On 1883 Mar 12 at UT 20:00 Hopkins (located somewhere in the eastern
USA) saw a line of light-well seen (similar to Cameron's TLP catalog ID
235, except for the apparent phase. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=235 and
the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1965 Aug 01 at UT 05:00 Welch (Table Mountain, CA, USA, 6"
reflector, seeing=excellent) observed some star-like flashes in
Aristarchus in ashen light. Cameron says 7/31/65 in MBMW=local time =
6/1/65 in UT. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=886 and the
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Jul 18 at UT06:15-08:00 Heath (Christchurch, New Zealand) noted
that Aristarchus was brighter than normal (Apollo 11 watch). The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1157 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Sep 25 at UT00:40-00:51 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x62) found the crater to blow and fluctuate between
magnitude approximately 4 and 5. Initially it was bright, then faded,
then brightened again aggroximately x2 and then faded into the
background. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=70 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Mare Crisium 1998 Jan 31 UT 17:15-17:35 R. Braga (Corsica
(MI), Italy, 102mm f8.8 refractor, x180, with no diagonal,
seeing II, Transparency poor). A very bright point located at
23N 54.5E this was normal! - what was unusual was that it
vanished when viewed through a blue Wratten 38A filter (this
filter absorbs red, UV, and some green light). The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1980 Oct 12 at UT23:30 D.Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x75, seeing 10/10) observed the crater to be glowing faintly
- photos showed it to be blue. Cameron 2006 TLP catalog ID=113 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 Apr 10 at UT01:30-02:00 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x64, seeing excellent) observed that Earthshine was not as
good as the previous night "~1/4 In 1825 Apr 22 at UT0030 Argelander (England) and Gobel (Koburg,
Germany) saw the following in the vicinity of Aristarchus: "Points of
light in center. In low magn. appeared as a small star, somewhat
scintillating. At higher magn. became larger & diffused. (date 1824 ?
Ref. refers to a ref. dated 1824 -- If so age would have been 23rd"
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=107 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1821 May 06 at UT 21:45 Ward (England? Large aperture
telescope, x80), Bailey (England?) and Olbers (Bremen, Germany,
refractor) observed in the Earthlit part of the Moon an apperent small
comet like feature extended from Aristarchus towards Grimaldi. The
light was similar to a glow worm. The observer had never seen anything
like it. The cameron 1978 catalog ID=89 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1903 Mar 03 at UT 20:00 Gheury (London, UK) observed a star-like
point in the dark side in Sharp(?) "Gray-blue marbling, glimmering,
intermittent. (indep. confrm. of Rey?)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
316 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
In 1937 Feb 15 at UT 16:00? Arkhipov (Russia) observed in Cassini:
"Blue-greenish scintillating spots at bottom of crater were vis. on
ashen light background. (confirm of Andrenko?)". The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=419 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1939 Feb 23 at UT 23:00 Andrenko (Sao Paulo?, Brazil)
observed Aristarchus as a bright spot -- bluish (Cameron says
confirmation of Malakhov), The cameron 1978 catalog ID=445 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Jul 19 at UT 06:30 Whelan (Wellington, New Zealand) observed a
pulsating glow in Aristarchus crater, extending towards the north. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1162 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1970 apr 11 atUT 05:29 Lucas (San Diego, CA, USA, 10" refelctor,
seeing=fair) and others (Oregon, USA) obtained a photometric record of
light level changes in Grimaldi crater. Visible reports by others
during the same time. The photometer paper chart pen moved off scale on
a 10mV scale adjusted to 1000mV. The peaks correlate with the visible
observers from California and Oregon. Bright flashes, 3-5 events
(confirmation during the Apollo 13 watch). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
1237 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Messier 1981 Sep 03 UT 19:15-19:55 Observed by Evans (England, 254mm
Newtonian, seeing II-III, transparency fair). "Messier was under going
obscuration" BAA Lunar Section Circular report. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 Mar 23 at UT 01:15-01:30 M. Wisniewski (Chicago, IL, USA, S=F)
observed that Aristarchus was the brightest (mag 5), and only feature
visible in Earthshine. It had the appearance of a steady blue-white
star like point. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA) though observed other
features as well: Proclus, Theophilus, Cyrillus and Censorinus - all of
which were normal. The cameron 2006 catalog ID=319 and the weight=0.
The ALPO/BAA weight-1.
Sirsalis 1990 Mar 01 UT18:30-19:45 M. Holmes (Rochdale, UK,
21.5cm Newtonian, seeing Antoniadi I/II, Transparency very
good) was observing in earthine and saw an intense blue spot
"wink on" near to Sirsalis (sketch shows location on SE rim),
until clouded out at 18:30. When the sky cleared at 19:15UT
the spot was still visible but fainter, with a halo, the size
of Sirsalis A. By 19:35 there was a loss of detail, region
only a faint patch of light covering area twice the size of
Sirsalis crater. Clouded out permanently at 19:45UT. Cameron
2006 catalog event #392, weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cusps 1953 Apr 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England, 15"?
reflector) "Faint extension of the cusps. (high peaks in sunlight)."
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID 558.
Cusps 1953 Apr 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England, 15"?
reflector) "Faint extension of the cusps. (high peaks in sunlight)."
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #558.
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 1967 Jul 20 at UT 07:00 Whelan, (Wellington, New Zealnd) saw a
pulsating glow from Aristarchus crater, and this continued, although
less pronounced. This was during the apolo 11 watch. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1172 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1974 Feb Weith-Knudson (Copenhagen, Denmark, 12" refrlector, x72)
observed a magnitude 7.7 flash (comparison between SAO093043=mag 7,8
and SAO093052 mag=7.5 that happened to lie in the field of view at the
time) in Earthshine. The observer speculates whether this was a lunar
meteorite impact or a reflection from an artificial satellite (or
indeed as Cameron suggests from an Earth meteor?). The cameron 1978
catalog ID=1388 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus NW ray 2003 Sep 02 UTC 02:20-03:35 Observed by Haas (Las
Cruces, NM, USA) "Everyone knows the bright ray running northwest from
Proclus. In this view from 2:20 to 2:36, UT on September 2 I remarked a
thin, pink southwest border to the ray. One thinks of chromatic
aberration, and the position supports this interpretation; but other
bright lunar features showed no such effect. The pink border lay 1 to
2.5 diameters away from Proclus (S=2, T=3.5). At 2:55, UT (S=1-2, S=
3.5) the border was gone; neither its appearance nor disappearance was
observed. At 03:25 UT there is no sign of the pink border (S=2, T=3),
moreover the Moon was lower, so atmospheric dispersion must be greater
by now? 12.5" Newtonian x321 at 02:20-02:36, x202 at other times.?"
