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 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.
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.
Aristarchus 1996 Oct 25 UTC 19:05-19:55 Observed by Livesey (Scotland,
65mm reflector x88) "red colour seen along E/SE rim and along S.edge of
SW ray - colouration not visible on other craters. Observations
terminated by hazy cloud drifting over Moon. Observer remarked that it
looked like chromatic aberation, but telescope was a reflector and no
colour was seen elswehere on the Moon. Cook (Frimley, Surrey, UK)
19:48-19:55 noted red on E. rim exterior and on SE part of central
peak, and blue on N. rim - strongly suspected spurious colour".
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1975 Apr 18?? UT16:05-23:44 R. Billington (6cm refractor, x35 and x56).
TLP faded at 17:50 but prominent again later. Intensity 8 at 16:05, 6.5
at 17:50 and 8 at 23:44. This is a BAA Lunar Section report.
Bullialdus 1979 Oct 04 UT 20:24-21:25 JH-Robinson (Devon, UK,
260mm Newt. x200 Seeing Antoniadi IV-V, Transp.=haze) observed a two
bright points on the south west floor patch to be brighter in red than
in blue at 21:12. The effect was still present at 20:36 but back to
normal by 20:43-20:48. Amery (Reading, UK) found a possible brownish
tinge on the west wall, though spuroius colour was present elsewhere on
the Moon. Foley found the WSW corner darkened in blue light. Cook found
pink on south rim of Bullialdus and Pedler found Bullialdus to be a
confused mass with bright and dusky spots and patches - no colour seen.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=72 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1964 Jul 23 UTC 04:45-06:07 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
5" reflector, x180, S=1-4, T=3) "S.region of floor was granulated &
rated 6deg bright, rest of crater 8deg. Floor there was distinctly
yellow-brown. Had never seen browns or yellows before June 25, 1964.
(seeing true color of ground?)."NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA
catalog ID #835.
On 1979 Oct 04 at UT21:05-23:40 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector,
x360, seeing=II) detected colour in Aristarchus (and also in Bullialdus
- there was a TLP alert at this time for Bullialdus) but nowehere else
on the Moon. Aristarchus had a CED brightness value of 3.8 at 21:05
(though at this time no colour) and 3.4 at 23:40 and the floor was now
slate blue/gray in colour. Other features remained constant in
brightness. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=72 and the weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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).
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 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 1994 Apr 25 at UT11:08 B. Soulsby (Australia) found a darkening on
the north floor of Copernicus crater. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1901? Nov 25/25 at 23:00UT Besanceas (France?) observed: "During
lun. ecl. (mid-ecl. at 0118 on 26th) a bright area seen on moon.
Another(?) obser. saw an obj. like a fiery comet leave the moon! (Date
given by Midllehurst was 1900 but must be wrong-not FM then. FM in 1900
but no ecl. Partial ecl. on 10/27/01 at 0315. Ref. by M is wrong =
157)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=310 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Schickard 1934 Feb 28 UTC 22:00? Observed by Wollridge
(Broomsgrove, England, 6.5" reflector) "Well-known crater form
obj. presented anomalous, misty appearance of white spots.
Confirmed by Moore in 1939, 1941. NASA catalog ID #411. NASA
catalog weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1897 Jun 14 at UT 23:00 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass. USA) observed in
"Schroter's valley and the vicinity variations in vapor colum. Break in
col. toward F and eruption of crater D. 3.4 d after sunrise". The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=389 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lichtenberg 1955 May 07/08 UT 23:00-01:00 Observer: Jean
Nicolini (Brazil). Ref: Azevedo (1962) NASA catalog weight=1,
NASA catalog ID 590. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
"Proclus D. (Bartlett's designation) appeared as a dark spot,
conformable to lts appear. at col. 111.15 deg in '55. Proc. A
(Bartlett's designation) completely invisible the ordinarily easy to
see. Conspic. a' col.103.78deg in 55' & st 110.1 deg in '55, but also
invis. at col. 30.78deg in '56". Cameron 1978 catalog ID 665 and
weight=4. Observer based in Baltimore, MD, USA and used a 5" reflectore
x180 and S=4 and T=5. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2012 Jan 09 UT 21:01-21:08 Hahn crater was imaged by N. Hazel
(Beverley, Yorkshire, UK, Nikon D7000 with 70-300 zoom at max,
with 2x teleconverter, at f9, 1/320 sec, ISO 400 – tripod
mounted, mirror up), A series of images were taken. The 21:06 one
showed a grey column cutting across the central floor of the
crater from the west and then bisecting the eastern rim. All
detail inside is completely invisble. Some (but not all) of the
other images showed a more blurred view of this feature. It's
possible that this was a seeing ripple effect, or just the
natural appearance of shadings on the Moon at this time, however
for now this will be given an ALPO/BAA weight of 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.
