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.
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 2004 Dec 02 UT 01:55-02:45 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness and definition of
A of about 1/4 to 1/2 minute period. Rest of field unaffected. Checked
for cloud wih naked eye during fades - negative. Checked for misting
and tear salt on eyepiece by shifting A around the field - negative."
BAA Lunar Section report.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 03:00 Observed bt Michael Amato (West Haven,
CT, USA, 127mm Maksutov, x123) "The brightness variation (as seen by
Brook earlier) was very apparent. One thing never seen before by Amato
was a thin short bright ray that extended out in the opposite direction
as Aristarchus bright ray". The higher the Moon climbed in the sky the
more obvious this short thin bright ray became. An ALPO report.
Marcus Price (Camberley, Surrey, UK) noted that Aristarchus
was extremely bright. A 6" reflector was used. The Cameron
2006 Catalog ID is #98 and the weight is 1. The ALPO/BAA weight
is 1 too.
P.Foley (Nettlestead, UK, 12" reflector) noticed a translucent bluish
glow in Earthshine coming from this crater, despite it being close to
the nright terminator. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=200 and
weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1997 Jul 25/26 at UT 23:00-00:00 S. Fox (Dundee Tayside, Scotland,
UK, 15cm f/5 reflector with x4 Barlow). A series of photographs were
taken that show a glow just beyond the terminator, near to Callipus
crater. Almost certainly this is lens flare from the Barlow lens. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Messier A 1976 Sep 15 UT 21:05 Observed by J.H-Robinson
(Teignmouth, UK, 26cm Newtonian, Wratten 25 and 44a filters,
x200, seeing very poor). Messier A was fainter than Messier in
blue light. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Tycho 1990 Dec 10 UT 11:03-12:49 Observed by Darling (Sun Prairie, WI,
USA, 12.5" Newtonian, x63) "Nebulous patch seen where the central peak
should have been in the 90% shadow filled crater. The nebulous patch is
seen to vary in size and a star-like point is seen inside it briefly
for 1 sec. The nebulous patch was a bit like what one expects from a
close-up view of a cometry nucleus. A sketch and an image can be found
on the following web site:
http://www.ltpresearch.org/ltpreports/ltp19901210.htm " An ALPO report.
On 1969 Dec 11 at UT 00:00-01:00 Celis, Marti, and Oyurzo (Valparaiso,
Chile, 4" refractor, x80, seeing=very turbulent and altitude very low)
observed in Aristrachus a diffused foggy patch on which later, blue
star-like points appeared in very irregular intervals. The Atmosphere
was turbulent and the Moon set at 01:00UT. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
1228 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Dec 12 at UT 00:00-01:50 Celis et al. (Paso Hondo, Santiago,
Chile, 10" refractor, x90, 3" refractor, x135, seeing=very turbulent
and altitude low) observed star-like points on Aristarchus - these were
much brighter than points seen in Herodotus. Formed irregularly and
doubled for 1-2 sec duration. Cameron suspects atmospheric abberation?
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1229 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Dec 12 at UT 00:00-01:50 Celis et al. (Paso Hondo, Santiago,
Chile, 10" refractor, x90, 3" refractor, x135, seeing=very turbulent
and altitude low) observed star-like points on Herodotus - these were
not as bright as those seen in Aristarchus. Formed irregularly and
doubled for 1-2 sec duration. Cameron suspects atmospheric abberation?
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1229 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 May 07 at UT00:55-02:00 B. Hobdell "St Petersberg, FL,
USA, Seeing 1, heavy cloud cover and interrupted sightings)
saw some brightenings (bluish normal glow to white
colouration) - these were sporadic and of fairly long duraion.
00:55 UT two brightenings seen. 00:59UT a white flash was
seen. 01:05 Brightenings to white. The crater at times became
dim and suddenly brightened, however Kepler, Copernidus, and
Grimaldi were easily seen. Highlands were a light blue
compared to darker areason theMoon. 02:25UT brightenings in
Aristarchus seen. 01:59:15 Aristarchus white brightenings.
01:59:55 another brightening. An occultation on the NNW limb
was seen at 01:59:15UT. By 02:00 the Moon was 16 deg above the
horizon, but can still see earthlit fearures. 02:15 Can barely
see Aristarchus. 02:25 Observation finished.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 May 07 at UT01:25 B. Hobdell (St Petersburg, FL, USA")
observed an intantaneous bluish flash in the Plinius-Menlaus
region. Other flashe seen on Aristarchus that night. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 15 at UT 18:00? G. Amery (Reading, UK) found that he could
not see Aristarchus in Earthshine, despite less normally prominent
features being clearly seen. This observation was confirmed. Other
observers were: Moore, Cooks, and Foley. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
202 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1867 May 07 at UT 20:00-22:00 Tempel (Germany?) and Flammarion
(France?) observed Aristarchus to be a reddish-yellow beacon-like
light. Left (E. ?) side of crater very bright luminous point. The
Cameron 1878 catalog ID=152 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Barker's Quadrangle (26W, 34S) 1949 Mar 03 UT 20:00 Observed by
Moore (England, 12" reflector) "Whole area hazy. (in Capuanus?
see Wilkins and Moore, The Moon, p124) (It may not be this
identification as 3 of 4 obs. are in dark, some nr. FQ so
doubtful it could be seen)." NASA catalog ID #516, weight=4.
ALPO/BAA wight=2.
On 1965 Dec 27 at UT Bornhurst (Monterey Park, CA, USA, 10" reflector)
and (Harris (Whittier? CA, USA, 19" reflector?) observed brightening of
Aristarchus in Ashen light. Cameron says that this is an independent
confirmation? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=918 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 May 08 at UT 00:00-00:45 B. Hobdell (St Peterburg, FL, USA, 2"?
refractor) observed Aristarchus to be undergoing brightenings in
Earthshine. Tha Cameron 2006 catalog ID=136 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1982 May 26 at UT 20:25-20:40 Kalauch (Berlin?, Germany, 9"
refractor, x60, T=1(best) and scintilation=2) found Aristarhus to be
"very visible" in Earthshine - which was very clear. At 20:25 UT
Aristarchus was seen to blink irregularly and then it attained
magnitude 7 (red). Telescopes and eyepieces were changed but did not
effect the appearance. It disappered at 20:40UT. Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=168 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Dec 12 at 17:32 Middleton (Brighting on Sea, England, UK) was
awaiting an occultation of star SAO 189425 at a PA of 45deg with
respect to the north, when he spotted a "point of light flash up",
disappear at the limb at a position angle about halfway between N.
Cusps and star entry". Cameron wonders if this was ameteor in our own
atmosphere, or on the Moon? The cameron 2006 catalog ID=341 and the
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 15 at UT 18:00? G. Amery (Reading, UK) found that he could
not see Aristarchus in Earthshine, despite less normally priminent
features being clearly seen. This observation was confirmed. Other
observers were: Moore, Cooks, and Foley. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
203 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Mar 19 at UT04:56-05:54 Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3.1" refractor, seeing=1-2 and transparency=4) observed that at 05:15UT
Eimmart appeared fainter than the observing session began at 04:56 UT.
