Plato 1938 Feb 14 UT 00:25 Observed by Fox (Newark, England,
6.5" reflector, x240) "Prominent gold-brown spot on E. wall
with yellow glow without definite boundary, spreading over
floor." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #431. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Aristarchus 1950 Jun 29 UT 05:20-05:41 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5" reflector x100, S=6, T=5) "Strong
bluish glare on E..SE wall." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #529.
(65E, 56N) near Endymion & Mare Humboldt 1968 Jun 10 UT 02:35 Observed
by Provenmire, Robinson et al. (Hamburg, PA, USA, 6" reflector x105,
Seeing=good, alt=20deg) "While waiting for reappearance of Antares from
a grazing occultation at 13+/-4deg P.A. saw a prolonged blue flash
lasting from minimum of 1/2 to a max. of 2.0 s. Several others along
obs. path of several miles also saw it so not a local phenom. (located
38 deg from cusp, azimuth=157 deg?)" NASA catalog weight=5 (very good).
NASA catalog ID #1078.
On 1993 Apr 06 at UT23:00 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) observed a TLP in
Torricelli B - "Noted that it was > yellow but only visible in mauve +
yellow combined". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=460 and the weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Cauchy 1969 Jul 29 UT 06:00-06:22 Observed by Claudio
Pamplona and Jackson Barbosa (Fortaleza, Brazil, 2"
refractor) "very bright and clear(?) pulsating 3,3s,3s with
crater illum. then 3s area illum. red & no filter area
pulsated for 22m. Confirmed by Jackson (Apollo 11 watch)".
NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1193. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Plato 1980 Oct 23 UT 21:00(+/- approx 1 hour) Observed by
Chapman (Kingston Upon-Thames, UK, 11.5cm refractor, seeing III,
transparency poor. No spurious colour seen. During one (or
both?) of these sessions, a Moon Blink was used and produced no
results on all craters tested on, apart from Plato where the SW
corner of the floor was brighter in red, and also visible in
white light, but viewing was poor and at the limit for his
telescope. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Helicon A 1977 Feb 03 UT 2009-23:52 Foley and Moore observed the
crater to be changing in brightness. Jewitt and Elms failed to
detect this. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1976 Jan 16 UT 22:00-23:15 Observed by P.W. Foley
(Wilmington, Kent, UK, seeing II) - Aristarchus was tremendously
bright. No colour seen. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1973 Feb 17 UTC 22:15-22:45 Observed by Rose, Hunt,
Robinson, Coleman (UK) described in the NASA catalog as: "Rose tho't
W.rampart was diffuse over 1/3 its length. Alerted Hunt who tho't there
was a dark patch (in poor seeing) but the diffuse effect was neg.
Robinson tho't things norm. also Coleman(Seeing=poor). Moore thinks not
real phenom. Rose used a 14", hunt a 6" and Robinson (and? Coleman) a
10" reflector. NASA catalog weight=1 (low). NASA catalog TLP
ID No. 1363
Aristarchus 1972 Mar 30 UTC 23:03-23:05 Observed by Kufer (11.5E,
48.25N, 110mm reflector) "A sudden brightening, but observations
limited by cloud" Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon & Planets (1984) Vol
30, pp53-61.
Plato 1869 Sep 21-22? UTC 00:00? Observed by Gledhill (Halifax, UK, 9"
refractor) "Group I craters-notable illum. accomp. by a single light on
a distinct spot. (similar to Aug. obs. & if same phase as Ap 1870, date
=22nd.). NASA catalog weight=2 (poor). NASA catalog ID #164.
In 1958 aug 20 at UT 20:00? an unknown observer noticed that
Promontorium Agarum appeared filled with fog or mist. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=510 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Mare Crisium 1965 Oct 11 UTC 07:32 Observed by McCord (Mt Wilson,
CA, 100" reflector + spectrogram) "Line depth ratios a/b (H),,
c/d (K) abnormally high compared with 23 other areas (including
Aristarchus?)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog
ID 902.
Aristarchus 1970 Apr 22 UT 07:00
Observed by Thomas.