Gassendi 1967 Sep 20 UT 21:11-21:46 Observer: Moore & Moseley
(Armagh, N.Ireland, 10" refractor, x254) "Faint blink & red
glow SSW of c.p. at 2111h. At 2118 was fading & moving
slightly N. Gone at 2110. At 2122h suspected blink close to
SW of c.p. Gone at 2123h. At 2143 both obs. suspected a faint
blink someway W of c.p. Lasted only 2.5m. Other craters
examined with no LTP. Observers are dubious of regularity of
phenom". NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1048.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1992 May 19 at UT 01:00-02:05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector,
x260) saw at 01:25UT an unmistakable red-orange glow on the south and
south-east rim with the "Spur". Apparently Chapman (Kent, UK) detected
it easily. At 01:33UT the colour was barely visible. No TLP alert was
issued because the souther edge of Mons Pico also exhibited a hint of
colour, and anyway the seeing conditions were poor. Despite this no
other features revealed colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=446 and the
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1992 May 19 at UT 01:00-02:05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector,
x260) noted that the southern slope of Mons Pico had a tint of colour.
No other features revealed colour apart from Aristarcus, where a TLP
was going on. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=446 and the weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1986 Apr 26 at UT 21:00 etimated) H. Miles (Cornwall?, UK)
found that Aristarchus was "still brighter in moments of
better seeing". The rim could be seen as a complete circle.
The Cameron catalog ID=283 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
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.
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.
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.
Aristarchus 1969 Aug 01 UTC 04:40-05:38 Observed by C. Pamplona
e J. Barbosa(Fortaleza, Brazil using 12" x235 and 5" x100
reflectors) - NASA catalog reports: "Enhanced area in SE wall,
no pulsation, no color. Usually NW wall is brightest. After
0538h NW region was brightest again, (Apollo 11 watch, indep.
confirm. ?)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog TLP ID No. #
1196. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Gassendi 1966 Sep 03 UT 01:11-01:46 Observers: Moore (Armagh, N.
Ireland, 5 & 12" reflectors), Moseley (Armagh, N. Ireland, 10"
refractor), Corralitos Observatory (B.Middlehurst, Organ Pass,
NM, USA, 24" reflector), Cave , Gill (UK? 6" reflector x365),
"Eng. moon blink sys. detected red glows on c.p. & round it.
Independently seen by Cave. Not confirmed by Corralitos M.B."
NASA catalog ID#975, NASA weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
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.
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.
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.
Near Aristarchus 1970 Mar 26 UT 17:00 Observed by Sekiguchi,
Maisumoto (Tokyo, Japan, 36" reflector) "Pts. N & S of crater
were brighter by 0.3 & 0.2 mag. respectively than normal --
far beyond limits of error. Color index (CI) also showed less
depend. on phase by 0.1-0.2 mag. Did not show reddening dur.
enhancement. Polariz. was less by 1-2%. Photog. photom.
showed brightening over whole moon. Resolution = 2,3 km" NASA
catalog weight=5 and catalog ID #1236. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
North of Kepler 1970 Mar 26 UT 17:00 Observed by Sekiguchi, Maisumoto
(Tokyo, Japan, 36" reflector) "Photog. photom. showed brightening over
whole moon. CI N. of Kepler enhanced by 0.5 mag. Resolution = 2,3 km"
NASA catalog weight=5 (Very high). NASA catalog ID #1236.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On 1979 Nov 09 at 10:30-11:05UT D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, S=
4-2/10, T=P) detected a rapid fade in brightness of south and north
sunlit slopes of Mons Piton. Then the western flank faded and became
obscured in detail. The variations detected were approximately 5 sec in
duration, where as seeing effects were of the order of 15 sec. Mons
Pico and other mountains did not show a similar effect. "It was seen
only in viol. filter tho once seemed blurred in red. No changes,
dimming was like a veil of mist covering the mtn - swiftly, then
dissipating as rapidly. Sketch. Phenomenon went on & off till 11:00UT.
Cloud was cir. In viol & spreadover mtn in 2s. Saw 6 rapid, spinning
motions within the cloud like an explosion or tornado seen from above.
Blurring in red was more elongated. Motion across it was like a heat
wave. Whole event lasted ~35m but disappeared in a few secs. Albedos
7.4 cp, 7.5 pt A, 7 pt B." Cameron 2005 catalog ID=75 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
Triesnecker 1966 Jul 10 UTC 02:00-02:15 Observed by Allen (Cambridge,
England) and other observations by Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass,
NM, USA). Described in NASA catalog as: "Faint illum. of a ridge in
shadow; faded quickly (in BAA judged dubious). Not confirmed by
Corralitos MB." 12?" refractor (x280) used at Cambridge and at
Corralitos 24" reflector. NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog TLP ID No. #956.