There was also a bright flash on the north wall that "fluctuated at
rate of 9s" Cameron comments that atmospheric blow ups were 11-12s.
Louderback found that the TLP was seen in the blue filter but not in
the red. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=207 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
E. of Picard 1909 Mar 26 UTC 19:15-20:20 Observed by Neate (England,
4" refractor x170) "Bright spot. (feature is similar to Linne. Rays
difficult to see till high sun). Hazy ill-defined brighter in S.
(Draw.)." NASA catalog weight=1 (low). NASA catalog ID #329.
On 1990 Jan 01 at UT 16:55-18:45 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK) observed that
Aristarchus was seen in Earthshine at 16:55UT before the limb (was
visible in Earthshine?). "1705 Aris>>1723 fading 1727 > again." Then:
"1740 Aris << and just visible at 1845". Apparently Foley suspects that
Aristarchus had brightened up before 16:55UT (shwen H. Miles started to
observe) and then gradually retruned to normal. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=385 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1881 Sep 28 at UT 03:00 Day (Prescott, AZ, USA) observed a comet-
like object pulling across the Mon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=225 and
the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Jan 01 at UT 17:29 H. Miles (Cornwall, UK) observed that
Copernicus had a faint glow in it. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=385 and
the weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1951 Jan 13 UT 00:43 L.T.Johnson (USA) observed a faint flash
near W limb in earthshine - just S of Grimaldi.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 17 at 19:00?UT G. Amery (Reading, UK) noticed that
Aristarchus was not visible in Earthshine, despite other less prominent
features being seen. The observation was confirmed by other observers.
The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=204 and the weight=2. The
ALPo/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 17 at 19:00?UT G. Amery (Reading, UK) noticed that
Messier was ill-defined. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=204 and
the weight=2. The ALPo/BAA weight=1.
On 1968 Dec 24 at UT 19:30-20:00 Deane (London, UK, 2" refractor)
observed the following in the Prinz-Harbinger Mountains area: "Bright
yellow spot seen E. of Aris. fr. S. end of Harbinger mts, to S. wall of
Prinz. Back to normal at 2000h. Many other areas observed were normal.
(alerted for tidal predict. by Middlehurst, & Apollo 8 watches)". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1110 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Oct 16 at UT 00:00-00:30 Celis (Quilpue, Chile, 3" refractor,
x60, seeing=very good) observed brilliant points at 8.5 magnitude in
Aristarchus. This was not seen the next night or the one after, nor
after 5 days age. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1204 and weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 Oct 14 at 04:12 UT M.A.L. Numi (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) observed
that the crater Busching (20E,40S) underwent a sudden change. The 2006
Cameron catalog ID was 435 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1,
On 1994 Jun 14 UT 21:45-22:00 G.Rogers (Crendon, UK, 3" Zeiss
refractor, sky conditions perfectly clear) reported seeing three
very large whitish clouds against the Moon. The strongest seemed
to "stem" from the vicinity of Santbech crater (crater
identified the next day from an atlas), and was a milk chocolate
colour near the stem. The other two large clouds were to the
north - in the general area of Mare Fecunditatis and Mare
Crisium though perhaps slightly further west and in contact with
the terminator? The effect was confirmed (independently) by 4
other observers using the same telescope. The telescope was
moved but the clouds remained in the same position over the
Moon. This report comes from The Astronomer Jan 2013 p 230.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Kant 1873 Jan 04 UT 23:00? Observed by Trouvelot (Cambridge, Mass, 8"
refractor) "Luminous puplish vapors" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #180.
On 1981 May 10 at UT02:16-03:12 B. Hobdell (St Peterburg, FL, USA, 2?"
refractor, the Moon was at a very low altitude) found that the NNW wall
of Aristarchus increased in brightness and extended to an arc of the
east wall. There were bright flashes in roughly 2 minute intervals.
There were also two yellow spots at 5 and 8 o'clock on the east wall.
At 02:44UT a bright yellow flash was seen on the NNW rim and by 02:49UT
the complete crater was very bright, inparticular on the western wall.
Further bright flashes were seen at 02:52UT and at 03:11UT many bright
blue points were seen. Finally an obsecuration was seen at 03:12UT. The
observer checked for spurious colour but none was seen. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=137 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1872 Mar 15 UT 20:00? Observed by Webb? (England?, 9"
reflector?) "Internal twilight in crater, same remarks as in #
173 -- could 8. be misprint in #173? Schmidt 2X saw cavity of
Boussingalt feebly illum. at sunrise as tho filled with
mist."NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #177.ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 18 at 19:00?UT P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) noted that the
southern Mare Crisium appeared to be obscured by a pale grey haze.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=205 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 18 at 19:00?UT P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) noted that Toricelli B
was steel blue in colour and this spread 10-15 miles outside the
crater. This was odd because Torricelli B was only 6 miles in size.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=205 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
SE of Ross D 1964 Feb 19 UT 03:00 Observed by Bender (Whittier, CA,
USA, 19?" reflector) "Variations in the ring" NASA catalog weight=1.
NASA catalog ID #800. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Menelaus 1976 Sep 01 UT 00:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4.5" reflector, 45-300x) "Upper 1/2 of W.wall bright white (8deg).
Lower 1/2 much duller at 4 deg & distinctly bluish-gray. Same as seen
in Aris. & Grimaldi & thinks it is due local agency (gas?)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1447.
On 1987 Nov 27 at 19:35-21:04 UT M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK,
seeing IV-V) saw spurious colour on the crater floor and also
on the rim. Two bright spots were seen on the west rim (the
brightest one was on the NW rim). Saw >>N-NW lip 21:00UT
blink in red. The was apparently confirmed by A.C. Cook
(according to Cameron) at 21:04UT. The ALPO/BAA weight, in
view of the poor observing conditions is 1.
On 1987 Nov 27 at 20:56-21:12 UT M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing
IV-V) saw spurious colour on the Proclus floor and also on the
rim. At 20:56UT Censorinus was quite dull and diffuse, spurious
colour but no blink. Sketches made. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=314
and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight, in view of the poor
observing conditions is 2.
On 1983 Apr 19 at 21:45UT M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) reported that
Censorinus' exterior white patch was grayish at this time and there was
a "momentary glow outisde the crater to the North West. The Crater
Extinction Device brightness measurement for Censorinus was 4.0 whereas
Proclus was 4.4. Cook was expecting a lower CED brightness measurement.
Foley notes that Censorinus is usually brighter than Proclus. On 1983
Jan 29 Chapman obtained a very high brightness measurement for this
spot. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=212 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 19 at 20:00UT P.W. Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK, 12"
reflector) noticed a deep steel blue colour inside Toricelli B with a
lighter colour about 10-15 miles outside. Foley came to the conclusion
that this was too visible for its size. Cameron 2006 Catalog extension
ID=206 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jul 01 at 22:00?UT D.J. Raden (Fort Meade, FL, USA, using a
10" reflector) detected a flare near to Halley (5E, 9S) visually with
the eye and it lasted about 3-4 min - a sketch was made. However it was
also found on one photographic slide taken with an exposure of 35
seconds. The observer comments that visually the flare was not as
bright as it appeared in the photograph. In an area near Halley. The
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=57 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
Archimedes 1966 Mar 29 UT 21:00 Observed by Hill (England, 24"
reflector, x250, S=E) "Brightening of E-W bands across floor.
