Cook (Frimley, UK,
seeing III) North East quadrant of Plato the crater was blurred
and ill-defined. Also no craterlets visible anywhere on the
floor of Plato until the central craterlet was just glimpsed
later at 23:00-23:45, though seeing now III-IV (cirrus at times
in the sky). At this later time the NE rim was less blurred than
before. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Cobra Head 1955 Sep 28 UTC 23:00 Observed by Bestwick (England? 6?"
reflector x240) "Diffused brown patch of smoke or vapor, almost
obscured -- appeared over plain for a short distance."NASA catalog
weight=3. NASA catalog ID #612.
Herodotus 1969 Jan 01 UT 03:15 Observed by Taboada (Mexico)
"Brightness in edge of crater dimmed & a heavy darkness was
noted thru course of cleft (Schroter's Valley?). (alerted for
tidal predict.?)"NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #
1113. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2016 Jul 17 UT 03:49 P.Zeller (ALPO, Indianapolis, IN, USA)
imaged a pseudo-peak with shadow on the floor of Herodotus,
however the image scale and quality of this colour image were
not great and the observer suspects that it might be an
imaging artefact. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1975 Sep 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?)
interior corner." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1414.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 22 UT 18:20-21:13 Observed by D. Cutts
(Chester, Eng., 8.5" reflector, x200), Moore (Sussex, Eng., 12"
reflector x425), Miles (Coventry, Eng. 5" refractor), Delaye and
Jourdran (Marseilles, Fr., 8" reflector) "Pulsating patch on W.
wall between 2 radial bands. Faded by 2000h. Returned to normal.
(Cutts). Miles saw strong pink in whole interior at 2112h.
Strong blink. No blink there at 2210-2212h. Gass., Grim., &
Plato were neg. Delaye & Joudan photog. it as very bright. Moore
got neg. results at 2135. (confirm. of activity?, Apollo 12
watch)." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1226. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Plato 1870 May 13 UT 22:00? Observed by Pratt (---), Elger (Liverpool,
England), (Gledhill (Brighton, England) "Extraordinary display of
lights. 27 seen by Pratt, 28 by Elger, only 4 by Gledhill. (independ.
confirm. ?" NASA catalog weight=5 (very good) NASA catalog ID #168.
A bit more of a detailed report is as follows: "Upon the 13th of May,
1870, there was an "extraordinary display," according to Birt: 27
lights were seen by Pratt, and 28 by Elger, but only 4 by Gledhill, in
Brighton. Atmospheric conditions may have made this difference, or the
lights may have run up and down a scale from 4 to 28. As to
independence of sunlight, Pratt says (Rept. B.A., 1871-88), at to this
display, that only the fixed, charted points so shone, and that other
parts of the crater were not illuminated, as they would have been to an
incidence common throughout.(30) In Pratt's opinion, and, I think, in
the opinion of the other observers, these lights were volcanic."
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Mobberley of Suffolk, UK, and using a 14" reflector and
seeing=I-II saw yellowish/brown streaks within Aristarchus. A
sketch indicates that these extended from a region on the east
floor to the north west corner, and then finally onto the
bands on the west wall. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=132
and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus area 1955 Sep 30 UTC 20:45 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England, 6.5" reflector, x200) "Area showed a westward yellow smear,
looked darkish in red, indicating presence of green." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #614. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1981 Apr 18 at UT 19:50-22:10 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, using a
14" reflector, seeing poor and transparency poor) observed faint-yellow
streaks still visible, but less prominent. Cameron mentions that
Bartlett noticed this colour, but in the south floor of Aristarchus.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=133 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1972 Oct 21 UT 2:10-22:45 observed by Schnuchal
(52.5N, 13.25E, 600mm f/11.7 reflector, T=1, S=3) "Bright spot
with maximum intensity at 22:10 UT diminution in brightness
well observable" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon &
Planets, 30 (1984),p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1969 Jan 03 UT 03:20-03:50 Observed by
Taboada (Mexico) "Brightness between craters dimmed at 0345.
Change in colouration in N. part of Aris. -- gray & slightly
pinkish. Became more remarkable at 0350 in almost all the
extension of the cleft, (Sch. Vall. ?)." NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #1114. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
G.Amery (Reading, UK, seeing=II) saw a brilliant white rim,
bands and central peak. There was also a clearly seen white
glare like feature over the ESE wall that had a direction
opposite to the crater interior bands. Cameron states that
Foley says that this is usual. High CED brightness readings
obtained. M.Cook of Frimley, UK, took CED measurements at
23:35UT and recorded a brightness of > 4.9. Reported a
reversal of spurious colour - Cameron suspects that this was a
local effect. No spurious colour noticed by anyone else.
However the brightness of the crater was confirmed by other
observers. Mosely suspected a brightness change on the inner
east wall at a relative position of 8 O'Clock. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=259 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1969 Jan 04 UT 03:00-03:45 Observed by
Taboada (Mexico) & Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA,
24" reflector + Moon Blink) "Brightness increased slightly
around Herod. & cleft (S.V?) became darker than previous day.
The dark gray & pink formed yellowish at 0345h in whole region
of Aris. Bluing around crater in Corralitos MB (photos?)
(confirm. of activity at Aris.?)" NASA catalog weight=5. NASA
catalog ID #1115. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1969 Jan 04 UT 03:00-03:45 Observed by
Taboada (Mexico) & Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM,
USA, 24" reflector + Moon Blink) "Brightness increased
slightly around Herod. & cleft (S.V?) became darker than
previous day. The dark gray & pink formed yellowish at 0345h
in whole region of Aris. Bluing around crater in Corralitos
MB (photos?) (confirm. of activity at Aris.?)" NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1115. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 May 11 (UT 20:30-20:55) C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm
refractor, x28) found Aristarchus to be brighter than he would
have expected. Compared to Proclus and Tycho. He observed from
20:55-22:38 and found it to be normal in brightness over this
time. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Observed by Bartlett (Batimore, MD, USA, S=4, T=5) "E.wall? blue
glare. He was uncertain @it. Couln't focus it. Herodotus
unaffected." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID 581.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphazen Alpha 1972 Oct 23 UT 22:10?-22:13? (Stoke-on-Trent, UK,
21cm Newtonian, x217, seeing very good). Flickering colours seen
on the north field of Alhazen Alpha mountain. Above UTs
estimated by the observer, but the duration of the effect was 3
minutes. Colouration centred on the hills that run north to
south between Mare Anguis and Mare Crisium. The colour
alternated from east to west about 2 or 3 times per second. The
colour was not apparent to the north or south, or indeed on any
other features. Telescope field of view moved, but effect stayed
in the same place on the Moon. Moon't terminator scanned for 15
minutes afterwards, but the effect did not recur. The colour
seen was mostly red, with a band of orange, and a strip of
yellow nearest the hills, the proportions being 6:2:1. The bands
seemed to arc up steep above the Moon's surface and flatten out
over the mare surface either side of the hill features. No
filters were used in the observation. Observer suspects some
kind of diffraction spectrum to explain the larger dispersion in
the red end of the spectrum. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Schroter's Valley: Cobra Head 1824 Nov 08 UTC 00:00? Observed by
Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany) "Mingling of all colors in small spots.
