On 1952 Feb 05 at UT 05:10 J.Carle (USA, 8" reflector, x180)
observed the following in Plato: "A shadow in a depression, or
a cloud, or an optical illus.? Oval dark area nr. center,
disappeared in 15m clear & prominenet at first then vanished.
4 of 14 spots nr. center continuously seen while remaining
ones seen only momentarily. (seeing?) Drawing includes sketch
on March 7. His sketch shows 18 spots, 13 same as here". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=549 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Alphonsus 1966 Nov 22 UT 03:17-03:40 Observed by kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 8" relector x300) "Seen first with (Eng.) moon blink, red filter
but not in the green. Not seen at 03:42h" NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #998.
On 1990 Aug 30 at UT02:11-02:36 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x90, seeing conditions: "at,. boiling") noted a coloured
area on the west wall of Copernicus that was unusual in appearance -
however other craters along the terminator had a similar effect. There
was also a "dazzling bright spot on the E. rim and he witnessed 6
flashes from the lighted part of Copernicus over a very short time
interval. Cameron comments that the colour may well have been dur to
chromatic aberation because a refractor was used. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=408 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Aug 30 at UT 02:11-02:36 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3"
reflector, x90, atmosphereic conditions: boiling) found "N rim of Proc.
bright interior uniform gray". The Cameron 2006 catalog report is
slight unclear as the description for thnis 1990 Aug 30 TLP also
includes Copernicus and Censorinus in the list of TLP craters. So one
description which might refere to Copernicus, could possibly have been
meant for Proclus, namely: "Dazling bright spot on E rim. Rotated
eyepiece but no change. N rim of Proc.......". The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=408 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1960 Aug? 01 at UT 22:00? an unknown observer detected that Vitello
was illuminated -it should have been in shadow? Cameron says that if
several days before sunrise then the date could have been July through
to December, with August 1st most likely, and ancilary data is
therefore given for this date. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=729 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1979 Apr 06 UT 18:00-21:00 Observed by Crick (Belgium, seeing II-
III) Part of floor darker than normal and obscuration on inner west
wall - the effect did not change during the observation. Drawing made.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=49 and weight=3. ALPO-BAA weight=2.
On 1989 Jan 16 at UT 20:00 G. North (Herstmonceux, UK, 30" reflector)
observed Toricelli B to change in brightness and found colour in it. A
10 minute exposure spectrum was taken (Cameron does not have
information on whether anything unusual was recoeded) before clouds
obscured the Moon. Normally a 30 minute exposure would be needed. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=345 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristillus 1939 Sep 23 UT 01:00 Observed by Haas? (New Mexico?, USA,
12" reflector?) "Dark area in W. part of floor had I=1.3. comp with I=
1.3, 3.7, 4.0 in #450, 454, & 459, respectively. (albedos disagree at
same phases, so are real anomalies). (normal here?)." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #461.
Alphonsus 1966 Apr 20 UT 22:28 Observed by Smith (Nottingham,
England, 10" reflector) Reddish patch possibly detected on SE
flank of central peaks, but more dubious than that from 28th
Apr. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Mar 09 at UT20:00 M. Mobberley (Sussex, UK) obtained some video
of Mons Pico - apparently these show the mountain with a puzzling
appearance (not sure whether it was the observer who claimed this or
some one who analyzed the tape). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=300 and
the weight=5. ALPO/BAA=1.
Ross D 1966 Nov 23 UT 04:50-05:02 Observed by Cross (Whittier,
CA, USA, 19" reflector, x250 & 2390, S=4-5 (sometimes 6), T=4,
excellent contrast) Activity level 5, eastern third of Ross D's
circumference possibly partly obscured. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Oct 03 at UT 01:0?0-02:00 R. Manske (Brooklyn, WI, USA, 8"
reflector, x226) observed sunlight glinting of the walls in spectacular
display of colours. White (even gold) was seen at the centre, and blue
on the top most part of the rim. The white (or gold) band was thin in
comparison to other bands. The observer suspects that this effect was
terrestrial atmosphere related. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=307 and weight=
0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
P. Moore at 21:10 found the southern wall (and ontothe southern floor)
of the crater to be indistinct. Elsewhere in the crater everything was
sharp. The effect was still seen at 21:42UT, but less strong. A check
was made for colour with aq Moonblink device, but none was seen. There
was still a trace of this effect at 21:44UT, although detail was now
becoming visible. By 21:48UT vertical streaks were seen crossing
the floor from the obscuration area and these were more visible in the
red filter and not in the blue. Cameron comments that undefined patches
on the floor of Plato are not normal. By 21:55UT some craterlets on the
floor started to become visible and the TLP for Moore ended by UT22:23.
P.Foley was alerted by Moore and saw a "amssive dense obsecuration
on the south wall, south floor and south outer glacis to the Mare".
Foley noted that by 21:50UT the effect was fading and finished by
22:03UT. Foley reported an orange translucent haze covering half of the
floor, but floor craterlets could be seen on and off - however his
atmospheric seeing conditions were IV. At 22:00 UT Foley reported the
floor close to the north wall to be "milky or misty". No detail was
visible at 21:15UT and variability in the floor continued until
23:10UT. Hedly-Robinson was aleted at 21:35UT and found no difference
between red and blue views of the area, however he did find that the
south rim was indistinct although this effect had lessened by 22:00 UT
and was normal by 22:17UT. M. Mobberly saw a white spot on the floor at
21:20 UT, whereas he normally would have expected to see craterlets.
Mobberly was alerted at 21:40 UT and took some colour photos. He also
made sketches that showed variability in the floor and dark lines and
patches in the north west corner. However the altitude of the Moon was
low. Cameron mentions that two of the photos show loss of detail at the
south wall and beyond.and also a change in the floor markings.The north
wall at 21:50UT was strangely reddish (didn't think this was spurious
colour). The rest of the wall was sharp at 22:20UT through a yellow
filter. Large bright patch in the centre and rest of the floor was
apparently of the same shading as Mare Imbrium. The above notes are
based upon the Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID 145 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1964 Jan 24 at 20:00? Scarfe (UK) obtained spactra showing
luminescence? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=796 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1966 Apr 30 UT 21:30-23:28 Observed by Sartory,
Ringsdore (England, 8.5" reflector, S=E), Moore, Moseley
(Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, S=VG), Coralitos
Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon Blink)
"English moon blink system detected red spots with vis.
confirm. Ringsdore says no color but saw obscuration. (LRL
60-in photos showed nothing unusual by my casual inspection).
Indep. confirm. (even E. wall was in dark). Corralitos did
not confirm by MB." N.B. event had finished by the time
Corralitos came on-line. NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog
ID #931. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Eratosthenes 1968 Nov 01 UT 01:50-02:06 Observed by Chilton
(Hamilton, Canada, 12" reflector, 300x) "Red glow in the crater.
Weak blink beyond ESE (IAU?) wall. Visually, area would not
focus & gave impression of fog cascading down slope, but no
motion was vis. (Moore has misprint in time in his cat.
extension -- should be 0150-0206)." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID 1106. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Sinus Iridum 1996 Apr 28 UT 20:00 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
UK, 60mm refractor, x112, seeing III, slight breeze, twilight)
"dark shaded area on floor ~1/4 diameter of Sinus Iridum on
western interior by rim" BAA Lunar Section Observation.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1906 Mar 06 UT 22:00? Observed by Fauth (Germany? 6" refractor)
"Color (brightness?) greatly enhanced as it was to be on the next
nite" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #324.