(Obscuration accord. to Moore)" NASA catalog ID #923. NASA
catalog weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Nov 28 UT at 20:14 (possibly earlier)-20:44 M.Mobberley saw the
northern rim of Proclus very bright for first quarter. There were
streaks half way up the wall and these seemed to vary in brightness and
length in seconds. Seeing was at first suspected but became doubtful
over this being a cause. There was also another bright streak that
changed brightness over 5 minute intervals (Cameron says that this is
not atmospheric) Apparently video was taken and confirms the effects. A
sketch was also made. M. Cook detected a blink with coloured filters
i.e. being brighter in red light (Also apparently confirmed by
Louderback). Estimated the north west wall was x3 brighter than
Censorinus. Censorinus itself varied in brightness as measured using
CED devices. P. Foley decided that the north was was much brighter than
Proclus (beyond the limits of the scale. However both Moore and Mason
agreed that the north wall of Proclus was very bright but shimmering
around in the bad seeing. They did not see any bright spots either.
A.C. Cook (20:18-20:44UT) confirmed that the north wall of Proclus was
very bright. Towards the end of the observing period the north wall had
faded from this maximum brightness - Cameron suspects that this might
have been as a result of an eyepiece misting up. The TLP was also
observed by Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK) and he reported: "Bright spot
on north wall, Moon blink reaction". A BAA Lunar Section report with
extracts from the 2006 Cameron catalog. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=315 and
weight=4 (or 5?). ALPO/BAA weight=3. Apart from Louderback, all
observers were based in the UK and had a vatiety of telescopes and
observings conditions.
On 1987 Nov 28 M. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Censorinus varied in
brightness as measured using CED devices. P. Foley decided that the
north was was much brighter than Proclus (beyond the limits of the
scale). However both Moore and Mason agreed that the north wall of
Proclus was very bright but shimmering around in the bad seeing. They
did not see any bright spots either. A.C. Cook (20:18-20:44UT)
confirmed that the north wall of Proclus was very bright. Towards the
end of the observing period the north wall had faded from this maximum
brightness - Cameron suspects that this might have been as a result of
an eyepiece misting up. The TLP was also observed by Foley (Maidstone,
Kent, UK) and he reported: "Bright spot on north wall, Moon blink
reaction". A BAA Lunar Section report with extracts from the 2006
Cameron catalog. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=315 and weight=4 (or 5?).
ALPO/BAA weight=2. Apart from Louderback, all observers were based in
the UK and had a vatiety of telescopes and observings conditions.
Alphonsus 1967 Feb 17 UT 17:47-18:12 Observed by Moore and
Moseley (Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x300) "Eng.
moonblink suspected just inside SW floor on the elevation NW of
famous dark patch. Feb 18 was cloudy, then on Feb 19, after some
neg. results with blink, suddenly a bright glow in same place."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1014. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 May 04 at 21:30-22:00UT Coates detected a star-like point
inside Hipparchus L crater using averted vision. Cameron in her 2006
catalog extension comments that Hipparchus L is a highlands impact
crater with a rille on the western ejecta blanket. The crater is the
smallest one in a chain that are sequenced to be half the size of the
previous crater in the chain. Apparently the largest crater in the
chain is Hind with a largely landslide covered floor - although on the
south is a dome? with a summit crater. Cameron's 2006 catalog extension
gives this TLP an ID of 51 and a weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Feb 20 at 20:00UT P.W. Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK, 12"
reflector) noticed a deep steel blue colour inside Toricelli B with a
lighter colour about 10-15 miles outside. Foley came to the conclusion
that this was too visible for its size. Cameron 2006 Catalog extension
ID=206 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1922 May 04 at UT Burnerd (England?) discovered three long mounds in
Archimedes crater (rays?). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=385 and weight=
0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Montes Teneriffe 1854 Dec 27 UT 18:00-23:00, Observed by
Hart & others (Glasgow, Scotland, 10" reflector), "2 luminous
fiery spots on bright side on either side of a ridge,
contrasting color. Seemed to be 2 active volcanoes. Ridge was
normal color. Spots were yellow or flame color. Never seen
before in 40 yrs. of observing." Please try to observe this
when the Moon is low on the horizon to see if this mimics
the effects seen? NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #129.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2003 Apr 10 at 00:40UT a GLR observer G. Jasmin (Quebec, Canada,
using a 10" F-10 Schmidt Cassegrain) took a photograph of Alphonsus
crater on Kodak 400ASA film with an exposure of 1/30th sec. There was a
light visible (diameter 10 km) inside Alphonsus and the effect was
present for 5 minutes. The observer commented that they have seen a
light in this crater many times before, but never as long as 5 minutes.
This report was submitted to the GLR group in Italy. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Thaetetus 1952 Dec 24 UT 20:00? Observed by Moore (England?)
"Bright spot, hazy line of light" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID 556. ALPO/BAA weigh=2.
Hyginus Nova 1877 Nov 13 UT 20:00? Observed by Crain, Klein, Eng.
officer (France?, Cologne (Germany), Enland?, 6" refractor?, S=E)
"Standing out with such prominence, seen at a glance. No trace of it on
14th, in excell seeing. (indep. confirm.?)"NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #198. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Menelaus 1969 Nov 17 UT 16:00-19:00 Observed by Rubens de
Azevedo,A. Monghilhot, E. Leal e Jose Fernandes (Joao Pessoa,
Paraiba, Brazil, 8" and 10" reflectors) "Entire crater of
Men. illum. by pale greenish light. (Azevedo)" NASA catalog
weight=5 NASA catalog ID #1211a. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 2009 Aug 28 at UTC 17:00:15-17:00:42 S. Khachatryan (Yerevan,
Armenia, 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain, x171, seeing 9 (1=worst and 10-
best), Transparency 5-6 on a scale of 1 to 6) observed in the Chacornac
area a series of fiery sparks (dot like with tiny rays), slightly
elongated with the multitudinal rays orientated towards the south west
direction. The colour was mostly red, with some yellow. The final flash
was the most clear. The TLP was tiny in area, but "was distinctly
bright against any other object on the Moon". The positional
uncertainty of the location of the spark effect was approximately +/-
150 km, based upon an examination of an atlas afterwards. Just prior to
the spark effect, something dark, small and fuzzy (only just discrnable
to the eye, through the eyepiece) was seen to pass from the west across
the Moon in a slight curve, round the surface of the Moon to the east
(post observation estimate: seen for 3.5 sec and covered roughly 8% of
the lunar diameter in that time). The area of the dark object was
comparable in size to (or slightly less than?) craters such as
Autolycus F (diameter 3km) or le Monnier E (diameter 4km) i.e. on the
limits of vision of the scope used. The location of the flash was not
exactly at the same location as the dark object passed across, but gave
the impression of starting from it? A back of the envelope calculation
of the lunar diameter covered in the time quoted gives an approximate
speed (at the lunar distance) of 80km/s or on the very high end of
typical meteor streams that pass by. At closer distances, and
recalculated velocities, it is unlikely to be a satellite in low Earth
orbit (20m/sec at 100km distance), but could perhaps be a bird or
insect at a few km range? So was this dark object something in our
atmosphere by chance passing across the field of view close to the time
of the TLP flare or was at the lunar distance and related to the TLP?