Note that experiments to simulate spurious colour using Adobe Photoshop
were able to recreate colour in the correct place on the NW ray -
however there should have been colour reported on the SW ray too and
there was no mention of this, therefore the observational report is
intriguing. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
M. Price of Camberley, UK noticed that an area in relation
to the central area of the floor could not be resolved. Averted
vision was used, but this did not help to resolve detail. The crater
was close to the terminator and was in general sharply in focus
apart from the suspect area. No spurious colour seen. Sketch
supplied.P. Foley wonders if the effect was due to the resolution
limit of Price's scope? Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=78
and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=2. 6" reflector x64 and x120.
Seeing=III-IV and Transparency=good.
On 1969 Jul 20 at UT 0845 McIntosh (Auckland, New Zealand, 14"
reflector) saw Aristarchus crater to be brighter in red light. This was
during the Apollo 11 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1173 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1990 Mar 02 at UT 19:35-19:50 P. Williamson (Shropshire, UK, 14"
reflector, x178, seeing=good and steady) noticed a yellow-orange glow
in Gassendi (from a small illumnated crater?) in Earthshine at 19:35UT
and by 19:40UT it had become very bright white, afterwhich it
completely faded within 10 minutes. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=393 and
the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1975 Mar 18 at UT17:30 M.Kidger (Winterbourne Down, Bristol, UK,
60mm refractor, x36, very good conditions with a very sharp image and
the sky was almost perfectly clear apart from a very few small clouds).
In Mare Crisium it was observed that only a ray of Proclus could be
seen to cross the floor - normally there are at least four craters
visible inside mare Crisium on good nights and at least one being
visible under bad conditions. So despite it being very clear and the
image quality being good, the observer found it odd that no craters
were visible on the floor of mare Crisium. This is a BAA Lunar Section
report. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Observations made by Challis of Cambridge, and N. Pogson of Hartwell,
both of the UK. Before the occultation, Saturn's rings were
distorted. A dark border was seen around the Moon. Just before
re-appearance a sea green colour was noticed. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=5 and weight=2-5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1993 Dec 19 at UT 16:00-17:00 S. Beaumont (Cambridge, UK, 12"
reflector, x230) observed in Theophilus that the "c.p. > reddish brown
tint to SW (on peak?)" but suspected that it was probably spurious
colour, however no colour was seen later. The ALPO/BAA catalog ID=469
and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1855 Jun 20 at UT 21:00 T.W. Webb (England) observed a trace of
twilight (Cameron says also seen by Gruithuisen, Henry and others at
times). Webb gives a low weight to his own observation, saying "for
want of better optical means". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=130 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Sabine 1967 Sep 11 UT 00:32,00:45 Observers: Jean at al. (27 obs., 21
telescopes, Montreal, Canada, 3-6" refractors, reflectors) "A black,
rectangular-shaped cloud vis. in M.Tranquill, moving W-E (IAU ?) &
dissipated nr. term., surrounded by viol. colour. Bright yellow flash
at 00:45, (obs. in response to request to obs. impact of Surveyor V at
0046) NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1043. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Theophilus 1972 May 19 UT 23:48 Theophilus observed by Ruchatz (51N
10E, 60mm refractor, T=4, S=2) "Diminution of brightness of the S wall
for a short time" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30
(1984), p53-61.
On 1985 Jun 14 UT 21:16-21:40 Observed by A.C. Cook Frimley, UK,
30cm reflector, seeing IV, transparency moderate, very litle
spectral dispersion noticed - Wratter 25 and 44a filters used)
UT 21:16-21:19 Censorinus slightly brighter in red and more
detail seen. Observed other features before and after this.
Checked again UT21:31-21:40 - same appearance. Torricelli and
Torricelli B in comparison looked normal with other craters of
similar size. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus NW ray 2003 Sep 03 UTC 02:46-03:07 Observed by Haas (Las
Cruces, NM, USA) "The curious reddish edge to the conspicuous bright
ray running N2 from Proclus is seen again (x321, x366 (S=1-3, T=3.5-
2.5). It lies on the SW side of the ray, with no corresponding blue
border on its NE edge. The effect persists as the Moon drifts across
the whole eyepiece field. However at 03:46 (x202) the coloured edge is
not recognized now, but perhaps only because of worse conditions (S=3,
T=2) 12.5" Newtonian reflector used." The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2010 Apr 20 some time between UT 22:00 and 23:00 I.
Bryukhanov (Minsk, Zeiss Refractor at the Minsk planetarium)
observed an orange-brown tint a little to the west of Zollner
and Kant craters. Apparently images were obtained. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1988 Jul 21 at UT 01:00? an Unknown observer (name and geographical
position not given in the cameron catalog) detected a darkening on the
floor of Proclus crater - this was also seen by other observers - some
of whom were making observations independently. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=330 and the weight=1.
On 1969 Jul 20 at UT09:30 Whelan (Wellington, New Zealand, 10"
and 6" reflectors. Other observers involved were: Mackrell
(New Zealand, 6" reflector) and Spellman (4" reflector)
observed Maskelyne crater undergoing a whitish glowing
brightening. Shadowy filling of whole crater. Apollo 11 watch.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1179 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Posidonius 1969 May 23 UT 11:35-12:45 Observed by Osawa (Hyogo-ken,
Japan, 8" reflector x286) "W.(ast. ?) rim of crater was yellow in
integ. light, brownish to deep yellow in filter, with no blink.