Aristarchus 1966 Jul 04 UTC 06:15-06:35 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x142) & by Corralitos Observatory
(Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector). "S.region of floor was granulated
& dull est. at 6 & pale yellow-brown tint. Rest of crater est. 8 bright
white. Not confirmed by Corralitos MB" S=5, T=4. NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #955. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1962 Sep 16 at UT08:05 Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector) Taruntius faded from Vmag-3.21 to 4.04, a 0.82 difference in
magnitude in 2.5 hours - a photometric measurement. The average
magnitude for this age is 4.03, so therefore the crater had brightened
by two times above normal. The Cameron 1978 catalogID=769 and the
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1981 Oct 15 at UT06:03-06:51 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor, seeing=1-2 and transparency=5) observed that the brightenss
of 4 sun lit bright spots differed in red and blue light. "Appeared as
a cross. the 2 points A & D on his sketch (index) were affceted. They
were 10 pts dimmer in red than blue. Not due to seeing as they did not
fluctuate (as did the seeing)." This report came from the Cameron 2006
catalog and had an ID No. of 156 and a weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Atlas 1954 Mar 23 UTC 00:00? Observed by Delmotte (France?) "Violet
tint in crater" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #562.
On 1980 Oct 30 at UT03:19-03:41 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 158mm f/4
reflector, seeing I-II, and transparency very good. Wratten 15 (yellow)
and Wratten 35 (purple) used. No spurious colour seen). At 03:19UT, the
observer noted that Mons Spitzbergen looked sharper at x52. At x72
bright flashes of a bright lunar gray to a light orange colour seen.
BAA Lunar Section TLP team alerted. At 03:32UT a yellow filter used and
the flashes were better seen, one flash approximately 20-30 sec apart.
At 03:31UT Madej used a purple filter and could not see Mons
Spitzbergen but did see the flashes (45-60 sec apart). cameron 2006
catalog TLP ID=118 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1980 Oct 30 UT 05:00-0704 Observed by F.C. Butler (SW
London, UK, seeing III, but worsening (but not as bad as IV)
towards the end of the observing period, transparency 100%
clear, 22cm Newtonian reflector, x144, x185). The floor seemed
quite devoid of detail, apart from a vague mottling seen during
the briefest moments of best seeing conditions. At the start of
the observing period he could just glimpse the central craterlet
at x185, but could not be sure. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1958 Dec 03 UTC 11:00? Observed by Alter, Mt Wilson, CA, USA,
60" reflector "Photog. spect. showed floor of crater redder than
neighboring areas outside its walls. (Palm had a rep't for this date --
same area?). NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #710.
On 1981 Oct 21 at UT 11:35-11:48 B. Hobdell (St Petersberg, FL, USA,
10" reflector) found that the south peak of Plato on floor glowed white
at 11:35UT, then a milky shade spread all aorind Plato's floor
(previously completely shadow filled). The needle like shadows started
to be indistiguishable through the sunlight (dawn on Earth). The cloud
like feature was washed out by daylight at 11:48UT and conformed to the
"white area except a tail that reached the cetre of Plato" Spurious
colour was not seen. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=157 and weight=3.
On 1981 Oct 21 at UT13:40-13:45 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
10" reflector) observed a cloud on the north east quadrant of
Aristarchus crater, and also covered the bright spot on the east wall
(Cameron says that the east wall bright spot is Bartlett's "EWBS".
Louderback mentions that this TLP gave Aristarchus a diamond ring
effect. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=157 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Aristarchus 1961 Dec 3 UTC 03:05-03:40 Observed by Kozyrev (Crimea,
Soviet Union) described in NASA catalog as: "Emission lines in spectrum
of c.p. red & blue, H2 identified, several km2 area. Projected into
shadow cast by W. wall. Source rose to a height above the crater. 50"
reflector used NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog TLP ID
No. #756.
On 1977 Dec 07 at 04:24UT (assuming that this is not local time) V.M.
Chernov (Soviet Union) observed that the north cusp was more than 180
deg and a bright dot seen. Ashen light visible. Moon 3.5 days before
New Moon. On 6th Dec at 04:20UT the cusp was seen to be normal. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1977 Dec 07 at 04:24UT (assuming that this is not local time) V.M.
Chernov (Soviet Union) observed that the south cusp was more than 180
deg. Ashen light visible. Moon 3.5 days before New Moon. On 6th Dec at
04:20UT the cusp was seen to be normal. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
were fainter. The third (about 0.066 deg from the northern limb)
showed an erruption of fire or luminous matter. The brightness
of this third volcano was much brighter than Mechain's comet.
Webb thinks that these other two volcanos were Menelaus and
Manilius. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=32 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
were fainter. The third (about 0.066 deg from the northern limb)
showed an erruption of fire or luminous matter. The brightness
of this third volcano was much brighter than Mechain's comet.