Peice A (Swift=IAU name?) 1927 May 12 UT 22:03 Observed by Wilkins
(England, 15" reflector) "Complete obscuration of crater. Saw no trace
of it. It was vis. May 11 & faint on May 13. 3x in 1948 Moore saw whole
area misty gray & devoid of detail, whereas surroundings were sharp &
clear. Birt also found it invis. at times in late 1800's" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #394. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Near Hyginus 1959 Sep 13 UT Observed by Bradford (S.Shields,
England, 15"? reflector), Feist, Lovas (Hungary), Moore, Wilkins
(Kent, England, 7" refractor, x500) "Obliterated by a hovering
cloud (Feist disagrees). Budapest obs. saw a cloud at 21:02:30,
lasting 5 m. Moore & Wilkins saw burst of light & dust cloud at
21:02:35 (confirm.) Drawing by Lovas." NASA catalog weight=5 and
catalog ID #722. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Littrow, 1959 Sep 13 UT Observed by Bradford (S.Shields,
England, 15"? reflector), Feist, Lovas (Hungary), Moore, Wilkins (Kent,
England, 7" refractor, x500) "Obliterated by a hovering cloud (Feist
disagrees). Budapest obs. saw a cloud at 21:02:30, lasting 5 m. Moore &
Wilkins saw burst of light & dust cloud at 21:02:35 (confirm.) Drawing
by Lovas." NASA catalog weight=1 and catalog ID #722. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1990 Jan 08 at UT00:55 D. Weier (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x159) observed an "anomalous black bar across Aris. Nearly
digonal to terminator." The nearby crater Prinz had curious shadow
patterns, perhaps related to the rising sun projecting shadows from the
eastern rim and "reflected down"? "At 0224 W wall had a break in it & a
diffuse glow where it should not be. Manske thinks it was Earthshine
effect. At 0305 Weier saw Manske's bar - with diffused light and
flicker like an aurora - like a gas with electric charge. At 0325 saw a
strange glow in Aris. but may be due to atm. though thought it to be a
LTP. Darling had never seen such effects before (flickering implies a
medium in it)." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=387 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Jul 23 at UT22:00 G.W. Amery (Reading, UK, 8" reflector, x144
and x207, seeing=III-V and transparency=fair) found that the interior
shadow was a light grey. BAA TLP coordinator (Foley) suggests that this
was light reflecting from the illuminated walls? Cameron 2006 catalog
TLP ID=102 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Moon 1967 Apr 21 UTC 02:30-09:30 Observed by Dunlap et al (Corralitos
Observatory, Organ PAss, NM, USA, 24" reflector + moonblink) "UV excess
relative to red & visual images. Greatest (30%) at subsolar pt. nr.
limb, grading down to 0% at term. Seen Apr 22 also with a gradient of
10% at term. to 25-30% at subsolar pt. (137 deg long). Filters well
balanced. Neg. (normal) on Apr. 20 & 23rd. Bandpass 3700-4900A on image
enhancement & filter equip. (coincided with Lyrid meteor shower. They
had seen this phenom. many times since. NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #1039.
On 1977 Apr 29 at UT21:40-23:20 an unknown UK observer reported a TLP
in Gassendi crater. The following are reports by observers attempting
to confirm activity: J.W. Napper (Didcot, UK, 30cm reflector, x287,
Wratten 25 and 44a, conditions clear 5+) received a telephone alert
call at 22:00 but the sky was cloudy until 22:30. An initial look
revealed nothing unusual, then at 22:54 he observed a colour blink just
inside the north wall, appearing bright in red and normal in blue or
white light. No loss of detail seen and the effect lasted only 2
minutes. A sketch was made. However the observer stresses that the very
bad seeing casts some doubt on this observation. L. Fitton observed
using a 8.5" reflector, with Moon blink device at x200, seeing was I-
II. All areas negative, including Gassindi from 21:40-21:55 and again
22;00-22:25 and finally 22:50-23:30 negative. Mike Brown (Huntington,
York, UK, 30cm reflector, x220 and x350, seeing 3-4/5, and transparency
5/5) - observed from 22:00-23:25UT no colour seen, nor obsecuration,
all filters negative, despite seeing a lot of fine setail inside this
crater.
Aristarchus visible just past terminator. West wall was
brighter than normal. Bright flash seen in/on NW wall -
apparently in the same place as Pedler's May 17th sketch.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=146 and weight=4.
Observed by M. Price of Camberley, Surrey, UK with
a 6" reflector and a Moon Blink device. Seeing=III.
Plato 1981 Jun 13 UT 20:48-21:08 Observed by Price (Camberley, England,
152mm reflector, seeing III) Possible Moon blink (red) seen
on north wall. Also the craterlets on the floor could be seen
despite the observing conditions not being optimal. BAA Lunar Section
observation. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=146 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1984 Jan 14 at UT 20:00 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) observed that
Aristarchus was brighter than it normally is at sunrise. No
quantitative measurements were made though. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=238 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1976 Oct 04 UT 20:55-20:58 Observed by Robinson (Devon,
England) - observer noted that the east outside wall was bright in red
and normal in blue. Note that the Moon was 30 deg above the horizon at
the time of the observation. The crater returned to normal at 20:58.
Also seen by Moore (Selsey, UK) and Foley (Kent, UK). At 21:25-21:50 D.
Sims (Dawlish, UK, 25cm reflector, x300, seeing IV and some cloud at
times) noticed a possible obscuration over the southern part of
Gassendi. He had been observing earlier at 18:40-19:30 but had not
detected a TLP in Gassendi then. 22:11UT Robinson notices that the spot
outside the east wall is again bright in red., though by 22:25 it had
faded and was gone by 22:28UT. The Cameron 1978 catalog further
quotes: "Vivid red spots & general red color seen around rim by 2 obs.
At 2209h blood red small area was seen. 1 h later the most westerly
(IAU?) of the peaks had become hazy white all other areas were sharp.
(Indep. confirm.)." Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5 and catalog ID #1454.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1987 Oct 04 at UT 02:20 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5" reflector, x170, S=8, VG, T=5) obtained the brightest
measurement he had ever recorded on the northern rim of
Proclus. Brightness 9 and adjacent plain was of brightness
6.5. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=308 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1966 May 01 UT 19:30-00:21 Observed by Sartory (UK,
8.5" reflector, x500, S=G), Moore, Moseley (Northern Ireland,
12.5" reflector x350, S=E) and by Corralitos Observatory
(Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector + moon blink) "Eng.
moonblink & obscuration, also vis. confirm (Moore & Moseley
alerted by Sartory. Corralitos MB did not confirm. - but they
may not have been observing at the ame time?)." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #932. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1980 Jul 24 at UT02:00 F. Graham (East Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 6"
reflector) took some photos (albeit out of focus) that showed a bright
spot on the west rim. Cameron comments that this spot was sharp
compared to the rest of the photograph, so was probably a photographic
artifact. The effect was not seen in the finder scope. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=103 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1966 May 01 UT 21:55-22:45 Observed by Paterson,
Brown, Sartory, Ringsdore (England, 12" reflector x252 for the
former and 8.5"? reflector for the latter) "Eng. moon blink
system detected red spots with vis. by all but Ringsdore. Brown
saw intense white spot NW of crater wall" NASA catalog weight=5.
NASA catalog ID 933. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
M. Cook of Frimley, UK observed a brightening of the crater during
this observing session. The cameron 2006 extended catalog ID=346 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1939 Sep 25 UT 01:30 Observed by Haas (New Mexico? 12"
reflector?) "NE part pf c.p. had I=9.4 comp. with I=6.4 (normal? in #
458. under similar obs. cond. (& phase. thus real diff.)" NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #462.
