Plato 1938 Feb 14 UT 00:25 Observed by Fox (Newark, England,
6.5" reflector, x240) "Prominent gold-brown spot on E. wall
with yellow glow without definite boundary, spreading over
floor." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #431. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Aristarchus 1950 Jun 29 UT 05:20-05:41 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5" reflector x100, S=6, T=5) "Strong
bluish glare on E..SE wall." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #529.
Galvani B: On 2019 Sep 13 UT 23:26 K. Kilburn (Manchester, UK,
BAA - ED80 refractor, x2 Barlow, Canon 550 DSLR) took a
sequence of images from 23:25-23:27 UT. On one of the images,
taken at 23:26UT there is a blue/green spot on Galvani B.
There is a hint of a possible fade of the spot in the other
images but this is not conclussive. Te spot might just be a
cosmic ray event or a bright part of the crater rim coming
into view under brief exceptional seeing for one frame only.
We need simlar illumination, and if possible topocentric
libtation images, under different atmospheric conditions to
confirm this. It would be great if the images were in colour
too. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
Plato 1980 Oct 23 UT 21:00(+/- approx 1 hour) Observed by
Chapman (Kingston Upon-Thames, UK, 11.5cm refractor, seeing III,
transparency poor. No spurious colour seen. During one (or
both?) of these sessions, a Moon Blink was used and produced no
results on all craters tested on, apart from Plato where the SW
corner of the floor was brighter in red, and also visible in
white light, but viewing was poor and at the limit for his
telescope. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1993 Apr 06 at UT23:00 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) observed a TLP in
Torricelli B - "Noted that it was > yellow but only visible in mauve +
yellow combined". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=460 and the weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Cauchy 1969 Jul 29 UT 06:00-06:22 Observed by Claudio
Pamplona and Jackson Barbosa (Fortaleza, Brazil, 2"
refractor) "very bright and clear(?) pulsating 3,3s,3s with
crater illum. then 3s area illum. red & no filter area
pulsated for 22m. Confirmed by Jackson (Apollo 11 watch)".
NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1193. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Helicon A 1977 Feb 03 UT 2009-23:52 Foley and Moore observed the
crater to be changing in brightness. Jewitt and Elms failed to
detect this. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1976 Jan 16 UT 22:00-23:15 Observed by P.W. Foley
(Wilmington, Kent, UK, seeing II) - Aristarchus was tremendously
bright. No colour seen. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarcus 1975 Feb 26/27 UTC 21:00-00:30 Observed by: Foley (Kent, UK,
12" reflector), Kennedy (Dundee, UK, 8" reflector), Gannon (Middlesex,
UK, 6" reflector), Amery (Reading, UK, 10" reflector), Fitton
(Lancashire, UK, 8" reflector), Turner (Sussex, UK, 8" reflector)
"Foley) Neg. at 2100h. At 2123h NE wall was blue, decr. at 2220h. New
spot at 2221h due N. At 2227h blue fr. ENE to N. & faint blue on rim.
Interior clear detail, but obscur. at ENE-N, (Kennedy) at 2222h got
neg., also at 2229h-2300h. (Gannon) at 2245-2253h got neg. (Amery) at
2315h saw crater bright, bands clear, c.p. bright & very bright pt. to
NE of c.p. N. wall bluisg gray mist extending into N. part of crater.
Got slight blink in red till 2335h. (Fitton) at 2330h saw blue in N.
interior but no blink, no obscur. in long exam. Blue varied with
position in FOV. Polariz. with many rotations showed normal. Blue only
in Aris., none elsewhere till 2359h. (Turner at 2330h got neg. till
2359h. (Amery) at 2359h saw most detail clear. Blink distinct in red.
At 0030h(27th) saw blue mist now gray, seeing deteriorating. Herod. was
normal, (Fitton explains obs. as due to high press. system W. of
obs with temp. inversions). NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA
catalog ID #1399.
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.
Aristarchus 1972 Mar 30 UTC 23:03-23:05 Observed by Kufer (11.5E,
48.25N, 110mm reflector) "A sudden brightening, but observations
limited by cloud" Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon & Planets (1984) Vol
30, pp53-61.
"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.
Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA) described in NASA
catalog as: "Strong viol. gl. on EWBS, whole length of E. wall.