Described a violet glimmer near Cobra Head & plateau that spreads;
starts just after sunrise. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 and catalog
ID=103. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
Plato 1870 Mar 19 UT 00:00? Observed by Gledhill? (halifax,
England, 9" refractor) "Same group (of craters) as in Feb.
illuminated. (if phase same as Apr. 1970 then date is Mar 19"
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #165.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2006 Jan 16 at 05:44UT T. Bakowski (Orchard Park, NY, USA) observed
a round dark object in 1 of 21 frames from a camera. The exposure was
1/250th sec. Seeing conditions were bad. The dark spot is east of Mons
Vinogradov, at or near crater J. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Schickard 1939 Aug 02 UT 00:01 Observed by Moore (England,
12?" reflector) "Floor milky, walls almost vis. 2 bright pts.
in area. not extending to extreme w.part of floor" NASA
catalog ID #456. NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1958 Jul 03 UT 06:18-07:15 Obsrved by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=3) "Proc. C a remarkable phenom. of
which he is certain. At beginning of obs. C was 5 deg bright &
conspicuous -- its normal appearance at or nr. SS. At 0620 it suddenly
became dull so as to almost vanish. By 0640 C was very dull-- 3.5 deg.
An indep. check was made at 0715 with same instru. & it was still at
3.5 deg. Note C does not mean Proclus C but a notation system developed
by Bartlett for features in and around Proclus". Cameron's 1978
NASA catalog weight=4 (high). Cameron's 1978 NASA catalog ID #688.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1990 Dec 03 at UT23:00-01:30 M.C. Cook (Frimley, Surrey, UK) noticed
that the central peak of Aristarchus was quite bright and extended to a
circular region in the east in the crater "sprout" area - Cameron
suggests that this is Bartletts self defined EWBS area?. Beyond the rim
to the east was very bright. However no colour effect was seen in
filters. A sketch was supplied. Cameron notes the coincidence of
perigee and full Moon. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID is 416 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1955 Oct 03 UTC 02:10-02:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector x180, S=1-0?, T=4) "Proc. D (his ID) normally a
bright white spot on E. floor disappared as a dark spot, I=2.5 & barely
disting. from 3deg gray. In July lunation it was seen as normal bright
spot at col. 347.57, 359.36, 36.74 & 61.83 but vanished after 61.83.
C.p. abnormally dark & close to floor intensity. At 1st failed to find
it I=2.5 whereas it is normally 5.0." The cameron 1978 catalog ID=616
and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
East of Plato 1961 Jun 29/20 23:00?-01:00 Observed by Granger
and Ring (both in Italy) "Enhancement of spectrum in UV & Ca I
recorded on photoelectric spectrometer scans" NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #742. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cleomedes Alpha 1993 Sep 03 UT2200-22:20 G. North (UK, 18.25"
reflector, x86 & x144) observed it to be a strikingly brilliant
'splodge' seen in the mostly shadow filled interior of
Cleomedes, and around this splodge was a faint halo extending
symetrically in an eastwards direction. The splodge was the
mountain Cleomedes Alpha. Strangely no shadow from the mountain
was seen to be cast onto the halo on the east. Observer alerted
other observers by phone, and upon returning to the scope found
that the splodge had faded in brightness and continued to fade
over the next hour as one would expect from a mountain at
sunset. Some heavy spurious colour was present. J. Cook & M.
Cook (Frimley, UK) observed at 22:20-22:25 and found the bright
splodge, but no halo. M. Cook re-observed later and confirmed
normal fading of splodge. Roscoe observed from 00:30UT next day,
but by that time Cleomedes Alpha had set and was no longer
visible in the shadow filled floor. S. Beaumont had observed
earlier at 20:00 but had recorded all as normal in Cleomedes.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=466 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Madler 1962 Apr 22 UTC 08:24 Observed by Wildey, Pohn (1st measurement)
(Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60" reflector with photometer) "Photometric
measures show change in brightness from Vmag=3.79 to V=4.40. The
average brightness for age 17d is V=3.99. Crater faded from .2 mag
brighter than av. to .4 mag. fainter (@1.5 times fainter) than av., a
range of .6 magnitude, or @ 1.5 times diff. in brightness". NASA
catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #757.
Plato 1938 Jul 15 UTC 06:50 Observed by Haas (12" reflector?) "Floor --
definitely green under same conditions as 5/17/38 (see #437). Kaiser
after 90 obs. couldn't find any regularity to appearance of the brown
color in Plato. I=3.7 comp. with I=2.0 on 6/15/38 (see #439-- color of
ground?)." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #440.
On 1961 Jul 01 at UT 00:00? an unknown Miranova (Russia or
Israel) obtained some spectral photometry of lunar objects. A
spectral plate in 425 -> 500nm bands. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=743 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1936 Oct 04 UT07:42 W.Haas drew bands, many smaller spots on
floor. Pickering's atlas 9D col 141 shows bands but no bright
spots. Haas' location Aliance, OH, USA. Reference: Haas, W.
J.Royal Astr. Soc. Canada. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=416 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1955 Oct 05 at UT 03:40-03:48 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 5"
reflector, x180, S=6, T=5) observed in aristarchus an itenseley bright
blue-violet glare on EWBS, E, and NE wall. The Cameron 1978 catalog IF=
620 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Messier A 1951 Oct 20 UT 00:00? Observed by Moore (England)
"Brilliant white circular patch in it. has seen it & Messier
blurred several times." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA
catalog ID #545 Note that the date and time given are probably
wrong as the Sun is ~7deg below the local horizon at this time.