Hue seen thruout obs. (true ground color? or seeing ? or true LTP?)
thin clouds. (Apollo 10 watch)". NASA catalog weight=3 average. NASA
catalog ID #1141.
On 1970 Apr 13 at UT09:00-09:03 Whelan (Walters, New Zealand, using a
10" reflector) observed Menelaus to have a deep red cloud that seemed
to surge upward from outside the southern edge of the crater wall and
disperse around the outside edge, spreading out on reaching Mare
Serentiatis. All clear again though by 09:03UT, (Apollo 13 watch).
Drawing supplied. Cameron 978 catalog ID=1246 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Large plume-like diffuse cloud over central peak, very
large compared to central peak (@ approx 30km diameter)
with intensity much different from other parts. Brightness
between walls and shadowed floor. Would take 3 minutes to
collapse, so continuously fed. 13-14 days later, at SS,
central peak was normal. Kuiper took photos after Kozyrev's
observations, but saw nothing abnormal. Drawing. Haas saw
nothing in 12inch reflector at the time. Cameron 1978
catalog TLP ID=705 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1960 Jan 06 UT 18:00 Observed by Warner and Hole (London,
England, 18" refractor and 24" reflector, Moon blink used) "Red spot.
Hole saw this on several other occasions(indep. confirm)." NASA catalog
weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID 727.
Alphonsus 1966 Jun 26 UT 04:30-04:40 Observed visually by
D.Harris and E.Arriola (Whittier, CA, USA, 19" reflector x146,
and spectrum, S=4, T=1-0) "Absorp. spectrum (visual) of c.p.
band at 475+/-5nm (1st est.); 2nd est. at 485+/-5nm. Band
degraded towards the viol. Band nr.Hydrogen Beta. as if
abnormally broadened. So sign of anything unusual visually in
central peak in white light. Absorption appeared only on C.P.,
not over walls. Calibration corrections put band at 491+/-4nm"
NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #948. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Near archimedes 2001 Sep 25 UT 08:30 Observed by Try (Whangarei, New
Zealand, 4" f/10 reflector) "observed two possible L.T.Ps. on the edge
of the terminator near the crater Archimedes. They appeared to be two
bright points of light about the size of Mount Piton. They seem to
form a triangle with Mount Piton. He observed them for two hours and
they were still visible when he ended his observing session. He was
observing with a 4" f10 reflector. Then Moon age was 7.9 days old and
the colongitude was 4.83. submitted a drawing showing the area where
the lights were observed." ALPO report. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Jansen 1966 Aug 24 UT 04:15-04:25 Observed by deBerard (Flossmoor, IL,
USA, 6" reflector, x360, S=V, moonblink used) "Bright green glow --
using red & blue filters & green polariz. filter." NASA catalog weight=
3 (average). NASA catalog ID #965.
On 1988 Jul 22 at UT 02:15-04:00 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 11"
reflector) made a sketch of a dark area of the (East) floor of
Proclus that revealed a large anomalous dark region - there
should be no shade here when the sun is at an altitude of above
50 deg!. BAA lunar section archives reveal similar dark shadings
- however on this night it was a different shaped dark area. The
appearance was confirmed by several observers. Foley reported
that the region affected stretched from Proclus to Theophilus.
The TLP was seen in the USA too by D, Darling as early as
01:31UT and by others on his TLP network - brightness
measurements of the "c.p." were 3.5 and the remainder of the
floor was 5.5. However the observers did not all agree on the
same position for this dark area. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
331 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
2009 Apr 13 UT 18:55-20:00 J. Adee (UK) and later A. Jarwaski (UK) saw
Mons Pico to be incredibly bright. Adee reported naked eye visibility,
though this does not show up in later CCD images. Jarwaski saw another
nearby Mt very bright as well. This has been assigned an ALPO/BAA
weight of 1, though I suspect it is just normal for Pico to get quite
bright at sunrise.
Patches of brightness seen in the area between craters Aratus and Joy.
Seemed to the observer to be perhaps slightly brighter than one would
expect - the observer thought that their observation only barely
constitured a TLP but decided to send the report in anyway. This
has been assigned an ALPO/BAA weight of 1.
Herschel 2005 Aug 13 UT 00:07-00:29 Observed by Daniel del Valle
Hernandez (Aguadilla, PR, 8"SCT, x225, S=7, T=4) "Interesting
configuration of shadows with umbra and penumbra. Effect seemed to
reduce over time." An ALPO report. The ALPO/BAA report=2.
Flash seen in Ptolemaeus (A?) - possibly a meteor. Cameron 1978
catalog weight=1. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=863.
On 1941 Jan 06 at UT04:00 Barcroft (Madera, CA, USA, 6"
reflector) saw an anomalous shadow in Arzachel crater. Cameron
1978 catalog ID=482 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1970 Jul 11 UT 20:35-20:45 Observed by Dean, Jamieson,
Sparks (Ruislip, ------, England, 6" relector x156) "Dean saw
something in Proclus, alerted Jamieson who saw nothing unusual
at 2043h, but tho't Secchi was quite bright. At 2035 Sparks saw
Proc. fluctuate. Red & blue filters showed some reduction in
brightness. E. edge showed darkening, but not as dark as in
shadows. 10 min later, returned to normal. (Sparks confirmed
Dean)." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1267. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
1970 Jul 11 UT 20:35-20:45 During a TLP alert for Proclus, Jamieson
saw nothing unusual, but found instead that Secchi was quite bright.
NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #1267. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1994 Apr 19 at UT 00:00 P. Kursewicz (Epping, NH, USA) observed a
dark patch surrounding Picard crater. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1918 May 20 UT 18:00? Observed by Markov (Russia) "Brightness in
shadow of the light sector & 1 spot" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #369. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Sep 15 at UT 05:20-05:24 Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
8" reflector and 3" refractor, seeing poor) found that the west wall of
Eimmart was unusually bright (8.3) and apparently it was almost as
bright as the "WEBS(of Aris?) at its brightest". The crater was
apparently normal again on Sep 20 and 26. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
228 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1970 Apr 15 UT 05:38-05:40,05:51-05:53 Observed by Cross
(Las Cruces, NM, USA, 108mm Schiefspiegler or 152mm refractor,
S=6, T=5.5=VG). The observer noted a lack of detail inside the
crater floor, despite visibility of detail outside the crater.