Incidentally, no attempt was made during this observation to move the
scope to check that the TLP remained stationary against the Moon. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
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.
Although the crater was on the night side, a small bright spot
was seen. This was blue, almost UV, and equivalent to a star of
magnitude 2. It flashed over intervals of about 30 seconds
and changed in colour from UV to blue. The BAA Lunar Section
TLP network was alerted. Mobberly and J.Cook did not see much
although J. Cook may have seen something, but located else where?
Cameron lists this as a confirmed? observation? The Cameron
2006 TLP xtension catalog has this TLP with an ID No. of 258
and a weight of 4. The ALPO/BAA weight is 2.
Ross D 1964 Apr 21 UT 04:23-05:01 Observed by the Capens (CA,
USA, 16" and 6", seeing 3-5, transparency 5+) "Obscuration of
its rim" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #808. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1983 Apr 21 at UT 21:55-22:05 N. King (Winnersh, Berkshire,
UK, using a 150cm f/8 reflector, with seeing I and
transparency good, little spurious colour, just a little in
Plato). Although observing since 21:25UT the observer noticed
a just detectable faint green colour just after the dark shade
around the inner eastern crater rim. The effect faded and by
22:05UT had completely gone. This report is not in the Cameron
2006 catalog. It is a BAA report. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 2004 Feb 29 UT 19:00-19:15 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Checked central peak of Alphonsus using 60mm OG
x120 + right angle prism. Moon at very high elevation, seeing excellent
once clouds had dispersed, transparency also excellent. Time of
observation 19-00 hrs UT to 19-15 hrs UT. Noticed fluctuation of
brightness of A's central peak compared with the peak of Arzachel.
Alphonsus' peak generally brighter." BAA Lunar Section report. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1983 Feb 21 at 20:00UT P.W. Foley (Maidstone, Kent, UK, 12"
reflector) noticed a deep steel blue colour inside Toricelli B with a
lighter colour about 10-15 miles outside. Foley came to the conclusion
that this was too visible for its size. Cameron 2006 Catalog extension
ID=206 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1979 Jul 03 at UT 20:55-21:20 J-H. Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
10" reflector, seeing II) observed that Messier was brighter than
Messier A. No colour was observed. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID is 58
and the weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2010 Aug 19 at UT 00:50-01:02 J.Albert (Lakeworth, FL, USA,
C11, Transparency 3, Seeing 7-8, 86F and very humid. Oberver
checking out repeat illumination condition appearence for Tycho
concerning LTP #468 in the 1978 Cameron catalog. Did not see the
effect from the original TLP report, but did see, immediately at
looking at Tycho a very faint hint of redness in a pencil thin
arc (< 1/4 circumference of the rim) confined to the top of the
rim of the well-lit north east wall. Coloured arc similar in
thickness to Rupes Recta, but not as sharply defined. The outer
(E) edge was perhaps sharper than the inner edge. The redness
was more on the inside of the top of the rim. The outside of the
rim was bright white. This effect was seen in three different
eyepieces, at 311x, 224x and 400x. Checked for the effect on
other craters nearby but could not see this effect anywhere
else. The colour had dissapeared by 01:02UT. The fade took about
1-2 minutes. Observation of Tycho continued until 01:06UT, but
all seemed normal. Quick checks were made again on Tycho
periodically until 02:50UT but the colour was not seen again.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1964 Feb 22 at UT 05:00 Harris (Whittier, CA, 19" reflector, x100)
observed the appearance of a ring to the south east of Ross D. Cameron
says that 7 persons have seen this over a 2.5 year period. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=801 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Hyginus Nova 1867 Nov 14 UT 20:00? Observed by Crain, Klein, Eng.
officer (France?, Cologne (Germany), Enland?, 6" refractor?, S=E) "On
13th it was standing out with such prominence, seen at a glance. No
trace of it on 14th, in excell seeing. (indep. confirm.?)"NASA catalog
weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #198.
Tycho 1940 Jul 14 UT 02:00? Observed by Haas (NM? USA, 12"?
reflector) "Luminous marks in shadow, ragged edged & irreg.
shape. E. wall had a milky luminosity" NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID #468. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1967 Feb 18 UT 20:30-20:40 Observed by Moore, Moseley
(Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x300) "Red color in
crater (in dark)". NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1015.
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1980 May 23 at UT21:14-21:55 J.H. Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
12" reflector, seeing II-III) could see Aristarchus in blue and clear
filters, but not in red light. Robinson saw some variability in this
effect with time. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=96 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1980 May 23 at UT21:14-22:18 G. Blair (Bridge of Weir,
Scotland, UK, 216mm reflector, seeing II-IV) found a red tinge
along the western wall of Coperncius, perhaps 32km in length.
This was invisible in a blue-green Wratten 44a filter, but was
unmistakble in a red Wratten 25 filter. Could have been
spurious colour - but no other regiosn were affected. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
Plato 1976 Sep 04 UT 02:35-03:35 Observed by Porter
(Sarragansett?, Rhode Island, USA, 6" reflector x100, S=5,
T=?) "At 0235h albedo of floor was est. at 3. At 0325h the pt.
was albedo =1, 2 whole steps darker than earlier & noticeable
to the obs. 10-15 min later it returned to normal. (the few
meas. of albedo for this age were 1.5-2 which suggests that
the meas. of 3 was the anomalous one. Another pt. did
darken -- as reported). NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID
#1448. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 Dec 18 at UT20:25 W. Cameron (Sedona, AZ, USA - TV camera
telephoto) noticed on a live TV shot of the Moon (apparently channel 3
TV broadcast at 11:25PM local time), that Proclus was brighter than
Censorinus (or Dionysus) and was the brightest feature on the Moon. It
was photographed from San Juan in Puerto Rico. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
342 and weight=. ALPO/BAA weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Ross D vicinity 1964 Apr 22 UT 05:43-0637 Observed by Cross et
al. (Whittier, CA, USA, 19" reflector, x800-1200 & filters, S=7-
8, T=1) "Gas cloud over it & its companion; everywhere else was
fine detail" NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #809.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Daniell 1979 Jul 04 UT 20:40-21:19 Observed by Saxton (UK?, 216mm
refractor?, seeing III, transparency: Good) "noticed that the east
end of Daniell was bright and fuzzy and had somewhat poorly defined
edge to the bright part. A sketch was made, and possibly shows
the same as in past reports" BAA Lunar Section Report. Cameron
2006 extension catalog ID=59 and weight=3. Observer located in
Leeds, England and used a 9" reflector x250. Seeing=III and
transparency=good. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Colour seen, mostly blueness on south rim and exterior of south
rim at Bullialdus crater. Blueness seen too on Plato on inner SSW
rim, but no colour reported on any other craters. Seeing III,
12" reflector used x200 and x360.