ALPO/BAA weight=1 to reflect this error.
Jansen 2013 Aug 26 UT 00:30-01:30 P. Grego (Cornwall, UK, 20cm
SCT, x200, seeing II, transparency good) observed a dark patch
just east of Jansen D. He had not seen this before. There maybe
a depression here hinted at in LOLA ndata. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2008 Oct 19 during 05:40-06:30UT D. Holt of Chipping, UK observed an
anomalous patch of illumination just to the west of the centre of the
Posidonius J crater. It is possible that this is just some high ground
on the floor protruding through the shadow filled crater at sunset.
Therefore this has been assigned a weight of 1 for now, just in case it
is a TLP - until proven otherwise.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 15 UT 23:00-23:45 Observed by Garbott (2)
(Bedfordshire, England, 10" reflector x500, seeing Antoniadi I)
and by Moore (Sussex, England, 15" reflector, x360, seeing
Antoniadi IV) "Noted blue color on N. wall extending toward
Herod. Also saw orange color in S. region. Confirmed by father.
(similar to many of Bartlett's rept's.), More noted nothing
unusual at 2320h." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1444.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2009 Oct 09 UT11:00-11:04 NASA's LCROSS upper centaur stage,
followed 4 min later by the observation spacecraft, is due to impact
into a the crater Cabeus in the hope of kicking up some dust and
possible frozen volatiles. Note that this description is intended for
observers on the date of impact and it is doubtful that any new
science could be achieved by re-observing the same area months
after the impact. If you are observing on the date of impact, then
please observe around 11:00-11:04UT and ignore the predicted times in
the headings. However this report is included as techniqcally
if something is seen it is a TLP, albeit man-made! For those observing
on the date in question here are a few observing tips to maximize
the science of your observations: (1) If you are imaging, then please
try to obtain images before the impact because you can then subtract
these from images taken during the impact and hence show up faint
changes that you might normally miss. (2) If you have a spare scope and
camera,use this to observe through filters such as UBVR or I, or if you
have narrow band interference filters, try observing in
say Hydrogen Alpha, Methane, OH, or indeed any volatile that you
might expect to see in a comet (the main source of water at the poles).
(3) Please try checking the area long after the impact, just in
case other effects might trigger a TLP. (4) Please go to some trouble
to ensure accurate timings- these will be essential in order to
understand the sequence of events - assuming any are seen. Timings can
be obtained using a short wave radio or via a GPS. Note that you should
always use UT or UTC. (5) Please send any observations that you make
into the upload section of the LCROSS campaign observers web site. If
you belong to an astronomical society e.g. BAA or ALPO, then do please
send copies of your observations to the Lunar Sections of your society
or club. (6) Finally this desription will be updated a day or two after
the planned impact.
On 2009 Sep 09 UT23:31:43 P.Grego (St Dennis, Cornwall, UK, seeing II-
III) suspected a flash south of Cabeus, just beyond the terminator.
It was not bright, and lasted a fraction of a second. Thinks it might
have been illusory as he saw some fainter flashes (cosmic rays?)
during that nights observing session. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1973 Oct 17 at Ut 11:30 Androsan (Edmonton, Canada, 6" reflector,
x230) observed a glow 1-2 sec reappearance of Saturn's rings at a place
of ring's appearance on the dark limb. The observers attributed it to
Saturn and its rings. Cameron speculates that it might be due to gas or
dust at the lunar surface. Eye was attacted to the glow which
delineated the limb at a position angle of 210 deg at emersion, at
Earthshine at Edmonton. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1974 Sep 08 UT 04:45-06:30 Observed by Cowan and Johnson
(Dublin, TX, 8" reflector, x59, x152, S=7) "Saw a bright luminous,
blue, misty cloud on th NE rim. Obscur. for 1st hr. then gave way to
pink & features became vis. Cloud was tear-drop shape. No movement to
glow. Pink cloud glowed too. Very tenuous by 0130h. (Nakamura says
there were no seismic events within several hrs. of this time). Another
person saw it without being advised as the where it was." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1393. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 2009 Sep 11 UT00:15-00:20 and 01:00-01:05 C.Brook (Plymouth, UK, 5"
O.G., x100, seeing tremourlous but definition improving over time)
noticed that the central peak(s) in Alphonsus were brightening
gradually. No effect was seen earlier at UT23:30-23:35. One presumes
that the effect also occured between these two observing times?
The observer suspects that this was not a TLP, but is uncertain.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Tycho 2006 Jan 22 UT 06:34-06:36 Observed by Fabio Carvalho
(Assis, Sao Paulo Brazil, 25cm f/6 Newtonian) "Green colouration
seen on a rim of Tycho, effect remained visible for only 2
minutes. Attempts to image it shortly afterwards failed as it
had finished by then" An REA-Brasil observational report.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2009 Sep 11/12 UT23:28-00:00 M.C. Cook (Mundesley, UK, 90mm Questar,
x80 and x190, seeing II and transparency moderate-poor) observed
pink on the north west rim of Tycho and green-blue on the inner
SW rim. No sign of colour elsewhere on the Moon except for the
S-E rim of Plato that was red. The Moon was about 20 deg in altitude
at the time. The effect had gone by the end of the observing period.
A simulation of spurious colour in different directions
was generated by the BAA Lunar Section and found to possibly account
for these colours, although there should have been some strong colours
seen elsewhere in Tycho and none were. The BAA/ALPO weight=2.
During sunset at this feature, with the interior in shadow
the observer saw that the central peak was nebulous and fuzzy
and not what one would expect. Cameron saw it on 9 Oct 1993
at sunset and noted that it was not nebulous, just a grey patch
although briefly she suspected perhaps two points/peaks?.
The Cameron 2006 extended catalog ID is 467 and the weight is
3. The ALPO/BAA weight is also 1. The observer used an 8"
reflector and conditions were S=4 and T=4.
UT 08:30 or UT 20:30? SW inner wall of Aristarchus was intesnity
I=0.5, but was I=2.5 on July 2 at Col. 195. Observing conditions were
identical. Band is darkening near col. 180. (Observation made in
daylight?). Cameron 1978 NASA catalog ID=425 and weight=4
(very experienced observer). ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Mare Numbium 1878 Oct 21 UT 01:02-03:00? Observed by Hirst (England)
"Half of the Moon's term. obliterated for 3h. (that part over dark mare
& blended in?)" NASA catalog weight=0 (very unreliable). NASA catalog
weight=205.