Webb thinks that these other two volcanos were Menelaus and
Manilius. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=32 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=1.
were fainter. The third (about 0.066 deg from the northern limb)
showed an erruption of fire or luminous matter. The brightness
of this third volcano was much brighter than Mechain's comet.
Webb thinks that these other two volcanos were Menelaus and
Manilius. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=32 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
On 1790 Jan 17 at UT 1800 Schroter (Lilienthal, Germany) observed a
small hazt spot of light in the vicinity of Aristarchus crater. The
1978 Cameron catalog ID=65 and the weight=4. The ALPo/BAA weight=1.
A guest star trespassed against the moon. Cameron
suspects that this was a meteor? ALPO/BAA catalog weight=1.
Cameron 2006 catalog weight=0. Julian date 1356 May 03.
Gregorian date 1356 May 11.
In 1824 May 01 at UT 21:00 Gobel (Koburg, Germany) observed near
Aristarchus, a blinking light of magnitude 9-10, in Earthshine. The
ALPO/BAA ID=99 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1965 Jul 02 at UT 04:20-05:50 Albert and Welch (Azuss, CA, USA, 8"
reflector, x375) and Emanuel (West Covina, CA, USA, 4.5" reflector)
observed 4th magnitude star-like flashes to blotches in Aristarchus, in
ashen light. Cameron says that this is independent confirmation and
also that the date in MBMW is 7/1/65 which is local time + 2nd UT. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=881 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Picard 2002 Sep 10 UT 02:30-03:21 Observed by Gray (Winnemucca, NV,
USA, 152mm refractor x248,S=2-3, T=5) "observed in White light and
through Wratten Red 25 and Blue #38A filters. The crater through the
Red 25 filter looked very similar to the view in White light. Using the
Blue 38A filter Picard almost dissapeared - it looked like a dim,
faintly observable black spot with the sunlit, east facing west crater
wall barely visible. Observer had not observed Picard very often, so
was not too familiar with it but it seemed odd that it almost vanished
through the blue filter." ALPO observational report. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1992 Apr 06 at UT00:45-02:03 G. Johnson (Swanton, MD, USA, 3.5"
refractor, x36) observed Aristarchus in Earthsine, but at a higher
magnification is appeared as a diffuse star. However the crater was not
seen later. D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3" refractor), D. Weier
and F. Graham (Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 7" reflector, photographs),
observing at 01:24UT could not see the crater. The cameron 2006 catalog
ID=443 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1824 May 02 at UT 21:00-21:15 Gobel (Germany, seeing = excellent)
saw near Aristarchus (47W, 23N) a soft (matte) light like a star seen
through mist. Brightness increased suddenly to magnitude 9-10. After
several seconds it became weak, finally disappearing. repeated this 3
to 4 times in 15 minutes. The Moon was a very narrow sickle shape and a
major feature could be seen in Earthsine. The date given was 1821 but
Cameron says it is 1824. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=88 and weight=4.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Macrobius 1972 Apr 17 UT 20:10-20:45 Observed by Persson (Hvidore,
Danmark, 2.5" refractor x58 & x100, seeing=good) "Macrob. was a white
ring without outline or shadow. (shad. should have been seen--sun only
up 5deg alt. Something was raising albedo from 0 to surround." NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1328.
Proclus 1972 Apr 17 UT 20:10-20:45 Observed by Persson (Hvidore,
Danmark, 2.5" refractor x58 & x100, seeing=good) "Proclus not as clear
as usual" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1328.
On 1972 Apr 17 at UT 20:10-20:45 Hvidore (Denmark, 2.5" refractor, x58,
x100, seeing=good) noted a brightening of the dark limb between
Hercynian mountains and Cleostratus crater. Thought that it was due to
atmospheric disturbance. Cameron says similar to other reports e.g. No.
1156. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1330 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1969 May 20 at UT 19:35-20:30 Gomez (Spain, 12" reflector) observed
blue-white pulsating light in Aristarchus that illuminated the inner
walls - it was maximum at 19:55UT. This observation was made during the
Apollo 10 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1128 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1865 Jan 01 at UT 18:00-18:30? Grover (England? or USA?, seeing =
good and transparency = clear) observed south east of Plato at the foot
of Mt Blanc a small bright spot like a magnitude 4 star - slightly out
of focus. This bright speck remained unchanged for 30 minutes. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=137 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1847 Dec 11 at 18:00UT Hdgson (Eversley, UK, x80 refractor and 40x
reflector) observed in Plato (Though it might have been Cape Agassiz or
Teneriffe Mts) a bright spot of about a 1/4 the angular diameter of
Saturn that varied intermittently and was at all times visible on the
night side of the Moon. The following day he glimpsed the same spot
rhough clouds. From his drawing the spot was ~5' below the true N.
