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.
On 1970 Jul 05 at UT 22:45-23:15 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=good) noted a foggy patch in
Aristarchus for a short time. There were well defined luminous sparkles
or gleam with strong intensity and blue well defined colour. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1263 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1973 Feb 23 before UT 23:00 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) reported
activity detected in Aristarchus. Fitton ovbserved from 23:40-
00:20 and obsrved nothing unusual except for a minute white
area, about 1 km in diameter about 2km north of the central
peak. This spot kept on coming and going in the seeing. Fitton
regarded this as a permanent spot, although he had never noticed
it before. Nor could Fitton see the colour that he had noticed
on the previous night. A BAA report. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
William Herschel and Mrs Lind saw a red, 4th magnitude brightness, less
than 3 arc sec in diameter. Herschel believed that he was seeing a
lunar volcano in erruption.
the previous night". Its diameter is less than 3"
(5-6 km) as judged by comparing with the angular diameter
of Jupiter and also Jupiter's third satellite (the
diameter of the active part of the volcano was at least
twice the angular diameter of Jupiter's Moon). The shape
was an irregular round figure with very sharply defined edges.
It resembled a small piece of burning charcoal, when it is covered
by a thin coat of white ash. The other two volcanos were
much further towards the centre of the Moon and
resembled large faint nebulae that are gradually
much brighter in the middle; but with no well defined luminous
spot within them. These three spots are plainly to be
distinguished from the rest of the marks upon the Moon;
for the reflection of the Sun's rays from Earth is, in its present
situation, sufficiently bright with a ten-foot reflector, to
show the Moon's spots, even the darkest of them. Such
similar phenomena were not perceived in the previous month,
despite using the same telescope. The volcano was not as bright
as his 4th May 1783 sighting (resembling a 4th magnitude star as
seen with the naked eye), though the latter was smaller in diameter.
Cameron's 1978 ALPO catalog has a TLP ID No. of 33 and a weight of
4. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight is 3.
the previous night". Its diameter is less than 3"
(5-6 km) as judged by comparing with the angular diameter
of Jupiter and also Jupiter's third satellite (the
diameter of the active part of the volcano was at least
twice the angular diameter of Jupiter's Moon). The shape
was an irregular round figure with very sharply defined edges.
It resembled a small piece of burning charcoal, when it is covered
by a thin coat of white ash. The other two volcanos were
much further towards the centre of the Moon and
resembled large faint nebulae that are gradually
much brighter in the middle; but with no well defined luminous
spot within them. These three spots are plainly to be
distinguished from the rest of the marks upon the Moon;
for the reflection of the Sun's rays from Earth is, in its present
situation, sufficiently bright with a ten-foot reflector, to
show the Moon's spots, even the darkest of them. Such
similar phenomena were not perceived in the previous month,
despite using the same telescope. The volcano was not as bright
as his 4th May 1783 sighting (resembling a 4th magnitude star as
seen with the naked eye), though the latter was smaller in diameter.
Cameron's 1978 ALPO catalog has a TLP ID No. of 33 and a weight of
4. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight is 2.
There were two other volcanos were much further towards the centre of
the Moon and resembled large faint nebulae that are gradually
much brighter in the middle; but with no well defined luminous
spot within them. These three spots are plainly to be
distinguished from the rest of the marks upon the Moon;
for the reflection of the Sun's rays from Earth is, in its present
situation, sufficiently bright with a ten-foot reflector, to
show the Moon's spots, even the darkest of them. Such
similar phenomena were not perceived in the previous month,
despite using the same telescope. The volcano was not as bright
as his 4th May 1783 sighting (resembling a 4th magnitude star as
seen with the naked eye), though the latter was smaller in diameter.
Cameron's 1978 ALPO catalog has a TLP ID No. of 33 and a weight of
4. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight is 2.
East of Picard (56E, 15N) 1877 May 15 UT 20:30 Observed by an
unknown observer (in England?) "Bright spot. (white patch)
there unlikely to be bright at sunrise normally)." NASA
catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #189. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1978 Jan 12 at 08:21UT (assuming this is not local time) V.A.
Golubev (Ussurian Sam Station, Vladivostock, Russia, x100) saw on the
western edge of the Moon an occultation of the magnitude 6? star
ZC2394. Just prior to the occultation, between the star and the dark
limb could be seen a bridge of light. 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.
On 1970 Jul 06 at UT 22:45-23:45 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=very good) saw Aristarchus as an
outstanding bright patch (10 deg bright) electric blue colour, every 10
sec groups of 3 or 4 separate sparkles for 10sec then a period of calm
for 30sec-1min. At 130x was almost constant form. Sometimes the form
would be radial like an open band with extended fingers. This was
observed in the dark part of the Moon and Cameron suspects atmopsheric
effects. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1264 and weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
In 1948 Aug 09 at UT 02:40 Woodward (Toronto, Canada, sky very
clear) observed, using a telescope, a bright, bluish-white to
greyish-yellow, 3 sec duration flash in Earthshine. The flash
was between magnitude 0 to 1 if one were looking for a similar
magnitude star in the sky without a telescope. There was
possibly a very slight motion of the flash in a southerly
direction. Also there were two terminal bursts. Cameron suggsts
that this might have been a meteor? Ref: Moore, P.A. Guide to
the Moon (1953), p117. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=508 and
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1970 Jul 07 at UT 23:00-23:30 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=good) observed the following in
Aristarchus: "Similar conditions as last night (#1264) but diminished
in brightness to 40% (to 6deg bright. Real phenom. in the dimming?)".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1265 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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 1990 Jun 27 at UT02:17-03:00 D. Darling (Sparta, WI, USA, 3"
refractor, x36) reported that the crater had "Flared up at 0225 as a
point of light then went down" - the effect was fairly brief.
Earthshine was quite clearly seen and all features elsewhere were
normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=405 and the weight=0. The ALPo/BAA
weight=1.
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.
In 1965 Jul 03 at UT 04:25-05:34 Emanuel (West Covina, CA, USA, 4.5"
reflector) observed 4th magnitude star-like flashes and pulsations
coming from Aristarchus. Cameron says this confirmed and that the date
in MBMW is 7/2/65 which is local time = 3rd UT. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=882 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1965 Oct 30 at UT 0200 Eastman (Palos Verdes, CA, USA, 12"
reflector) observed a brightening in Aristarchus in ashen light. The
photographs that were taken show it. The phenomenon was seen each
lunation since July. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=908 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1970 Jul 08 at UT 23:00-23:30 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=excellent) observed the following at
Aristarchus: "Conditions again similar (to #1264). Brighter tonite(8
deg) than last nite. but not as bright as on the 6th. Pin pts. of light
very accentuated. The radial open hand extended fingers form not so
frequently, perhaps because of the larger crescent illum. now.".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1266 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
McClure vicinity 1976 Apr 04 UT 19:36-2009 Observed by McKay
(England, 3" refractor, x160), Savill (England, 10x50
binoculars), Moore (Sussex, England, 15" reflector, x360, seeing
II), Buss (England, 6" reflector), Brady (England, 8"
reflector), Ross (England), Foley (Kent, England, 12" reflector)
"Noted a fuzzy, glowing spot at 1936h at 160x. 2 min later, spot
grew larger & flashed up to very bright. Changed power to 106x,
& 80x, still vis. Spot faded 10 m later, then suddenly flashed
up again. 5 m later it faded again & disappeared at 1959h. At
2006h returned to fuzzy, glowing spot then disappeared at 2009h,
never to reappear. Some obs. confirmed, others did not. Photos
afterward don't show anything, nor did blink aftwerward." Moore
though nothing unusual. NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #
1431. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cyrillus G 1983 Aug 13 UT 20:17-20:59 L. Paynter (Radcliffe,
UK, 22cm reflector, seeing III or better, transparency good).
Cyrillus G was relatively bright and surrounded by a shaded
area. On increasing the magnification from x65 to x130 he became
aware of a diffused "carise" colouration, in and around the
crater. The colouration was similar though to other spurious
colour on the Moon, but unlike other areas affected by spurious
colour, was more diffuse and spread out and not so concentrated.
In view of some uncertainty by the observer, ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2009 Mar 01 at UT 18:50-21:00 G. Smith (East Yorkshire, UK, 127mm
Maksutov Cassegrain telescope with zoom eyepiece and later a Plossl
eyepiece) observed an area between Plato and Sinus Iridum to be glowing
as a bright nebulous patch. It was brighter than anything else in
Eartshine. A change in eyepiece did not affect the appearance of the
nebulous patch. The patch had faded somewhat by 21:00UT. The observers
brother attempted to observe the patch through a 114mm reflector at
20:30UT but the optics were of poor quality and the effect was not
seen. BAA observers were alerted, but only after the event had faded -
they made observations from 22:00-23:46 UT but failed to detect
anything unusual in the region concerned. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
This may have been a mis-identification with Aristarchus - however
we cannot be 100% sure.
In 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.