On 1968 Dec 23 at UT 08:40-08:45 Osawa (Kyoto-Ken, Japan, 8"
reflector, x167 and x212, S=3-4, saw Taruntius crater (and a
wrinkle ridge) to be bright through a red filter. Cameron
mentions that this was during the Apollo 8 watch. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=1108 and weight=3? The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1971 Oct 22 UT 19:43-19:56 A.Mackay (Hatton, UK, 15cm
reflector, x50) observed a pale pink on the W(IAU?) half of
Aristarchus and a pale shade of blue on the E(IAU?) half. The
effect faded from 19:56UT onwards and had gone 2 minutes later.
No information on whether other craters exhibited this effect,
given. Burgess, who observed later did not see any colour.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 18 at UT 19:00-22:30 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK) saw two
very bright flashes on the eastern edge of Littrow, spaced 40 seconds
apart. Ricketts observed blue flashes approximately 20-30 sec apart and
Foley saw faint blue. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=86 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1980 Apr 16 at UT 20:00-22:20 P.W. Foley (Kent,UK, 12" reflector,
seeing II-III) found that Aristarchus could barely be seen. Therefore
it was not possible to take CED brightness measurements. Strangely
Cassini, Kepler, Plato and Mons Pico could be seen. However at
20:16 UT St Elmo fire-like flashes were seen coming from the interior
south east corner of Aristarchus at 20:16 UT and then the brightnesss
spread to fill the rest of he crater. Duration was about 5-20 sec
(Cameron comments: atmospheric effects?). The crater reached peak
brightness at 20:17UT (CED reading of 8). Foley comments that the
crater rim and area 16-24km around this (including Herodoyus) had a
translucent radiance. However at 20:25UT the brightness reduced
(including Herodotus) down to CED 3, however the blue radiance
remained. At 21:07UT Foley saw a star-like flash in the south east of
the floor (CED 3-4). Grimaldi was found to be of constant brightness by
comparison using the CED Brightness=2). At 20:20UT Amery (Reading, UK)
found Aristarchus to be a well visible circular fluorescent patch. At
20:40 Amery found the region between Aristarchus and Herodoutus was
glowing - appeared almost as a flare from Aristarchus and by 20:55UT
there was also a flare to the west of Aristarchus. At 20:27 Madej
(Huddersfield) detected only a slight glow from Aristarchus and the
region affected was small - indeed the glow had gone by 20:46. At 20:40
Ricketts detected a "continuous blue emission" - this had a cycle of 5-
10 sec (Cameron comments: atmosphere?). Saxton (Leeds, UK) detected at
20:42 "translucent effects and variations" at 20:42 noticed a star-like
point. At 19:00-21:40 M. Price (Camberley, UK) decided that Aristarchus
was fainter in brightness than normal. Peters observed a faint nebulous
spot at at 20:25-21:00 that changed in brightness in an irregular way.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=86 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cape Agarum 1967 Jan 14 UT 17:17-17:35 Observed by Middleton,
Colchester, England, 4" refractor, x240, S=G) "Cape was hazy or
obscured whereas Piccard, Pierce, & Cape Olivium were quite clear. Has
seen this area obscured many times" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1008.
On 1969 Jan 22 at UT 00:10-00:30 Kilburn (England, UK, 6" reflector
x192, English Moon Blink device) observed a colour blink on the outer
east wall of Gassendi. Cameron says: "in dark!". The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1117 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
1837Mar11 UT 15:27 (20:48 local time) T.G. Taylor (Madras,
India) whilst observing a star being occulted, noticed a
6th magnitude nebulous spot where Aristarchus should be. Had
never seen anything quite as bright as this on previous
occasions (except the day before). ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1881 Sep 27 at UT 19:00 Marokwic (South Africa) observed a comet-
like object pulling across the Mon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=225 and
the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Atlas 1968 Dec 24 at UT 09:15-10:45 Osawa (Kyoto-Ken, Japan, 8"
reflector, 9mm Ortho, Seeing=5, later worse) saw a slight
brownish hue on the northern shadowy bed in the crater. It was
difficult to see the difference between the glow and chromatic
aberation of the eyepiece. The tint never showed up in filters.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 19 at UT 20:37-20:49) P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK,
77mm refractor, x83 and x111) at 20:37 UT saw a slight glow at
x83, quite small in size. At 20:46UT no glow was seen at x83.
At 20:49 a slight glow seen again, but unclear and
illdefined - appeared larger in area at x111. Observatons
ceased at 21:56 dues to clid. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 19 at UT20:30-22:59. The following is quoted from the
Cameron 2006 catalog.... "(Buczynski) alerted by colleague (Greenwood)
who used filters W15 (IR), W25 (red), W44A (blue), & W58 (UV) and had
located a possible blink in it. (Bucz) used W15, W44A & W25. C.P was
very bright in W25 (red), dull but vis. In W44A (blue) & floor was
noticibly darker in W44A than in W25. Bright cp vis. In W15 & floor was
of a light shade. Other craters checked for color, none found. In 44A
floor lost some definition (gas?). Sketches from Bucz. & Greenwood.
(Pedler) at 2140, floor area around cp was seen in white & red as
normal but blink was vis in white, darker in blue. Checks of other
features were negative. (Amery) small dark center & small dark area -
not shadow - under S wall. N wall obscured by dark area extending N
onto surrounding mare. (normal?) which was difficult to focus (gas?).
At 2155 N wall now sharper & dark area less intense. Craterlet Cameron
in N wall clearly seen which was invisible 1/2 h earlier. (Saxton)
whole crater flashed and blinked at 2155. Could see detail in brighter
W 1/2 of crater - not seen earlier. At 2205 seeing poor, at 2215 it was
normal. (Blair) at 2155 used red & blue filters & in blue it was darker
than in red. W. wall not well defined. (J. Cook) saw spurious color on
N & S rims. Saw a pink tinge on SE rim. (A. Cook) saw spur. Color on
most craters as seeing deteriorated. Got a blink on SE region > red
than blue". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=87 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1879 Oct 20 UT 23:00 (Local time Oct 21 9AM) Hirst (Blue Mountains,
NSW, Australia) saw a large part of the Moon covered with a dark shadow
that was as dark as the Earth's shadow would have been if there had
been an eclipse. Cameron says that this is a confirmed observation.