point & near the following limb (IAU E. limb) Cameron comments that
Plato fits the angular distance better than the other two candidates
unless there was a large northern libration. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=125 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1963 Oct 22 at UT 21:00? Andre (Belgium, 2.25" refractor) noticed
that Posidonius A's shadow was not seen when it should have been seen.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=777 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1975 Mar 18 at UT 00:57-04:00 Reiland, Brown and Lojeck (Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, 6" reflector x45 and 8" reflector x200, photos taken)
observed the following at Aristarchus: "While obs. Earthshine on moon,
saw it glowing -- a bright steady star-like glow, est. at 5-8th mag.
First noted at 0057h. Obs. other obj. then came back to it. It was
still there -- till moonset (@0500h). Saw it in other telscopes &
Lojeck took photos. (photo shows Aris. prominent, but also LaLande,
Pytheas & Timocharis. 2 prs. in Aris. but there are other pts on the
print, it may be grain)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1404 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
South Cusp 1969 Jul 19 UT 17:55-19:10 Observed by Dzapiashvili
(Georgia, Soviet Union) "Saw an abnormally bright spot at end of
S.cusp. Polariz. meas. at 8.3% at 1845-1847h (Apollo 11 watch?)"
NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #1164.
On 1969 May 21 at UT 20:00-21:00 Brandli and Germann (Switzerland, 6"
refractor) observed a slow orange-red blinking on the surrounding area
of Aristarchus. It was seen less markedly the next night. Wald (Zurich,
Switzerland) noted at 20:30UT that the crater was pink (Confirmation
says Cameron) - this was during the Apollo 10 watch. The cameron 1978
catalog ID=1131-1132 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Fracastorius 1973 Mar 09 UT ~19:57 Robinson (Devon, UK) saw a
Moon Blink (colour) in this crater. This crater is long
suspected of giving permanent blinks due to natural colour. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Jul 19 at UT 1845-18:47 Pruss and Witte (Bochum, Germany, 6"
refractor x36 and binoculars) saw brightenings in the north west wall
of Aristarchus for 3-7 seconds of about 1 magnitude over the
background. From orbit at UT 18:46 the Apollo 11 crew Armstrong,
Aldrin, and Collins (in orbit around the Moon and using the naked eye)
were asked to take a look at Aristarchus after Earth-based reports of
TLP activity. Armstrong reported (after the solar corona had set, on
the night side) that probably Aristarchus "to be considerably more
illuminated than the surrounding area. It just has - seem to have, a
slight amount of flourescence to it". Collins reported a moment later:
"Looking out on the same area now. Well at least there is one wall of
the crater that seems to be more illuminated than the others. I am not
sure that I am actually identifying any phosporesecence, but that
definitely is lighter than anything else in the neighborhood". Houston
then asked if the crew could detect any colour and if the inner wall
was the inner or outer part? Aldrim commnted that it was the inner
wall and Collins mentioned thatno colour was incolved. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1165 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cepheus A 2000 Oct 04 UTC 08:15-08:50 Observer: Maurice Collins
(New Zealand, 90cm ETX) - observer noted that crater was
extremely bright - wasn't sure if this was normal and at the
time rated it as the brightest (contrasty?) crater that he had
ever seen on the Moon. Many years later he suspected that he may
have mis-identified the crater. This still leaves us with thr
problem as to why a crater should be so bright in this region,
and if so, which one? ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Lunar volcano, seen on the dark side, as bright as a
6th magnitude star,
A bright spot was seen. Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=40 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA catalog weight=2.
Theophilus 1969 Jul 20 UT 18:40 Observed by Delaye, Thinon, Donas, ?
ourdan (Marseilles, France, 10" refractor x60) "Saw a flash on the c.p.
of mag 1.0, duration 0.1s, no color. (meteor?) (Apollo 11 watch)".
NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1174.
On 1969 May22 at UT2045-2105 Wald (Zurich, Switzerland) observed the
pinkish colour in Aristarchus was less marked tonight. The astronauts
were alerted and at 22:12 reported no activity but could see the crater
and Earthshine was strong near the terminator. Apollo 10 watch,
spacecraft far from the terminator. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1134
and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Atlas 1969 May 22 UT 21:20-21:40 Observed by Germann, Wild, Vieli
(Zurich, Switzerland, 6" reflector) "Rim towards the sun was bright.