Posidonius 1821 Apr 07 UTC 18:00? Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich,
Germany) "Small bright crater in it was shadowless. Schroter also saw
it shadowless several X" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID
#87. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1965 Jul 04 at UT 03:53-05:59 Gridley, Welch (West Covina, CA, USA,
4.5" and 8" reflector, seeing=excellent), Albert (CA, 8" reflector,
x375) and Emanuel (8" reflector) observed star-like flashes in
Aristarchus crater. Cameron says this confirmed and that the date
in MBMW is 7/3/65 which is local time = 4th UT also but is in error due
to misreading of handwriting. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=883 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Cepheus A 2000 Oct 04 UTC 08:15-08:50 Observer: Maurice Collins
(New Zealand, 90cm ETX) - observer noted that crater was
extremely bright - wasn't sure if this was normal and at the
time rated it as the brightest (contrasty?) crater that he had
ever seen on the Moon. Many years later he suspected that he may
have mis-identified the crater. This still leaves us with thr
problem as to why a crater should be so bright in this region,
and if so, which one? ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Jul 04 UT 22:08-23:09 Foley (12" reflector, Kent, UK) found
that Censorinus gave a low brightness CED reading of 58%, despite all
other measured points on the Moon as being normal. M. Cook (Frimley,
UK) found Censorinus to be extremely dull compared to Proclus. J.D.
Cook (Frimley, UK) found Censorinus to be quite dull, barely above
background levels. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=246 and the weight=4.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1984 Jul 04 at UT 22:05-23:09 Richardson (Swinton, Yorkshire, UK,
seeing=VE) found that a peak west of Theophilus crater had a deep blue
colour, and this was strange because no colour was seen elsewhere on
the Moon. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector), once alerted, found a dome
east of Kant? to be blue, and likewise no colour was seen elsewhere on
the Moon. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=246 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1984 Jul 04 UT 22:08-23:09 Foley (12" reflector, Kent, UK) found
that Torricelli B was a much lower brightness than was expected and
this remained the case for the rest of the lunation. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=246 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Lunar volcano, seen on the dark side, as bright as a
6th magnitude star,
A bright spot was seen. Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=40 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA catalog weight=2.
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.
On 1984 Jul 05 at UT 00:00-01:25 Marshall (Medelin, Columbia,
seeing=II) observed that Censorinus was much less bright than Proclus
(confirmed by CED readings). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=247 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Jul 05 at UT 00:00-01:25 Marshall (Medelin, Columbia) found
Proclus to be much brighter than Censorinus (which of the two was
abnormal is a question) - though he thought that Censorinus looked
dull. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=247 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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.
On 1915 Apr 21 at UT 1800? Houdard (France) noticed a special
occurrence south of Posidonius which he took as evidence of water
vapor. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=351 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Albategnius 1972 Jun 18 UTC 19:20-19:25 Observed by Schnuchel (13.25E,
52.5N, 20x60 binoculars?) "Bright area at the inner N wall, diminution
of brightness well observable" S=4 T=4. Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon &
Planets (1984) Vol 30, pp53-61.
In 1982 Sep 24 at 22:45-23:40 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia) saw in
Theophilus an obscuration on the south west wall close to Cyrillus and
furthermore it had a red / mauve colouration (seen best in a 12mm Ortho
eyepiece). Through a Wratten 15 yellow filter the region was quite
bright. At23:40UT the obscuration faded. There was plenty of detail in
the region between Theophilus and Cyrils. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
184 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
A.S.Williams of West Brighton, UK, using a 2.75" Acromatic refractor
(x75, definition good, but it was too windy to use the 5.25") noticed
that the mare was a mass of light streaks and spots. This was not
considered unusual, but these features were unusually plain, distinct
and brught, especially the streaks. The observer could not recall
seeing the streaks so bright and clear with this instrument before, and
indeed hardly ever with the larger 5.25" telescope. The observer
continued to observe Mare Crisium on many nights for several months and
comments that such an unusual exhibition was later seen perhaps once
every 2-3 lunations. They are uncertain how much this effect depends
upon the state of the Earth's atmosphere. This TLP does not make it
into the Cameron 1978 catalog and so may not be a TLP - however it has
been included, just in case, and to try to understand what was actually
seen. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Censorinus 1984 Jul 05 UT 21:05-21:25 Observed by Cook (24" reflector
with line scan photodiode array at Mill Hill observatory, London) "Two
line scan photodiode array images were taken which used the motion of
the Moon to build up an image. The first image at 21:25UT did not
include all of Censorinus, but the part that it did include was not
very bright. The 21:25UT image did include all of Censorinus and the
crater was bright, including the part that was just visible in the
previous image. Possibly the seeing was worse at 21:05? and this could
explain the brightness descrepency, but it is worth checking again by
taking images at the same illumination conditions" BAA Lunar Section
report. At 21:17 M. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Proclus to be brighter
than Censorinus (more so than the previous night) and obtained variable
readings for Censorinus. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=247 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1972 Jun 18 UTC 20:50-21:15 Observed by Kern (8.75E, 48.25N,
60mm refractor) "Yellow to white bright pattern at the NW wall, visible
only occasionally" S=4, T=3 Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon & Planets
(1984) Vol 30, pp53-61.
Knopp of Paysandu, Uruguay on 1885 Feb 21 at 23:00-23:30? UT saw red
patches in the crater. Reddish smoke or mist. The observer says several
others had seen a star like point there that night. Cameron's 1978
catalog ID=348 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Triesnecker Rille 1912 May 23 UT 18:00? Observed by Gordeenko
(Russia) "Change in shape from representation by Brenner and
Krieger not accountable by lighting conditions" NASA catalog
weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1. NASA catalog ID #339.
Mons Piton 2022 Aug 04 UT 19:41-20:10 T. Smith (Codnor, UK,
16inch Newtonian, x247, Seeing IV) mountain was very bright
and red around its eastern slopes. An examination of the
bright and contrasty Proclus crater revealed that to be
relatively colour free compared to Piton. An examination of
other features, north and south along the terminator revealed
some tinge of coloiur but not as strong as on Mon Piton. Mons
Piton examined with a yellow filter at 19:50 and still showed
red along the eastern side, other features along the
terminator had no colour through the filter. Video images by.
A.Cook (Newtown, UK) made earlier at 1929 & 19:40 UT, (in the
SWIR (1.5-1.7 microns) did not reveal Mons Pico as especially
bright - but resolutioin was poor. A friend of Smith, phoned
up the next day to say that they saw a mountain on the limb
exhibiting red on the 14th August. Probably the redness was
due to atmospheric spectral dispersion as the Moon was low,
and it was especially visble on Mons Piton as this is an
exceedingly contrasty object on the terminator. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Theophilus 1969 Jul 21 UT 19:30-21:45 and 21:00-22:00 Observed by Fox
(Newark, England, 6.5" reflector,) and Baum (Chester, England, 4.5"
refractor) (S=6, T=4) "At wall, adjacent to Cyrillus was a redish glow,
then obscur. (Fox). Baum saw intermittant white-blue shimmering as if
glowing thru dust glowing & upsurge in brightness on c.p. Gradually
faded to normal at 21:20. 1st time ever seen by him tho. obs. since
1947. Image sharp, no haziness. (indep. confirm. of activity, but
details differ, but same time, Apollo 11 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1180. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1991 May 21 at UT05:30-06:15 J. Green (Orangevale, CA, USA, 11"
reflector) photgrapphed a broad bright band stretching east and north
of Cassini crater in 3 exposures taken 10 minutes apart. This
photographic sequence shows a gradual widening towards Cassini and by
the 3rd exposure the band is touching (and then obscuring) Cassini. A
"fan" was visible in the north east and WSW directions, later this was
seen as rays and this was even seen in the view finder of the camera.
Cameron comments that this might be lens flare but suspects that it
would not have been seen in the view finder. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=427 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
Peirce A (Swift=IAU name) 1937 Mar? 23? UTC 22:00 Observed by Wilkins
(England, UK, 12.5" reflector) "Obscuration on floor if crater. Crater
invis. (similar to #394, 396)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #412. Note this is almost certainly supposed
to be 1934 Dec 23!
Piton 1961 Jan 25? UTC 00:00? Observed by Schneller (Cleveland, Ohio,
USA, 8" x53) "Red obscuration concealing peak, @10mi sq (if near SR,
date is 27th; ancilary data given for 27th -- date not given)" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #731.
SE of Ross D 1964 Aug 16 UT 04:18-05:20 Observed by Harris and
Cross (Whittler, CA, USA, 19" reflector?) "Bright area.
Condensations varying with time" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #840. ALPO/BAA weight=3
Alphonsus 1968 May 05 UTC 20:00 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector, x220, Seeing: Good). "Did not see gray patch SE
(ast. ?) of c.p. Noted W. (ast. ?) dark patch was invis. while S. one
was seen easily, emerging from shadow. On 7th all seen easily, emerging
from shadow. On 7th all 3 clearly vis. with the darkest one the invos.
one on 5th." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1071.
Proclus 1984 Jul 06 UT 20:29-20:43 light green spot observed by Madej
(England) in the central region. No colour seen elsewhere. At 20:10
Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector) had seen a small extending of darkening
in the south east floor (not present 2 hours before) and a lot of fine
detail - though everything was normal again by 22:50UT. At 22:15 Amery
(Reading, UK) found a large dark spot on the south east floor. Other
observers: J and A.cook (Frimley, England) could not confirm but their
seeing was IV and tranparency was poor" Mobberley found no colour and
also no detail on the floor. BAA Lunar Section Report. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=248 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1882 Mar 27 UTC 20:10-21:00 Observer: A.S. Williams (Brighton,
UK, 5.5" saw the shadow filled floor of Plato at Sunrise with a
"Glowing and curious milky kind of light". About 1 hour after sunrise
at Plato, there was no trace of this effect. The TLP filled the whole
floor except at a quarter of the diameter from the east wall which was
actually quite black. The observer saw a curious phosphorescent glimmer
at sunset (April11th?). Cameron comments that Birt, Nelson and Waugh
saw obsecuring mist or fog in Plato on many occasions. Cameron 1978
catalog ID=229 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
A track of reddish light, like a beam, was seen
crossing the shadowed floor of Plato.This TLP has an ID
No. of 17 in Cameron's 1978 catalog and a weight
of 3. It has an ALPO/BAA weight of 2.