On 1989 Sep 12 at UT00:58-02:25 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x159, S=7/10) observed similar light conditions to 1989 Jul
15. At 02:00 he observed pink on the south west wall of Aristarchus
crater. At 01:24UT the Aristarchus ray was yellowish, however the
entire Moon had a grey-yellow tinge of colour. Chromatic aberation was
observed at 01:56UT. By comparison Gassendi was checked and had no
colour. At 02:10 the crater wall of Aristarchus was unusual and was
quite different in appearance to rims of other craters. The cameron
2006 catalog ID=375 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
Plato 1906 Mar 07 UT 22:00? Observed by Fauth (Germany? 6" refractor)
"Color (brightness?) greatly enhanced as on the previous nite" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #324.
On 1980 Jul 24 at UT22:10-22:55 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector,
x360 and x400) found an area just south east of the central peak (and
upto the wall) to be quite dark in blue light, but normal brightness in
red light or in white light. All other features were normal colour-
wise. At 22:55UT Tycho was normal again. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=103
and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Moon 1967 Apr 22 UT 02:30 Observed by Dunlap et al. (Corralitos
Observatory, Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector) "UV excess as in #
1029. Gradient was 10# at term. to 25-30$ at subsolar pt. (153 deg
long)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #1031.
Foley (Kent, UK) saw the west wall dull and stongly coloured. Moore
(Sussex, UK) saw the wall as normal. However Cameron points out that
Foley (Kent, UK) is a lot more Blue/UV sensitive than Moore. Mosely
(Covington, UK) at 22:10 UT noticed a brightening on the East wall and
at 01:10-01:25 UT suspected that the interior had a weak yellow-green
cast to it. Cook (Frimley, UK) states that orange colour was within the
interior crater, but green beyond the east rim at the 9 O'Clock and
the south east corner to floor blue/mauvre beyond the northern rim
NW/WSW. Foley sstates that orange and blue/mauvre might be spurious
colour, but green one cannot get this way. Cameon suggests chromatic
aberatons as a possibility but thinks that the observers concerned were
experienced enough to recognize this if it were the cause. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=239 and weight=0. Moore used a 15?" refletor and
Foley used a 12" refletor. Mosely experienced II seeing and good
transparency. Cook had III seeing and also good transparency. P.
Grego made an observation this night too. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1981 Jun 14 UT 21:58 Observed by Foley (Kent, England,
11.75" Newtonian, Seeing III, Transparency Good) "Obscuration
Seen" BAA Lunar Section Observation. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Cobra Head 1966 May 02 UT 20:05 Observed by Sartory (England, 8.5"
reflector x400) "Eng. moon blink detected red spots, seen visually
also". NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #934.
Gassendi 1966 May 02 UT 20:18-20:19 Observed by Sartory (England, 8.5"
reflector x400) "Eng. moon blink detected red spots, seen visually
also." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #935.
S. of Aristarchus 1951 Sep 13 UTC 14:00? Observed by Osawa (Japan, 6"
reflector) "Bownish-red color, blue on NW rim of A." NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #546.
Cobra Head 1967 Mar 23 UT 18:40-20:47 Observed by Sartory,
Moore, Moseley (Farnham, England, 15" reflector (Sartory) seeing
very poor & 10" refractor in Armagh, N. Ireland (Moore & Mosely)
x360 - seeing Fair to Poor) "Red patch seen intermittently;
moon-blink from 1916-2047h. Position agreed with Sartory who
alerted them to Aris. area; checks on others were neg." NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID 1020. Then Aristarchus 1967
Mar 23 UT 18:40-20:30, 21:30 by Marsh and Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector, x330). "Suspected colour on SW (ast.)
wall. Farrant saw color in crater, completely independently,
(inform. suggests same phenom. as seen by Moore & Moseley tho
they said Cobra head). NASA Catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #
1021. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1967 Mar 23 UTC 18:40-18:50 Observed by Sartory (Farnham,
England, 15" reflector) "Heavy blink on inner S. wall. Moved toward N.
at 1845, faded at 1850." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog
ID #1019.
Aristarchus. 2024 Mar 22 UT 22:08. G.Vega (Argentina, Oro
Verde - 20cm f/5 Newtonian on an EQ5 Goto mount - two colour
cameras used: a Player One Ceres C & a Nikon D5100).
Colour images show a region of blueness from the W. rim of
Aristarchus and the NE of Herodotus (maybe also on the inner
SE rim of Herodotus?) i.e. generally SE of the Cobra's Head.
Blue colour is usually present on the rim of Aristarchus and
to the north - but I don't recall seeing such strong blue
colouration in this region before? No other craters exhibit
this blue colour. As the colour is present in two images,
taken with different cameras it looks genuine. Two other
colour images, at lower resolution, were taken from Oro Verde,
by W.Elias, at 23:06 and 23:18, but neither of these exhibit
this blue colour - but that maybe a resolution issue? ALPO/BAA
weight=3.0
Rays of(?) (in?) Herodotus 1955 Oct 28 UTC 18:30 Observed by Kozyrev
(Crimea, Russia, 50" reflector, spectragraph) "Spectrum 3934A (K of
Ca). 3964 (H of Ca) change in luminosity. 13% in H, 19% in K, 2% in H,
3% in K. in photo-line-depth method" NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID #622. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Mersenius 1975 Jun 21 UT 21:50-22:45 Observed by McConnell
(Northern Ireland, 6" reflector) Moore? (Sussex, Enland, 15"
reflector, 5" refractor, S=F), Reading (Rushden, England, ?
14" reflector) and Foley (Kent, England, 12" reflector, S=P)
"McConnell saw an obscur. starting at 2150h which disappeared
at 2245h. Moore(?) alreted, saw no anomaly in 15 in refl. &
5-in refr. under fair conditions from 2209-2228h. Reading
reported neg. fr. 2250-2345h (after phenom.). Foley reported
color in it but also a crater to S. of it & Aris., prob. due
to seeing conditions." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog
ID#1408. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1995 October 6 at UT 21:30 R. Lena (Rome, Italy - a UAI observer,
11.4cm reflector) saw 4 or 5 flashes from Herodotus crater. Light
intensities (mag?) ranged from 9 to 8 and they were brighter through a
red filter. There is no 2006 Cameron catalog entry for this observation
- it has come from the UAI web site. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1976 Oct 06 UT 21:30 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, x400,
seeing poor) observed redness in the c.p. area. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1981 Jun 15 UTC 21:30 Observed by Amery (Reading, England, 25cm
reflector, seeing Antoniadi IV-V) At the 4 O'Clock position on the
North West corner?, there was a dark smudge which reached from the
floor across and over the wall and onto the terrain outside the crater.
Foley, alerted by Amery, saw a dark show-like patch in the crater's
north west corner, again lying across the rim. 2006 Cameron catalog
extension ID=148 and weight=4. Foley used a 12" reflector and seeing
was III-V. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2009 Jan 09 at UT 20:00 P. Brierley (UK) took a CCD image of the
Aristarchus area - P.Grego upon examining this comments that he thinks
that Schiaparelli crater looked "muted in brightness -- it is normally
quite bright to look at". Though Grego comments that it might have
something to do with the image processing aplied to the image. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1964 Jan 27 at 21:00? Scarfe (UK) obtained spactra showing
luminescence? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=797 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Manilius 1968 Nov 04 UT 00:15-00:30 Observed by Jean et al. (Montreal,
Canada, 4" refractor, 6" reflector) "Extremeley bright flash on Men. &
Man. each." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1101.