Part of time was interrupted. (Apollo 10 watch)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1135.
A.S.Williams of West Brighton, UK, using a 2.75" Acromatic refractor
(x75, definition good, but it was too windy to use the 5.25") noticed
that the mare was a mass of light streaks and spots. This was not
considered unusual, but these features were unusually plain, distinct
and brught, especially the streaks. The observer could not recall
seeing the streaks so bright and clear with this instrument before, and
indeed hardly ever with the larger 5.25" telescope. The observer
continued to observe Mare Crisium on many nights for several months and
comments that such an unusual exhibition was later seen perhaps once
every 2-3 lunations. They are uncertain how much this effect depends
upon the state of the Earth's atmosphere. This TLP does not make it
into the Cameron 1978 catalog and so may not be a TLP - however it has
been included, just in case, and to try to understand what was actually
seen. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Mons Piton 2022 Aug 04 UT 19:41-20:10 T. Smith (Codnor, UK,
16inch Newtonian, x247, Seeing IV) mountain was very bright
and red around its eastern slopes. An examination of the
bright and contrasty Proclus crater revealed that to be
relatively colour free compared to Piton. An examination of
other features, north and south along the terminator revealed
some tinge of coloiur but not as strong as on Mon Piton. Mons
Piton examined with a yellow filter at 19:50 and still showed
red along the eastern side, other features along the
terminator had no colour through the filter. Video images by.
A.Cook (Newtown, UK) made earlier at 1929 & 19:40 UT, (in the
SWIR (1.5-1.7 microns) did not reveal Mons Pico as especially
bright - but resolutioin was poor. A friend of Smith, phoned
up the next day to say that they saw a mountain on the limb
exhibiting red on the 14th August. Probably the redness was
due to atmospheric spectral dispersion as the Moon was low,
and it was especially visble on Mons Piton as this is an
exceedingly contrasty object on the terminator. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Theophilus 1969 Jul 21 UT 19:30-21:45 and 21:00-22:00 Observed by Fox
(Newark, England, 6.5" reflector,) and Baum (Chester, England, 4.5"
refractor) (S=6, T=4) "At wall, adjacent to Cyrillus was a redish glow,
then obscur. (Fox). Baum saw intermittant white-blue shimmering as if
glowing thru dust glowing & upsurge in brightness on c.p. Gradually
faded to normal at 21:20. 1st time ever seen by him tho. obs. since
1947. Image sharp, no haziness. (indep. confirm. of activity, but
details differ, but same time, Apollo 11 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1180. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1991 May 21 at UT05:30-06:15 J. Green (Orangevale, CA, USA, 11"
reflector) photgrapphed a broad bright band stretching east and north
of Cassini crater in 3 exposures taken 10 minutes apart. This
photographic sequence shows a gradual widening towards Cassini and by
the 3rd exposure the band is touching (and then obscuring) Cassini. A
"fan" was visible in the north east and WSW directions, later this was
seen as rays and this was even seen in the view finder of the camera.
Cameron comments that this might be lens flare but suspects that it
would not have been seen in the view finder. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=427 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Hyginius Cleft 1966 Jul 25 UT 04:40 observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 8" reflector, x300) "Points at opposite ends of cleft were very
brilliant in red Wratten 25 filter & very dull in blue Wratten 47
filter. Richer uncertain if real LTP." NASA catalog weight=1. NASA
catalog ID #957.
A track of reddish light, like a beam, was seen
crossing the shadowed floor of Plato.This TLP has an ID
No. of 17 in Cameron's 1978 catalog and a weight
of 3. It has an ALPO/BAA weight of 2.
Plato 1882 Mar 27 UTC 20:10-21:00 Observer: A.S. Williams (Brighton,
UK, 5.5" saw the shadow filled floor of Plato at Sunrise with a
"Glowing and curious milky kind of light". About 1 hour after sunrise
at Plato, there was no trace of this effect. The TLP filled the whole
floor except at a quarter of the diameter from the east wall which was
actually quite black. The observer saw a curious phosphorescent glimmer
at sunset (April11th?). Cameron comments that Birt, Nelson and Waugh
saw obsecuring mist or fog in Plato on many occasions. Cameron 1978
catalog ID=229 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1887 Nov 23 at 16:15-17:00 UT Von Speissen & others of Berlin,
Germany, using a 3.5" refractor (x180), saw a "Triangular patch of
light (time in Middlehurst catalog wrong? Moonrise was at > 18:30h. If
year =1887, age=8.8 days & time OK. must be same observation as ID=256
in Cameron 1978 catalog - note similarity of names and also the
reference date). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=258 and weight=1.