Spectra were normal for color. (obs. similar to historic
reports. Apollo 13 watch?)" NASA catalog weight=1 and catalog ID
#1253. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1989 Jun 12 at UT 21:18-22:25 G. North (Herstmonceaux, UK,
Coude, seeing=V) noted at 21:18UT that Torricelli B was
"barely visible"- possibly this was seeing related. M. Cook
(Frimley, UK, 8" reflector, seeing=IV) found Toricelli B to be
ëxtremely dull - impossible to judge shadows on floor in
contrast to Cens." Holmes (Rockdale, England, UK, 8"
reflector, seeing=II-III) at UT21:30 also found Toricelli B
difficult to find at magnifications less than 200x. Cameron
comments that "Dulling is common on it at high Sun but
illumination doesn't seem to be the cause or related". The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=365 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1958 Dec 19 UT 20:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, UK)
described in the NASA catalog as: "Reddish patch on central
peak" 15" reflector used. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalof
TLP ID No. 711. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Eratosthenes 1954 May 11 UTC 20:00 Observer: Catermole (UK, 3"
refractor) "Central peak invis. tho surroundings were sharp".
NASA catalog ID #563, NASA weight=4 (high). ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alpetragius 1889 Sep 4 UTC 02:30-03:00 Observed by E.E. Barnard (Lick
Observatory, CA, USA, 36" refractor x150, x700) "Shadow of CP diffused
& pale. Entire inside of crater seemed filled with haze or smoke. Shad.
of E.wall was black & sharp. CP & floor seen thru haze. No other
craters showed this appear. (date&time rep't=Sep3, 1830L.T)." N.B. Sun
above the horizon at 02:30 - sun sets at Lick at 02:37! NASA catalog
weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #264. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1982 Nov 24 UT 22:00-23:30. K.P. MArshall (Columbia, 12"
reflector, x100, x200, x480, seeing III, reasonably steady, but
some turbulence. No craters could be seen on Plato's floor,
despite observing conditions being acceptable. The floor was
evenly toned, and the walls were sharply defined. By 23:10 there
was a suspicion that the central craterlet was there, but he
could not quite make it out, even with averted vision. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1988 Jul 23 at UT03:07 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12"
reflector, x150, seeing = 6/10) discovered that the dark area on the
floor of Proclus, seen earlier by UK observers was still present, but
less so (?) and the shape changed. When viewed through a green filter
it was less distinct. "Change with two other filters. Polarizer gave a
circular shape with a knot on SE side & W58 in White." The measured
brightness of Proclus was 9 on three sides and 8.5 on its west rim. The
floor was 5.5, but the dark spot was 4. Alphonsus, Bullialdus,
Copernicus, Eratosthenes, Plato and Ptolemeaus were all normal. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=332 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Tycho observed by G. North (UK) seen to have greyness
inside parts of its shadow. Confirmed by J.D. and M.C. Cook
Possibly light scattered of illuminated wall into shadow
or highland starting to break through the shadow.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1952 Apr 04 UT 02:45 Observer: T.A.Cragg (Mt Wilson, CA,
USA, 31cm reflector, x420, seeing fairly good, transparency
fair) - Obscur. of floor (seen a few hours after Wilkins & Moore
obs. confirm.?) " - indeed Haas in Stolling Astronomer 2002 Vol
45, p29 states that Cragg was amazed to see Plato's floor with
absolutely nothing on it! He was able to draw details elsewhere
in other features. NASA catalog weight=5. NASA TLP ID No. #551.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1972 Apr 22 at UT 17:30-18:15 Iwanoff (60mm refractor, 1000mm focal
length,transparency 3 out of 5 and seeing 3 out of 5, located at 53deg
5' N and 8deg 45'E) At Censorinus a diffuse bright area, greater than
the crater itself, yellow to white in colour. Published in Hilbrecht
and Kuveler, Moon and Planets, 30 (1984) p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1962 Sep 09 at UT 01:42-02:00 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
5" reflector, x180, S=5-4, T=3) observed in Agrippa the shadow
of the central peak to be grayish, not much darker than the
floor, estimated at 3deg bright, whereas on 1962 Jul 12, at col
28deg, in the 5" telescope the dhadow was anormal black and
sharply defined against the floor which was 3 deg bright. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=768 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Shadow of central peak barely distinguishable.
Residual wall shadow normal black. Landslip very
conspicuous, 10 deg bright. Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID=1040 and weight=4. Cameron 2006 Catalog
Extension ID=12 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1986 May 18 at UT 20:45-22:25 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, seeing II-
IV) found that the central craterlet of Plato was an ëasily seen "white
splodge" although it was quite difficult to see when imaged with video.
Foley and Cameron comment on IR sensitivity of the CCD camera used. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=285 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1974 Mar 3 at UT 19:06-20:20 J-H Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon,
UK, 10" refractor, x200, seeing=poor) got a Moon Blink reaction
on the South east wall of Plato, adjacent to the rim shadow and
alerted the BAA TLP network. Ford reported a negtive result at
19:35UT, although Robinson was still getting a blink reaction at
19:40UT, albeit fainter, red at times. Findlay at 19:43-19:52
and 20:00-20:05 saw nothing unusual. Robinson at 19:56UT no
longer saw a blink, but it returned at 20:05UT. Light in bothred
and blue filters. Not steady, but coming and going and gone at
20:09UT. Moore at 19:59-21:00, kennedy at 20:12-20:30, Taylor at
20:48-21:03 and Fitton at 20:05UT all got negative results. The
latter time coincides with Robinson's second blink reaction.
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1390 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 Jul 24 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12" reflector,
x150, S=7/10, T=3) observed the following in Proclus: "At 0213
the previously observed gray area was 1/3 of July 22 and V
shaped and fanned out across the floor. Could see hint of knot
seen before. Craters named in 7/23/88 (#319) were all normal
this time too". Is it possible that this report refers to the
crater "Gray" rather than "Proclus" as the column field suggests
in the Cameron catalog? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=333 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight=2.