On 1971 Jun 16 at UT 07:08-07:09 Raimundo Nonato da Silva
(Parnaiba, PI, Brazil, 9.5" reflector, x90, seeing=good)
observed during a lunar eclipse that the Straight Wall
surroundings were darker than an observation from two days
earlier. At 07:09UT tonality became clearer. As dawn was in
progress and atmospheric turbulence, not sure if it was a TLP?
Other features were normal. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1297 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Aristarchus 1970 Jul 26 UT 15:00? Observed by Sekiyuchi (Tokyo, Japan,
36" reflector) "Polarimetric and photoeletric anomalies on Moon" NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1268. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Herodotus 1969 Aug 09 UTC 03:00-04:03 Observed by Gomez (Sabadell,
Spain) desribed in NASA catalog as: "Bright point on SE wall at 0300h,
gone at 0322h. Brightened in blink device (Eng.) at 3:30:50, 3:41:36,
04:03:21" 12" reflector x155,x258,x388. Average weight=3 in NASA
Catalog.
ALPO/BAA weight=2,
On 1940 Dec 25 at UT 10:00? Haas (New Mexico, USA, 12" reflector?)
observed the northern horn to be elongated by about 10'. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=482 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1940 Dec 25 at UT 10:00? Haas (New Mexico, USA, 12" reflector?)
observed the southern horn to be elongated by about 10'. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=482 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
James Short, Dr Harris and Mr Stephens saw initially a streak of
light on the shadowed floor of Plato. They were not expecting to see
any light to reach the floor. Shortly afterwards they saw a second
streak of light parallel to the first and this shortly divided
into two. Gaps in the mountains were found for both streaks,
but they were unable to understand why one of the streaks divided
into two. Cameron's 1978 assigns this TLP an ID of 20 and a weight
of 5. The ALPO/BAA catalog assigns a weight of 1.
During an occultation of lambda Geminorum on the eastern limb
the light from the star took 3 seconds to fade. Cameron 2006 catalog
extension ID=8 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Bright point seen near Plato. A much brighter one was near
Aristarchus. Apparently seen by both Schroter and Bode.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=43 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
On 1788 Apr 09 UT 20:00-21:00 Schroter (Liienthal, Germany) observed a
bright spot 26" N of Aristarchus rim. Glimmering point became nebulous
in Herschellan telescope at 161x. Changes were seen and it was brighter
than Aristarchus. The was a confirmed observation by Schroter and Bode?
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=42 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
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 1973 Apr 06 at UT19:34-19:40 E. and C. Moore (England?, UK)
and Hitchens (Lincolnshire, UK, 11" reflector) observed the
following in Aristarchus crater: "Unusual brightness . Att'n
drawn from occultation. Had a bright pt. of mag. 7 as if
slightly defocussed star, yellowish in color on NE (IAU?) rim.
Brightened & expamded. Later scintillate. Wife called, each
idep. drew same phenom. Hitchens also saw glowing in same time
period (indep. confirm.)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1365 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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 1969 Apr 20 at UT 20:00? Allen (Cambridge, UK, 8" refractor x50),
seeing=good) saw an intense star-like point of 9th magnitude, with no
angular diameter, 4-5x brighter than the surroundings in Earthshine.
The observer did not think that it was a TLP, but Cameron considers the
report is similar to many other TLP descriptions of Aristarchus in
Earthshine. Marks (England, UK) who was observing at 20:20UT did not
note anything unusual in Aristarchus. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1121
and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1969 Apr 20 at UT 20:20 Marks (England, UK) noticed a patch
on the western limb that was bright. He could distinguish Mare
Frigoris, Aristarchus and the mare areas very easily. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1121 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Bright point seen near Plato. A much brighter one was near
Aristarchus. Apparently seen by both Schroter and Bode.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=43 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
Bright point 26" N of Aristarchus rim. Resembled one
near Plato but less conspicuous. The was a confirmed
observation by Schroter and Bode?