Dark viol. on nimbus pale viol. on plateau m. Area was hazy --
couldn't focus it. Brilliantly clear nite.3.5(?) reflector x180
used. NASA catalog wight=4, NASA catalog ID #665. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Mare Crisium 1965 Oct 11 UTC 05:15 Observed by McCord (Mt Wilson, CA,
100" reflector + spectrogram) "Line depth ratios a/b (H),, c/d (K)
abnormally high compared with 23 other areas (including
Aristarchus?)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID 902.
In 1958 aug 20 at UT 20:00? an unknown observer noticed that
Promontorium Agarum appeared filled with fog or mist. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=510 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1970 Apr 22 UT 07:00
Observed by Thomas.
Plato 1869 Sep 21-22? UTC 00:00? Observed by Gledhill (Halifax, UK, 9"
refractor) "Group I craters-notable illum. accomp. by a single light on
a distinct spot. (similar to Aug. obs. & if same phase as Ap 1870, date
=22nd.). NASA catalog weight=2 (poor). NASA catalog ID #164.
Mare Crisium 1965 Oct 11 UTC 07:32 Observed by McCord (Mt Wilson,
CA, 100" reflector + spectrogram) "Line depth ratios a/b (H),,
c/d (K) abnormally high compared with 23 other areas (including
Aristarchus?)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog
ID 902.
Aristarchus 1966 Jul 04 UTC 06:15-06:35 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x142) & by Corralitos Observatory
(Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector). "S.region of floor was granulated
& dull est. at 6 & pale yellow-brown tint. Rest of crater est. 8 bright
white. Not confirmed by Corralitos MB" S=5, T=4. NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #955. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1962 Sep 16 at UT08:05 Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector) Taruntius faded from Vmag-3.21 to 4.04, a 0.82 difference in
magnitude in 2.5 hours - a photometric measurement. The average
magnitude for this age is 4.03, so therefore the crater had brightened
by two times above normal. The Cameron 1978 catalogID=769 and the
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1981 Oct 15 at UT06:03-06:51 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor, seeing=1-2 and transparency=5) observed that the brightenss
of 4 sun lit bright spots differed in red and blue light. "Appeared as
a cross. the 2 points A & D on his sketch (index) were affceted. They
were 10 pts dimmer in red than blue. Not due to seeing as they did not
fluctuate (as did the seeing)." This report came from the Cameron 2006
catalog and had an ID No. of 156 and a weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2009 Apr 12 at UT 00:00 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 2" refractor, x25,
Edmund Optics filter No. 80 (blue) and No. 47 (light rose/purple))
noted that the rays of Proclus stood out better in light rose/purple
than in blue. Not just the rays crossing Mare Crisium. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Alphonsus 1966 Sep 02 UTC 03:16-04:18 Observed by Whippey (Northolt,
UK, 3" refractor) & Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24"
reflector) "A series of weak glows, final flash at 0418h. Not confirmed
by Corralitos MB" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID 971.
Aristarchus 1970 Apr 23 UTC 07:00
Observed by Thomas
Aristarchus and vicinity 1975 Feb 28 UT 03:20-03:45 Observers LeCroy
Jr & Sr (Springfield, VA, USA). NASA catalog states: "Orange flash in
crater that then spread over whole crater then turned to bluish haze at
0320h. Couldn't see surface underneath. All W. hemisphere was brighter
than normal. Blue was only on Aris. Rest of Moon was examined for
phenom. but none seen elsewhere. Gone by 0343h (just a few hrs after
Eng. obs. -- not likely U.S. obs. had temp. inversion high press. sys.
W. of him too). 4.5" reflector 45x, 150x. NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog TLP ID No. #1401. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Plato 1966 Sep 02 UT 0625 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, California,
USA, 8" reflector x300) "Landslip at west would not focus. (Ricker not
certain it was a real LTP)." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog
ID 973.
In 1950 Jul 02 UT07:22 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, 3.5"
reflector) saw no dark bands on the inside of Aristarchus,
despite detail being seen elsewhere. He would normally have
expected to have seen bands at this colongitude, based upon past
observations. The 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.
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.