On 1981 Sep 08 at UT 21:28-21:34 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, seeing
III-IV and trasnaparency good) observed a light orange transparent
cloud extending from the north east inner corner across over the floor
of Plato. Camero comments that this report was confirmed by 3 othr
observers. The shape of this clud varied. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
153 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Dawes 1973 Feb 12-23 UT 22:30-01:20 Observed by Porter (Narragansett?,
RI, USA, 6" reflector x96, S=9, T=0-4, alt=55-75deg?) "Brightening of
some of permanent pts. monitored while others stayed steady & normal
brightness. (Other nites' obs. suggest that he saw end of dimming event
& return to normal). Distinct fluctuations." NASA catalog weight=4
(good). NASA catalog ID #1361.
On 1963 Nov 27 at UT 03:00 Olivarez (New Jersey?, USA, 17" reflector)
and Fisher (Colfax, CA, 8" reflector, x300) observed a red glow in
Anaximander in the dark part of the Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
784 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1963 Nov 27 at UT 03:00 Olivarez (New Jersey?, USA, 17"
reflector) observed a red glow in Aristarchus in the dark
part of the Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
784 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 Dec 29 at UT 17:45-18:20 Crick (Merchtem, Belgium, 6"
reflector, x140, seeing=III) found a violet spot in the NW inner wall.
The floor was obscured of detail on the northern half. All other
regions studied appeared normal. Observer unsure if this was a TLP or
spurious colour. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=80 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Gassendi 1979 Dec 29 UTC 20:09-22:04 - Observer: Cook (Frimley, Surrey,
UK) "Colour seen - almost certainly spurious colour and not a TLP".
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 May 24 at UT 20:00? 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.
Alphonsus - 1966 Aug 27 UTC 06:05-06:25 observed by Haris, Eastman,
Bornhusrt, Cameron, astronet observers (Tucson, AZ, USA - 21" reflector
x200) and by Corralitos observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24"
reflector) "W. dark-haloed area varying & the small dark-haloed (40%)
area also varying. Seen by others present incl. the author (WBC) who
attributes the variations to "seeing". Not confirmed by Corralitos MB."
NASA catalog weight=1 (low). NASA catalog ID=968.
Ross D area - 1966 Aug 27 UT 06:06-06:25 observed by Harris, Eastman,
Bornhusrt, Cameron, astronet observers (Tucson, AZ, USA - 21" reflector
x200) and by Corralitos observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24"
reflector) "Obscuration on E. wall, bright area E. of crater at its
brightest. (I (WSC) was present at obs. but did not note anything not
attributable to bad seeing, but am not familiar with the area in normal
aspect. Others present did not see anything unusual, but Bornhurst &
Eastman confirmed). Corralitos Obs. found due to changing light
conditions. NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID=967.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 Jul 25 at UT03:15 H. Davis (Madison, WI, USA) stated that
Proclus was normal apart from a "slightly darker area in SW (Ast) SE
(IUE) corner." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=334 and the weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Callipus and vicinity 1973 Feb 13 UT 23:16-23:50 Observed by Frank
(E.Pepperell, Massachusetts, USA, 6" reflector x100, Seeing=good,
altitude=45 deg). "Large dark patch, albedo=3 present E. of Calippus.
Drawing. (Shows it into Callippus also). Never seen before or since.
Albedo normal (4.5) at 2350h. (obs. monitors Callippus in ALPO-LTP
program)." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1362.
On 1975 Mar 23 at UT 20:40 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) found a brownish
colour on the north west wall. This is a BAA Lunar Section report. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Bullialdus 1979 Oct 31 UT 20:20-20:30 G.W. Amery (Reading, UK)
observed a plateau area to be dark and distinct in blue light
(Wratten 44a), but only just visibly in red (Wratten 25) and
yellow light. Observer wonders if this is natural surface
colour? ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi - 1966 Sep 25 UT 20:20-20:50 observed by Moore and
Moseley(Armagh, N.Ireland, 10" refracfor x140) "Reddish patches,
regarded dubious, owing to low altitude of the Moon". NASA
catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID #981. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1891 Oct 14 at UT 18:00 Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw is Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column and visibility of craterlets A, C and F
(Plate B) in early period at Peru. Directional vaporjet towards F
varied but was always continuous. Later, in Musa. There was a break in
it. D was quiescent in early period. (due to change in telescope &
atmosphere ? Time estimated from given colongitude)." Cameron 1978
catalog ID=273 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1973 Feb 14 UTC 18:31-18:34 observed by Fuger (49N, 8.42E,
75mm refractor, T=1, S=2) "Violet colours on S. of the crater" -
Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-61
On 1992 Mar 16 at UT 00:39-01:14 D. Weier (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 11"
reflector) at 00:39UT noted some soft, diffused, faint ïllumination
within the shadow projected over the Cobra Head area, though it had a
sharp appearance to the edge of the shadow. D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI,
USA, 11" reflector) was taking photographs from UT 00:51 and making
drawings and visual descriptions. The first 3 photographs in the
sequence have the crater as normal. Four other photographs reveal an
abnormality. Seeing conditions were excellent and a great deal of
surface detail was seen inside Aristarchus crater - however the
apeparance of the Cobra's Head was "washed out" and again shadows near
to this were illuminated. The NASA catalog ID=442 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1993 Apr 03 at 23:39UT C. Adams (FL, USA, 24" reflector, x168)
noticed a "translucent orange" colour in Gassendi crater within a 35deg
sector (apex at the centre) - row of 3 central peaks extending west -
the western central peak appeared as a dome with a summit craterlet.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=450 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1993 Apr 03 at 23:39UT D. Weier (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 7x50
binoculars) observed 2 flashes within the Proclus crater. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=450 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2001 Aug 30 at UT20:35-21:15 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK) found a dimming
in the central peak of Alphonsus, however it had returned to normal by
Aug 31 UT 00:29-00:50UT when A.C. Cook (Alexandria, VA, USA, 8"
reflector) examined the area, though there were some slight brightness
variations that were attributed to seeing conditions. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Cavendish 1956 Jan 24 UTC 20:34-20:45 Observed by Houghton and Warner
(England) "Variable flashes seen from W. inner(?) wall of crater, then
a little inside the terminator. Flashes began with a bright glare at
20:34, were very bright for ~3 min, then faded. Flash rate
approximately every 1.5 sec. Other point like peaks did not flash. Also
indications were seen of reflections of flashes from E. (inner?) wall
and the crater's floor was faintly lit by a glare. Ref: Strolling
Astronomer p27, Vol 45, 2003. 17cm reflector x230. Seeing good-
excellent. NASA catalog assigns this observation a weight of 4 (good).