On 1877 Jun 15 at UT 20:00 Birt (England, UK) observed a bright spot
east of Picard. The reason why this was regarded as a TLP, accoridng to
Cameron was that it was supposed to be faint or invisible. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=193 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1903 Mar 03 at UT 18:30 Rey (Marseilles, France) observed a star-
like point of light in the Aristarchus region, on the dark part of the
Moon (indep. confirm?). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=315 and the weight=
5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1965 Aug 02 at UT 03:57-03:58 Bornhurst (Monterey Park, CA, USA,
10" reflector, x240, S=5) observed some star-like flashes in
Aristarchus in ashen light. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=887 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Hipparchus 1972 Mar 19 UT 21:07-21:29 observed by Schnuckel (52.5N,
13.8E, 60mm refractor) "Two sudden white brightenings in the West wall
approx 7 magnitude. First was at 21:07 UT and the second was at
21:29UT. Both lasted approximately 1 sec in duration." - Hilbrecht and
Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-61
On 1983 Sep 11 at UT 23:52 K.P. Marshall (Columbia, 12"
reflector, x268, seeing II), whilst sketching the crater
Janssen noticed a tenuous red patch on the southern junction
of the valley which joins Fabricius to A. Nothing resembling
this found on nearby areas. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2010Apr18 at UT 20:45-21:00 P. Grego (St Dennis, UK, 17"
reflector - first practice run) observed that Aristarchus in
Earthishine was the brightest that he had seen it before. The
effect had faded to normal in the next 15 minutes though. "The
bright spot was initially thought to be part of the wall of
Aristarchus, but on closer examination the spot was probably the
crater’s central peak. At around this time I estimated the
brightness of the peak to be around magnitude 8, but this is a
poor estimate as no suitable comparison stars in the immediate
vicinity of the field of view were to be seen. Aristarchus’
outline was visible, as was a clearly defined sweep of
brightness to its west (presumably the high albedo markings
southeast of Herodotus) and another illuminated area to the
north of Aristarchus (presumably the Vaisala area), and a small
illuminated patch on the eastern flanks of Aristarchus. No other
areas of the Moon in earthshine appeared to be as bright as
these markings, and there were certainly no other clearly-
defined spots as brilliant as the one that lay in Aristarchus. A
watch was kept until 22:00 UT, when the Moon went out of view
behind a tree. During this period it appeared that the spot was
becoming less bright and less clearly-defined, although the
other albedo markings in its vicinity remained visible; this may
have been a consequence of the Moon’s diminishing altitude.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Bright point seen near Plato. A much brighter one was near
Aristarchus. Apparently seen by both Schroter and Bode.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=43 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
Bright point 26" N of Aristarchus rim. Resembled one
near Plato but less conspicuous. The was a confirmed
observation by Schroter and Bode?
On 1965 Aug 03 at UT 04:18-04:24 Bornhurst (Monterey Park, CA, USA,
10" reflector, x240, S=F-G) and Leasure and Emanuel (Whittier, CA, USA)
observed some star-like flashes in Aristarchus in ashen light
(confirmed). The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=888 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1965 Oct 01 at 04:00UT an unknown observer saw a TLP (feature name
not given in the Cameron catalog - nor a description or reference). The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=897 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weigh=1.
On 1968 Jun 01 at UT 21:00? Kozyrev (Crimea?, Soviet Union)
Gas luminescence seen in Aristarchus crater. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1075 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Jul 20 at UT 0530-0540 Younger and Byl (Victoria, BC, Canada,
48" reflector) saw a fuzzy brightening near Aristarchus of less than
0.5 minute of arc diameter (Apollo 11 watch). The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1171 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1969 Jul 20 UT 03:55-04:15 Observed by Gergoulis, Morley,
Sevra, Skinner, and Naumann (Edinburg, TX, 17" reflector, x169) " Texas
group got a blink (red, Trident MB) on NW wall. Varied extremely.
Increased in brightness in red. Clouds stopped obs. 5 confirmed
visualy. (moon nr. horizon, Apollo 11 watch. No blink if spurious?)."
NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1170.
On 1962 Sep 05 at UT 00:48-00:55 Chalk (USA?) observed in the
vicinity of Walther a faint point of light, near the
terminator. Cameron suspects an illuminated peak in the dark.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=767 and weight=1. 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.
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.
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 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.
Bessel 1877 Jun 17 UT 22:30 Observed by Denett (England?, 2.75"
reflector) "Tho't he could detect a minute pt. of light shining out of
dark crater. (no high peaks in Bessel to catch light.)" NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #194. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1965 Aug 04 at UT 04:02-04:04 Bornhurst (Monterey Park, CA, USA,
10" reflector, x240, S=F-G) observed some star-like flashes in
Aristarchus in ashen light. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=889 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1965 Oct 02 at 04:00UT an unknown observer saw a TLP (feature name
not given in the Cameron catalog - nor a description or reference). The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=898 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weigh=1.
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.
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.
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.