On 1979 Sep 29 at UT10:00-12:00 S. Turner (Maryborough, Australia)
observed a strong beacon like flash in white light that moved back and
forth in the east wall of Plato (very bright) and Mons Pico. tried
changing eyepiece and the field of view, but this wasn't the cause of
the effect. A check at 11:07UT did not show the effect, but it was back
again by 11:18UT being more pronounced at Mons Pico than the east wall
of Plato. SSW of Mons Pico was also blinking slightly. At 11:32 the
blinking effect was irregular 5-10 sec and this continued until
12:00UT. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=71 and weight=0 but she suggests
atmospheric scintillation as a cause. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Sep 29 at UT10:00-12:00 S. Turner (Maryborough, Australia)
observed a strong beacon like flash in white light that moved back and
forth in the east wall of Plato (very bright) and Mons Pico. tried
changing eyepiece and the field of view, but this wasn't the cause of
the effect. A check at 11:07UT did not show the effect, but it was back
again by 11:18UT being more pronounced at Mons Pico than the east wall
of Plato. SSW of Mons Pico was also blinking slightly. At 11:32 the
blinking effect was irregular 5-10 sec and this continued until
12:00UT. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=71 and weight=0 but she suggests
atmospheric scintillation as a cause. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Knopp of Paysandu, Uruguay on 1885 Feb 22 at 23:00-23:30? UT saw a
definite light, looking like Saturn in Cassini?. The previous night he
had seen red patches in the crater. Cameron's 1978 catalog ID=348 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1972 Jun 19 UT 21:40-22:30 Observed by S.A. Jones
(Swansea, Wales, 12" reflector x150) and Moore (Selsey, England,
12.5" reflector x450) "Noted a bright area in the center. Moore
noted nothing unusual & he tho't obs. saw one of permanent light
patches" NASA catalog weight=0 (very low). NASA catalog ID #
1336. ALPO/BAA weight=1
On 1979 Dec 27 at UT 05:32 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 6"
reflector x240, seeing=3-6/10 and T=4) noticed "2 small high-sun areas
nr. Eimmart - brightening around Mare Crisium, except for interior of
Proclus - in blue light. They were brighter than 2 spots on Cap.
Agarum rated 8.5 & Proc. 9. Not as bright next night. Probably a real
blue light brightening". Cameron 2006 catalog ID=79, location on Moon:
(70E, 23N) and weight=4.
Plato 1895 May 02 UT 20:45, 23:45 Observed by Brenner and Fauth
(Germany?) "Streaks of light (Brenner) bright parallel bands in
center Fauth (indep. confirmation?)." NASA catalog weight=5.
NASA catalog ID #284. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1871 Nov 20 at UT 17:30-19:30 H. Pratt (UK) saw one of the most
spectacular TLP obscurations that he had ever seen in Mare Frigoras. He
observed a kind of haze around the north west (NE?) slopes of Plato.
This effect was not seen elsewhere and all objects in Mare Frigoris
were indistinct or veiled. By 18:30 the effect was modified and by
19:30 very little trace was seen. Ref. from Corliss.
On 1965 Sep 03 UT03:00-05:00 D.Harris (Located near Whittier
College, Whittier, CA, USA, using a 10" f/8.2 Newtonian
reflector, x78 & x208, seeing 5-6, transparency 2-0) observed a
ridge obscured SSW of Ross D. No drawing was made, only a
written description. "Ridge not visible near crater; possible
white patch 1/3 Ross D diameter" The ridge is the wrinkle ridge
extending NNE from Ross D, a well established often visible
feature. Harris comments that this was not one of the better TLPs
seen near Ross D, and there were no independent observers,
neverless he was ceratin of this being a TLP, and it was
consistant with other activity seen near this crater between 1964
and 1970. Cameron 1978 catalog ID 891 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 1887 Nov 23 UT 20:00? Observed by de Speissens (France?)
"Luminous triangle on floor. Klein says it was sunlight affect. (but
similar to Klein's own obs., #190. Fort says never seen before nor
since)." NASA catalog weight=0 (very unlikely). NASA catalog ID #256.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Censorinus 1969 May 24 UTC 21:10-22:15 Observed by Jean
Nicolini (Sao Paulo, Brazil, 12" reflector) "It was brighter
than Proclus between 2130-2145h. A very tiny cirrus veil
present & Censor. appeared less bright & Proc. continued to
look normal. Weather worsened at 2215h. (Apollo 10 watch)."
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1144. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Piton 1960 Nov 27 ? UT 00:00? Observed by Schneller
(Cleveland, OH, USA, 8" Reflector, x53), "Red obscuration
concealing peak, @10m2 (if near SR, date is 27th; ancillary
data given for 27th -- date not given)." NASA catalog weight=
3. NASA catalog ID #731. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Theophilus 1978 Nov 08 UT 20:49-22:00 Observed by J.D. Cook
(Frimley, 12" reflector, 6mm Ortho eyepiece, seeing III-IV)
Orange discolouration seen on ESE crater floor. Moon blink
tried, but no blink detected. By 21:10 the effect had lessened,
but was still orange. By 21:50-21:58 the effect was smaller and
perhaps more on the SE of the floor. Colour confirmed by Foley.
Fitton may also have been observing. At 22:00 A.C. Cook observed
and commented that a darkish, perhaps brown-orange colour seen -
but suspected it was probably spurious colour - but by now the
seeing was V. J.H. Robinson, whilst doing a Moon Blink sweep of
several features, including Theophilus, had not noticed anything
unusual 18:50-19:10. By 22:30-22:35UT, he still could not detect
a blink, but noticed intermittent darkining on the shaded area
on the E. floor, but seeing was now IV. The darkening was more
noticeable in blue than red light. BAA Lunar Section
observation. 2006 Cameron catalog ID #40 weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1972 Feb 23 at UT0010-0035 Fornarucci (Garfield, NJ, USA, 6"
reflector, x250, seeing=fair and transparency=3.5). Shading
usually visible west of it was not seen. Cameon comments that
the albedo must have been at 5, where normally it is 4.5 and the
nearby plain is 5). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1322 and weight=2.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Linne 1867 Jan 14 UT 20:00 Observed by Knott (England?) "White covering
had seemingly disappeared, was a dark spot. Definition (seeing?) was
poor." NASA catalog weight=1 very low. NASA catalog ID #148.
Copernicus 1976 Nov 30 UT 19:40 T. Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 29cm
reflector, Wratten 25 and 44a filters) observed that the
Copernicus craterlet chains werebetter seen through a red
filter than a blue. ALPO.BAA weight=1.
Purbach 1976 Nov 30 UT 19:40 T. Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 29cm
reflector, Wratten 25 and 44a filters) observed that the
crater interior was better see through a red filter than a
blue. ALPO.BAA weight=1.
Clavius 1915 Apr 23 UTC 20:00 Observed by Cook (England?) "Narrow
straight beam of light from crater A to B" NASA catalog weight=1 (very
poor). NASA catalog ID #352. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1932 Apr 15 UT 06:57 Observed by A.V. Goddard & friend
(Portland, Oregon, USA, 16" telescope, S=G steady) "Sudden
appearance of a white spot like a cloud of steam (in appearance
only), and in less than a minute it had spread in a NW
direction, until it almost reached the rim of the crater" NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #403. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 2009 May 03/10 UT23:20-00:11 P. Abel (Leicester, UK, 20cm reflector,
x312, seeing III-IV) observed that the north east wall was slightly
brighter than would have been expected, slightly blurred (not seeing
related blurring) and had a strong orange-brown colour. No spurious
colour seen elsewhere. A change in eyepieces showed the same effect. No
luck in alerting other observers. A drawing was made at 23:20UT and
finished at 00:12UT. At 23:12UT part of the inner NW floor had a dull
brown colour, whereas before it was grey.By 00:11UT the colour effect
was fading and by 00:18 seeing condirions were too bad to continue. M.
Cook (Mundesley, UK, 9cm Questar telescope, x80, x130, seeing III,
transparency moderate to good) had observed Tycho earlier in the
evening at 22:15UT, but had seen no signs of colour. W. Leatherbarrow
(Sheffield, UK, 8cm scope, high cloud interuptions and bad seeing) had
taken monochrome images at UT 20:07 and 20:10, but these showed nothing
unusual, and he checked the crater visually at 00:00-00:30, but
detected no colour, although the Moon's low altitude contibuted to poor
seeing conditions and some spurious colour was seen. CCD images from M.