Colour seen, mostly blueness on inner SSW rim. Blueness also seen
on south rim and exterior of south rim at Bullialdus crater. No colour
reported on any other craters. Seeing III, 12" reflector used x200 and
x360.
In 1872 Mar 19 at UT 23:17 an unknown observer observed in Sinus
Iridum: "Covered with a light gray shadow thru which he saw dimly the
surface below - indicating obscuring matter over it. (Cameron says:
only w. 1/3 of bay would be in shadow as boundaries are 25-37W)". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=178 and the weight=3.
H. Davies (Llamandel, Swansea, UK, using a 3" refractor,
detected a short duration reddish hue along the inner NE-NW?
rim (4-7 O'Clock location. Sketch supplied to Foley (BAA
coordinator). No similar effect seen elsewhere. A.C. Cook
(Frimley, UK) detected spurious colour on several craters,
including Plato that night. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID=
337 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1967 Feb 19 UT 20:30-21:11 Observed by Moore,
Moseley (Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x360) "Blink
area between 1900 & 1940 with neg. results. Suddenly at 2030
there was a bright red glow, brightest Moseley had ever seen,
at Feb 17 suspectec place. Moore returned at 2037h in time to
see fading effect. Brief return at 2105-2111; neg. from
2120-2250h then clouds. Nothing on Feb 20. confirmation)."
NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1016.
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Arsyukhin and others (Moscow, USSR), with naked eye and binouculars
saw three dark spots suddenly appear on Mare Crisium and disappear
approximately 30 minutes later. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=145
and catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Arsyukhin and others (Moscow, USSR), with naked eye and binouculars
saw TLP activity in Plato that Cameron thinks confirms what UK
observers saw later. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=145
and catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1966 Apr 01 UT(?) 03:00-03:20 Observed by Jenning,
Harris (Coral Estates, CA, USA, 12" reflector) "Red patch from
c.p. to W. wall (no confirm. from Corralitos obs. moon blink
device & obs. at that time)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #924. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 May 24 at UT 21:14-21:18 Marco Petek (Porto Alegre,
Brazil) saw a shadow extending south east from Campanus
opposite to the Sun - however Foley thinks this is normal.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=96 and weight=0 or 1.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Agrippa and vicinity 1878 Dec 04 UT 20:00? Observed by Capron (France?)
"Odd, misty look as if vapor were in or about them" NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #209.
On 1985 Mar 02 at 20:00UT? Marshall (Medeline, Colombia, South America)
measured some very low Crater Extinction Device brightness readings of
Censorinus compared to Proclus. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=
261 and the weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1982 Apr 04 at UT 23:30-00:25 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 7cm
refractor & 16cm reflector) noticed the TLP in his refractor
first of all at x25. So stepped up the magnification to x111 and
found the crater brightness not what he was expecting. He tried
different filters but found no difference in brightness. With
the 16cm reflector however some changes in brightness were
dected. The crater has a very pale yellow colour and it was
slightly darker than Lacus Somniorum. P. Foley tried to confirm
at 00:09 but the crater looked normal then. The Cameron 2006
catalog extension TLP ID is 167 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
A blue tinge was seen inside and outside the crater
perimeter. The surrounding halo lost brightness that
was observed on 1993 Jan 29. Observed on Apr 19, 20 and 28th.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=213 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Furnerius 1961 May 26 UT 02:20-03:00 Observed by Cameron (Aldephi, MD,
USA, 3.5" Questar reflector x160, S=G) "Crater stood out like
glittering points (small craters on rim?). Many features examined but
effect seen only on this crater and Stevinus (Specular refl. from flat
surface?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #738.
Brilliant blue color seen at first for seconds, later for min
2h later, in blue filter. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 (high).
Cameron 1978 catalog ID 572.
Tycho 2971 Nov 28 UT 21:58-22:05 observed by D.B. Taylor (Dundee,
UK, darker area inside the crater (NE and SE floor) in a Moon
Blink device. However the observer does not report through which
filter ir was darker. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Stevinus 1961 May 26 UT 02:20-03:00 Observed by Cameron (Aldephi, MD,
USA, 3.5" Questar reflector x160, S=G) "Crater stood out like
glittering points (small craters on rim?). Many features examined but
effect seen only on this crater and Stevinus. (Specular refl. from flat
surface?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #738.
Plato 1971 Oct 30 UT 19:35-20:55 E.Watkins (Braintree, UK, 4.5"
reflector, x45,x150, x225), thought he saw a faint patch at
19:35 and it still was visible at 19:40. At 19:50-19:55 he saw
what may have been the remainder. At 20:55 he noticed a shadow
in the area. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1969 Nov 20 UT 17:06-17:15 Observed by Duckworth
(Manchester, England, 8" refractor x250) Faint Pinkish
Obscuration on floor. Event in progress at 1706 - left telescope
at 1715 to report it, but TLP gone upon return. Gassendi was
normal from from 1734-1822h. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #1223. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1980 May 25 UT 21:33-22:54 Observed by North (Seaford,
UK, seeing III-IV, 460mm Newtonian) Definite strong reddish
glow along NNW border, definitely much stronger than spurious
colouration and always visible when telescope moved in RA and
Dec to eliminate possible chromatic aberation effects in the
eyepiece. Effect ended by 21:54 UT. BAA Lunar Section Report.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1981 Mar 17 UT 22:40-23:25 Observed by Moore
(Selsey, England, 15" reflector, seeing III) "Aristarchus very
bright according to Crater Extinction Device and a coloured
blink detected" BAA Lunar Section TLP report. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 2016 Jun 17 UT 05:00 A.Anunziato (AEA, Argentina Meade ETX
105, seeing 7/10, sketch made) observed a very tiny light spot
where the shadow from topographic relief to the south of
Vallis Schroteri nerges into the crater rim shadow on the
floor of Herodotus. There should be no light spot here.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1973 Aug 10 UTC 20:14 observed by Baumeister
(48.63N, 9.25E, 110mm reflector, T=2, S=2) "Orange to red
colours at the crater floor disappeared until 21:04" -
Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984),
p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1973 Aug 10 UT 22:45 observed by Robinson (Devon, UK).
Observer noticed that the lighter areas on the floor were more
distinct in red than in the blue filter. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
All observers saw a blue tinge seen inside and outside the
crater. Marshall observed a bright spot in the middle of
the crater floor and thought perhaps that it was a central
peak. No central peak can be found on Lunar Orbiter images.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=214 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
Proclus 1976 Sep 06 UT 02:00 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4.5" reflector 45-300x, S=3, T=5) "Nothing vis. on floor of 2deg
brightness. Usually floor ray & Proc. A are vis. at this col. & c.p. is
5 deg bright. (must have been 2 deg tonite)." NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID #1450.