Piton 1960 Dec 26 ? UT 00:00? Observed by Schneller (Cleveland, OH,
USA, 8" Reflector, x53), "Red obscuration; less intense than Nov. (date
not given, but discussion suggests near SR, therefore Dec 28th most
likely date -- ancill. data given for 28th)." NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #732.
Mare Vaporum 1969 Apr 24 UT 19:34 Observed by Bentley (England,
8" reflector, x320, S=E) "NW part of mare obscured for 4 min.,
gradually thinning." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID No.
1123. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Atlas 1973 Apr 10 UT 18:37-19:49 Observed by Theiss (51N, 9.67E, 75mm
refractor, T=2, S=3) "N. wall of Atlas was yellow-green, several
magnifications tested with the same results" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler,
Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-61
On 1978 Nov 08 at UT03:00 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5" reflector, x95, seeing 8/10) saw near Beer and
Timocharis (11W, 30N) a bright flash inside the dark area. It
appeared like a diamond twinkling in sunlight and was somewhat
dazzling to the eyes. Cameron wonders in this was a meteor?
The Cameron 2005 TLP catalog ID=39 and weight=2. This is an
ALPO observation. The ALPO/BAA weight is 3.
On 1991 Apr 22 at UT 02:03-02:14 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5", x99, seeing 7/10) found, using a red and blue Moonblink
device that Atlas crater gave a blink, the dark spots inside the
crater have a dark nucleus in the blue filter. This effect was
not detected earlier that night. The Cameron 2006 catalog then
says "Atlas normal". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=424 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Torricelli B 2002 Oct 14 UT 02:58-03:43 Observed by Gray (Winnemucca,
NV, USA, 152mm refractor x114, x305, seeing Antoniadi III, transparency
good) "I was out this morning (2:58-3:43 UT, October 14, 2002)
observing Torricelli B. At 3:17 UT the west sunlit wall of the crater
brightened from an intensity (Elger Scale) of 5.0 to 9.0. In actual
terms it went from slightly less bright than the walls of Picard to as
bright as the sunlit west wall of Dionysius. This was observed at 114x
in white light, where all three craters were in the field of view
simultaneously. This event lasted less than a minute and no comparable
brightening in Dionysius or Picard was seen. The wall of Torricelli B
returned to 5.0 in brightness. I continued to observe Torricelli B in
white light until 3:43 UT, but the brightness remained at 5.0. Before
the brightening I tried blinking Torricelli with the following
combinations of filters: Wratten Red 25 and Blue 38A, Red 25 and Blue
80, and Red 25 and Schott BG38 (Blue Green). Nothing showed up more
prominently in any combination except the Red 25-Blue 38A combination,
where Torricelli B became invisible in the Blue, probably because of
the filter density. Both the Blue 80 and Schott BG 38 seemed closer in
density to the Red 25 than the Blue 38A is. I could not see any details
inside Torricelli B during this session, including the bright spot on
the NE rim." The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2009 Apr 02 at UT 21:45-22:05 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK,
5" refractor, x40 and x100, using red and blue gelatine
Edmund Optics filters (rose No. 47 and blue No. 80),
transparency poor due to thick haze. seeing was excellent)
observed that that the rays that crossed Mare Cisrium from
Proclus were brighter in red light than in blue. A similar
effect was also observed, to a lesser extent south of the
Mare. Non-mare Crisium rays from Proclus did not have this effect.
The TLP was not seen at the higher magnification of x100.
The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Ptolemeus 2020 Jul 27 UT 23:00 N. Travnik (Brazil) observed
visually for 2nd time ever (first seen back in 1970), an
effect on the floor of this crater at local lunar sunrise:
"kind of glimmering mist lifted and wafted inside the shady
hollow of the crater". Almost certainly this is a combination
of atmopsheric seeing on the narrow shadow spires, but we
would like observers to look at this visually or obtain time
sequence images to try to replicate this effect. This report
is assigned an ALPO/BAA weight of 1 for now.
Aristillus 1973 Apr 10 UT 20:18-20:24 Observed by Pasternak (53.33N,
7.5E, 75mm refractor, T=3, S=3) "Faint reddish area at the SE wall of
Aristillus" - Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984),
p53-61.
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 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.
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.
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.
Flash seen in Ptolemaeus (A?) - possibly a meteor. Cameron 1978
catalog weight=1. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=863.
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.
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.
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.
Plato 1952 Apr 03 UT 20:45-21:30 Observed by Wilkins and Moore
(Meudon, France, 33" x460) whilst checking up on a 1923 28"
refractor sketch by W.H. Stevenson's, thry failed to detect a
prominent floor craterlet (featured in the 1923 sketch) just
inside the W wall. They suspected an obscuration.
Interestingly the whole floor was was reported to be lacking
in detail many hours later as observed by Cragg in the USA.
NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog TLP ID No. #550. 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.
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.
Apr 25 UT 20:20 Observed by Bentley (England, 8" rteflector
x320, S=VG) "Flashing star-like pts, in area beyond the
terminator, (atmosphere?)" NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog
ID #1124. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eimmart 1913 Apr 14 UT 01:00 Observed by Pickering (Mandeville,
Jamaica, 6.5" reflector) "By this date crater was clear & at an albedo
~5?. Drawings compare Jan. 16 & Aug.9, 1913." NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #344.
On 2009 Apr 04 at UT 21:40 M.C Cook (Mundesley, UK) after receiving a
telephone alert call, examined Plato crater. Although she did not
report C. Brook's slight mottled pink on the floor of Plato, she did
report through that the floor patches looked darker than normal,
especially in blue light and in red they were not visible at all. In
white light they were darker than normal. A.C. Cook was probably
observing at the same time via a couple of remotely controlled
telescopes in Aberystwyth. The results (time lapse imagery
through narrow band filters) will be examined at a later date.
Note that this observation was made after C. Brook said that he could
no longer see his TLP. Therefore this constitutes a different TLP
as there had been a gap of 1 hour since the last TLP report.
Agrippa 1966 Aug 26 UTC 01:52-02:24 Observer: Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x437) "Shadow of C.p. was
grayish, wall shad. was normal black, C.p.itself barely disting.
from floor" S=5, T=3. NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog
ID #966. 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 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 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 1991 Apr 25 at UT 02:34-02:37 UT D. Darling (Sun Praire,
WI, USA, 12.5" reflector, x64) found that Atlas had spots in
it that were "more intense in blue". No blinks were detected
elsewhere on the Moon apart from Gassendi. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=425 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1991 Apr 25 at UT 02:14-02:37 UT D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI,
USA, 12.5" reflector, x64, S=7/10, T=4) found that after
sketching Gassendi, that at 02:14 the central peak was very
bright in red light, and barely detectable in blue light. By
02:26UT a strong blink was noticed on the NW rim, being very
bright in the red filter. Effect still present at 02:32UT. The
effect was not seen earlier at 01:57UT. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=425 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1991 Feb 25 at UT 01:26-01:49 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA,
12.5" reflector, x248, seeing=10/1, transparency=good) found
Gassendi's western rim to be bright in red and diffuse in blue
light. A sketch was provided. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=420 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
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.
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.
SE limb of Moon 2003 Aug 08 UTC 20:50 Observer Brook (Plymouth, UK)
x70 60mm OG on a very hot evening, when I saw a fountain-like
appearance suddenly "squirt" from the SE limb. Seeing not particularly
good, but not so poor as to account for what was seen. Duration of
phenomenom perhaps a fraction of a second, hight of pehaps a few miles.
Thought I saw another one a few minutes later. - observer suspected hot
weather and Moon's low altitude" The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 May 24 at UT 23:10 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found the
apron region of Censorinus had a very dull white apron, but was
not diffuse. A sketch was supplied by this experienced observer.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=428b and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
2004 Jul 28 UT 07:25-07:31 R. Dewitt (Transparancy very poor due
to forest fire pollution - Moon looks red, USA, location: Mill
Creek, WA) observed several pin point-like orange flashes of
light occur (2-5 sec duration each and static wrt the Moon's
surface) across the bright illuminated side of the Moon with the
naked eye. Other much fainter, almost instantaneous sparkles
were seen. The brightest flash seen was of 5 sec duration.
Switching to binoculars (15x45, another fainter one was seen
too. Binouculars were handed to wife, who also confirmed similar
flashes. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
Gassendi 1951 May 17 UT 22:45 Observed by Wilkins (Kent,
England, 15" reflector) "Bright speck glowed for 3s. (meteor ?)"
This was to the W of the central Mts and about the same
magnitude as a 4th mag star to the naked eye. JALPO Vol 5 No 8
p4, quotes a 1s duration. NASA catalog weight=0. NASA catalog
weight=544. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1963 Nov 28 at UT 00:30-01:45 Barr, Greenacre, Hall and
Dungan (Flagstaff, AZ, USA, 24" refractor, and 69" reflector)
observed pink on the outer SW rim and a red spot towards the S of
this. A red spot was seen on the eastern side of Vallis Schroteri
but only by Barr and Dungan. Other features checked for
atmospheric spectral dispersion and chromatic aberation - but the
colours in Aristarchus were not due to these. Smaller 12" scope
checked but no effects seen - presumably due to resolution and
image contrast issues? Pink on the SW rim may have been seen in a
69" scope by Boyce and Ford. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Herodotus 1966 Jun 30 UTC 03:10-03:35 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "Bright pseudo-peak again
vis. within floor shadow. Peak est. 5 bright. Had seen it at successive
lunations in '66" 4" x280 refractor used. NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog TLP ID No. #950. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Pico 1976 Mar 12 UT 21:00? Observed by Findlay (England?) "A ray seen
extended fr. mt. in SW (IAU?) direction -- likened to a hockey stick.