Collins (Palmerston North, New Zealand) taken at 00:46UT showed
nocolour apart from spurious colour on contrasty edges, in no way
reflecting what was seen early by P. Abel. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Observer made a drawing over a period of 30 minutes. Upon
examining drawing, and comparing with photos made under
similar illumination was struck by the abnormality of a
a small white blob in the north east corner of the shadowed
floor. There should be no raised topography between the wall
and the central peaks that could give rise to this. The making
of the sketch overlapped with an earlier drawing made by Rony
de Laet (Belgium) which did not show this blob. Subsequent attempts
to find sketches/images at very similar illumination angles have
failed to show the blob in the north east corner of the chadowed
floor. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Jan 26 at UT21:35-22:25 Blair (Refrewshire, Scotland, 10"
reflector, 83-276x, seeing=III-IV and transparency poor) discovered a
bright spot on the north rim and through filters it "flashed" green,
red and blue. Clouds interupted observing, but when they cleared the
effect was still present. Other craters did not show this effect.
Cameron catalog ID=83 and weight=4.
Birt 1955 Apr 15 UT 03:20-05:00 Observed by Capen (California
Seeing=Excellent) "Small craters between Birt & wall were invis. at
times under excellent seeing, while craterlets on w.side were
continually obs." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #586.
On 1990 Apr 04 at UT 21:30-21:50 B. LeFranc (France?) reported
observing a white flame effect in Copernicus crater (sketch made) -
though Foley comments that the actual location was east of the crater.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=398 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 1964 Nov 14 UT 01:00? Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 4" refractor?) "Peak on E. wall brilliant white,
strong blue band at inner base; on S. wall was a small, bright
red spot." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #864.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Posidonius 1970 Apr 15 UT 21:05-22:10 Observed by Wanderley
Nazareth (Sao Paulo, Brazil, reflector) "Intermittant
pulsation. Drawing 20S interval for pulsations. (too long for
atmospheric aberration? Apollo 13 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1254. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1968 May 07 at UT 03:00-03:40 Kelsey (Riverside, CA, USA, 8"
reflector) observed Messier and Messier A and noted the following: "The
ray-tail halo (in N. ray) showed a possible enhancement in blue filter
at 1st obs. per. but not seen at 0330. Later enhancement was indicated
in red filter but not apparent at 0600h. The red enhancement is very
unsual; but has been suspected on a few previous occasions. Not seen
vis. (confirm. of Jean?)" The Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Near and on Plato 1970 Apr 15 UT 21:45-22:04 Observed by da
Silva (Sao Paulo, Brazil, 10" & 20" refractors) "Crater chain W.
of Plato -- 3rd crater W. (Plato Y) was brighter than
surroundings. Lozenge on W. wall (landslip?) was darker than
inner wall. Bright part of wall was yellowish-white. da Silva
reports this as neg. (normal aspects) obs (Apollo 13 watch
probably normal as Y is a bright halo crater)." NASA catalog
weight=0. NASA catalog ID #1255. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975Mar22 at UT 21:17-21:23 Findlay and Ford (Mills Observatory,
Dundee, UK, 25cm refractor, Wratten 25 and 44a filters used) A white
spot was observed on the rim of Bulialdus that was perhaps slightly
brighter in red than in white light. The observers however decided that
they did not regard this as a TLP. This is a BAA Lunar Section
Observation. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Mar 22 at UT22:10-22:25 T.Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 30cm
Newtownian, x75) observed 3 large areas on the floor of Plato to be
delicately darker in the blue filter. There were of different darkness.
He did not regard these as TLP, but permanent blinks. This is a BAA
report. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 May 24 at UT 00:05-00:08 UT Romualdo Lourencon (Sao
Paulo, Brazil, 60mm refractor, seeing=III) detected a circular
cloud in Jansen B and H? (Gazateer report says F and K). "The
crater of the event 100km diam. compared to Copernicus, dark
with crescent obscured region below it. Was S of Jansen. A
circular depression there was before LTP in darkness. Wonders if
circ. depr. was shadow of cloud? The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
428a and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Jul 08 at UT 20:10-22:05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, seeing IV-V)
suspected that the floor of Proclus was slightly darker than normal.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=249 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1968 May 07 UTC 20:48-21:05 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector x220) "Red color No. of landslip in W. wall seen
in blink & vis. Vanished by 2105h. Had not returned at 2125. (Moore has
wrong date in his extended catalog.)." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #1074.
South of Copernicus 1972 Feb 24 UT 19:30-20:00 Observed by McConnell
(England, 6" reflector, x195, seeing=good) "White spot just S. of Cop.
about same size as Copernicus H (@ 5km), (there is a bright area or mt.
SW of Cop. H)." NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID 1323.
On 1882 Jan 29 at UT 17:00-17:30 an unknown observer noted an unusual
shadow in Eudoxus crater. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=227 and the
weight=2. Reference: Sirius Vol 15, 167, 1882. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1994 Apr 21 at UT 06:00 W, Cameron (Sedona, USA) detected a reddiah
colour on Pronontorium Laplace, This is TLP event No. 9 in the ALPO
Clementine LTP program Nov 1994. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1969 May 26 UT 20:30-21:05 Observed by Farrant
(Cambridge, England, 8" reflector, x160, S=G) "Had misty
portion of SW(ast. ?) floor from 2030-2105h at which time it
was gone. Clearly seen, had ill-defined boundaries & was an
easy obj. to see. Alt.=33 deg. (Apollo 10 watch)." NASA
catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID No. 1148. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1989 Jul 13 UT 21:04-21:13 Observed by M.Cook (Frimley, UK,
90mm Quastar Cat., Seeing III, transoparency hazy) and by Moore
(Selsey, England) "Following an alert call by Miles concerning the
crater Proclus looking different, Cook observed a circular dark patch
that filled about half of the eastern half of the crater floor. To cut
down the glare a blue filter was then used and a slightly less dark
area was seen extending from this in a southerly direction. 8 rays were
seen. The dark patch was confirmed by Patrick Moore. However David
Darling (USA) who observed a few hours later on 1989 Jul 14 at 03:28 UT
could not see this dark patch." BAA Lunar Section observation. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=370 and weight=?. The ALPO/BAA weight=2
Scarcely a trace of nebulae tonight. As long as to June 10 at
2000UT? A little blackness remained. (P. Moore thinks it
was a LTP, WSC it was a permanent feature?) Drawing. Seen
by Nevelius Emmett, J. Boroughbridge, England. The 2006
Extension catalog by Cameron assigns an ID No. of 4 and a
weight of 1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1872 Jul 16 UTC 21:00? Observed by Pratt (England?) "NW portion
of floor was hazy" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
179.
A.S.Williams of West Brighton, UK, using a 5.25" Calver, x150 and
definition fairly good. Observer noticed that the Mare seemed covered
with a close network of innumerable streaks, and spotted with countless
numbers of light specks, so that it would hardly be possible to
delineate them all in one night. The spots and streaks together must
have numbered ~1000. The observer had never seen anything like the
number of spots and streaks. Peirce A, was not at all easy to see and
neighboring spots almost as bright made it difficult to distinguish
which one was Peirce A. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1966 Sep 25 UT 23:12-23:35 Observed by Moseley (Armagh, Nortern
Ireland, 10" refractor, x140) "Eng. moon blink sys. blinks inside the
crater. Very dubious due to low alt. of moon." NASA catalog weight=1
(very low). NASA catalog ID #982.
Gassendi 1967 Jun 18 UT 21:10-22:30 Observed by Whippey
(Northalt, England, 6" reflector?) "Faint redness outside NE &
SE wall of crater." Moore (10" Armagh refractor, x360) was
observing too 22:10-22:40, with and without a Moon Blink but
detected no redness, however his observing conditions were not
very good at the time. NASA catalog ID #1039. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO.BAA weight=2.
On 1976 Apr 10 at 21:15-21:49UT S.Spencer (60mm refractor x60, seeing
quite good) noticed a faint red glow at the south west wall of Gassendi
covering a span of about 35 deg arc. The observer had some doubts about
this because they were using a small telescope, but thought that they
ought to report it, just in case. A BAA Lunar Section report. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1982 Aug 01 at 00:00-01:00 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia, 12"
reflector, seeing I-II) noted shading on the east floor of Plato that
was apparently lighter than the rest of the floor and this was seen at
both low and high magnifications. Foley notes that this was unusual.
There were three craterlets visible on the floor - the central one was
the brightest. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=178 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Gassendi 1967 Jun 18 UT 22:50-23:59 Observed by Whippey
(Northalt, England, 6" reflector?) "Faint redness outside NE &
SE wall of crater." Moore (10" Armagh refractor, x360) was
observing earlier 22:10-22:40, with and without a Moon Blink but
detected no redness, however his observing conditions were not
very good at the time. NASA catalog ID #1039. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO.BAA weight=2.
Posidonius 1952 Jul 03 UT 19:13-19:27 Observed by Dzaplashvili,
Ksanforalif, Negrelishvili (Georgia, Soviet Union, 13" reflector,
polarimeter, S=clear) "Making polariz. mess. of it. Aristotles.
Eudoxus. & Aristillus. only Pos. gave higher rdgs. & oscillated while
others gave repeatedly same results. 40 other times Pos. was normal.
Never had seen such behavior Table gives deflections. Obs. repeated 2X
Obs. from 1843-1947h." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog
ID #552. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 2013 Apr 22 UT 01:39-02:37 P. Zeller (Indianapollis, USA,
10" f/4 reflector, x200, seeing 6, Transparency 3 - scattered
cirrus) observed visually (depicted in sketch) the two closely
spaced NW wall dark bands) to have a rusty-red hue. The colour
of these bands did not change over the period of the observing
session. Images were taken, but resolution and image S/N is
not sufficient to resolve separate bands here, or to detect
colour. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1975 Dec 14/15 UT 17:05-00:30 Observed by Foley
(Dartford, England, 12" reflector, S=II) and Moore (Sussex,
UK, 15" reflector x250 S=IV) and Argent and Brumder (Sussex,
UK). In early sunrise conditions, W. wall was less brilliant
than usual -- matched only by Sharp, Bianchini, & Marian.