Gassendi 1939 Aug 27 UT 02:00 Observed by Haas? (NM? USA, 12"
reflector?) "NE part of c.p. was I=6.4, compared with I=9.4 on 9/28/39
(see #462) under similar cond.@ NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID# 458.
Cobra Head, Aristarchus 1964 Feb 25 UT 02:37-02:38, 02:39-02:42
Observed by Budine (Binghamton, New York, USA, 4" refractor, x250, S=6,
T=4) "Red flashes" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
802.
Mons Piton 1984 Mar 14/15 UT 19:18-01:48 Observed by Foley
(Kent, England, 12" Reflector seeing I, Transparency Very
Good) "Colouration and brightness seen on Piton (CED used)"
BAA Lunar Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1984 Mar 14/15 UT 19:18-01:48 Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" Reflector seeing I, Transparency Very Good)
"Obscuration and colour seen on Plato" BAA Lunar Section
Report. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Daniell 1979 Jul 06 UT 21:15-22:30 Crick (Belgium, 6"
reflector, Seeing=II and transparency=good.) noticed
obscuration on a bright spot on the south east wall. This spot
was quite prominent through a red Wratten 25 filter. The floor
was very dark. Other craters were checked and were normal. A
sketch was supplied and the position was the same as in other
earlier reports. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=60 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1987 Feb 10 UT 21:05-22:10. M. Cook (Frimley, UK), "NE
ray distinct & also floor E of it, not distinct as on Dec 13 &
Jan 11, while March 10, 11 & 12 seen by Price, North, Peters,
Foley & M Cook, where rim was clear and sharp." - quote from
the 2006 Cameron Catalog extension - TLP ID=297 and weight=5.
Cameron gives the observers confirming this TLP as: M. Cook,
G. North and Davies. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Kepler 1954 Nov 07 UT 23:20 Observed by F.A. Lugo (Caracus,
Venezuela, 3.5" scope x125) Bright red star=like point just
outside E.wall - visible for an hour. NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #580. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1972 Oct 19 UT 17:55-18:05 Observed by Gabriel (Wettern,
Belg. 4" refractor, x166, S=E), Hitchens (Stamine Locks, Eng., 8.5"
reflector, S=F), Peters (Kent, Eng., 10" relector), Amery (Reading,
Emg. 10?" reflector), Flynn (england, 12" reflector) "At 17:55h noted
bluish-purple color area just N. of Aris. & it reached just over N.
wall, lasted 2 min. At 1800h color noted again, but not as brilliant &
gone at 1801h. Seen again at 1804h & now was on E. (ast. ?) wall,
lasting M 1min. Sure of its reality but not of lunar origin. All gone
at 1805h. Hitchens noted a very bright spot on W. (IAU?) wall between 2
prominent bands. Blue darkening in W#38 filter, neg. in W#8,25,58 &
integrated light. Other areas gave similar but lesser effects. May be
due to damp geletin. (Moore thinks not LTP but many obs. have rep't
blue in Aris.) Others obs. later (2100, 2215-2300, 2305h) & noted
nothing unusual." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1346.
On 1993 Sep 28 at UT 04:30-06:10 S.Beaumont (Cambridge, UK)observed
that the north east edge of Herodotus appeared as a "highland area
spilling over into" the Cobra's Head border or "overlook". The shadow
on the elevation was contiguous with a similar shadow over the Cobra's
Head "like a darkening of the terrain. Shadow appears softer diffused
without sharp bounds of most Lunar shadows. sketch. S. edge of crater
started to appear at 0615". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=468 and the
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 as the date or UT are wrong.
On 1980 Apr 28, Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA using a 8" reflector
and a 2.5" refractor) observed a very bright reg region on top of the
south west rim of Aristarchus crater. This was on the same side as the
ray system between Aristarchus and Herodotus. Louderback noticed some
chromatic aberation - blue where he had seen the red patch before.
Louderback suspects chromatic aberation was the cause although did not
see red in that region ever again. "Patch was between his observation
points A and C. Point C was 5 points brighter in the red filter than in
the blue." A sketch was made. Cameron suspects that the TLP was real.
Cameron 2006 TLP catalog extension ID=92 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1821 Jan 16 at UT 21:00 S. Cooke (Stonehouse, UK) An
effusion of smoke effect, which lasted about a minute, seen.
It appeared like the fluttering of a bird and passed over the
Moon before it evaporated, and must have been foreshortened,
as it seemed in effect to have passed over the whole disc,
starting from west of Menelaus, and near Plinius. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus normal in red and blue filters however the
Cobra Head part of Schroter's Valley was brighter in blue.
Indeed it was very dull in red - Louderback says that this
was not surprising as the whole areas around Aristarchus is
brighter in blue. Louderback is an experienced observer
of the Aristarchus area of more than 10 years. Cameron 2006
extended catalogID=63 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Louderback observed that the south west wall was a creamy deep yellow.
There was also strong fluorescent blue on the west wall of the Cobra
Head - Schroter's Valley area and this was similar to the violet glare
seen on Aristarchus at times. Violet was seen between Aristarchus and
the Cobra Head. Seeing coditions were poor. Brightening of a point
near C occurred roughly every 10-15 seconds and lasted 0.5 sec -
(Cameron concludes that this was not due to the Earth's atmosphere).
A 0.2 step drop in brightness was seen on point A (twin spots).
Point C had reduced by 0.6 steps. Elsewhere was stable in brightness.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=281 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Variations in vapor column rising from the Cobra Head feature
(seen on several nights in succession) and also in the visibility of
craterlets A, C, F. Sunrise +2d. (time est. fr. gives colongitude).
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=279 and weight=3. Pickering was observing from
the southern station of Harvard University in Arequipa, Peru.
Manilius 1939 Jun 30 UT 06:05 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"?
reflector) "Dark area in S. part was I=2.0 but was I=3.7 on 7/30/39.
Obs. conditions were very similar." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #449.
Plato 1873 Apr 10 UTC 21:00? Observed by Schmidt (Athens, Greece, 6"
refractor) "Under high sun, 2 faint clouds in E. part of crater."
Aristarchus 1975 Sep 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?)
interior corner." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1414.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 22 UT 18:20-21:13 Observed by D. Cutts
(Chester, Eng., 8.5" reflector, x200), Moore (Sussex, Eng., 12"
reflector x425), Miles (Coventry, Eng. 5" refractor), Delaye and
Jourdran (Marseilles, Fr., 8" reflector) "Pulsating patch on W.
wall between 2 radial bands. Faded by 2000h. Returned to normal.
(Cutts). Miles saw strong pink in whole interior at 2112h.