(not seen in Pickering's photo atlas at col.=53 deg)." NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1430.
Herodotus 1950 Jun 27 UTC 02:30 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA) reported
a bright point in crater. This is mentioned in the Middlehurst TLP
catalog but not in the Cameron catalog. The source comes from a
Strolling Astronomer article. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 1972 Apr 25 UTC 19:15-19:20 Observer Ventzke (located at
48.67N, 12.00E) - diffuse brightening on inner N. wall, reddish. 60mm
refractor used. Ref. p53-61 of Hilrecht & Kuveler Moon & Planets vol
30, 1984.
Proclus 1975 May 24 UTC 22:00 Observed by P.W. Foley (Kent, UK)
"Brightenings(?). Seen by more than one obs. ? Foley recorded a ray
projection on photos, but not seen vis. by others." NASA catalog
weight=3? (average?). NASA catalog ID #1405.
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.
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.
Aristarchus - 1969 Jul 27 UT 05:00-07:00 Observed by W.
Cardoso (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 13" Refractor) "Brightening.
Filter used, (Jose da Silva says obs. no good, obs.
inexperienced. Apollo 11 watch)." NASA catalog weight=0. SA
catalog ID No. 1188. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1973 Apr 15 UTC 19:03-20:13 observed by Pasternak (53deg
20'N, 7deg 30'E, 75mm reflector) "N wall was blue to violet, beginning
disappearance at 20:08UT., end at 20:13UT." - Hilbrecht and Kuveler,
Earth, Moon & Planets, 30 (1984), p53-61
Aristarchus 1973 Feb 15 UTC 17:07-19:31 Observed by Theiss (51N, 9.67E,
75mm refractor) "Area 4-5 diameters of Aristarchus were coloured
clearly yellow to red" Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler (1984) Moon & Planets
30, pp53-61.
Pythagoras-Cleostratus 1974 Feb 05 UT 01:45,02:45 observed by
Lord (St Anne's-on-Sea, Eng., 3" refractor, x135) "Event
normal in integrated light. Light, full surface detail in red
filter, dark, with full surface detail in blue filter. Other
term. features did not show it. Only E.floor of Pythag.,
Babbage northern crater chain & NW floor of Cleostr.
(According to Fitton's criteria this was a tenuous gas above
the surface. Date given as 5th, but term. was at least 3deg
E. Therefore these features were in the dark then. Ancill.
data given for 6th)." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog
ID=#1387. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Pythagoras-Cleostratus 1974 Feb 05? UTC 01:45,02:45 observed by Lord
(St Anne's-on-Sea, Eng., 3" refractor, x135) "Event normal in
integrated light. Light, full surface detail in red filter, dark, with
full surface detail in blue filter. Other term. features did not show
it. Only E.floor of Pythag., Babbage northern crater chain & NW floor
of Cleostr. (According to Fitton's criteria this was a tenuous gas
above the surface. Date given as 5th, but term. was at least 3deg E.
Therefore these features were in the dark then. Ancill. data given for
6th)." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID=#1387.
On 1981 Oct 11 at UT04:45-05:03 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor) detected a violet tinge on the dark nimbus of Aristarchus,
however by 05:13 the coloured tinge had gone. Louderback suspects an
atmospheric effect. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=155 and weight=0. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Manillius 1969 Jul 27 UT 05:45-05:46 Observed by Wairy Cardoso
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 13" refractor, x360) "Bright spot in
Manillius (Apollo 11 watch, J. M. L. da Silva says obs. no good
because of inexper. of obs)" NASA catalog weight=0. NASA catalog
ID #1189. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1963 Nov 29 at UT 01:30-03:00 Fisher (Colefax, CA, USA, 20cm
reflector, thin streamers of cloud across sky, but no wind)
Aristarchus had a faint pale yellow tint along the rim and the
crater was very bright. No detail seen in in Vallis Schroteri.
Yellow spot also seen on the northern limb (Carpenter and
Pythagoras?). Both effects had been seen the previous night and
were confirmed by friends. Colour still present when observing
stopped at 03:00 UT. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1963 Nov 29 at UT 01:30-03:00 Fisher (Colefax, CA, USA, 20cm
reflector, thin streamers of cloud across sky, but no wind.)