Extraordinary detail could be seen on this wall. Also noted
intense & distinctly blue color entire length of W. wall. 3
others corroborated detail, but not color. Moore found things
normal & saw Aris. brightest at 2030-2125h tho Argent &
Brumder made it < Proclus" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catlog
ID #1422. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
On 1989 May 17 at UT Fabian (Chicago, IL, USA, 4" reflector, x35-x50
and 8" reflector) noted a pale blue colouration in the ridges situated
west of Aristarchus and north of Herodotus craters, in the vicinity of
the terminator (and on the night side). Aristarchus itself did not have
any colour. Īt was only area with such color though there were numerous
others of similar elevation and relation to term. The colour was seen
in a 4" Cassegrain telescope, but when an 8" reflector was used at
02:30UT, even with the same eyepieces. Cameron comments that maybe the
larger telescope spread the colour out? The sketch that Fabian
suplied, suggested to Cameron that the TLP was located at Herodotus,
and the ridge was part of Schroter's valley - Cobra Head. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=364 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1978 Jan 20 at UT19:10 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector) observed
a red spot at the southern edge of Gassendi C. P. Moore (Slesey, UK,
15" reflector, S=II-III) reported nothing unusual 17:00-17:50. Turner
and others reported negative at 22:01. Pedler (UK, 12.5" reflector,
S=III-IV) though detected a yellow-orange tint on the east floor of
Gassendi A but the effect faded during poor seeing moments. Cameron
2005 catalog ID=24 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1989 Jul 15 UT 02:00-04:20 Observed by Manske, Weier,
Curtis, Keyes, Yanna, Norman, Knutson, Sullivan, Eichman and Radi (Carl
Fosmark Jr. Memorial Observatory, Madison, WI, USA, SCT C11) "Manske
initially observed a reddish tinge on the SE rim of Aristarchus. The
colour was present in different eyepieces. Two other pinkish tinge
areas were seen on the SE and NE rims. 4 of the observers did not see
colour. Independent confirmation was made by Don Spain (KY) and Smith
in LA. Full details can be found on the following web site:
http://www.ltpresearch.org/ltpreports/LTP19890715.htm " An ALPO report.
Aristarchus 1965 Nov 06 UTC 03:20-03:50, 05:50 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3" refractor x300, S=6, T=5) "Strong blue-viol.
glare on E. & NE wall; dark viol. hue in nimbus. (absent at 0320-0350.
Listed as 11/8/55 in both ref. 210 & MBMW, but should be 1965). NASA
catalog weight=4, NASA catalog ID #911.
On 1975 Mar 24 at UT22:28-22:19 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) observed
vivid blue/green in Aristarchus. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1994 Apr 23 at UT 03:30 the US Navy Clementine Spacecraft, in orbit
around the Moon, obtained images of the Cobra Head region of
Aristarchus crater that suggested a ~15x colour ratio increase (0.4
microns / 1.0 microns) in comparison with images obtained on 1994 Mar
03. This was presented as a poster paper 18.04 at AAS 31st DPS meeting.
However it was later suggested that this was due to incorrect
radimetric calibration procedures being followed. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Herodotus 1998 Dec 30 UT 18:50-19:10 observed by J.Knott
(Liverpool, UK 22cm Newtonian, x216, seeing II, transparency
good). Observer reports a bright spot, as bright as the
central peak in Aristarchus on the NW rim of Herodotus at
19:10 (still there at 19:15, but the curious thing was that it
was not visible earlier at 18:50? Now there is a bright
craterlet here, and the observer doubted if what he had seen
was unusual - though we have the rise in brightness o20
minutes to account for? The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
On 1985 May 31 at UT 20:23-22:00 G. North (Sussex, UK, turbulent
seeing) found Torricelli B at 20:23 to be mauve in colour and to be
very bright. However the colul had gone by 20:29UT. "Varied in albedo
2s then image blurred at 5-10s (atm) at 2034 became pink). At 21:35UT
M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK) found a white patch in the crater centre and
a mag 8 flash was seen (confirmed independently by a 2nd observer ~
113km away)- there was no shadow. At UT 20:30 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK,
12"reflector, seeing excellent) found no colour, but the brightness was
changiong and he confirmed the bright patch on the crater's floor,
variable 22:15-22:25UT, "then expanded over rim". The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=277 and weight=5. the ALPO/BAA weight=4.
SE of Langrenous 1947 Aug 28 UT 21:00? Observed by Baum
(Chester, England) A long mountain mass, on limb to the SE of
Langrenus crater, had a decidedly bluish cast. To the north, on
the limb, were several ordinary peaks appearing in profile and
some were sharp and pointed. NASA catalog ID=498. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1950 Jul 27 UT 02:56 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "C.p. of Proc.
disappeared)" 5" reflector used at x100, NASA catalog weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1962 Dec 09 at UT 07:36 Wildey and Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector) observed that Oceanus Procellarum was 1.13 magnitudes
brighter than normal. Observation at sunrise and is abnormal if area
measured was mare. If it were an east facing wall it would be normal.
The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
On 1992 Feb 16 at UT 01:05-01:35 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 12.5"
reflector, seeing=III) found the north rim area to be both very
bright and misty - though he did not think it to be a TLP but
wanted it to be recorded, just in case. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=440 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Herodotus 1950 Jul 27 UT 03:56 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "Pseudo
c.p. in Herod. Drawings. (Similar to NASA catalog event #523)"
5" reflector used at x100, NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1970 Apr 18 UT 20:14 Observed by MacKenzie
(UK,2.5" refractor x45, seeing Antoniadi I) "Fairly strong blink
in a spot 1/2 way between the 2 craters. Drawing (Apollo 13
watch). NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1257. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Torricelli B 2002 Oct 18 UTC 20:56-21:59 Observer: G.North (UK, 8"
reflector, x134, Seeing Antoniadi IV, Transparency good) - thought that
Torricelli B was perhaps a little brighter than expected, especially
when compared to Moltke and Censorinus based upon past recollection of
relative brightnesses at this colongitude). Slight bluish tint seen as
well. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus and Cobra Head 1966 Jul 30 UT 06:35-07:29 Observers Ariola
and Cross (Whittier, CA, USA). NASA catalog states: "S. part of Cobra
Head nr. Herodotus was a red spot; also nr. Aris. & the fork of
Schroter's Valley. Variations in phenom. color, 1st on S. rim of Aris.,
later on N. rim. Drawings". 19" x390 reflector used. NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog TLP ID No. #959. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Aristarchus 1963 Oct 30 UT 05:00-08:00 Observed by Greenacre and
Barr (Flagstaff, AZ, USA, 24" Clark Refractor) a violet or
purple-blue colour formed beyond the NW of Aristarchus. ALPO/BAA
weight=2. This followed an earlier observation that night of two
red spots and a pink glow.
On 1981 Oct 11 at UT 00:05-02:00 B.Hobdell (St Petersberg, FL, USA, 4"
refractor, S=3 and T=5) observed a brightening on the floor of Plato. 4
bright spots appeared and vanished and there was a fith one in the
centre that was very bright at times. At UT 00:14 the central spot
became bright then was "followed by a haze permeating entire floor,
heaviest in the northern quadrant. Came from 2 S peaks or white spots,
shaped like a boomerang extending to presumed c.p. (c.c ?). White
flashed at 0052 from it cloud changed shape - spread N. At 0136
brightening from c.c. area 0419 dissipated. All white spots seen at
0200. Its outer flanks seen clearly the whole time". The above is
quoted from the Cameron 2006 catalog ID=155 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1975 Feb 23 at UT 18:00-00:24 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12 inch
reflector, seeing Good), noticed that Aristarchus was a slate-grey
tinged with blue, and abnormally bright, fading at UT 18:47, and
decreased activity at UT20:45 after a cloudy period. Blue was seen on
the northern wall at UT19:00, but at 19:10 no colour, but instead an
obscuration. All normal from UT 21:04-21:46 according to Foley. At
UT19:00 G. Amery (Reading, UK, 10 inch reflector) noted shadowy grey
near the shadow under the south wall, indistinct small area, no colour.
At UT 20:00 activity increased. Colour negative fr. 150-300x till 21:10
(Hunt, Cambridge, UK, 2.5" refractor, seeing Poor-Very good). Negative
fr. 20:20-21:00 in bad seeing, and very good seeing at 200x all
negative (colour blink filters). From 23:45-00:20UT (Fitton,
Lancashire, UK, 8" reflector). Turner of Sussex, UK with an 8"
reflector, observed as well. (confirm. of activity earlier & neg.
later). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1397 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1975 Apr 23 at UT 20:30 J-H Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK, 260mm
reflector, x200). Observer was observing since 20:30UT, at 21:00UT
though they noticed red on the outside south wall of Aristarchus, a
hazy ill defined area that was larger in a red filter than in blue
filter, and outside east wall was bright in red. At 21:08UT the outside
west wall of Aristarchus no longer gave a colour blink reaction, and at
21:22UT the colour blink on the southern end of the crater ceased, but
the image blur remained (in both red and blue filters) despite the rest
of the crater being sharp in detail. Observations ceased at UT 21:35
because the blurring at the southern end seemed to be normal and this
was confirmed when checked with photographic atlases. Other craters
such as Proclus, Pickering, Tycho, Gassendi, Copernicus, Alphonsus,
Plato, Menelaus, Manilius, Linne and Theophilus, showed no colour blink
reactions. However Picard had a red bright blink from 20:30-20:40 and
the permanant blink on the N. Floor of Fracastorius was detectable.