On 1979 Dec 27 at UT 05:32 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 6"
reflector x240, seeing=3-6/10 and T=4) noticed "2 small high-sun areas
nr. Eimmart - brightening around Mare Crisium, except for interior of
Proclus - in blue light. They were brighter than 2 spots on Cap.
Agarum rated 8.5 & Proc. 9. Not as bright next night. Probably a real
blue light brightening". Cameron 2006 catalog ID=79, location on Moon:
(70E, 23N) and weight=4.
On 1965 Sep 03 UT03:00-05:00 D.Harris (Located near Whittier
College, Whittier, CA, USA, using a 10" f/8.2 Newtonian
reflector, x78 & x208, seeing 5-6, transparency 2-0) observed a
ridge obscured SSW of Ross D. No drawing was made, only a
written description. "Ridge not visible near crater; possible
white patch 1/3 Ross D diameter" The ridge is the wrinkle ridge
extending NNE from Ross D, a well established often visible
feature. Harris comments that this was not one of the better TLPs
seen near Ross D, and there were no independent observers,
neverless he was ceratin of this being a TLP, and it was
consistant with other activity seen near this crater between 1964
and 1970. Cameron 1978 catalog ID 891 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 1895 May 02 UT 20:45, 23:45 Observed by Brenner and Fauth
(Germany?) "Streaks of light (Brenner) bright parallel bands in
center Fauth (indep. confirmation?)." NASA catalog weight=5.
NASA catalog ID #284. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1887 Nov 23 UT 20:00? Observed by de Speissens (France?)
"Luminous triangle on floor. Klein says it was sunlight affect. (but
similar to Klein's own obs., #190. Fort says never seen before nor
since)." NASA catalog weight=0 (very unlikely). NASA catalog ID #256.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Censorinus 1969 May 24 UTC 21:10-22:15 Observed by Jean
Nicolini (Sao Paulo, Brazil, 12" reflector) "It was brighter
than Proclus between 2130-2145h. A very tiny cirrus veil
present & Censor. appeared less bright & Proc. continued to
look normal. Weather worsened at 2215h. (Apollo 10 watch)."
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1144. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Piton 1960 Nov 27 ? UT 00:00? Observed by Schneller
(Cleveland, OH, USA, 8" Reflector, x53), "Red obscuration
concealing peak, @10m2 (if near SR, date is 27th; ancillary
data given for 27th -- date not given)." NASA catalog weight=
3. NASA catalog ID #731. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Clavius 1915 Apr 23 UTC 20:00 Observed by Cook (England?) "Narrow
straight beam of light from crater A to B" NASA catalog weight=1 (very
poor). NASA catalog ID #352. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2009 May 03/10 UT23:20-00:11 P. Abel (Leicester, UK, 20cm reflector,
x312, seeing III-IV) observed that the north east wall was slightly
brighter than would have been expected, slightly blurred (not seeing
related blurring) and had a strong orange-brown colour. No spurious
colour seen elsewhere. A change in eyepieces showed the same effect. No
luck in alerting other observers. A drawing was made at 23:20UT and
finished at 00:12UT. At 23:12UT part of the inner NW floor had a dull
brown colour, whereas before it was grey.By 00:11UT the colour effect
was fading and by 00:18 seeing condirions were too bad to continue. M.
Cook (Mundesley, UK, 9cm Questar telescope, x80, x130, seeing III,
transparency moderate to good) had observed Tycho earlier in the
evening at 22:15UT, but had seen no signs of colour. W. Leatherbarrow
(Sheffield, UK, 8cm scope, high cloud interuptions and bad seeing) had
taken monochrome images at UT 20:07 and 20:10, but these showed nothing
unusual, and he checked the crater visually at 00:00-00:30, but
detected no colour, although the Moon's low altitude contibuted to poor
seeing conditions and some spurious colour was seen. CCD images from M.