Menelaus 1968 Nov 04 UT 00:15-00:30 Observed by Jean et al. (Montreal,
Canada, 4" refractor, 6" reflector) "Extremeley bright flash on Men. &
Man. each." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1101.
Eratothenes 1954 Jul 14 UT 04:18-05:00 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector, x150, S=4, T=3) "Violet glare on E. wall bright
spot (EWBS)" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #565. ALPO
/BAA catalog weight=3.
Alphonsus 1966 May 03 UTC 21:30 Observed by Smith (England, 10"
reflector) and Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24"
reflector, Moonblink) "Reddish patches. Not confirmed by Corralitos MB
(but in their report they give the feature as Gassendi)." NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID #936. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Mar 13 at UT 20:52 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, S=VG) obtained
some video that shows variation in Aristarchus crater e.g. ä visual
oddity in the SE corner" (Foley was interpreting the video). H.Hatfield
took some film of the TLP (Unstudied yet). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
301 and the weight=5.
On 1987 Mar 13 at UT 20:52 M. Mobberley (Sussex, UK) found that Mons
Pico varied in its north east section. This was recorded on video tape.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=301 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Godin UT 02:15-03:05 Observed by Porter (Narragansett, Rhode Island,
USA, 6" refletor, 45, 90x, S=P?, T=2) "Albedo change in some pts.
yellow-orange color on rim. Wondered if it were atmos. LTP albedo=
7,7,7,6.5. Normal albedos=7,7.5,6.5,6.5 for same pts. Nearby plain
albedos =6. LTP from 0250-0300h. Intensity normal at first;pts in W.
decreased & N.pt increased. No difference in intensity in red filter
till suddenly it jumped out & became vis. above the high background
albedo. Sketch. He thinks it was atm. seeing" NASA catalog weight=2
(low). NASA catalog ID #1370.
Aristarchus 1975 Oct 18 UTC 20:00? Observed by Foley (Kent, England,
12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?) interior corner."
NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1415.
Aristarchus and Herodotus UT 20:00? Observed by Areau (Paris, France,
12" reflector x100) "Maroon color covering the ridge(?) E (ast. ?) &
the ridge(?) S. of Herod. In 3 or 5 secs. Cloud disappeared after 10
min." NASA catalog weight=3 (average) NASA catalog ID #1312.
On 1973 Dec 8 UT18:15-18:20 R.Billington (UK, 2" refractor)
reported that ristarchus was orange. However 15 minutes earlier,
another observer, Livesey made a sketch and did not report any
colour. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1964 Jan 28 at 21:00? Scarfe (UK) obtained spactra showing
luminescence? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=798 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Sep 25 at 19:00?UT Azeau (Paris, France, 12" reflector, x100,
Seeing = good, altitude=20 deg) observed during an eclipse brilliant
points for 30 minutes in Ross. Cameron says that the date given
originally (16th Sep) was wrong because the age was 5 days and not full
Moon. There was however a peumbral eclipse on Sep 25th at 20:10 (max).
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1201 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1968 Mar 14 UT 01:32-02:06 Observed by Olivarez, Maley,
Etheridge (Edinburgh, TX, USA, 17" reflector, x125 + Moon Blink) and
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon Blink)
"S=5 (F-G) for the TX observations. "Trident Moon Blink on S. wall
creet & c.p. & white spots in crater. No color seen vis. Blink not seen
earlier or later. Other craters blinked some but not as strongly.
Only Aris. areas blinked when Moon blink was moved around. Observers
consider blinks real. Alt. of moon was 50 deg. Drawings. Corralitos
say they did not confirm, but they rep't Copernicus, not Aris." NASA
catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #1062.
On 1912 Apr 01 at UT 22:00-23:00 LeRoy (France?) during a
partial eclipse, observed Tycho to be visible as a very bright
spot standing out in the slate grey shadow. Apparently only
Tycho was seen during the elipse. The mid eclipse point was at
22:14UT. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=236 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1964 May 26 UT 04:10-04:35 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, S=5, T=5).
observed that Aristarchus had a strong blue-violet glow on the east
wall and EWBS, with a strong violet tinge on the nimbus. Crater was
hazy, could not focus it in red, green or blue light. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID= and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1955 Aug 03 UTC 04:13-04:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=5) "Floor blackish 2 intensity but
in green filter assumed a distinctly mottled or flocculent appearance
-- seen only in green. Neither blue nor red had any effect, but on
previous eve. green light had not produced such an appearance." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #602. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1976 Jun 12 UT 05:21 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore. MD.
USA, 4.5" reflector, 40-225x, S=5, T=3, "Deep viol. tinge in N. 1/2 of
nimbus. Faint blue-viol. radiance (gas ?) on E. - NE wall along crest.
No color elsewhere, nor on plateau m." NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #1435.
On 1984 Dec 07 at UT 19:30-23:30 M. Mobberley (St Edmunds, UK,
seeing=IV-V, transparency=good, spurious colour seen) found 2
bright pathces on the east rim on alternate sides of a bright region.
The band from the central 16km wide region was dark on the east side.
Foley (Kent, UK, 12"reflector, seeing=II-III) found Aristarchus to be
not as bright as normal, apart from the band that Mobberley found (1
hour later). The dark regions were a murky green colour (bright through
green, blue and yellow filters and dark through red and orange
filters). Cook (Frimley, UK, transparency=excellent, CCD camera used)
found a bright "bulge"on the eastern side. Apparently data suggests
that the band was brighter in red than in near IR light. Cook's
calibrated brightness measurements suggest that there was no change in
brightness over the crater with time. Two other bright points were
seen: one at the Cobra's Head and another half way between the east rim
of Aristarchus and passes Herodotus. Wratten 29 (deep red), Wratten 87
(near IR) and combined Wratten 29 and Wratten 87 were used. In the red
Wratten 29 filter the brightness falls at22:20 at Shroters valley and
then rises in the bright ray. They return to normal at 22:30UT. There
was however a lot of measurement noise from the brightness readings of
points B and D. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=256 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2000 Jun 16 UT 20:37 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm
refractor, x117 & x40, seeing good, transparency excellent)
observed abright spot on the north rim of Mare Crisium (57E,
25N). It was comparable to the illuminated rim of Proclus in
brightness. No colour seen. The spot was not visible the next
night. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Archimedes 1940 Aug 18 UT 03:25 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) NE outer wall had I=5.0, but was I=2.5 on June 20
(see #467) (similar colong.)" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #471. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1973 Nov 10 UTC 20:00? Observed by Coates (England, 8"
reflector x200, Moon at gigh altitude above horizon). "Attracted to
crater because of an orange hue extending towards Herod. Has seen this
at other times. Thinks not a LTP, but actual color on ground."NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1381.