NASA TLP ID No. #631.
Hislop of England? saw Aristarchus as nebulous at the centre, despite
the fact that elsewhere features were well defined. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=246 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1982 Nov 27 UT 20:13-01:00 J-H Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon,
UK) found that the bands of Aristarchus were clearer in red than in
blue light. North found that the sunlit part of the crater was very
bright. M. Cook described the crater as a "kaleidoscope of colour.
Foley observed UT 23:05-01:00 (Kent, UK, Antionadi III, Transparency
Moderate) - Colouration Seen - Ref: BAA Lunar Section Circular. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=190 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1985 Jun 29 at UT 22:56 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing poor)
observed that Torricelli B looked as bright as a mountain to its south
west - no colour was seen. Cameron comments that this was similar to
Marshall's 1985 Jul 1 observation. The cameron 2006 catalog ID=278 and
the weight=3.
Herodotus 1971 Jul 05 UT 03:48 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: Pseudo-c.p. I=
4(albdeo) appeared to cast a distinct shadow. 1st time seen.
(Apollo 15 photo shows an apparent slight elev. nr. center --
very very low hills? 5" refelctor x79,283x, NASA catalog weight=1
(low). ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Promontory LaPlace 1977 Jan 31 UT 20:49-23:00 Observed by Foley
(England, 11.75" reflector, x360), Prout (England, 4" refractor or
reflector?), Findlay (Dundee, Scotland, 10" reflector, x180, S=VG),
Ford (Dundee, Scotland), Mooney (Dundee, Scotland) "With filters in
eyepiece, tho't he saw a possible darkening in the blue but no
variation in red. Altho. a deep shadow is normal to the W. of the cape
at this period, (then cape must have a slope > 30deg!). he wondered if
shad. was more extensive than usual? Prout noted a dark inky coma-
shaped spot. Dundee obs. concluded it was a shadow. Took photos.
Analysis of them was underway at time of rep't." NASA catalog weight=5
(very high). NASA catalog ID #1462.
On 1963 Nov 28 at UT 05:00-06:00 Greenacre, Barr, Hall and
Dungan (Flagstaff, AZ, USA, 24" refractor) observed a deep violet
area form on the western exterior of Aristarchus, and a less deep
violet area form to the eastern edge of Aristarchus. As these
were becoming stronger, a blue-like haze formed on the sunlit
floor of Aristarchus, that obscured underlying detail. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1997 Oct 13 at UT11:09-11:21 D. Rodway (Oamaru, South Island, New
Zealand, 8.5" reflector, x270) saw a deep salmon-pink colouration in
the south east corner interior of the crater Aristarchus. This colour
was confirmed by the observers wife. By 11:21 UT the colour had faded
completely. Rodway had been a lunar observer since 1958, using a wide
range of instruments from 3 inch refractors to 12 inch reflectors and
had observed a TLP in Gassendi back in 1966 (from L'ondon, UK), and so
was an experienced observer. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
E. of Picard 1948 Aug 16/17 UTC 22:30-02:26 Observed by Moore & Baum
(Chester, UK) described in NASA catalog as: "2 areas E. of Picard
appeared featureless. Cloud-like patches, 12(?)inch reflector. NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID No. #509.
Alphonsus 1966 Aug 28 UTC 06:00-08:00 Observers from Astronet (Tucson,
AZ, USA). NASA catalog states: "Brightenings in 2 dark patches & near
fainter (40%) dark patch (40% of way from the c.p. to W. wall). 21"
x200 reflector used. NASA catalog weight=2 (poor). NASA catalog TLP ID
No. 969.
On 1975 Mar 24 at UT19:08-19:45 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) observed blueness
in the North East (Classical?) corner of Aristarchus. Moon blink seen -
pale in red. Most other observers clouded out. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Herodotus 2002 Sep 18 UT 22:00 Observed by Raffaello Lena (GLR,
Italy). Event described was of two pseudo-peak/hill-like
features, one on the southern floor of the crater, and another
just slightly to the NW of the centre. on the southern
floor of the crater. Lena suspects a combination of seeing
effects and albedo markings on the floor. However this effect of
two spots on the floor has not been repeated again.For further
information, theory, and a sketch please see Fig
5 in this web link:
http://utenti.lycos.it/gibbidomine/analisi123.htm ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Aristarchus 2014 Dec 04 UT 03:14-03:15 M.P. Homan (Grand Rapids,
MI, USA, Nikon P520 x48) 11 digital images taken. These show
possible blue colour in the Aristarchus area e.g. on the ray
between Herodotus an Aristarchus. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1915 Jul 24 at UT 22:00? Barabashovihi (Russia) observed a TLP on
the west limb: "When phi Strettsa (?) approached the edge but still
separated, the star began to stretch in a belt 3X its own length & then
instantly disappeared. Probably no significant atm. or vapors. (similar
to other reports of fading occult. Gives limb as E. but that is in ast.
convention)". The 1978 Cameon catalog ID= 357 and weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Schickard 1944 Aug 31 UTC 21:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England)
described in the NASA catalog as: "Saw a mist in it which was gone next
nite. interor was dotted with white spots, contrasting sharply with
dark areas. All very clear on Aug 15 at sunset". 8.5" reflector. NASA
catalog weight=4 {high). NASA catalog TLP ID No. #492. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Plato 1976 Jan 14 UT 20:50 Observed by J.H-Robinson (Teignmouth,
UK, 26cm Newtonian, Wratten 25 and 44a filters, x200, seeing
fair to poor). The Plato floor patches were clearer in red than
in blue light. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2010 Apr 27 at UT 00:10-00:30 and 01:45-02:00 P. Grego (St
Dennis, UK, 20 and 30cm reflectors) noticed a craterlet just
to the east of Briggs and an E-W trending lineament or wrinkle
ridge that did not show on NASA LAC charts. Further checks did
not reveal it on Lunar Orbiter mosaics, but the craterlets
(and not the E-W trending ridge) were visible in LROC
topography data. The ridge is possibly a very low relief
feature that shows only under very shallow illumination
conditions. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 until we get confirmation at
repeat illumination.