Collins (Palmerston North, New Zealand) taken at 00:46UT showed
nocolour apart from spurious colour on contrasty edges, in no way
reflecting what was seen early by P. Abel. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Observer made a drawing over a period of 30 minutes. Upon
examining drawing, and comparing with photos made under
similar illumination was struck by the abnormality of a
a small white blob in the north east corner of the shadowed
floor. There should be no raised topography between the wall
and the central peaks that could give rise to this. The making
of the sketch overlapped with an earlier drawing made by Rony
de Laet (Belgium) which did not show this blob. Subsequent attempts
to find sketches/images at very similar illumination angles have
failed to show the blob in the north east corner of the chadowed
floor. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Birt 1955 Apr 15 UT 03:20-05:00 Observed by Capen (California
Seeing=Excellent) "Small craters between Birt & wall were invis. at
times under excellent seeing, while craterlets on w.side were
continually obs." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #586.
On 1990 Apr 04 at UT 21:30-21:50 B. LeFranc (France?) reported
observing a white flame effect in Copernicus crater (sketch made) -
though Foley comments that the actual location was east of the crater.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=398 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1882 Jan 29 at UT 17:00-17:30 an unknown observer noted an unusual
shadow in Eudoxus crater. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=227 and the
weight=2. Reference: Sirius Vol 15, 167, 1882. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1969 May 26 UT 20:30-21:05 Observed by Farrant
(Cambridge, England, 8" reflector, x160, S=G) "Had misty
portion of SW(ast. ?) floor from 2030-2105h at which time it
was gone. Clearly seen, had ill-defined boundaries & was an
easy obj. to see. Alt.=33 deg. (Apollo 10 watch)." NASA
catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID No. 1148. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1966 Sep 25 UT 23:12-23:35 Observed by Moseley (Armagh, Nortern
Ireland, 10" refractor, x140) "Eng. moon blink sys. blinks inside the
crater. Very dubious due to low alt. of moon." NASA catalog weight=1
(very low). NASA catalog ID #982.
Gassendi 1967 Jun 18 UT 22:50-23:59 Observed by Whippey
(Northalt, England, 6" reflector?) "Faint redness outside NE &
SE wall of crater." Moore (10" Armagh refractor, x360) was
observing earlier 22:10-22:40, with and without a Moon Blink but
detected no redness, however his observing conditions were not
very good at the time. NASA catalog ID #1039. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO.BAA weight=2.
Aristrachus 1966 Jul 29 UT 03:40 Observed by Simmons (Jacksonville, FL,
USA, 6" reflector x192, S=7, T=4-5) and Corralitos Observatory (Organ
Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector + Moonblink) "Spot on S.wall vis. only in
red filter, brightness 8deg. Slightly brighter than surrounding wall.
No confirm. Says it might be part that reflected better. Not confirmed
by Corralitos Obs. MB." NASA catalog ID #968. NASA catalog weight=1
(very low).
On 1938 Mar 13 at UT 04:00-06:00 Barker (Chestnut, England, UK) noted a
slight reddish colour in Plato. However Fox (Newark, UK, 6.5"
reflector, x240) saw none on the south east wall, but instead saw a
yellowish glow on the southern floor at the same time (confirmation?).
Appearently Fox saw the same effect on Apr 10, 11, and May 8-11, then
on June 8-10. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=432 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1950 Aug 25 at UT 10:55 T.Saheki (Osaka, Japan) observed a
stationary yellow-white flash on the Moon of duration 0.2 sec
and mag 6.5. Cameron suggests that this was a meteor. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=536 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Two small conical mountains, near last 4th May eruption,
close to the third one that he had seen before, but not
these two. They were not on any map.
SE of Langrenous 1947 Aug 28 UT 21:00? Observed by Baum
(Chester, England) A long mountain mass, on limb to the SE of
Langrenus crater, had a decidedly bluish cast. To the north, on
the limb, were several ordinary peaks appearing in profile and
some were sharp and pointed. NASA catalog ID=498. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1950 Jul 27 UT 02:56 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "C.p. of Proc.
disappeared)" 5" reflector used at x100, NASA catalog weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1963 Oct 30 UT 01:50-02:15 Observed by Greenacre and
Barr (Flagstaff, AZ, USA, 24" Clark Refractor) observed 2 ruby
red spots - one just to the SW of the cobra's Head and the other
on a highland area east of Vallis Schroteri. A pink colour
formed coverting the SW rim of Aristarchus. Effects present with
or without Yellow Wratten 15 filer. Similar effects checked for
elsewhere on other craters but not seen. So presumed not to have
been due to chromatic aberation or astmospheric dispersion.