Note that the Moon was just before first quarter. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=215 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Nov 15 at UT 02:20-03:20 Lagunas (Santiago, Chile, 10"
reflector) observed some brightenings in Aristarchus during the Apollo
12 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1209 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT 19:25-23:43 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 10" reflector,
seeing II-III) found that Aristarchus was very bright in Earthshine
(also found on the photographs that he took), giving off a blue
"incadescence", the CED brightness reading was 5. Occasionally Foley
could see a star-like point in the south east corner. For comparison in
brightness he used highland terrain near to Grimaldi (CED=2). By
comparison, Buczynski and Lord, could not see Aristarchus. Earlier,
Geenwood saw the crater easily as a star-like point with a diffuse
exterior glow. Cameron says thyat this was confirmed by Buczynski and
Lord (?). At 20:35UT Amery decided that Aristarchus looked brighter
than normal. Pedler though described the crater as "small dim nebulous
blue or blue-green" that was invisible by 20:27UT. At 20:28-22:01 Blair
could not detect Aristarchus, nor could J-H Robinson at 20:40UT though
he did see it at 20:55UT as both diffuse and blue. Ricketts detected a
blow glow with irregularly spaced flashes of roughly 5-10 sec apart.
Cook's at Frimley, UK, saw no features in Earthshine. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=88 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT 19:45-22:45 M.C.Cook (Frimley, UK) - colour
(probably spurious) seen on Piccolomini. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=88 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT20:05-21:02 J.D. Cook (Frimley, UK, 12" reflector,
x60, seeing III-IV) at the start of this session found some bright
spots in the area of Copernicus, and at 21:02 detected some flashes in
this region. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=88 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT20:27 M.Price (Camberley, UK) saw a flash in the
Grimaldi-Aristarchus area. Cameron 2006 catalog TLP ID=88 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT21:12-22:45 J-H Robinson (Teignmouth, UK, 10.5"
reflector, x180) found, using a Moon Blink device, evidence of colour
on the flor patches of Fracastorius crater, brighter in blue than in
red. Also the floor to center varied in brightness in blue and in red.
Peters observed in white light and found the south east-south wall had
a slight orange cast and when a Moon blink was used it was less bright
in blue than in red light. M. Cook found spurious colour on the south
rim and also on Mons Pico. There was a colour blink reaction on the
southeast floor of Fracastorius - this was both faint and blurred and
not seen in white light. A.C Cook detected the permanent blink in the
south east floor of the crater at 21:47 and a fainter one in the north
west (marginally brighter in red than in blue). J.D. Cook found no
colour with the Moon blink device. 21:22-22:10 P.W. Foley got a strong
colour reaction with the Moon Blink device - brighter in red than in
blue and detected a pink colour visually on the south east wall 22:10-
22:45 (this did not give a blink effect though). Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=88 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Nov 15 UT 19:15 Holmes (Rockdale, UK, 215mm Newtonian) noticed
the Censorinus apron (just east of the crater and including the rim)
was fuzzy but the crater was clear - a sketch was provided. A BAA Lunar
Section observation.Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID=339 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Apianus D On 2011 Oct 03 UT 21:00-21:20 F. Power (Meath,
Ireland, 11" SCT) observed changing colours (blue, white, and
red) on the inner western rim of this crater. He changed
eyepieces and moved the scope around to look at dufferent parts
of the Moon, but nowhere else exhibited anything similar. As
another test he asked his wife to have a look without telling
her what he was seeing. She confirmed the same effect. 5 digital
camera images had been taken. Most of these were out of focus
and the first one was saturated, however one of them showed a
approximately 35 km long, by 11 km wide (at the north) lopsided
carrot shaped orange colour to the western rim of Apianus D. No
similar strong colour could be seen anywhere else on the image,
nor on the other 4 images. This TLP is being given an ALPO/BAA
weight of 1 as the Moon was low, but an image taken looks
interesting.
On 2001 Apr 29 at UT 20:50 R. Braga (Italy) reported that without any
filter, the brightness of the east wall of Torricelli B was halfway
Torricelli C (faintest) and Moltke (brightest). By insering a Wratten
25 red filter though, the crater was slightly more evident. However
using a blue Wratten 39A filter, the crater vanished completely, whilst
Toricelli C remained. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Near Ross D (24E, 11N) 1964 Mar 21 UT 05:00-06:20 Observed by
Harris, Crow, Cross (Whittier, CA, USA) - negative confirmation
from Las Cruces. NASA catalog weight=0 (unreliable). NASA catalog
ID #805. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Mar 21 at UT 21:05-22:00 P. Horne and J. Horne (Hertz, England,
UK, 11" reflector, x180 and x330) found that Mons Piton (totally
illuminated and brightest feature on the Moon - but no variability) was
brighter than Aristarchus (would have been if it had been in sunlight)
and the mountain was contained within a circular illuminated patch.
"Brilliant white and no shadow. Size ~16km." There was no details
visible but the adjacent features had distinct shadows. Hutton was also
observing. Foley examined the photographs and believes that they are
inconclusive. D. Mansbridge was photographing the Moon at 19:30UT and
detects Piton but it is not bright. However in a photograph taken by D.
Mansbrdige and 20:30UT the mountain is much brighter than any other
sunward facing slopses on the northern part of the Moon's terminator.
R. Mosley had been observing earlier at 18:10-19:40 and although
finding the mountain to be shining briliantly beyond the terminator, he
also comments that this is normal. Cameron though has seen the
photographs taken and thinks it might be a real TLP. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=208 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1984 Apr 08 UT 19:50 Mobberley (14" reflector, x194, seeing
III-IV, Transparency Fair-Poor, Cockfield, UK) found that
Torricelli B's shadow was 1/2 the way across the floor, which
was normal, but that there was a very dar grey/brown shroud
around the carter, out to several radii.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 Nov 16 at UT 18:20 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) observed that a ray
north east of censorinus appeared to be very diffuse and this did not
change during the observation. This was odd because proclus ray
material remained clear. The apron material of Censorinus was diffuse
E-W and the northern part was dull, but not fuzzy. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=340 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Nov 16 at UT 18:20 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) observed that
Torricelli B changed in brightness (at times), but thinks that this was
due to atmospheric transparency. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=340 and
the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Apr 22 at UT20:30 R.Rohslberger (Hittfield, (near Hamburg) West
Germany, 8" reflector, x170 25mm occular used, 300mm focal length?)
took some photographs using projection. One of these recorded an
apparent "ejecta curtain". Cameron considered lens flare, but the other
photographs did not show this. If real then the plume was at a height
of ~40km and the ray was ~130km. Cameron concludes that this was an
impact photograph. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=90 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Alphonsus 1952 Nov 24 UT 18:00 A.P. Lenham (Swindon, UK, 3-
inch efractor x120) noted that the usual dark spots were not
visible, but floor ridges and craterlets were surperbly seen.