Aristarchus 1967 Sep 17 UTC 02:05-02:21 Observers: Delano (Fall River,
MA, USA) and Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA). The former
used a 12.5" reflector at 400x and the latter a 24" reflector. The NASA
catalog states the following: "A rimtop cratelet on SW rim appeared
almost as bright as c.p. thru a Wratten 25 filter (red) but no brighter
than a lower central wall & rim thru a Wratten 48 (blue) filter. Inner
W. slope of craterlet displayed a bright red color which became less &
less noticeable until 0212h It was no longer brighter than other parts.
At 0217 it flared again brighter red for 1m. (indep. confirm. of
Seeliger for activity in Aris. ?) Corralitos MB did not confirm. NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog TLP ID No. #1045.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Oenopides-Selecucus 1951 Aug 15 UT 13:11 T,Osawa (Japan)
observed a brownish tinge to the terminator region in the
vicinity of these two craters. ALPO/BAA weight=1,
On 1975 Mar 25 at UT18:50-20:50 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK) observed
blue/grey in Aristarchus. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Sep 20 at UT 05:08-06:13 Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor, x150, seeing poor and chromatic aberation on the limb)
detected "purple"in the vicinity of Aristarchus crater and this was
stongest on the north and north west external rims, however there was
no "violet glare"from inside the crater. However the region of the
central peak was very bright - though he could not detect the central
peak. The brightness of the TLP was 4.5 and it should normally be 3
(nimbus area). Near the "big plain"it was 7. The chromatic aberation
seen on the crater. There was also violet on the northen wall of
Herodotus crater and the Cobra Head. Ït appeared dark blue in the blue
filter", the surrounds remained gray". Apparently on the 26th the"ring
was still dark with faint violet - nearly normal". Cameron comments
that the TLP was due to spurious colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
229 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1975 Mar 25 at UT19:59-20:02 P.W. Foley (Wilmington, Dartford, Kent,
UK, 30cm Newtownian) observed blueness along the inner southern wall of
Plato. This is a BAA report. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1985 Jul 01 at 02:00-03:00 UT K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia)
observed thatTorricelli B was very bright - verified using a C.E.D. No
colour was seen though. the Cameron 2006 catalog ID=279 and the weight=
4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
(65E, 56N) near Endymion & Mare Humboldt 1968 Jun 10 UT 02:35 Observed
by Provenmire, Robinson et al. (Hamburg, PA, USA, 6" reflector x105,
Seeing=good, alt=20deg) "While waiting for reappearance of Antares from
a grazing occultation at 13+/-4deg P.A. saw a prolonged blue flash
lasting from minimum of 1/2 to a max. of 2.0 s. Several others along
obs. path of several miles also saw it so not a local phenom. (located
38 deg from cusp, azimuth=157 deg?)" NASA catalog weight=5 (very good).
NASA catalog ID #1078.
On 1971 Apr 09 at UT 22:30-23:05 N. Brown (Huntington, York, UK, 37cm
reflector, x252) noted that the bands in Aristarchus were noticeably
more prominent in blue light than in red. This has no entry in the 1978
Cameron catalog. It has an ALPO/BAA weight of 2.
Aristarchus 1939 Dec 27 UT 08:00? Observed by Barcroft (Madera, CA,
USA, 6" reflector) "Faint bluish mist on inner W. wall (according to
Firsoff it was right after SR, but this can't be as age=16d & SR comes
at 11d)" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #464.
Aristarchus 1964 Aug 26 UT 02:00-03:00 Observed by Genatt, Reid,
(Greenbelt, MD, 16" reflector, x360, S=P-G), and Lindenblad
(Washington, DC, USA, 26" refractor) "Red and Blue bands. Grew
thinner & shorter. Alerted Naval Obs. One obs. tho't he saw
Phenom. but not sure. (confirmation ?). (prof. astronomers, but
not lunar observers)" NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA
catalog ID #844. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1940 Dec 02 at 00:00? Vaughan (Des Moines, Iowa, USA, 3" reflector)
observed Aristarchus in the dark part as a bright spot. The cameron
1978 catalog ID=480 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1978 Jan 11 at UT15:30 S.R. Markov, V.V. Davidenko, and A.R. Kharkov
(Ukraine, 10.5" reflector and 1340mm scope) observed a TLP between
Adams and Hase (66.5E, 29S). Photos taken (more than half) show a
bright luminous spot of size 60x70km. The effect lasted 30 seconds. The
Cameron 2005 catalog ID=22 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4
until we have checked checked out the original report.