Also Plato floor shadings were clearer in red than in blue -
intermittently. This is a BAA lunar section observation. No estimation
of transparency or seeing is given, nor any comment on whether spurious
colour was seen in any craters visually. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1959 Nov (Day unknown) at UT 21:15-22:15 Bradford (South Shields,
UK, 15" reflector, x480) observed in Plato: "Cocealed by a dusky cloud.
Appeared to be stream or smoke. No change in 1h. Following week no
trace. (SR Nov 5, SS Nov 18. Says he obs. at time of unmanned landing,
but there were none in Nov.) Similar to #722". The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=726 and weight=2. The ALPOS/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Oct 19 at UT 21:09-23:40 G. North (Bexhill on Sea, UK, seeing
III) found Aristarchus crater to be slightly blue in colour, and very
bright, despite the fact that no colour was seen elsewhere on the Moon.
At 22:08UT Foley (Kent, UK, 12"reflector, seeing II) obtained an
extremely high CED brightness measurement and also picked up a "blue-
violet" cast, especially inside the west rim, furthermore he saw noe
detail in it. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=230 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1989 Jun 17 at UT 06:33-07:16 R. Manske (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) sketched a nebulous spot near to Herodotus crater that at
06:49 (when he tried some filters out) was visile through red, blue and
yellow filters, though it was slightly fainter through the red filter.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=366 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1963 Oct 30 UTC 22:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK)
observed a 30% enhancement at 540nm in the spectra of
Aristarchus. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID No. is 778 and weight
is 5. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 because Oct 30 is not mentioned in
Cameron's refernce.
In 1963 Oct 30 UT 22:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK) observed a
30% enhancement at 540nm in the spectra of Copernicus. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID No. is 778 and weight is 5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1 because Oct 30 is not mentioned in the ref
that Cameron give's to Scarfe's paper.
On 1789 Jan 10 at UT 00:00 Seyffer (Germany) observed "a lunar
volcano". Cameron comments that this must have been bright as it was
near full Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=56 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Marius 1881 Jan 13 UTC 20:00? Observed by Williams (England?,
5.5" reflector) "Speck of light in crater". NASA catalog weight=
3 and catalog ID #220. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 Nov 10 at UT 07:54-08:22 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor and filters, seeing=2-3 and transparency=5) observed a
blue light at the Cobra's Head, near Aristarchus, that fell back down
to a normal brightness of 7. although the west wall (his point D) went
down to 6.5 (this was 8 back on Oct 5). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=158
and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1972 Feb 27 UT 23:15-00:10 Observed by A.Kemp (Cheshire,
UK, 8.5" reflector x286) "Suspicion of blink between Gass. c.p. &
Gass A. Clouds prevented confirm. Hedley-Robinson didn't see
anything unusual earlier (20:00-20:20)." Note that the duration
of the event, or indeed precise UT at which it was seen is not
given. NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #1324. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1994 Apr 24 UT08:15 A.T. Brakel (ACT, Australia) noticed that
Mare Frigoris appeared darker than the day before. This was
during a Clementine watch. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1985 Sep 27 at UT 20:55 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK) found that the
brightness of Torricelli B varied and starlike points seen in the
crater. There is no Cameron 2006 catalog entry for this TLP report. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1891 Sep 16 at UT 19:00? Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Dense clouds of vapor apparently rising from its bottom and pouring
over its SW wall torrds Herodotus. He says no activity till day after
sunrise & ceases a few days before sunset. (Part of an extensive
observing of only a few features under all aspects of lighting.
Drawings and Phtos obtained." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=269 and weight=1.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1981 Oct 12 at UT 00:00?(?) B.W. Chapman (12cm refractor,
Seeing II, transparency poor, Kingston-Upon-Thames, UK) found
that Mons Pico was brighter in red light than in blue.
Aristarchus for comparison was the same brightness in both
filters. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Interior bands were faint at 22:40 but sharper at 23:20.
Observer noted some blue spurious colour to the north of
Aristarchus but this had gone by 23:50.
Observer noted some variability in the brightness of Moltke
and Torricelli B. This observation has an ALPO/BAA weight of 3.
Observer noted some variability in the brightness of
Torricelli B and Moltke. This observation has an
ALPO/BAA TLP weight of 3.
On 1983 Aug 22 at UT 05:44-06:33 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3"refractor, x150) found the brightness of Aristarchus (diffuse white
patch) to be 7 to 7.5 but apparently it is normally 8-8.5, so fainter
than normal. Another brightness reading found "brightening then nearly
extinction at S. wall similar to changes seen on Eimmart before.
Watched fluctuation compared to Cobra Head, they were similar but more
pronounced at Aristarchus" especially in blue light compared to red
(although there was a little brightness in red). Timings of these
fluctuations were 7sec, 7sec, 9-10sec and 9-10sec. The latter two might
have been seeing related as the crater enlarged up at these times. The
observer felt that the Cobra Head appeared fainter than the previous
year and had faded during the second set of brightness measurements.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=227 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Aug 22 at UT05:44-06:33 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor, x150) found that Mons Piton was still brighter in red light
than in blue - the opposite was found in his July observations. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=227 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1975 Feb 24 UTC 18:00-23:30 Observers (all in UK): Foley
(Kent, 12" reflector), Gannon (Middlesex, 6" reflector), Peters (Kent,
8" reflector), Farrant (Cambridge, 8" reflector), Turner (Sussex, 8"
reflector), Fitton (Lancashire, 8" reflector) - "(Foley) 1800h -- slate
gray bluish on all of crater; blue at 1816h, fading at 1835h, no color
on floor. At 1949h brillinance reduced, eyepiece tested at 1959h with
result of elong. gray blur & afterward activity at reduced light level.
Blue again at 2013h. (Gannon) at 1851h saw red tint on S.rim (instru.),
neg. in white & filter lite till 2000h, (Peters) at S=P had impression
of large faint blink on S.side, diffuse till 2000h, then seeing
improved & saw darkish patch on S.wall -- darker in blue than red.
Craters on limb were normal to 2017h, neg. at 2058h & 2130h, (Farrant)
at 2000h, normal. At 2053h color in small area to W. of W. wall.
(Turner) at 2230h-2300h got neg. (Fitton) at 2330h got neg. in white,
seeing too poor for filters. Fitton & Farrant think obs. due to atm.
effects. (activity earlier & none later confirmed)." NASA catalog
weight= 5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #1398.
Darwin 1945 Oct 19 UT 23:23 - P.Moore (UK) saw 3 brilliant
points of light on wall. 12" reflector used. NASA catalog ID #
495, NASA weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1945 Oct 19 UT 23:24:30 Observed by Thornton (Northwich,
England) described in the NASA catalog as: "Bright flashes on
the floor near E.wall (meteor?) but others have seen flashes
there too. time given is 1123, must be P.M., local time. MBMW
gives date as Oct 19, which is wrong" Haas (more reliable
account) in his 2003 article in Strolling Astronomer Vol 45,
p28 states" 23cm x220 reflector used - "minute but brilliant
flash of light seen just inside eastern border of walled plain
Plato. Colour was said to be orange side of yellow. NASA
catalog weight=4 & NASA catalog TLP ID No. #494. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1983 Oct 20 at UT23:40 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) observed that
Aristarchus was brighter than normal (as measured with a CED) and much
more so that Censorinus, Menelaus, and Proclus craters (in turn).
Cameron comments that Moore is a very experienced observer. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=231 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 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.
Aristarchus 1972 Jun 25 UTC 22:42-22:51 Observed by Quindeau (8deg 35'
E, 51deg 25' N, 60mm refractor) "Bright point at NE wall of crater".
Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler, Earth Moon & Planets, Vol 30, pp53-61 (1984).
Aristarchus 1965 Sep 10 UT 04:08-04:38 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector x130, x180, S=4, T=3) "S.region of floor
granulated, 7 deg bright, very faint brownish tinge; rest of crater 8
deg bright white (confirm. of Presson?)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #892.
On 1977 Mar 04 at UT 20:55-21:18 JH Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
26cm reflector, x200, Wratten 25 and 44a filters, seeing steady,
transparency varies from fair to very poor and cloud eventually halted
observations). Copernicus was very indistinct. All other features
examined were normal. This is a BAA Lunar Section observation. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1977 Mar 04 at UT 20:55-21:18 JH Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
26cm reflector, x200, Wratten 25 and 44a filters, seeing steady,
transparency varies from fair to very poor and cloud eventually halted
observations). The floor of Fracastorius is significantly brighter in a
red filter than in a blue filter. This is a BAA Lunar Section
observation. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1891 Sep 17 at UT 18:00? Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column. Crater D covered. (there are rays here --
high sun effect on them?) Drawings. Time estimated from given
colongitude)." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=270 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1977 Jan 04 at 16:25-17:30 Kozyrev (Pulkovo Observatory, Crimea,
Ukraine, Soview Union) "Observed unusual processes on moon. Activity in
progress at beginning of obs. Still vis. at 1710, gone at 1730h.