In 1963 Oct 05/06 at UT 23:35-00:45 Scarfe (Cambridge, UK, 36"
reflector, transparency: hazy - high cirrus) observed very strong
luminescence at 50% of the total light (recorded photo-electrically) at
Hydrogen alpha (656nm), Sodium-D (589nm) and Fe(RMT 15) 539.71nm,
542.97nm, 543.45nm, 544.69nm, 550.15nm, and 550.68nm. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID= and weight=5. The effect was especially strong in
Aristarchus at 545.0nm. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=776 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
In 1963 Oct 05/06 at UT 23:35-00:45 Scarfe (Cambridge, UK, 36"
reflector, transparency: hazy - high cirrus) observed very strong
luminescence in Copernicus at 50% of the total light (recorded photo-
electrically) at Hydrogen alpha (656nm), Sodium-D (589nm) and Fe(RMT
15) 539.71nm, 542.97nm, 543.45nm, 544.69nm, 550.15nm, and 550.68nm. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and weight=5. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=776
and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
In 1963 Oct 05/06 at UT 23:35-00:45 Scarfe (Cambridge, UK, 36"
reflector, transparency: hazy - high cirrus) observed very strong
luminescence in Kepler at 50% of the total light (recorded photo-
electrically) at Hydrogen alpha (656nm), Sodium-D (589nm) and Fe(RMT
15) 539.71nm, 542.97nm, 543.45nm, 544.69nm, 550.15nm, and 550.68nm. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID= and weight=5. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=776
and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1970 Apr 24 UTC 07:00
Observed by Thomas
Aristarchus 1961 Nov 27 UTC 23:30 Observed by Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet
Union) described in NASA catalog as: "Emission lines in spectrum of
c.p. in red & blue, H2 identified, (he had obtained C2 & Swan bands in
Alphonsus in '58 & '59" 50" reflector used. NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog TLP ID No. #755.
On 2009 Jun 11 at UT01:00-01:15 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 2" refractor,
x25, seeing excellent and no cloud or haze) obsrved fluctuations in the
brightness of Aristarchus crater. No brightness fluctuations were seen
elsewhere. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plinius 1889 Sep 13 UTC 23:00? Observed by Thury (Geneva,
Switzerland) NASA Catalog Event #265, NASA Weight=3 (Average)
Event described as: "Unusual black spot with intensely white 4"
border over CP. Normal aspect is 2 craters. #260 says that
Gaudibert saw same thing in Sep. - confirmed". References:
Nature 41, 183, 1890 (April). The ALPO/BAA weight=1, this is
probably perfectly normal.
Plato 1982 Sep 07 UT 0330-0430. K.P. Marshall (Columbia, 12"
reflector, seeing III) saw no craterlets on the floor of Plato,
but what he considered unusual was an extremely bright short
section of the north rim of Plato - far brighter than, any other
part of the rim, and only slightly less bright than Mons Piton.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1915 Apr 03 UTC 23:00? Observed by Markov (Russia) NASA
catalog describes observation: "Appearance of bright spots
that could even be seen in a 43mm (2-in) tube" 2" refractor
used. NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog TLP ID NO. #350.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
1886 Oct 16 UTC 22:00 Observed by Lihou (France?) "Unusual phenomena ?
(drawing)" Ref Sirius, Vol 20, 45 p69 (1887). NASA catalog weight=1
(very low). NASA catalog ID #252. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Mar 02 at UT05:00-06:18 P.W.Foley (Wilmington, Dartford,
Kent, UK, 12" reflector) observed blueness along the southern
wall of Plato. This is a BAA observation. Note that it
is assumed that this is the same as Cameron's catalog 1975
Mar 02 UT 01:00 or 23:00 report by an Unknown English Observer
who apparently observed colour in Plato (Red or violet). The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1402 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1890 Oct 03 at UT 22:00 Muller of Germany saw in Posidonius an
unusual shadow (Moon low? and crater in dark part-terminator 2 deg past
west wall - according to Cameron). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=267 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Agrippa 1966 Sep 05 UTC 04:47-05:00 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector, 283x) "Within the wall shadow, the landslip was
faintly illum., est. at 4, & distinctly brownish". S=6-1, T=3-1. NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #975.