On 1978 Aug 19 at UT02:45-04:00 Porter (Naragansetts, RI, USA, using a
6" reflector, Seing = 6/10) noticed blue on the north east corner of
Aristarchus and an orange glow on the south east wall. They detected no
movement or change in brightness. The observer used both eyes, to make
sure it was not an eye defect, and three filters: red Wratten 25, blue
Wratten 82 and Violet Wratten 47. Porter found that the colours faded
for a duration of 5 minutes and then returned. Their right eye gave a
good view and using their left eye they suspected that it was 0.5 steps
brighter than the remainder of the crater. The suspected colour
remained visible, even under moments of good seeing conditions. The
colour eventually faded over time and was eventually gone. Porter
reportd seein gcolour here on the following night. Apparently other
bright spots showed no colour. Fitton suggests that the filters used
confirm that the south east wass was definitely red in colour. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=37 and the weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Plato 1967 Nov 17 UTC 18:36-18:50 Observed by Moore, Moseley
(Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor x260) "Faint blink
under SW wall. Nothing seen vis. Gone by 1839h. Reappeared at
1841, then gone by 1850h. Checks till 0200h were neg. Obs.
dubious of reality of phen." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog
ID #1054. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1958 Aug 30 UT 06:30-06:45 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4" reflector, x240, S=6, T=5) "Proc. Q. a bright spot on NE rim
apparently a crater presented a very abnormal aspect. Extraordinarily
large & at least 9 deg bright -- like EWBS on Aris. This spot is
subject to large unexplained variations. At 97 deg col. in July, Q was
also 9 deg bright but very small. At col.96 deg, 5 in May '58,
col.99deg in Feb.'50, & 96 deg in Nov. '55 it was not seen at all.
Assoc. with tonite was a distinct blue glare on NE rim, extending for
short dist. & @ 2x as far as S." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #894.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 23 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographed
due to clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
W.Humboldt 1897 Dec 09 UTC 23:00? Observed by Goodacre (Crouch End,
England, 12" reflector) "Shadow anomaly. Chocolate penumbral shade
edging black shadow on E. wall." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA
catalog ID #296.
Cobra Head 1955 Oct 31 UTC 19:00 Observed by Milligan (England?) "Dark
blue obscuration" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID 624.
On 1983 Jan 29/30 at UT20:35-01:00 Sykes (UK?) observed that
Linne appeared to brighten for approximately 20 min and had the
appearance of a point (confirmed). This observation was made
during a major Torricelli B TLP. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198
and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Torricelli B 1983 Jan 29/30 UTC 20:35-02:30 Observed by Foley (12"
reflector, seeing Antoniadi II, Transparency=good, no spurious colour
seen), Moberley (14" reflector, seeing Antoniadi II, transparency
excellent, spurious colour strong), Cook, J & M (12" reflector, seeing
Antoniadi II-III, transparency moderate). All observers based in
southern England. "Initially crater brightest feature on the Moon, then
it faded. Strong colour also seen by all observers e.g. green-blue to
violet. Report of observations written up in JBAA Vol 100, No. 3, p117
123, (2000) - probably one of the best reorted TLP". The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=198 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 1983 Jan 29 at UT22:09 M.Mobberley (Sulfolk, UK, 14" reflector)
noted that Arago B had a slight tinge of violet colour, and was a lot
less (bright?) than Torricelli B's blueness. Other craters checked but
were not showing any blue colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1983 Jan 29 at UT22:09 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK), found that Moltke
crater was "exceptionally bright". Other craters (apart from Arago B
Torricelli B etc) appeared normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198 and
the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 May 28 at UT 01:50-03:00 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia)
observed the whole region of Aristarchus, Herodotus and Shroter's
Valley all to have a brightness of 3 and all blue and impossible to
focus on (he had never seen it like this before). Also the interior of
Aristarchus was invisible. Brightness measurement taken and a sketch
was made. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=222 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1972 Nov 21 UT 21:30 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge, England,
8.5" reflector, x130) "Thickened bright ring remained, but the dark
patch had disappeared. (dark patch prob. real temporary phenom. as it
was seen nr. FM when contrasts are strongest, yet disappeared" NASA
catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1351.
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.
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.
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.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3.
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.
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.
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.
In 1954 Jul 17 at UT06:50-07:15 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, S=
5, T=5-1) observed near Aristarchus: "Pale violet tint on
surface NE of crater, no color elsewhere". The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=568 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 24 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographe due to
clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
On 1978 May 24 at 00:40-01:05UT P. Moore (Sussex, UK, and using a
12.5" reflector at x300-400 - seeing IV) saw colour in Aristarchus (red
on the south east wall and southern "horn" of the crater. He could not
detect colour elsewhere, but felt that the effect might have been
spurious colour. With the increasing altitude of the Moon the light
effect decreased. Moore detected red the next night as well (May 25th)
and on May 27th, but it was not present on May 29th. The Cameron 2006
Extension catalog ID=33 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
E. of Picard 1879 Nov 01 UT 00:00? Observed by an unknown observer
(England?) "Bright spot. (Fort admits he has several more of these
records of LTP, but does not give them because they don't fall nr.
Mars'opposition which he tho't was cause of them.) Elevation rising N-
S, with shading toward terminator." NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #214.
LaLande 1973 Jul 17 UT 03:30-03:45 Observed by Galgoey (Washington, NJ,
USA, 2" refractor x46, x117), S=VG, T=5) "Star-like pt., variations, 1-
2s, seen only at 40x, not at higher powers. LTP albedo =10, normal=8,
nearby plain =6 (geom, instrum. & atm. & refl. material at site
effects?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1371.
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x180) "Strong violet glare on
E. rim, changing to brown. At 0220 dark viol. in nimbus, at 0235
viol. changed to brown. At 0255 viol. suddenly reappeared, but
faded to invis. at 0300. Again at 0308 reapp. Only time he ever
saw such color changes." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID
583. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1940 Aug 20 UT 03:25 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) "Largest bright spot on SE pt. of floor had I=8.6
(real changes? see @ '#649, 474, & 475, all similar change)."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #472. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
1824 Dec 08 UTC 00:00? Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany)
"Bright fleck in SE part of crater" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA
catalog ID #104. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1947 Nov 30 UTC 00:00? Observed by Favarger
(France?) "3 bright points on inner w. slopes." NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID #499. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3.
Daniell 1894 Feb 23 UT 00:00? Observed by Krieger (Germany)
"Strong, brownish-red coppery hue." NASA catalog weight=4 and
catalog ID #281. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1894 Feb 23 UT 00:00(?) Posidonius N. Wall observed by
Krieger (Germany) "Strong, brownish-red coppery hue." NASA
catalog weight=4 and catalog ID #281. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Peirce A (Swift=IAU name?) 1937 Dec 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.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 25 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographe due to
clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
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.
Area of darkness overlapping NW rim. It was visible through
this area of obscuration. Sketch. Cameron 2006 extended catalog
ID=376 and Cameron weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2005 Oct 21 at UT 13:07-14:27 R. Gray (Winnemucca, NV, USA, 15cm F/9
refractor, x228, seeing 4-5, transparency 5-6) observed a possible TLP
in Macrobius. His report is as follows: "Blinked Macrobius with Wratten
Filters Blue 38A and Red 29. Macrobius became almost invisible through
the Blue 38A and essentially the same as in white light through the Red
29. The interior of the crater was completely in shadow. The only part
of the east wall that was visible was an apparent high point still in
the sun and seen as a bright point of light. This faded into darkness
before 13:56UT. No sign of any illumination of the east wall crater
interior or the interior of the west wall was seen during the
observation period. The outer west wall was a rough looking,
complicated mix of deep shadow and illuminated sunlit terrain." The
observer concluded that there was not a TLP - although he did get a
filter reaction, this may have been due to the different densities of
the filters? ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Near Kepler 1966 Dec 31 UT 03:00? Observed by Petrova,
Pospergelis (Pulkova Observatory, Russia) "Special glow in this
area. Confirmed by photoelectric method (Petrova) & polarimetric
(Pospergelis?) almost simultaneously recorded by both" NASA
catalog weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1007.