Latharn & colleagues found no seismic activity at that timeunder a
quick look". The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 and ID=1460. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1938 Jan 16 at UT 00:00 Barker (Chestnut, England, UK, 12.5"
reflector) noticed that Plato crater had a brownish-gold veined
surface, colour irregular - laid on a smooth floor. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=430 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1985 Sep 28 UTC 20:54-23:52 P.W. Foley (Suffolk, UK) found (actually
before 20:54 UT) brightness variance in Torricelli B. J.D. Cook
(Frimley, UK) observed a brief blue coloured patch somewhere in the
Torricelli B region, but could not pin it down precisely. At 22:50UT
M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, 30cm reflector, seeing III - occasionally V,
transparency moderate to good) Found the crater to have an elongated
appearance (in SSW-NNE direction) in white light, similar to the
previous night. A bright elongated spot was seen on the NNE floor,
close to where the wall should be. Not able to define the rim. There
was a very dark surrounding area to the crater, similar to what it was
on the previous night (roughly 1/4 brightness of Censorinus). 23:04UT
brighter in yellow, then red, then blue. At 23:10 it was seen that blue
filter dulled the crater - this was odd because both Censorinus and
Proclus were brighter in blue, which is what he would normally expect.
At23:15 UT Censorinus was brighter in blue, then yellow then red
filters and some orange spurious colour seen to the south of
Censorinus. At 23:23UT no spurious colour seen on Proclus or
Censorinus. 23:46UT Torricelli B elongated as before, but a very faint
ray might have been seen to the south west of the rim. This report is
not in the 2006 Cameron catalog. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1976 Feb 14 at UT23:35-0053 LeCroy (Springfield, VA, USA, 4.5"
reflector, x75, S=6 and T=4.5). A blue haze was seen on the east side
of Aristarchus and red haze on the west side. At 00:00UT details were
more clear and at 00:24UT Aristarchus and Herodotus, were seperated. At
00:34UT colours were gone. At 00:35UT blue was on Aristarchus and the
area was bright, but was black in a red filter. At 00:53UT the features
were clear and the colour gone and the brightness had decreased to 9.
Cameron comments that the colour was not due to temp. inversion because
of being dark in the red filter, implying a medium). The Cameron 1978
catalog TLP ID is 1428 and the weight=1. This is an ALPO report. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1966 Aug 01 UT 06:14 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 8" reflector x300) The wall from the S to the NNE wouldn't
focus well though at least 4 craterlets on the floor were
clearly seen (Ricker uncertain if real TLP. Cameron thinks it
probably was -- similar to Bartlett's experience on Aris. NASA
catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #961. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Galvani B: On 2019 Sep 13 UT 23:26 K. Kilburn (Manchester, UK,
BAA - ED80 refractor, x2 Barlow, Canon 550 DSLR) took a
sequence of images from 23:25-23:27 UT. On one of the images,
taken at 23:26UT there is a blue/green spot on Galvani B.
There is a hint of a possible fade of the spot in the other
images but this is not conclussive. Te spot might just be a
cosmic ray event or a bright part of the crater rim coming
into view under brief exceptional seeing for one frame only.
We need simlar illumination, and if possible topocentric
libtation images, under different atmospheric conditions to
confirm this. It would be great if the images were in colour
too. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1944 Sep 03 UTC 03:40 - A.W. Mount (Fort Worth, TX, USA,
Conditions good, seeing 6/10) saw a small white bright point of
light appear suddenly close to the W. wall of Plato glowed
briefly as by far the most conspicuous object in the lunar field
of view and vanished quickly after approximately 2 sec. It was
star-like in appearance and was stationary on the Moon's surface
- about magnitude 6? Angular diameter of the flash was <= 1".
Observing conditions good enough to see the central craterlet in
Plato. 20cm reflector used. Ref. DJALPO Vol 45, p28 Spring 2003.
On 1963 Nov 01/12 at UT 22:30-03:00 P. Moore (UK, 12" reflector)
observed something unusual in Aristarchus/Copernicus/Kepler -
the Cameron catalog is not very clear which. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=779 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1963 Nov 01 at UT 00:20-00:35 Kopal and Rackham (Pic du
Midi, France, 24" reflector) observed in Kepler an
enhancement in red light at 672.5nm and 545.0nm. Luminescence
~86% +/-3% of background. According to the Cameron catalog,
Moore(12" reflector, UK) noted something unsual between 22:30
and 03:00 but this might apply to Kepler, Coperncius, and/or
Aristarchus and that was seen 23:30-03:00? - the catalog is not
very clear. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=779 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 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 1980 Sep 24 at UT 21:13-23:50 P.Moore (Selsey, UK) at 22:45 saw loss
of detail in the north west wall, especially in red light, but also
slightly in blue light too. By 22:48 there was activity on the crater
floor i.e. the four bright spots were visible in white light but not in
red. In blue the central spot was seen and there were dark radial
streaks to the south wall and south east. At 22:50 there was a loss of
detail. Other craters were normal. At 23:08 the floor was dark in red,
but some details were visible in blue. the effect had finished by
23:35. At21:34 J-H Robinson found Plato to be normal and no blinks,
though floor clearer in red than in blue, however the floor detail had
gone by 21:57. Blair suspected a dusty patch in north of Plato,
especially in red light. at 21:57 and it started spreading at 21:13,
then east at 21:15 and then north. Though it faded at 21:25 but was
back again at 21:35, and Moon blink colour filters still gave a
reaction at 21:50 - the TLP remained strong until 23:50UT. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=110 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1963 Nov 02 at UT 00:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK) observed a spectral
line dpeth anomaly? The cameron 1978 catalog ID=780 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1980 Sep 24 at UT21:34 J-J. Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK, 10"
reflector, x200, seeing=III) found, using a Moon Blink device, that
Fracastorius blinked on the northern side in the red filter. Cameron
2006 catalog ID=110 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1963 Nov 01 at UT 00:20-00:35 Kopal and Rackham (Pic du
Midi, France, 24" reflector) observed in Kepler an
enhancement in red light at 672.5nm and 545.0nm. Luminescence
~86% +/-3% of background. The Cameron catalog says that Moore
saw something between 23:30 and 03:00, but it is not clear
what exactly, or whether it was Copernicus, Kepler, or
Aristarchus? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=779 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 1938 Jan 17 Barker (Chestnut, England, UK, 12.5" reflector)
noticed that Plato crater had a brownish-gold veined surface,
colour irregular - laid on a smooth floor. It had extended
further E than on the previous night. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 Dec 12 at UT 00:31 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK) saw some flashes
between Plato and Mons Pico. The cameron 2006 catalog ID=160 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 15 UTC 19:10-22:15 Observed by Foley (UK) -
Colouration seen - violet spot on north west interior. There was no
colour on the crater floor from 19:10-20:05, but suddenly the floor
colour changed to a slate blue-grey colour from 20:05-21:45UT. Colour
was not detected elsewhere. CED brightness measurements taken - these
were normal for Proclus, Mons Pico, Mons Piton and Tycho, but for
showed that Aristarchus varied in brightness. Crater Extinction Device
(CED) used. Seeing Antoniadi III, Transparancy Fair.
On 1891 Sep 18 at UT 21:00 Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column. Drawings. Time estimated from given
colongitude)." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=271 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 1921 Nov 15? UT 20:00? Observed by Chernov (Russia, 2" refractor
x94) "Temporary increase in brightness of the light band at bottom
noted close to FM. Crater actively noted in Oct. 10." NASA catalog
weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #384.
E. of Pytheas in M. Imbrium 1970 Jun 19/20 UTC 23:54-00:23 Observed by
Sendor-Mark (Szolnok, Hungary, 4" reflector x 200) "Bright spot nr.
Timocharis (on E. Copernican ray?) decreased slowly for next 8min 19
sec. At 00:11:05 flared up. After 2nd decreasing, brightened again at
00:25:54 after which no variablity. Event was star-like < 3km. No
events on 21st." NASA catalog weight=2 (poor). NASA catalog ID=#1262.
On 1956 Dec 19 at UT 00:00? an unknown observer apparently saw a TLP
somewhere on the Moon. Cameron gives the reference for this as an
unnamed AGU meeting. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=659 and weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Sep 25 atUT 20:20-22:14 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15"? reflector,
seeing=III) found that Mons Pico was bright and had a reddish glow to
its south west. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=111 and weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Sep 25 at UT20:20-22:14 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) noticed that the
central craterlet was more visible in red than in blue. There was also
a streak on the floor that was "shifted to S & W." The floor was dark
and Mons Pico was bright. Peters found Plato's floor (and central
craterlet) to be dark, and darker in blue than in red, however he was
suffereing from spurious colour at his observing site. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=111 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Sep 25 at UT 20:20-22:14 Peters (Kent,UK, x240 and x120,
seeing=III) observed Proclus to have an orange tint, however there was
a lot of spurious colour in the area. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=111
and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
2004 Aug 31 UT 22:30-22:35 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK) looked at Gassendi
and noted a slight chestnut brown colouration in the dark area on the
crater floor to the north of the central mountain leading to Gassendi
A. It lasted for about two minutes during 22-30 hrs UT to about 22-35
hrs UT (observer unable be more precise). Used 60mm OG x120. Seeing
quite steady trans good. Checked Gassendi again at 23hrs UT to 23-05.