This may not be a TLP but has been given a TLP category as it
is a curious appearance and needs to be verified on a repeat
repeat illumination apeparance. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Jan 07 at UT19:10-20:30 H.Miles of Cornwall, UK saw two bright
patches were seen in Earthshine at clock positions of 4 (this patch was
defined by the dark limb and the brightness faded inwards to the disk,
over a short distance. "Centred at 60 deg along the limb from the north
- a sketch showed approximately 10-15 deg along it") and 5:30 (this
second patch was smaller and not so bright as the first patch - it was
west of the north pole. P. Foley (Kent, UK) also detcted the patches
and said that one was not far from the sunrise terminator.
The Cameron 2006 Extension catalog gives this TLP an ID of 291 and a
weight of 2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1789 Jul 30 UTC 21:00? Observed by Schroter (Lilienthal, Germany)
NASA Catalog Event #61, NASA Weight=2 (slightly low) Event described
as: "Soon after sunrise saw a kind of fermentation on the floor which
clearly resembled a kind of twilight, (due to some kind of aberration
unknown to the observer?)" For further details see reference:
Middlehurst, B.M., Burley, J.M., Moore, P.A. and Welther, B.L., 1968,
NASA TR R-277.
Eratosthenes 1952 Nov 25 UT 16:30 A.P. Lenham (Swindon, UK, 3-
inch refractor x150, Definition Good) noted that there was
faint/slightly bright detail inside the interior shadow -
observer comments "presumably peaks of central mountains & W.
Wall ridge, but very faint" - however this is worth checking
out. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2009 Nov 25 UT18:42-21:03 P.Abel, T.Little and C.North (Selsey, UK,
15" reflector, seeing II-III, transparency very good), all saw visually
a brownish tinge on the north west rim of Eratosthenes crater. P.Abel
made a sketch and T.Little took some high resolution CCD images, some
of which were through coloured filters. Checks were made for spurious
colour, but none was seen elsewhere on the Moon. The eyepiece was
changed but this made no difference. M.C.Cook (Mundesley) was observing
with a smaller scope at the same time, but saw no colour, however
observing conditions were worse. W.Leatherbarrow (Sheffield, UK) was
observing with a instrumenet mid way in size, and saw a brownish tinge
in the NW rim area, but saw a similar colour elsewhere and put this
down to spurious colour. Normally multiple observers seeing the same
thing would result in a weight of 4, however as this was only observers
at Selsey and some of the evidence contradicts, I am allocating an
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Pallas-Schroter 1953 Nov 13 UTC 02:00 Observed by L.Stuart (USA)
"Saw and photographed a bright spot on term. between these two
craters. Used Kodak 103aF3." NASA catalog weight=5 and catalog
ID #559. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 2012 Aug 25 UT1944-1952 Eratosthenes crater was imaged by C.
Galdies (Malta,Nexstar 8SE, Philips SPC 900NC camera). 4
Registaxed images were produced covering 19:45, 19:48, 19:49,
and 19:51. All but the first image, once first order spurious
colour had been removed, showed orange on the shaded terraces on
the western illuminated rim (similar to what Paul Abel and
others saw in 2009, albeit just confined to the NW rim), and the
interior floor shadow was slightly smaller in red light. However
orange colour was also seen on the eastern side of mountains to
the south of the crater, which infers that the spurios colour
removal did not fully acomplish its main goal. The effects were
not caused by the registax software as the orange colour is
visible on individual images. Although probably the colour is
not lunar in orgin, its explanation is not fully explaianed,
therfore an ALPO/BAA weight of 1 is used for now.
On 1969 Nov 18 at UT 04:22 Loocks (Valparaiso, Chile, 12" reflector)
observed a flash of light of magnitude 12. Cameron speculates a meteor
and mentions the apollo 12 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1214 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
North (?) (left) Cusp 1912 Jan 28 UT 00:00 (27th 20:00 L.T.) Observed
by Harris (Philadelphia? Pennsylvania?, naked eye?): Intensely black
curved object 400x240km, shaped like a "crow". Cameron 1978 weight=1
(very low) and ID=334. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Eratosthenes: On 2017 May 04 UT 21:50-22:10 N. Longshaw (BAA,
UK, 78mm APO refractor, x125 & x175, seeing II-III,
transparency Good). A brownish (orange) tint was seen on the
inner NW wall light terraces - this was immediately obvious
when first looking at the crater, but as time progressed the
effect became less bright. Other craters were checked for
similar coloured tints, but none were seen elsewhere on the
Moon. UAI observers in Italy (F. Taggogna & A. Tonon) had been
imaging the region in colour 17:57-21:47, but their images do
not show any colour on the inner NW rim terraces, the their
last image is 3 min before Longshaw saw the colour. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Eratosthenes 1947 Jan 30 Mean Col. 16deg. Observed by Hill (UK) "Main
peak of massive central mountain group appeared to be in a shadowless
having regard to it's claimed height of 6,600 ft. The whole of the
floor to the west should have still been in darkness. Instead
immediately to the west was a dark (intensity 1.5-2) region extending
almost to the foot of the bright inner wall and very diffuse in
outline. The observation could not be followed through due to
increasing cloud, but on the following night all was normal."
On 1936 Oct 25 at 01:35 UT W. Haas (Alliance, OH, USA, 12"
reflector) saw small bright spots on the floor of Eratosthenes,
(Pickering's atlas 9A, col. 30deg, shows no spots - according to
Cameron). Cameron 1978 catalog TLP=417 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristillus 1939 Jul 26 UT 02:30 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA, 12?"
reflector) "Dark area to W. part of floor was I=3.7. (see #450, 459 &
461). Used diff. telescopes but can not explain difference)" NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #454.