On 1989 Jan 26 at UT 03:45 De Groof (Belgium) noted a white few second
long flash from Copernicus crater. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=347 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
C.Brook (Plymouth, UK) noticed that the east wall of this crater was
brighter than the walls of nearby craters. Cameron comments that Foley
says that this is normal and agrees. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID=
433 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1969 Sep 30 UT 04:46-05:10 Observed by Maley, Saulietis
(Houston, TX, USA, 16" reflector, x130) "Intermittent blue color on SE
wall, verified by others. At 0500h, taking 10s to reach max. then
slowly disappeared. Gap appeared after 1st event. Drawing." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1202. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Fracastorius 2022 Apr 21 UT 01:35-02:12 A. Amorim (Brazil -
90mm f/10 refractor, 25 & 10mm eyepieces ) observed visually a
little bright spot near the centre of the otherwise completely
shadow filled crater. The bright spot was surrounded by a coma
effect. Clouds intervened but by 02:12 the spot was no longer
visible, just a thin patch of light close to the crater's
centre. Observations started when the Moon's altitude was 15
deg and ended when it was 23 deg above the horizon. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1991 Jul 31 at UT 07:50 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor) observed that the south floor of Aristarchus was wellow -
"almost gold, spilled over S wall on ray toward Herodotus". Cameron
comments that Bartlett often reported a yellow floor but not a spill of
the colour over to the external ray. Cameron also comments that
Louderback's refractor would refract more in blue light than in yellow,
therefore she did not think that it was due to chromatic aberation. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=431 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1991 Jul 31 at UT 07:50 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor) found that all of Mons Piton was "unusually dark". Points D,
C (E and S resp), usually brightest points, but this time were not
bright. "Whole mt was as dark as W wall usually is at this time. In
violet filter Piton disappeared completely, but was a little brighter
in red filter and points D & G showed. Color not seen by eye. No albedo
measured. Suggests red event." Cameron rules out chromatic aberation
from Louderback's refractor. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=431 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1975 Jun 28/29 UT 23:00-01:20. Foley (Wilmington, UK, 12"
reflector, seeing, III, good clarity transparency). At 23:00,
00:30, and 01:15 blue was seen on the inner wall:floor southern
boundary, and red on the corresponding northern floor:wall
boundary. However by 01:20, blue was now on the S-NW floor:wall
boundary, and red on the NE-SE floor:wall boundary. Atmospheric
spectral dispersion existed in many regions, but did not change
like the colours in Plato. Similar appearance craters such as
Grimaldi, Schickard, and Riccioli, were checked for a similar
change in colour, but no change was noticed in these. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus 1975 Nov 15 UT 06:34 Observed by Rule (Edinburgh, Scotland,
4" reflector x36) "Blue patch in crater (similar to many of Bartlett's
obs.?)" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1383.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 01:55-02:45 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness and definition of
A of about 1/4 to 1/2 minute period. Rest of field unaffected. Checked
for cloud wih naked eye during fades - negative. Checked for misting
and tear salt on eyepiece by shifting A around the field - negative."
BAA Lunar Section report.
Plato 1975 Jun 29/30 UT 23:05-00:30. Foley (Wilmington, UK, 12"
reflector, seeing, III, good clarity transparency). At 23:05,
blue was seen on the inner wall:floor southern boundary, and red
on the corresponding northern floor:wall boundary. However by
00:30, blue was now on the W floor:wall boundary, and red on the
E floor:wall boundary. Atmospheric spectral dispersion existed
in many regions, but did not change like the colours in Plato.
Similar appearance craters such as Grimaldi, Schickard, and
Riccioli, were checked for a similar change in colour, but no
change was noticed in these. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 03 UT 00:00-01:00 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness in Aristarchus
still present but less pronounced than yesterday. Also saw the bright
short ray on the opposite side to the main ray in Aristarchus that
Amato saw yesterday - but this may be normal?" BAA Lunar Section
report.
M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing=III-II) noticed that the crater had a
blue/green colour and that this varied, filling a large circular patch,
brightly illuminating to the ESE-SSE (IAU?) spilling over the wall and
the rim. Shadows inside the crater were large and elongated. The filter
response was greater in the blue than through a yellow or red
Microfiche. Spurious colour was noticed elsewhere but not in
Aristarchus. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=313 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3
Eratosthenes 1976 Jun 20 UT 07:57 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 4.5" refractor, 40-450x, S=6.5, T=4-3)
"Floor covered with shadow & c.p. seen as 5deg bright spot.
Another minute spot 5deg bright on SE floor in shadow. (only low
hills on floor in SE. spot on terrace?" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID 1436.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 08:56-09:05 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found Cleomedes (and other features) to glow, some with
flashes and pulsations. At 09:06 UT Cleomedes was glowing, but by
09:06UT it could no longer be seen. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and
weight=0. ALPO. BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Condorcet (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Delambra (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Macrobius (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Manilius (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Mare Crisium (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Maskelyne A (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Menelaus (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Proclus (and other features - 12 in total)
were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the centres
(at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Promontorium Agarum (and other features - 12
in total) were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the
centres (at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 08:30-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Reichenbach glowed for a short time and then
faded. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 08:30-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Stevinus glowed for a short time and then
faded. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 18 at 09:40-10:00 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x80) found that Tisserand (and other features - 12 in total)
were blue in colour - some had flashes that expanded from the centres
(at different rates). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=61 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Grimaldi 1998 Mar 22 UT05:15-06:00 S. Beaumont (Windermere, UK,
127mm rich field refractor, seeing III, transparency Good)
observed that the northern half of Grimaldi seemed much lighter
than the southern half. She comments that she has seen this
before in last quarter phases, but it was really quite marked
how lighter the northern half was on this occasion. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Heywood of Westville, Ohio, USA, using a 2" refractor under fair seeing
conditions, saw an unusually bright glow covering the dark part, nearly
uniform. Thought it was electric because it was too bright for
earthshine. It apparently obscured features. Cameron's 1978 TLP catalog
ID=243 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Mare Crisium 1951 Oct 26 UT 08:48:15 L.T. Johnson (USA)
suspected a mag 6 flash in Earthshine in Mare Crisium. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1788 Sep 29 at UT04:30 (Cameron gives 04:25?) Schroter (Lillienthal,
Germany) noted 1'18.5" south east of plato was a whitish bright spot
shining somewhat hazily, 4-5"in diameter and at 5th magnitude. He never
saw this again. The spot became conspicuous at times and then
disappeared. There was nothing else similar in Earthshine. Note that
the year might have been 1789? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=50 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1788 Sep 29 at UT04:25) Schroter (Lillienthal, Germany) noted a
bright point 26" north of Aristarchus crater. Note that the year might
have been 1789? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=50 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Schroter, from Lillenthal in Gemany, in 1788 (possibly it was 1789) Sep
26 UT 04:30 saw a small nebulous bright spot on the northern edge of
Mare Crisium. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=50 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1950 Jan 21 at UT 09:00 T.Saheki (Osaka, Japan) and S.
Murayama observed several bright patches on the western limb
region in Earthshine. These were not the same as patches
observed by them on Jan 20. A tiny bright spot on the SW limb
was about mag 8. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Thales 1892 Apr 04 UT 04:00-04:30 Observed by Barnard (Lick
Observatory, CA, USA, 36" refractor?, S=4/5) "Filled with pale luminous
haze tho all surrounding features were sharp & normal. Walls also hazy
(Drawing)" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalogue ID #276.