Strong blink. No blink there at 2210-2212h. Gass., Grim., &
Plato were neg. Delaye & Joudan photog. it as very bright. Moore
got neg. results at 2135. (confirm. of activity?, Apollo 12
watch)." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1226. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Plato 1937 Jul 22 UT 06:20 Observed by Haas (Alliance, Ohio,
USA, 12" reflector?) "Floor distinctly greenish, but was gray on
June 23, 1937 at 0430 & col.84 (normal?)" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #421. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1916 Oct 10 UT 21:00? Observed by M, Maggeni (Florence
Obs., Italy) "Reddish shadow spread over part of crater. Looked like
vapor (like nitrous vapor) and obscured underlying craters. The Cameron
1978 catalog weight=3 and ID = 365. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus. 2024 Feb 23 UT 19:22. A.Conway (Bootle, UK - 20cm
Newtonian (dobsonian), 9mm Plossl eyepiece, Samsung A33 mobile
phone camera, 36 sec AVI file at 30fps, seeing probably
average-good). Noticed a blue tinge on northern rim of the
crater. This is probably normal, but we are flagging this up
as a weight 1 TLP, in order to obtain some repeat illumination
observations and confirm that the strength of the blueness is
normal.
Stevinus 1961 May 29 UT 02:45-03:30 Observed by Cameron (Adelphi, MD,
USA, 3.5" reflector, x160, Questar, Seeing=good) "Craters stood out
like glittering points (small craters on rims?). Only anomalies among
many features examined (specular refl. from flat surface?)." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #738. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus, Cobra Head, 1969 Dec 23 UT 05:19-05:34 Observed by
A.R. Taylor (Buckinghamshire, UK, 8.5" reflector, 240x, Wratten
25 and 80B) Strong blink in crater at 0519. All traces gone by
0534. Could only see in filters, Plato, Copernicus, Gassendi all
normal. Obscur. also in Cob. Head." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #1230. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Furnerius 1961 May 29 UT 02:45-03:30 Observed by Cameron (Adelphi, MD,
USA, 3.5" reflector, x160, Questar, Seeing=good) "Craters stood out
like glittering points (small craters on rims?). Only anomalies among
many features examined (specular refl. from flat surface?)." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #738. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Eratosthenes 1976 Sep 08 UTC 04:29 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=5-4, T=5) "Psuedo-shadow X3 was present
but X disappeared from wall(same intensity?) which was rated 4 deg.
Disappearance of X so unexpected that he examined inner S wall very
carefully & was certain it was free from psuedo-shad. Had vanished
within 24h. Other pseudo-shadows showed no change. X reappeared next
nite. (X must have been 4deg; &this is much higher than any other
meas.). Variability of wall shadows may habe been what Pickering saw,
suggests Bartlett." Cameron 1978 TLP catalog weight=4 and catalog ID
1452. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Oct 10 at 18:57-19:04 UT I.S.Brukhanov (of Minsk, Belarus,
using a 6" refractor x40 and x98) saw a star like point inside Plato
crater of similar brightness to the central peak of Alphonsus. The
event lasted 90 seconds before weakening and vanishing completely at
19:04UT. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=455 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus area 1955 Sep 30 UTC 20:45 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England, 6.5" reflector, x200) "Area showed a westward yellow smear,
looked darkish in red, indicating presence of green." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #614. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1981 Apr 18 at UT 19:50-22:10 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, using a
14" reflector, seeing poor and transparency poor) observed faint-yellow
streaks still visible, but less prominent. Cameron mentions that
Bartlett noticed this colour, but in the south floor of Aristarchus.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=133 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1973 Aug 13 UT 22:25-22:35 observed by Pedler (Devon, UK).
Observer noticed a slight blink on a lighter patch on the floor
just beneath the south(?) rim using Moon blink filters.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
David Darling observed bright glittering on Aristarchus. This
was followed by a flare up in brightness at 00:38:05 UT in the
comet-like ray area of the crater equivalent in intensity to the
central peak. Then he saw another one on the north east rim of
Aristarchus of the same brightness. A third flare was seen at
00:49UT in south of Herodotus, on the comet-like ray. Another
two flares were observed at 00:56UT on the north west rim of
Aristarchus. Darling suspects that these effects were due
to seeing effects and Cameron agrees. However Weier suspects
that they were TLP? Brightness measurements by Weier were for
the south west rim of Herodotus 8.0, for a spot at the Cobra's
Head 9.0 and 7.5 for C.H. Cameron apparently did not see the flashes
but did suspect that the interior of Aristarchus was a bit unusual.
Don Spain did not see anything unsual at all. Cameron 2006 extended
catalog ID=380 and the observation weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Louderback, of South Bend, WA, USA observed a bright area over
Mons Anguis and Eimmart - it resembled a comet and had a bluish
colour and varied in brightness. The colour was confirmed as it
was not seen in a red filter but could be seen in blue and white
light. Other features were checked but did not show anything
similar although a violet glare was suspected in the blue filter. A
sketch was made. Observer made Eimmart 8 in brightness at 07:30UT.
Noted that the area around Eimmart appeared opaque at times and less so
at other times. At 08:52UT the phenomenon was seen again. On May 2nd
a bright spot was still seen in the region but it was not changing
dimensions. During the observation on Apr 30th the atmospheric
transparency was excellent. A 2.5" refractor was used. Reference:
Personal communication from Louderback to Cameron on 1980 Jul 16th.
The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID of this TLP was 93 and the
weight was 4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1967 Dec 16 UTC 22:00? Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector) "Crater took on an unusual appearance on inner
NE (ast. ?) wall. Showed a very pale blue & the opposite wall a pale
red color seen in no other features. Lasted only 10m & survived a
change of eyepieces." Seeing=I (Antoniadi). NASA catalof weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1056.
On 2002 Mar 29 at 02:20-02:38UT C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm refractor,
x120 - no cloud, slight haze, no wind, seeing good) noticed during
first part of observing period that Aristarchus was getting steadily
brighter, very much brighter than Proclus. This continued until 02:36UT
when it dimmed suddenly over a period of about a minute or so. No
colour effects seen. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2002 mar 29 at 02:20-02:38UT C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm refractor,
x120 - no cloud, slight haze, no wind, seeing good) noticed during
first part of observing period that Aristarchus was getting steadily
brighter, very much brighter than Proclus. This continued until 02:36UT
when it dimmed suddenly over a period of about a minute or so. No
colour effects seen. ALPO/BAA weight=2. Just as an after thought - was
it Aristarchus that was varying, or Proclus?
Proclus 2002 Mar 29 UT 05:27-05:36 Observed by Darling (Sun Praire, WI,
USA, 12.5" f/5 Newtonian, +Rotating polaroid visual densitometer)
"Observations made following telephone alert call about Brook's report.
Aristarchus, Proclus and Censorinus monitored for brightness variations
from 04:41-05:37UT. Apart form a change in transparency due to cirrus
cloud at 05:11-05:18, there were significant dimmings of the
brightnesses of Proclus at 05:27. Aristarchus remained constant - this
suggested that Clive Brook's earlier report was not a TLP in
Aristarchus, but possibly in Proclus which he was using as a
comparison" ALPO Lunar Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Censorinus 2002 Mar 29 UT 05:27-05:36 Observed by Darling (Sun Praire,
WI, USA, 12.5" f/5 Newtonian, +Rotating polaroid visual densitometer)
"Observations made following telephone alert call about Brook's report.