No sign of colour. Also area mentioned earlier seemed lighter now. No
colour on Aristarchus. Plato floor dark -no sign of craterlets. Seeing
good with just slight tremor. Trans good 60mm OG x120 used. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1977 Oct 28 UT 19:25 V.M. Chernov (Soviet Union) observed that
Copernicus was brighter than normal i.e. brighter than Kepler but less
bright than Aristarchus. In January and February 1977 both Copernicus
and Kepler were of the same brightness. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1869 Aug 23/24? UTC 23:00-01:00? Observed by Gledhill? (Halifax,
England, 9" refractor) Group I of craterlets (as designated by several
famous obs. before) exhibited notable illumination, accompanied by a
single light on a distinct spot. (if obs. similar to Ap 1870 obs. then
date =Au 23-24). NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #162.
On 1975 Dec ?? at 19:00UT P.W.Foley (Kent, UK), and possibly P. Moore?
(Selsey, UK) - unusual events were reported which might have been due
to minor structral changes. Albedo=76% (=7.6?). Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1425 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 16 UTC 19:40-19:45. Observer: Mark Kidger (UK, 6"
refractor x40, x133, x200, seeing poor-boiling) - saw the north wall of
Aristarchus to be an electric blue. No spurious colour was seen in
other craters (despite the conditions). No other observers were able to
confirm this due to the weather. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1975 Dec 19 UT 22:45 Observed by Foley (Kent, England)
"Suspected anomaly in it", NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #1424.
On 1975 Dec 19 at UT22:45 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) suspected an anomaly in
Aristarchus. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=1424 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
In 1942 Feb 02 at UT 18:20-19:15 Y.W.I. Fisher (Brussels,
Belgium) a whitish glow near the Earthlit limb, near to
Kepler (37W, 7N). The duration of the event was 55 min.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=488 and weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1. Ref. p220-221 IAU Symposium
No. 14 - The Moon.
Plato - Hibbard (Orlando, FL, USA, 2.5 inch refractor, NASA
catalog quotes: "Whole crater had a bluish tinge, (photos
obtained but out-of-focus -- chrom. aberr?" - NASA catalog
weight=1, NASA catalog ID 903. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus (Bartlett, 1965 Oct 12 UTC 02:15-20:25, 5 inch
reflector x280) - NASA catalog quotes "Nimbus was only a dark
violet hue". NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #904.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1971 Apr 13 UT 03:30-04:30 W. Cameron (Greenbelt, MD,
USA, 36" reflector & 6" grating) "spectrum obtained showed an
extra absorption line at 4908+/-4A & possibly another. No other
of 6 spectra of other features on the plate show it. No other of
20 spectra of Plato, including another on the same nite show it.
Further reduction & analysis remain to be done." NASA weight=5.
NASA catalog ID=#1291. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 1993 Dec 31 at UT 05:00-07:40 S. Beaumont (Cambridge, UK, 12"
reflector) "saw a patch of hazy light to NW (from c.p. alpha) at 0550
craters B & J shadow of alpha had not reached E wall yet, but at 0536
it did. Alpha > at 0550. Craters B & J to SE had faded, vanished at
0630. Hazy patch remained around peak, alpha low mainly to NE like a
comet's tail. Slightly reddish fringe to E wall. (shown in sketch)".
The above has been quoted in full from the Cmeron catalog because the
catalog desription is slightly ambiguous and any attempted summary
might make the description more unreliable. The cameron 2006 catalog
ID=470 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Feb 21 at 03:00-03:55UT C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 3" refractor
x116, seeing II) found that Janssen K was very bright. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=441 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1790 Mar 03 at 22:00 UT Wilkins (England?) observed Herschel's 1787
lumninous point (Aristarchus) in the same place. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=67 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Atlas 1969 Aug 01 UT 03:36-04:00 Observed by Pither
(Nottinghamshire, England) NASA catalog reports: "Eng. moon
blink in crater at 0336h close to E. wall, NE of central
feature. Oval in shape & dirty brownish color & hazy. Started
fading at 0345h but may have been due to dawn, Neg results on
other features, (Apollo 11 watch)." 12" x450 reflector used.
NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog TLP ID No. #1195.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1966 Sep 02 UT 22:55-02:55 Observed by Moseley, Moore,
Gill, Harris, Frost and Hall (Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10"
refractor + Moon Blink, Seeing=fair) and by Cave (England using
a Moon blink) "Eng. Moonblink sys. detected red glows on c.p. &
around it; seen vis. too. (Corralitos obs.at the time? did not
see anything?)" Note that the Arnagh observers were all using
the same telesope, The observing times of M. Cave are not given
but they saw a blink SW of the central peaks. NASA catalog ID
972. NASA catalog weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1937 Apr 29 at UT 09:30 Firsoff (Glastonbury, UK, 6" reflector and
filters) observed a slight greenish colour (Cameron says colour of
ground? no TLP?). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=420 and Weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1877 Jul 29 UTC 02:00?-02:30 Observed by Gray (England?) "S. of
crater a bright streak that disappeared at 0230" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #196.
Alphonsus 1958 Nov 29 UTC 22:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, UK,
15" reflector) "Near site of Kozyrev's outbreak saw a circular
patch, black pit center, & red, round masses all around it."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #708.ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Sep 28 at UT05:00-07:00 W. Steed (Ocean City, MD, USA, 3"
refractor, x45 and x220) detected a "tower-like" feature on the east
rim of Mouchez crater, and appeared about 2-3x higher than other
mountains nearby. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=112 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Theophilus 1965 Jul 18 UTC 08:52-09:01 Observed by Cross, Ariola
(Whittler, CA, USA, 19" reflector, x450, S=4, T=3) "Red spots;
ruby red within a pink area on c.p." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA
catalog ID #885. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
1999 Jan 07 UT 01:57 C. Brook (Plymouth UK, 65mm refractor,
x125, seeing good) found this mountain unusually dull. In
contrast, Mons Pico, Montes Teneriffe, Montes Spitzenberg,
were all normal. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1971 Jun 13 UT 08:21 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4" reflector x51, x93, x121) "S. part of floor was brownish &
granulated" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1296.
Plato 1825 Apr 08 UT 01:00 Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich,
Germany) "West part of crater brighter than east part". NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #106. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1971 Jun 13 UT 07:22-08:05 Observed by Raimundo Nonato
da Silva (Parnaiba, Brazil, 9.5" reflector, x180) "At 0755h
variation on W.(IAU?) edge of crater "brightness seemed to
become a little darker" as it was gugacious (foggy?), Was not
sure it was a LTP. Other features & it were normal from 0658-
0755h". NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID 1295. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 19 UT 22:40-23:05 Observed by Pedler
(UK, 12.5" reflector, x200, seeing fair) Blue colour seen and
could not focus on this part, where as other craters were
nice and sharp in this filter. Aristarchus darker in red
light. all other craters were normal in red. Attempts to
change the eyepiece did not make any difference to the blue
colour. Cameron 2005 catalog ID=43 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1964 Jul 29 UT 05:40-06:06 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA) "Nimbus only -- dark viol. hue. S.floor granulated, dull --
6 bright. Faint yellow-brown tinge. Rest of crater 8." S=6, T=3-
2. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #838. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 20 UTC 03:00-05:00 Observed by Foley (Kent, UK, no
spurious colour, Seeing Antoniadi II and transparency good.) -
colouration seen: very bright violet spot on the north west interior.
No brightness variations seen. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=44 and
weight=. The ALPO/BAA weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1891 Sep 23 at UT 22:00 Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column. Drawings. Time estimated from given
colongitude)." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=272 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1995 Apr 03 at UT 03:30 Unknown Observer (Transparency good) saw a
darkening in the Cobra Head, Schroter's valley area of Aristarchus -
the best example that he had ever seen. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=474
and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=. Reference - BAA Lunar Section
circular 1995 Oct, p125 and personal communication from David Darling
to the BAA on 6/6/1995. Note it is uncertain whether this refers to the
Clementine mission or to somebody who observed during the Clementine
mission, or somebody with that surname. Anyway if it is the Clementine
mission then the date is wrong - possibly the year should have been
1994? The Cameron catalogue does actually mention a TIFF on Clementine
mission? The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=474 and the weight=3. I am
assuming that the year should be 1994 and not 1995? The ALPO/BAA
catalog weight=1 until we can find out what the correct date is?
Aristarchus 1964 Jul 31 UT 02:00-02:23 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x180) "Deep ravine on E.glacis
interrupted midway of its length by apparent break just below
rim of craterlet assoc. with EWBS. Normally, ravine is seen
continuous. Probable obscuration at pt, of break." S=7, T=5.
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #834. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1996 Feb 12 at UT 07:30-08:27 J.Sandel (Caycee, SC, USA)
noted a contrast effect inside Tycho at sunset. At 07:30UT there
was a slight, but definite illumination of small areas of the
crater floor west of the central; peak. Also seen by T. Ferrel
(Lawrenceville, GA, USA, SCT C8). This was oval in shape and
gray in colour - Ferrel noted some diffuseness. It brightened
over 30 minutes. At 08:11UT a definite brightness fade noted in
Tycho's central peak. The crater floor had increased
illumination of entire crater floor. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1944 Aug 12 at UT 04:00 H.P. Wilkins (Kent, UK, 8.52"
reflector) observed that central craterlet in Plato was
unusually bright and shows up as a bright white spot on his
sketch - though this might have been artistic license in his
sketch. His written notes refer to the unusual lack of a rim
(especially the northern part) to this craterlet.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.