Taruntius on 1980 Apr 18 UT 22:33 P.Madej (Huddersfield, UK)
noticed that this crater changed from dark black to almost a
light grey over a period of about 30 seconds. Observation
started at 22:27 and ended at 22:37. When the observer saw this
effect in that 10min period is not given, so the UT above is the
nid UT of the observing period. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 May 07 at UT20:30-21:20 M. Mobberly of Suffolk, England (14"
reflector - seeing=poor and transparency=poor) P.W. Foley of ---- saw
faintish yellow-brown streaks in Aristarchus. Apparently these had been
seen the previous night, but were much fainter tonight. Bartlett had
previously seen this effect on the southern floor of the crater
according to Cameron. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID No. is 133
and the weight=3.
Proclus 1971 Jan 01 UTC 19:00-20:25 Observed by Marchart (Aldershot,
England, 8" refractor x500). "Color patch on N wall, red & green on
inside, even tho eyepieces were rotated & changed. (chrom aberr. ?)
(experienced observer)." NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog
ID #1280.
On 1982 May 27 at UT 17:05-17:35 E.V. Arsyukhin (Moscow, Russia, 3"
reflector) found Endymion had a dark spot in the middle for about 30
min. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=169 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1982 May 27 at UT 17:05-17:35 E.V. Arsyukhin (Moscow, Russia, 3"
reflector) found Lacus Sominorum was very bright, misty and the colour
varied. It was back to normal on the 28th and abnormal on 29-31st. -
had a dark spot in the middle for about 30 min. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=169 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 Apr 20 at UT21:38-21:50, Blair of Renfrewshire, Scotland (used
an 8" reflector and seeing=III) saw three patches in Petavius and they
could still be seen 7 minutes later. At 21:50UT he used a filter and
found the "northern one was brighter in blue, the southern one was
brighter in red and the central one was the same shad ein both
filters." Cameron comments that the central patch was a permananent
one. She then goes onto say that the crater is described as having dark
patches that are opposite to what one would expect from Fitton's theory
applied to dark features. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=88 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1983 Jan 19 UT 20:36-21:00 Observed by Cook (Frimley, UK,
Seeing III, Transparency, Moderate) "Colouration seen". BAA Lunar
Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
A faint white pinpoint flash seen and also in the same position
a whitish glow around the crater. No futher flashes seen after the
first one. From UT2117-2130 the glow was still visible but faded
making it more difficult to locate. When Foley observed he found
Aristarchus not very visible in Earthshine, despite Plato, Grimaldi,
and several other features being visible. Both observers used
12" reflectors. Cameron's 2006 catalog Extension ID=124 and
weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1981 Mar 12 at UT 19:25-20:30 Butler (of Brixton, UK, using a
10" reflector at 32-64x) noticed that Aristarchus was not
visible, although the Earthshine was very obvious. Foley (of
Kent, UK, and using 12" reflector) noticed that the crater was
only just visible but Plato could definitely be seen. Cameron's
2006 TLP extension catalog ID=125 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Messier 1878 Nov 01 UT 20:00? Observed by Kleis (Cologne,
Germany, 6" refractor?) "Mess. A is more yellow after noon,
greener near Mess. A noon, both are same color." Please
observe this pair of craters in colour and compare noon and
non-noon images. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #206.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1789 Sep 26 at UT 03:30 Schroter (Lillienthal, Germany) observed
close beneath Mons Blanc at the west foot, in the dark, a small 5th
magnitude, speck of light. Its round shadow was sometimes black,
sometimes grey. Cameron suspects that this is the same as her TLP
report No. 50. the Cameron 1978 catalog ID=62 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1789 Sep 26 at UT04:25? Schroter (Lillienthal, Germany)
noted a bright point 26" north of Aristarchus crater. Note
that the year might have been 1788? The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=50 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1789 Sep 29 at UT04:25? Schroter (Lillienthal, Germany) noted
1'18.5" south east of plato was a whitish bright spot shining somewhat
hazily, 4-5"in diameter and at 5th magnitude. He never saw this again.
The spot became conspicuous at times and then disappeared. There was
nothing else similar in Earthshine. Note that the year might have been
1788? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=50 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Schroter, from Lillenthal in Gemany, in 1789 (possibly it was
1788) Sep 26 UT 04:30 saw a small nebulous bright spot on the
northern edge of Mare Crisium. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=50 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1953 Sep 16 UT03:00 R.M. Lippert (San Diego, CA, USA, 20cm
Cassegrain reflector, x90)saw a bright magnitude 1 flash on the
Moon, that was probably on the east rim of Werner(?) crater. It
is unclear if the observer meant it was really magnitude 1, or
was what a magnitude 1 star would have looked like. The flash
was yellow-orange in colour. Observation described in the
"Observations and Comments" column in the December, 1953
Strolling Astronomer (Vol. 7, No. 12), on page 170. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Pickering 1971 Jan 04 UTC 20:29-20:37 Observed by Collier (London,
England) "Between Saunder and Rhaeticus, apparently coming from Pick.
After 2027h it dimished with extraordinary swiftness, like a light goes
out. (experienced observer)" NASA catalog weight=?. NASA catalog ID #
1281. Note that this crater was previously called E.C. Pickering before
the IAU renamed some craters.
On 1989 Dec 05 D. Darling of Sun Praire, WI, USA, saw two dark spots on
the SE floor of Proclus. The first dark spot was seen through 3"
refractor and then also through a 12.5" reflector (35x and 154x).
Seeing was S=10 and T=5. He noticed that at 23:00UT the wall spot was
less well defined. Darling also comments that he observed reflecting
glint, almost as if from a glass surface - he had not seen this effect
before. A telephone alert was issued and Caruso verified the spots.
Cameron comments that the spots were not shadows because the Sun was at
an altitude of 52 deg at Proclus at the time and she states that the
steepest slope ever mesured on the Moon was 52 deg and not inside
Proclus. Other observers observing were: Weier (6.5" refractor x284 and
S=3/10), Caruso (8" reflector x100), and Cameron. The Cameron 2006
catalog extesnion ID was 382 and the weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Messier 1878 Nov 02 UT 20:00? Observed by Kleis (Cologne, Germany, 6"
refractor?) "Shaped like a half moon with E. edge missing. Appeared
diffuse. Messier A was sharp & completely defined. Was sure there was
fog there. Next day same appear. Shadow was diffused before noon, Mess.
A is more yellow after noon, greener near Mess. A noon, both are same
color." NASA catalog weight=4 (very high). NASA catalog ID #206.
Dawes 1948 Feb 17 UT 19:30 Observed by Thornton (Northwick, England,
18" reflector) "Did not see c.p. saw cleft-like streaks from SW crest
to E, shadow." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #501.
Williams of the UK, on 1882 Aug 21 at 19:30UT (Moon's age 7.9
days) noticed a spot at least half as bright, and as large as
Picard, near to Picard crater. This observation was reported
in the Astronomical Register of the Royal Astronomical Society
and is not included in the Cameron catalogs. It is one of many
measurements of the brightness of this spot for different
illumination angles and is one of three outlying brightness
points spotted on a graph by Willaims. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
2004 Nov 20 UT 01:43:36 R. Spellman (120mm F8.3 refractor at
prime focus, PC23C CCTV camera, via a DVD recorder) recorded
a flash of light. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
2004 Nov 20 UT 02:34:03 R. Spellman (120mm F8.3 refractor at prime
focus, PC23C CCTV camera, via a DVD recorder) recorded a flash of
light. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
2004 Nov 20 UT 03:12:29 R. Spellman (120mm F8.3 refractor at
prime focus, PC23C CCTV camera, via a DVD recorder) recorded
a flash of light. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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."