Aristarchus, Proclus and Censorinus monitored for brightness variations
from 04:41-05:37UT. Apart form a change in transparency due to cirrus
cloud at 05:11-05:18, there were significant dimmings of the brightness
of Censorinus at 05:36UT. Aristarchus remained constant" ALPO Lunar
Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Manillus 1955 Aug 03 UTC 21:00 Observed by Firsoff (Sommerset, England,
6.5" reflector, x200) "Maniluus very bright in all colors, especially
blue, extraordinarily so" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID
#602.
Timocharis 1955 Aug 03 UTC 21:00 Observed by Firsoff (Sommerset,
England, 6.5" reflector, x200) "Crater was bright in blue, seemed large
& diffused." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #602.
1969Jan04 UT19:30-20:00 W.Deane (Hendon, UK, 2" refractor)
observed a bright yellow spot just E of Aristarchus, stretching
from the S. end of Montes Harbinger to the S. wall of Prinz. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Copernicus 1975 Jul 24 UT 22:52 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England, 10" ? reflector or 4" refractor?) "Copernicus indistinct in
red and blue filters" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID
#1409.
Fracastorius 1975 Jul 24 UT 22:52 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England, 10" ? reflector or 4" refractor?) "Fracastorius had a blink
(red or blue?)" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1409.
Tycho 1975 Jul 24 UT 22:52 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth, England,
10" ? reflector or 4" refractor?) "Tycho indistinct in red and blue
filters" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1409.
Aristarchus 1954 Nov 12 UTC 02:20-03:05 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, S=5-6, T=3-4) "Blue-violet glare on EWBS &
whole length of E. wall. Suspected viol. tint on VA; uncertain @
m" NASA catalog weight=4. This had faded later by 05:07. NASA
catalog ID #582. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1996 Jul 31 at 22:40UT P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector, x300)
noticed a lack of detail in the Cape Agarum area - he would normally
have expected to have seen some craterlets. However he would not rate
this observation much because the seeing was only III and he does not
think that it was an obscuration. However just in case he wanted to
record this report in the archives. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1968 Dec 07 UT 07:00? observed by Corralitos Observatory
(Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector+Moon Blink) "Bluing around 3
craters, strongest at Aris. Lasted several days. Photos show 30% more
intensity in blue filter than in red or neutral. Moon's declination
northerly. Obs. think it was due to atm. effects" NASA catalog weight=5
(very high). NASA catalog ID #1105.
On 1968 Dec 07 at UT 07:00? Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM,
USA, 24" reflector and Moon Blink device) observed a bluing around
three craters, one of which was Kepler. This effect lasted several
days. Photographs were taken that show30% more intensity in the blue
filter than in red or neutral. The Moon's decination was northerly. The
observers suspect that it was an atmospheric efect and not a TLP. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1105 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1940 Jul 22 UT 05:00 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) "Largest bright spot in SE part of floor had I=8.6,
but 6+ on other dates. (see #472, 474 & 475). (8.6 is normal?)"
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #469. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1956 Jul 25 UTC 06:16-06:33 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=3-5, T=4) "C.p.
distinctly vis. within floor shadeo, est. 5 deg bright but no
trace of it at col. 122.37deg in Oct, '55(Oct. 4?)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #645. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Four bright spots seen in Mare Crisium. There was also peculiar
behaviour of the terminator. Source: Midlehurst 1968 catalog TLP ID=16.
Ref Web 1962 p62-76. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2006 Dec 08 at UT 17:32 (+/- 2 min) M. Collins (Palmerston
North, New Zealand, 3.5" Maksutov, 40mm eyepiece, seeing III-IV)
observed during daylight hours an extremely bright flash south of
Godin. It flared up and down over a fraction of a second an appeared
three times brighter than the Moon background itself. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1877 Nov 23 UT 22:00? Observed by Crain, Klein, Eng.
officer (France?, Cologne, Germany, England?, 6" refractor?) "A
luminous triangular object on floor & each craterlet on floor
outlined as a lum. pt. (indep. confirm.?)" NASA catalog weight=5
(very high). NASA catalog ID #199. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1955 Oct 04 UT 22:00 Dubois and Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet Union,
50" reflector) observed the following in Aristarchus crater: "Low
disprsion (d=.13 whereas on Oct 28 & Nov d=0.03) Spectogram showing
emiss. in central part nr. H&K". Cameron says that this is a
confirmation of the previous Bartlett TLP? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
619 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 27 UT 20:00? Observed by Miles (coventry, England,
5" refractor, x120) "Strong pink color in N. part; spectacular strong
blink. Did not notice obscur. Bands were vis." NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #1227.
Pico 1976 Aug 13/14 20:50-01:00, 03:15 Observed by Foley? or Findlay?
(England, S=E) "Dark line to the E. (IAU?) of Pico obs. & persisted
till 0100h. On 14th the whole area around Pico was gray & diffused. At
0315h detail reappeared & NW corner sparkled. Small brilliant spot
appeared due N. of it & the albdeo exceeded Aristarchus (=9+ ?)" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1443.
Aristillus 1939 Jul 06 UT 05:00 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA,
12" reflector?) "Dark area in W. part of floor was I=1.3 but
other dates were brighter. or same. yet cond. similar (see #
454, 459 & 461)" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #450.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Fracastorius 1975 Jul 27 UT 22:45 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England) "Blink seen. Floor brighter in red than in blue. Suspects
colour is spurious". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID
#1410.
Plato 1975 Jul 27 UT 22:45 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth, England)
"Blink seen. Floors brighter in red than in blue". NASA catalog weight=
1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1410.
Theophilus 1975 Jul 27 UT 22:45 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England) "Blink seen. Floor brighter in red than in blue". NASA catalog
weight=1 (very low). NASa catalog ID #1410.
On 1979 Jul 14 at UT 00:24-01:10 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 15cm
reflector, x35, x52, x73 and x110, seeing IV-V, transparency very
good). Note that the observing date was also written as Jul 18th in the
original report? Puiseaux was very clear in white light, but could not
see the cenrtral peak. The central peak though was visible through a
Waretten 15 (yellow) filter. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Messier A 1951 Oct 20 UT 00:00? Observed by Moore (England)
"Brilliant white circular patch in it. has seen it & Messier
blurred several times." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA
catalog ID #545 Note that the date and time given are probably
wrong as the Sun is ~7deg below the local horizon at this time.
ALPO/BAA weight=1 to reflect this error.
Aristarchus 1956 Jul 28 UT 05:20-05:55 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=4) "Vivid blue-
viol. gl. on c.p., band across E. floor, & EWBS, E. & NE wall".
N.B. The effect had vanished by 07:20UT. NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID 646. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1975 Jul 29 at UT 00:00 Fraser (England, 6" reflector, x70) and
Howick (England, 3.5" reflector) observed the occultation of 51 Pisc.
at emersion - Fraser saw a flash or spike of liht which proceeded
emersion of primary by 0.4sec. The 9.0 mag companion appeared some
moments later. Howick at 1 km away, with 3.5" reflector noted nothing
unusual. Cameron says that no 3rd companion is known. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1411 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.