Plato 1970 Dec 07/08 UT 23:30-00:45 UT Observed by Fitton (Oldham,
England, 8.5" refkector, x200, S=G) "Floor blank, yet some craters
should be vis. Outer wall craters showed clearly. (similar to
Bartlett's obs on Nov. 8th, #1278" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1279.
Copernicus 1966 Mar 01-02 UT 22:06-09:45 Observed by Lovell (Auburn,
OH, 4" refractor, x120m S=E, T=3.5) "As sun rose higher, west (ast.?)
outer wall was bathed in a soft viol. color -- not in evidence on flat
ground below the wall" NASA catalog weight=3, NASA catalog ID #922.
Alphonsus 1969 Nov 19 UT 03:30 Observed by Argus/Astronet (CA?, USA)
Brightening in W. rim & S. central floor, seen by 2 obs. (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight 3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1219.
Plato 2005 Dec 10 UT 20:46 Observed by Brook (Plymouth, UK, 4"
refractor. Conditions excellent with the Moon at a high altitude) "2
second duration white flash seen on the floor of the crater" - BAA
Lunar Section Report.
Daniell 1979 Jun 05 UT 20:15-21:10 Observed by Price (Camberley,
England, 152mm reflector x64 and x128, seeing III, transparency good)
"Obscuration seen" BAA Lunar Section report.
Daniell 1979 Jun 05 UT 20:15-23:00 Observed by Price (Camberley,
England, 152mm reflector x64 and x128, seeing III, transparency good)
observed that Posidonius lacked sharpness.
Plato. 2024 Nov 11 UT 20:33-20:52. T.Smith (Codnor, UK - 16
inch Newtonian, seeing IV) the inner northern rim was an
orange-white colour and this faded, and had vanished by 20:52.
Observation ceased at 20:56. the effect was not present
earlier at 17:49-18:04, nor during a visual check at
23:14-23:24. No other features on the Moon exhibited this
effect at the time. Colour imagery by C.Longthorn at 20:14 and
A.Cook at 20:54 failed to detect any colour in this region,
but these lay outside Smith's observing window. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Bullialdus 1979 Jun 05 UT 22:00-23:00 Observed by Cook M.C.
and J.D. (Frimley, UK, 12-inch reflector, Seeing III-IV, good
transparency). MC Cook observed internittently over this time
period (due to cloud) and found the crater sharper in a blue
filter than in a red filter. No obscuration seen apart from a
darkish patch on the SW rim and spreading over onto an area
surrounding the rim, which she took to be shadow, though the
main shadow was along the east rim of the crater. JD. Cook
observed an orange colouration seen on eastern and the cleft
on the SW rim. Dark area seen on southern floor of crater,
south of central peak. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Apr 15 at UT06:27-06:40 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA
using a 3" refractor x134 and S=4.5-5 and T=5-0) saw a bright spot on
the western wall of Eimmart (sketch supplied) have an unusual
brightening and shade. Variations occurred over 2-3 minute intervals.
Louderback commented that the spot looked like a flare with its apex
located at the crater wall and there was some blurring effect on the
spot - it decreased in size during the phenomenon. Seeing worsened
later. Apparently on the 18th and 19th of April everything was back to
normal. Cameron comments that there is no bright spot on the Moon at
this location. Lunar Orbiter IV plates 192-3.2 shows evening
conditions. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension TLP ID=130 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weright=3.
Alphonsus 1969 Nov 20 05:27 (UT)? Observed by Argus/Astronet (San
Diego, Sacramento, CA, USA) "Brightening in crater. (San Diego &
Sacramento obs. confirmed, but astronauts did not see anything. Apollo
12 watch)." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1222.
Gassendi 1971 Oct 29 UT 22:15-22:50 observed by J.Coates and
A.R. Neville (Burnley, UK, 6" reflectir, x192, slight fog,
seeing jumpy but good at times). An in ititial Moonblink
search proved negative. However white light observations by
Coates revealed a golden brown colour between the black
interior shadow and the base of the (bright W (IAU?) wall).
Neville confirmed its appearance as a coppery hue and saw the
colour for 5 minutes before it vanished at 22:55UT. ALPO/BAA
weight=2
Gassendi 1967 Jan 21 UT 19:36-20:24 Observed initially by
Moore & Moseley (Armagh, N.Ireland, 10" refractor, x360, S=G),
Ringsdore (England, 10" reflector), Sartory (Farnham, England,
15" reflector?), Duckworth (England), Kilburn (Ashton,
England, 6" reflector), Farrant (England, 8" reflector) "Eng.
moon blink at 1936 (no events from 1750-1815h) outside SE
wall, brighter at 1939h, seen vis. at 1940h, faint at 1946h.
Moved NW at 1950h. At 2000h, Moseley saw it farther W., lost
it at 2008h. Seen again at 2026h further toward group of
hills. Moore saw it faint at 2002h, lost it at 2005h, vis. &
blink at 2007h. Checks again at 2010-50h, 2130-50, 2200-20,
2250-2300, 2325-0000h.Duckworth suspected blink in S.Iridium
nr. Bianchini later, but clouds intervened, after clearing
couldn't see it. Neg. obs. in 11 other features, inc.
Alphonsus & Plato. Confirmed Gass blink 2018-2024h" NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1010. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Gassendi 1967 Mar 22 UTC 19:39-19:43 Observed by Mosely (Armagh, N.
Ireland, 10" refractor, x360) "Red color & blink strongly suspected
in small area centred on junction of 3 clefts 1/2 way from c.p. &
ESE wall. Well-defined & did not note change during obs. period.
Clouds terminated obs. till 2120 when it was not seen." NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1018.
Torricelli B 2005 Jan 22 UT 01:00 Observed by Serio (Houston, TX, USA,
6" Cassegrain, x150 and x180, Seeing 3, high deck of Cirrus clouds)
"Torricelli B hard to make out in the videos taken, but images taken
through cloud. A check on the image received by the coordinator shows
that Torricelli B is in fact visible, but perhaps not very bright. A
later observational sequence of images by Raul Salvo (Montevideo,
Uraguay UT 03:15-03:23) showed similarly that Torricelli B was dark,
and there was some brightness variability although the
background setting on these was low" An ALPO report.