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.
On 1886 Jun 10 at UT 21:00 (estimated) Tempel of Germany, saw a star-
like light (Cameron comments that the reference in the Middlehurst
catalog is wrong). Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and weight=4. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1989 Dec 06 at 23:09-23:34UT D. Darling of Sun Praire, WI, USA (3"
refractor x36 and x90, and then a 12.5" reflector at x64, S=7/10 and T=
4, saw dark spots in Proclus (not as dark as those from 5th Dec 1989).
Two telescopes were used and the bigger of these revealed some shading
on the floor of Proclus approximately a third as intense as he had seen
the previous night. A sketch was made. The TLP finished by 22:34UT.
Cameron comments that the dark patches could not be due to shadow as
the altitude of the Sun was too high at proclus. The Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=383 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 May 12 UT 22:00? M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK and using a 12"
reflector), noticed that Censorinus was very bright, fuzzy and
occasionally brighter than Proclus. However both Foley (Kent, UK) and
Amery (Reading, UK) using a C.E.D. found that Proclus was brighter than
Censorinus as it had been during April and May 1981. However Chapman
obtained the reverse of this. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=138 and
weught=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 May 12 UT 22:45-2325 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK and using
a 12" reflector), noticed that Censorinus was very bright,
fuzzy and occasionally brighter than Proclus. However both
Foley (Kent, UK) and Amery (Reading, UK) using a C.E.D. found
that Proclus was brighter than Censorinus as it had been
during April and May 1981. However Chapman obtained the
reverse of this. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=138 and
weught=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1976 Jul 06 UT 01:35 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
3" refractor, 40-450x, S=6, T=3) "Nothing vis. on floor (albedo=2 deg?)
(usually features are vis.)" NASA catalog weight=4 (high).NASA catalog
ID #1437.
In 1952 Nov 26 at UT 01:00? Carle (USa, 8" reflector, x700,
seeing = excellent) observed the following in Plato: "Sketch
shows 8 spots -- 5 craters showed interior shad., 1
completely filled, but no others seen despite several hrs. of
study. Spots that should have been seen were missing. poor
seeing converts floor into shimmering shapeless blob. Has
observed it under good seeing & seen nothing on fl. as others
have noted". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=555 and weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1955 Aug 27 at UT 01:51 McCorkle (Memphis, Tennessee, USA, 6.5"
reflector, x200) observed a 2nd magnitude bright flare on the dark side
of the Moon. This remained steady, fading slightly before abruptly
disappearing. Cameron suggests that this might have been a meteor. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=604 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Messier and A 1966 Dec 22 UT 06:00-06:30 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside,
CA, USA, 8" reflector, x200, S=G, T=P) "Blinks on floors of both
craters (blink device not stated)" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA
catalaog ID #1004.
On 1980 Apr 24 at 23:35UT Marco Petek (Porto Alegre, Brazil,
using a 7.5" refractor noticed that the center of Plato was
bright and opaque and the observer thought it was similar in
appearance to Linne. A sketch was made and two other observers
confirmed the appearance. Cameron mentions that Petek is an
experienced observer. Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID=91
and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cichus 1975 Sep 15 UT 11:15-11:30 G.Ryder (Corinda, Australia,
25cm reflector, x250 & x380, seeing good but with some cloud)
The interior W. wall of this crater (on the lip) appeared
hazy - difficulkt to bring detail into focus. Neighbouring
craters/detail were sharp. Details in the crater wall interior
were starting to become visible as time went on, but it had
clouded over by 11:30. A Moon Blink was used but no colour was
detected. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1985 mar 01 at 20:00UT? Moseley noticed a violet band (tapering to
an apex close to the crater centre and merged with the eastern
exterior) around Toricelli B, however M. Cook (Frimley, UK) had seen a
dusky band(England, UK) on an earlier photo. There was no terminator
shadow in the crater. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension TLP ID=260 aqnd
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Censorinus-Maskelyne 1927 Apr 11/12 UT 23:00-01:00? Observed
by Druzdov (Russia) "2 luminescent pts. observed. Not vis. at
same Sun angle on May 7 & 12th. Not vis. on photos of Barn in
5/23/63" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #393. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
2004 Jan 02 UT 09:05 (approx) M. Collins (Palmeston North, New
Zealand, ETX 90, seeing 3, clear) saw a possible(?) flash north
of Carlini D at about 16W, 35N in adverted vision. It lasted
only a split second. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
A region of the Mare Imbrium was extremely bright, giving
a reading of 8 out of 10 on the Elger scale. Cameron notes
that from photos of the Full Moon, the area appears to
normally be the brightness of Archimedes floor i.e. 3.5 out
of 10 on the Elger scale. Atmospheric seeing was excellent
and the observer could see a lot of fine detail with their
2.4" and 3" refractors. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=62
and weight=3.
Williams of the UK, on 1892 Aug 23 at Moon's age 10.0 days, noticed a
spot now rated at +1.5 (in brightness) that had been seen on the 21st
Aug, near Picard. Williams comments that this is the only obsewrvation
that departs "much" from the curve of diurnal brightness. The spot was
descibed as "nearly as large as Picard and nearly half as bright. This
observation was reported in the Astronomical Register of the Royal
Astronomical Society and is not included in the Cameron catalogs. It is
one of many measurements of the brightness of this spot for different
illumination angles and is one of three outlying brightness points
spotted on a graph by Willaims. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Observed by Chernov (Russia) "A periodic change in shape of
small dark spot at bottom of round spot further N. adjacent to inner
wall. It was larger than in proceeding months at same sun elev."
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #669.
The UT given in the Cameron 2006 extension catalog are: 20:58, 23:25-
02:20 and 01:40-04:00, however it is not clear what UT applies to which
of the observers or the two features reported as having TLP on that
night. On 1984 Feb 12-13 Marshall (South Anerica, seeing=III-II)
noticed that Moltke was very bright with a fuzzy violet hue - he had
never seen it like this before. Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID=
240 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
The UT given in the Cameron 2006 extension catalog are: 20:58, 23:25-
02:20 and 01:40-04:00, however it is not clerr what UT applies to which
of the observers or the two features reported as having TLP on that
night. On 1984 Feb 12-13 Marshall (South Anerica, seeing=III-II) saw
initially no craterlets in Plato, despite the Moon being at a high
altitude. At 01:45UT the northwest corner of Plato was red. Again no
other craterlets showed. He found the surrounding wall to be too bright
and this was confirmed by Crater Extenction Device readings and had
problems focussing on the crater. By 02:00-02:50UT he noticed
variability in the visibility of the craterlets. By 03:48UT the central
craterlet was much brighter than before and the crater doublet had
brightened but the southern craterlet was still invisible. Cameron
comments that Marshall was a very experienced observer. A. Cook (of
Frimley, UK) obtained a photodiode line scan image of Plato. The
brightness of the north west wall was brighter than the bright area on
the west wall. Marshall and Mosely both saw a dark area on the floor of
Plato close to the south wall (from clock position of 11 o'clock. There
was a prominent white spot on the floor and the central craterlet was
seen, but only under good conditions. Mosely does not discuss the west
and north west wall brughtnesses that were seen earlier by Cook and
Marshall. Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID=240 and weight=2.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.