Effecta not seen in 12" refractor, but this may have been a
resolution issue. The NASA catalog ID No. is #778. The NASA
catalog weight is 5 (highly reliable). ALPO/BAA weight=4.
In 1962 Dec 09 at UT 07:36 Wildey and Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector) observed that Oceanus Procellarum was 1.13 magnitudes
brighter than normal. Observation at sunrise and is abnormal if area
measured was mare. If it were an east facing wall it would be normal.
The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Herodotus 1950 Jul 27 UT 03:56 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "Pseudo
c.p. in Herod. Drawings. (Similar to NASA catalog event #523)"
5" reflector used at x100, NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
In 1962 Dec 09 at UT 07:42 Wildey and Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector) observed that Aristarchus was 0.80 magnitudes (x2) fainter
than average for this age (photometric measurement) Vmag=3.80, average=
3.0. The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Feb 16 at UT 01:05-01:35 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 12.5"
reflector, seeing=III) found the north rim area to be both very
bright and misty - though he did not think it to be a TLP but
wanted it to be recorded, just in case. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=440 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1970 Apr 18 UT 20:14 Observed by MacKenzie
(UK,2.5" refractor x45, seeing Antoniadi I) "Fairly strong blink
in a spot 1/2 way between the 2 craters. Drawing (Apollo 13
watch). NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1257. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Torricelli B 2002 Oct 18 UTC 20:56-21:59 Observer: G.North (UK, 8"
reflector, x134, Seeing Antoniadi IV, Transparency good) - thought that
Torricelli B was perhaps a little brighter than expected, especially
when compared to Moltke and Censorinus based upon past recollection of
relative brightnesses at this colongitude). Slight bluish tint seen as
well. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Nov 10 at UT 07:54-08:22 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor and filters, seeing=2-3 and transparency=5) observed a
blue light at the Cobra's Head, near Aristarchus, that fell back down
to a normal brightness of 7. although the west wall (his point D) went
down to 6.5 (this was 8 back on Oct 5). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=158
and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1891 Sep 16 at UT 19:00? Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Dense clouds of vapor apparently rising from its bottom and pouring
over its SW wall torrds Herodotus. He says no activity till day after
sunrise & ceases a few days before sunset. (Part of an extensive
observing of only a few features under all aspects of lighting.
Drawings and Phtos obtained." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=269 and weight=1.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1966 Aug 01 UT 00:50-01:20 Observers: Moore,
Moseley, Corvan (N.Ireland, 10" refractor) - "Eng. moon blink
detected color (red?) on SW wall. Tel. link got other vis.
confirm, & also another moon blink."NASA catalog ID=#960,
weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1990 May 09 at UT08:24-08:28 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
reflector, x150, Clears sky) noticeed in Promontorium Agarum (Cape
Agarum), that at 08:24UT the west point (C) dimmed to a brightness of
6.5 before ragaining its normal brightness at 7. Cameron comments that
these are wedge measurements equivalent to 0.5 steps in Elger's
brightness scale. No other effects noticed elsewhere. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=404 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1963 Nov 01/12 at UT 22:30-03:00 P. Moore (UK, 12" reflector)
observed something unusual in Aristarchus/Copernicus/Kepler -
the Cameron catalog is not very clear which. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=779 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1963 Nov 01/12 at UT 22:30-03:00 P. Moore (UK, 12" reflector)
observed something unusual in Aristarchus/Copernicus/Kepler -
the Cameron catalog is not very clear which. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=779 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1963 Nov 01 at UT 00:20-00:35 Kopal and Rackham (Pic du
Midi, France, 24" reflector) observed in Kepler an
enhancement in red light at 672.5nm and 545.0nm. Luminescence
~86% +/-3% of background. According to the Cameron catalog,
Moore(12" reflector, UK) noted something unsual between 22:30
and 03:00 but this might apply to Kepler, Coperncius, and/or
Aristarchus and that was seen 23:30-03:00? - the catalog is not
very clear. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=779 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1963 Nov 02 at UT 00:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK) observed a spectral
line dpeth anomaly? The cameron 1978 catalog ID=780 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1963 Nov 01 at UT 00:20-00:35 Kopal and Rackham (Pic du
Midi, France, 24" reflector) observed in Kepler an
enhancement in red light at 672.5nm and 545.0nm. Luminescence
~86% +/-3% of background. The Cameron catalog says that Moore
saw something between 23:30 and 03:00, but it is not clear
what exactly, or whether it was Copernicus, Kepler, or
Aristarchus? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=779 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=5.