On 1988 Apr 19 at UT 01:15-04:00 J. Horne (Steadman, NC, USA, 8"
reflector, S=4/10) took photographs of the Moon's Earthshine (appeared
in the Aug 1988 Sky and telescope magazine). Aristarchus was bright. In
addition several members of the Madison Astronomical Society also found
the crater to be bright and one of them saw streaks and flashes from
the crater. Manske (8" reflector, x97, + binoculars, S=E) found the
crater to be "abnornormally bright" where as other craters in
Earthshine were just normal. Fryback's (Madison, WI, USA, 8" reflector,
S=VG) photographs confirm that the crater was very bright - the Moon
was only 4deg in altitude though. The Camweron 2006 catalog ID=325 and
the weight="confirmed". the ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Jul 16 at UT 21:30-21:32, 21:45 R. N. da Silva
(Parnaiba, PI, Brazil, 10" reflector) noticed that on the
dark part of the Moon, Aristarchus was very bright. However
and Cameron (Greenbelt, MD, USA, 12" reflector) at 01:00-
01:15UT on the 17th saw nothing unusual and indeed could not
see Aristarchus. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1151 and weight=
1. the ALPO/BAA weight=1.
near Baillaud (60E, 60N) 1969 Jul 17 UT 20:13-20:25 Observed by Delaye
Marseilles, France, 6" refractor) and Donas (Gama, France, 10"
refractor). "Noted pulsations nr. crater on NE limb. Duration of pulses
were 2s. Saw again at 2015h & 2019h. Duration then @ 4s. No color seen.
mag of brightening @ 4 mag. Donas noted at 2016h at crater more
brightening than at limb. After 2019h nothing. (atm. ? these periods
are similar to those between blow-ups & excursions od star images in
seeing, but puzzling why it stopped. Apollo 11 watch). (indep.
confirmation)" NASA catalog weight=2 (poor). NASA catalog ID #1154.
Harpalus 1969 May 19 UT 21:20-22:00 Observed by Marcomede
Rangel Nunes and Julio Dias Nogueira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
18" refractor). "Brightening in crater (inexperienced
observers). (Apollo 10 watch)." NASA catalog weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1. NASA catalog ID #1126.
SE edge of Mare Crisium 1969 Jul 17 UT 20:00 Observed by
Hedervari, Hegyessy, Geller (Budapest, Hungary, refractor
x200 & x300) "Saw a "mediocre" yellow light. Area photographed
on 7/19/1969 but no LTP noted (Apollo 11 watch)" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID No. 1153. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Jul 17 UT 2144-2149 Nelson Travnik (Matias
Barbosa, MG, Brazil). "Uncommon brightness of soft blue tone;
gradual decrease till 21:49 when it became normal. Maximum at
21:46. (Apollo 11 watch)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1155.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1789 Mar 30 at UT 20:00? Schroter (Lillienthal, Germany) observed
two flickering spots on the eastern edge of Grimaldi and near Riccioli.
This was on the Earthlit side of the Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
57 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1789 Mar 30 at UT 20:00? Schroter (Lillienthal, Germany) observed
two flickering spots near Riccioloi and on the eastern edge of
Grimaldi. This was on the Earthlit side of the Moon. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=57 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1981 Oct 02 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 77mm refractor,
seeing I to II) noticed that at 20:48 UT Aristarchus had a 2nd
magnitude star-like point on the NE rim (x38). At x83 he could
see a small disc of around 3-6 arc sec in diameter, and at
x111 it looked the ame but bluish-white in colour. He was able
to see Aristarchus, Herodotus, and Vallis Schroteri.
Observations ceased at 21:27 UT due to trees blocking the
view. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2002 Aug 12 at UT 19:27 James Cook (Chelmsford, UK) detected a flash
on the Moon. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2011 Apr 07 UT 19:45-20:10 Aristarchus was seen to be “very
bright” in Earthshine. Giorgio Sancristoforo (Milan, Italy,
203mm SCT, atmospheric seeing good) noticed Aristarchus to be
exceptionally bright (Sketch supplied) at around 20:00 and was
the first to report this. Although he did not record the start
and end times, he commented that the effect lasted 20-30 minutes
and then was significantly reduced in brightness. Although
direct comparison in terms of brightnes could not be made with a
star, he thought Aristarchus to be brighter than +0.7 in
magnitude (Saturn). Furthermore Aristarchus was visible when
daylight was still present, when looking through the telescope,
although it could not be seen with the naked eye due to too much
extraneous light. Aristarchus was probably white in colour, but
the observer was partly colour blind and so was uncertain. Not
much detail was seen elsewhere in Earthshine, even when the sky
darkened, and he was not able to see Kepler or Copernicus, just
the limb. No details were seen in Aristarchus itself, for
example no ray to the SW was visible. It later transpired that
Lajos Bartha (Budapest, Hungary, 70mm refractor, x83, seeing
conditions good) had observed Earthshine even earlier from
UT19:45-20:10 and noticed a bright area close to the edge of the
Moon that he later confirmed was Aristarchus. When he started
observing the sky twilight was still a deep blue, but the dark
side of the Moon was seen both with the naked eye and through
the telescope. Earthshine was medium in brightness and grey in
colour. Copernicus and Kepler were weak in brightness but
certainly visible. There was some scattered light from the
sunlit side of the Moon noticed, but not enough to obscure
Copernicus and Kepler from visibility. As a test he moved the
telescope around and the bright spot moved with the Moon and so
was not a glare problem. The following day he checked Earthshine
again but found that the bright spot was not so conspicuous. As
a footnote, Tim Haynes (UK) had been observing an occultation of
37 Tauri, much earlier at 19:14UT, through 10x50 binoculars. He
commented that Earthshine was visible, but that he hadn't
noticed Aristarchus - though he was not looking at the Moon
specifically to see this crater. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1989 May 10 at UT01:54 D. Weier (Sun Praisre, WI, 12.5" reflector,
x50?) detected a flash east of Grimaldi crater "like a small
electrostatic charge - radiated out like a decorative plasma lamp - not
fuzzy. Darling (Sun Praisre, WI, 12.5" reflector, x50?) saw it but
dismissed it as he had seen it many times before (in same loc?). The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=363 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1920 Feb 23 at UT 21:00? an Unknown observer saw peaks on the south
cusp were like a string of perls elongating the cusp. Lines drawn
through Stoffler and Curtiunto(?) limb gives position. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=376a and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1989 May 10 at UT02:30-03:50 M. Wisniewski (Chicago, IL, USA, 8" &
6" reflector, x123) found Aristachus to be unusually bright and
"glowing" as a blue-white magnitude 8 disk, though it faded close to
the end of his observing period (02:30-02:50). A ray from Tycho could
be seen in the direction toards Aristarchus crater. Darling (Sun
Praire, WI, USA, 12.5" reflector, x50) found Aristarchus Z to be both
bright and diffuse. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=363 and the weight=2.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.