At 03:30UT observer noticed a hint of yellow colour
on the floor of the crater and by 03:57UT the south
east and central parts of the floor and the circular
feature on the south west floor had turned a deep
yellow colour. The rest of the crater remained colourless.
Other craters also remained colourless. By 04:05UT the colour
was fading and by 04:15UT it was gone. Maurice Collins
in New Zealand took some low resolution colour images about
4 hours later but these failed to show any yellow colour.
Zac Pujic obtained colour images at a different time of
natural surface colour on the Moon and finds that Bullialdus
does actually have a natural yellow cast to most of the floor.
However this does not explain the variability in colour strength
seen by Robin Gray. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
G. Ward (a lunar observer for 15 years) observed an area just south
west of Mersenius C to be blurred and in a greenish cloud. The green
colour was more like that of dead grass than one gets from a neon bulb.
The effect was seen from 04:50-04:57UT, but could have been going on
before it was first noted at 04:50-UT. Seeing was 6-7/10 4" Refractor
(2 element). refractor had been used hundreds of hours before (over a
10 year period) with no similar colour was seen. The observer checked
other areas but did not see any similar effects. They also rotated and
changed eyepieces, but this made no difference to the TLP. The TLP site
seen was picked up on an image taken earlier at 04:47UT by W. Bailley,
from Sewell, NJ, USA. Unfortunately the area concerned, a mountain on
the image, was saturated and so we cannot tell if a colour was present
there and the seeing was poor.
Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England, 6.5" reflector? x240) "Red
glow." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #573.
On 1987 Jan 11 at UT 18:15-23:00 P. Grego (Birmingham, UK, 6"
reflector, seeing=III) sketched Aristarchus crater and saw two
luminous circular patches on the exterior west wall - these
were less bright than the inner wall but brighter than the
outer wall. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=292 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1987 Jan 11 at UT P. Moore (Sussex, UK) found the the floor of Plato
was much more drk than the adjacent Mare Imbrium. Furthemore there was
a blurring of detail over the northeast wall and onto the nearby floor.
detail elsewhere in the crater was OK. By 23:00UT there was less lack
of detail effects. M. Cook (Frimley, UK) at 21:55UT noted the obscured
area but decided that it was narrower than the same effect one month
ago and suspected that she may have been observing towards the end of
this TLP. The effect gradually dimmed between 21:55 and 22:45UT. Other
craters were normal. G. North was affected by poor seeing conditions.
Davies detected a slight obscurtion on the north east corner - it was a
misty gray feature at x200. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID was
292 and the weight was 5. Tha ALPO/BAA weight was 4.
On 1889 May 11 at 22:00? UT an unknown observer saw an ink black spot
on the rampart of Gassendi. It had not been seen before ar at the next
lunation or indeed ever again. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=261 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Cobra Head 1949 Feb 10 UT 00:00? Observed by Thorton (Northwich,
England, 18" reflector) "I was examining the Cobra Head of the Schroter
Valley, when I noticed what seemed to be a diffuseed patch of thin
smoke or vapour, apparently originating from the valley on the E. Side
where the landslip is, and spread over the edge on to the plain for a
short distance. Every detail of the edge of the valley was perfectly
clear and distinct except where this patch occurred, but there the
definition was poor and very blurred" NASA catalog
weight=4 and catalog ID #515. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Bullialdus 1974 Sep 27 UT 22:45-23:40 Observed by Findlay, Ford
(Dundee, Scotland, 10" refractor, 150x, 180x, filters) "Saw yellowish-
orange color in crater. After clouds passed at 2300h color still there
& gave a slight blink which no other craters did. Not seen in red
filter, dark in blue. Ford saw it along ridge fr. c.p. to SW wall.
Alert did not bring confirm. as clouds intervened for all others." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1394. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Torricelli B 2005 Jan 22 UT 03:15-03:23 Observed by Raul Salvo
(Montevideo, Uraguay UT 03:15-03:23) showed that Torricelli B
was dark, and there was some brightness variability although the
background setting on these images was low and seeing could
account for the brightness variation? An ALPO report.
On 1990 Oct 1st at 00:44-01:24UT D Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA)
observed that Gassendi still had a blink effect when viewed through
blue (Wratten 38A) and red (Wratten 25A) filters. No effect was seen on
Aristarchus. Gassendi was brighter in the red filter and this was
confirmed by Weier. Sketches were made and brightness measurements
taken. Both observers used a 12.5" reflector x159. At 01:00UT the NW
wall was 7.5, the SW wall 8.0, the S. wall 7.5, the floor 6.0, the
outer E. wall 8.0, the N. floor 5.5. Gassendi A W. wall was 9.5,l
Aristarchus W. floor was 8.0, NW wall 8.0, shadowed floor 0.0, E. outer
wall 7.0, NBP 5.5, area between Aristarchus and Herodotus 6.0, and the
comet like tail: 8.2 on the E. and 8.5 on the W. The Cameron 2006
catalog extension TLP ID=412 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Schroter's Valley 1955 Aug 29 UT 19:45 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England, 6.5" reflector x200, S=P-F) "Valley almost completely
invisible in blue" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #605.
Aristarchus 1976 Sep 05/06 UT 18:45-01:35 Observed by Prout
(England?, 12" reflector, S=III-II), Foley (England, 12"
reflector), Moore and Spry (Sussex, England, 12" reflector)
"Viol. hue on crater on W. wall, especially NW corner seen by
Prout & 2 Foleys. Moore & Spry did not see color. All obs. noted
that the crater was dull Hobdell, of St Petersburg, FL, USA, using a 2"? refractor?
and Seeing=I-II, saw a bright region on the north west wall
that seemed to change in brightness. In truth, there were
other features elsewhere on the Moon that also fluctuated,
but not as much as Aristarchus was. No colour was noticed.
Cameron suspects fluctuations in our own atmosphere.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID 131 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Proclus 1970 Oct 12 UT 00:54 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4" reflector, 51x-181x) "Floor darkened to intensity 1.5 deg (albedo) &
c.p. became invis. Next day c.p. reappared & was 5 deg bright & 6deg
bright on 15th" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1277.
Herodotus 1957 Sep 05 UT 02:55-03:24 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x180, S=1-5, T=5) Pseudo
peak visible within floor shadow at 03:10h" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #671. ALPO/BAA weight=3.