Carpenter had a yellow tint along the W rim. Ywllow tint seen
on Pythagoras and also Aristarchus. Effect had been seen the
previous night and were confirmed by friends. Colour still
present when observing stopped at 03L00 UT. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1963 Nov 29 at UT 01:30-03:00 Fisher (Colefax, CA, USA, 20cm
reflector, thin streamers of cloud across sky, but no wind.)
Pythagoras had a yellow tint along the W rim. Ywllow tint seen
on Carpenter and also Aristarchus. Effect had been seen the
previous night and were confirmed by friends. Colour still
present when observing stopped at 03L00 UT. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Menelaus 1969 Jul 27 UT 1969 Jul 27 UT 06:27-07:30 Observed by
Wairy Cardoso (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 13" refractor, x360)
"Brightening in Menelaus (Apollo 11 watch, J. M. L. da Silva
says obs. no good because of inexper. of obs)" NASA catalog
weight=0. NASA catalog ID #1189. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus (black spot, upland #1) 1965 Oct 08 UT 05:48-08:23 Observed
by McCord (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60" reflector + spectrograph) "Line
depth ratios a/b(H?), c/d (K?) were significantly low for upland #1 &
abnormally high for Alphonsus black spot, but not as pronounced as the
other area was high compared with 23 other areas" NASA catalog weight=5
(very good). NASA catalog ID #899.
Aristarchus 1976 Jan 14 UT 20:00-23:00 Observed by P.W. Foley
(Wilmington, Kent, UK) - Deep Violet/Blue spot interior N/WW
corner. No colour seen elsewhere. It was only a blue spot on the
Jan 13. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus, Herodotus - 1967 Sep 16 UTC 23:50-23:55 observed by
Seeliger (Dresden, Germany, 30" reflector, 90, 140x) "Dark streaks on
E.(ast. ?) outside walls of both craters. No shadow from Herod. wall.
Drawings (wall < 18 deg slope if no shadow normally)." NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID=#1044.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 1980 Jan 01 at UT 00:10-00:21 A.C.Cook (Frimley, UK, 12" reflector,
Wratten 29 and 44A filters, Seeing II-III and transparency poor-
moderate) suspected that the floor was slightly brighter in blue light
than in red. No such effect was seen earlier at 23:54-23:57. Cameron
2006 catalog ID=81 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Grimaldi 1839 Jun 24 UT 22:00? Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich,
Germany) "Smokey, grey mist". NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #117. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1959 Nov (Day unknown) at UT 21:15-22:15 Bradford (South Shields,
UK, 15" reflector, x480) observed in Littrow: "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.
Near Aristarchus 1788 Apr 19 UT 20:00? Observed by Schroter
(Lilienthal, Germany) Event described as: "Small area very
brilliant & other bright spots". No additional references
given. NASA Catalog Event #44, NASA Weight=4. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1938 Feb 14 UT 00:25 Observed by Fox (Newark, England,
6.5" reflector, x240) "Prominent gold-brown spot on E. wall
with yellow glow without definite boundary, spreading over
floor." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #431. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Gassendi 1968 Jun 09 UT 21:35-21:45 Observer: Miles (UK, 5"
refractor x120) "Blink inside NW wall. Trees stopped obs. at
2145h. At 2155h no blink vis. (Moore has date as June 6th, 1958
=misprint? as there weren't blink sys. then. Moon at low alt
7deg)." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1077. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 2013 Jan 25 UT 19:05-19:15 R.Braga (Milan, Italy, 115mm
refractor, x267, seeing III, transparency average) observed that
Plato in general was normal in appearance, but the east rim was
showing a remarkable golden (yellow-golden) hue. This was a
repeat illumination observation for a W.E. Fox TLP observation
from 1938 Feb 14. The observer was wondering whether they were
in some way biased after reading the original report desription
- so uncertain over this being a TLP. In view of uncertainty
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1976 Jan 15 UT 19:30-20:50 Observed by P.W. Foley
(Kent, UK, 12" reflector) - Aristarchus was abnormally bright
(Cameron suspects that this is a confirmation an explosion
effect seen earlier by Greenland: "On 1976 Jan 15 at 19:45Ut
Greenland (Crawley, UK, 7x50 binooculars) thought that they
saw an "explosion" on the Moon (in the general region of
Aristarchus) for a fraction of a second, followed by a bright
spot in the same position (not an astronomer). After
discussions with others, decided it was a moment of transition
to greater intensity (better seeing?). Moore thinks it was
atmospheric but says it should be on record. Cmeron's 1978
catalog ID=1425 and weight=5". For the Foley report: Cameron
1978 catalog TLP ID=1427 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.