Aristarchus 1961 Nov 27 UTC 23:30 Observed by Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet
Union) described in NASA catalog as: "Emission lines in spectrum of
c.p. in red & blue, H2 identified, (he had obtained C2 & Swan bands in
Alphonsus in '58 & '59" 50" reflector used. NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog TLP ID No. #755.
On 1985 Sep 04 at UT 22:15 A.V. Arkhipov (Russia) detected a bright
flash in Mare Tranquilitatis that lasted < 1 second and had a diameter
of < 2 arc seconds i.e. the limit of seeing resolution. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=280 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1958 Dec 02 at UT 06:00 an unknown observer detected a TLP on the
Moon. The reference for this is from Palm, 1967 Icarus. The Cameron
1978 catalog ID=709 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Mar 04 at UT03:46-06:01 P.W.Foley (Wilmington, Dartford,
Kent, UK, 12" reflector) observed bluesness along the southern
wall of Plato. This is a BAA observation. The Cameron 1978
catalogue ID is #1403 and has a weight of 1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1975 Mar 04 UT 04:01-05:30 P.W. Foley (Wilmington, Dartford, Kent,
UK, 12" reflector, seeing excellent, no turbulence, slight frost and
mist) had a suspicion of blue on the entire north wall of Aristarchus
crater - not seen visually but detected with a Moon Blink device.
Crater extremely bright and unable to penetrate it visually.
Surrounding areas charp. No red/orange on south wall. All other areas
proved negative. Photographs taken. No change in appearance over this
time. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
1965 Oct 16 UTC 08:05-10:00 Observed by McLarin (Huntsville, AL, 20"
reflector), Bates, Hall (Prt. Tobacco, MD, 16" reflector), Hardie
(Nashville, TE, 30" reflector) "Color flashing pulsations
intermittently detected by Trident MB device in Huntsville but not seen
in Md, or vis. by Hardie when alerted. Pulsations in Cassini different
from atmosphere" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #906.
On 1980 Oct 30 at UT03:19-03:41 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 158mm f/4
reflector, seeing I-II, and transparency very good. Wratten 15 (yellow)
and Wratten 35 (purple) used. No spurious colour seen). At 03:19UT, the
observer noted that Mons Spitzbergen looked sharper at x52. At x72
bright flashes of a bright lunar gray to a light orange colour seen.
BAA Lunar Section TLP team alerted. At 03:32UT a yellow filter used and
the flashes were better seen, one flash approximately 20-30 sec apart.
At 03:31UT Madej used a purple filter and could not see Mons
Spitzbergen but did see the flashes (45-60 sec apart). cameron 2006
catalog TLP ID=118 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 Dec 11 at 05:05-05:28 UT A. Crotts (Princton, NJ, USA, CCD
camera and spectrophotometer) "Spectral Photometer recording - digital
pics. With spectral slit. CED eff 2%." Cameron 2006 catalog ID=77 and
weight=5.
On 1979 Dec 11 at 05:05-05:28 UT A. Crotts (Princton, NJ, USA, CCD
camera and spectrophotometer) TLP detected in Mersenius : "Spectral
Photometer recording - digital pics. With spectral slit. CED eff 2%."
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=77 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1994 Apr 03 at 11:23UT D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA) noticed that
Copernicus crater had a red spot on the west wall (found using Moon
Blink filters Wratten 29 and Wratten 38). The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1965 Oct 18 UTC 07:30-07:36 Observed by George, Dervas
(Huntsville, Alabama, 20" reflector x125) "Color with intermittent
displays, detected with Trident MB device. Observers dubious. NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #907.
On 1981 Oct 21 at UT 11:35-11:48 B. Hobdell (St Petersberg, FL, USA,
10" reflector) found that the south peak of Plato on floor glowed white
at 11:35UT, then a milky shade spread all aorind Plato's floor
(previously completely shadow filled). The needle like shadows started
to be indistiguishable through the sunlight (dawn on Earth). The cloud
like feature was washed out by daylight at 11:48UT and conformed to the
"white area except a tail that reached the cetre of Plato" Spurious
colour was not seen. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=157 and weight=3.
1965 Aug 21 UTC 06:55-08:05 Observed by Gilheany, Johnson, Segerstrom
(Port Tobacoo, MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "Color patch
detected by Trident; MB device. Color was pink. Astronauts on Gemini 5
saw terrestrial auroras from space on this date". 16" reflector used.
NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID No.#890.
Aristarchus 1983 Aug 03 UT 0305-0400 Observed by R,Moseley
(Coventry, UK, 6" reflector, seeing II, Transparency very good).
At the start of the observation, the NE wall and immediate
exterior was the brightest area visible (this is normal) and
seemed tinged with a faint blue/violet. At 03:45 the impression
of colour was fading in the brightening sky, but by 03:55 the
colour was back again with a faint violet/purple surrounding the
whole formation from E clockwise to N. The observer found it
difficult to decide whether it was really a colour on the Moon,
or an optical illusion. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1970 Jul 05 at UT 22:45-23:15 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=good) noted a foggy patch in
Aristarchus for a short time. There were well defined luminous sparkles
or gleam with strong intensity and blue well defined colour. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1263 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Southern cusp obseved by H.Hill (UK) on 1992 Apr 04 at solar
selenographic colongitude=294.Observer noted that the southern
cusp was extended by 350" - the effect appeared "atmospheric".
Note that this is almost certianly not a TLP but is worth
checking out if the libration and solar colongitude is similar,
just to verify that this is what the Moon normally looks like.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1790 Jan 17 at UT 1800 Schroter (Lilienthal, Germany) observed a
small hazt spot of light in the vicinity of Aristarchus crater. The
1978 Cameron catalog ID=65 and the weight=4. The ALPo/BAA weight=1.
On 1970 Jul 06 at UT 22:45-23:45 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=very good) saw Aristarchus as an
outstanding bright patch (10 deg bright) electric blue colour, every 10
sec groups of 3 or 4 separate sparkles for 10sec then a period of calm
for 30sec-1min. At 130x was almost constant form. Sometimes the form
would be radial like an open band with extended fingers. This was
observed in the dark part of the Moon and Cameron suspects atmopsheric
effects. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1264 and weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1970 May 08 at UT 23:00-23:30 Celis (Quilpue, Chile, 3" refractor,
x60, atmosphere turbulent) observed in the Aristarchus region a clear
line(?) and several star-like points. Cameron suspects atmospheric
effects due to low altitude and turbulence? The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1259 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Nov 10 at UT18:05 J-H Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK, Seeing
III, Transparency poor, Filters Wratten 25 (red) and 44A(blue)) found
the area to be bright in red and dull in blue - but suspected that this
might have been a permanent colour blink e.g. natural colour. This does
not have an entry in the 2006 Cameron catalog. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 Nov 10 UT 17:55-18:15 J-H Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK)
observed the floor patches in Plato to be easy in red, but not so well
seen in blue. This is a BAA Lunar Section report. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Note the month or day must be wrong!
On 1990 Apr 28 at UT 00:00-00:30 F. Graham (Marshall TWP, OH, USA, 6"
reflector) during a failed attempt to observe the occultation of X6493
that was thwarted by clouds, noticed that Gassendi was "Gass,>>,>Aris
or anything else". The crater had a "milky lustre". It is possible that
another occultation observing group may have a video of the Earthshine
at this time. Darling (Sun prairem WI, USA, 20x50 binoculars) could not
see Earthsine, though the sky was bright at the time. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=402 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Apr 28 at UT 01:19-01:25 F. Graham (Marshall TWP, OH, USA, 6"
reflector) during a failed attempt to observe the occultation of X6493
that was thwarted by clouds, noticed that Gassendi was "Gass,>>,>Aris
or anything else". The crater had a "milky lustre". It is possible that
another occultation observing group may have a video of the Earthshine
at this time. Darling (Sun prairem WI, USA, 20x50 binoculars) could not
see Earthsine, though the sky was bright at the time. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=402 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
East of Picard (56E, 15N) 1877 May 15 UT 20:30 Observed by an
unknown observer (in England?) "Bright spot. (white patch)
there unlikely to be bright at sunrise normally)." NASA
catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #189. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1978 Jan 12 at 08:21UT (assuming this is not local time) V.A.
Golubev (Ussurian Sam Station, Vladivostock, Russia, x100) saw on the
western edge of the Moon an occultation of the magnitude 6? star
ZC2394. Just prior to the occultation, between the star and the dark
limb could be seen a bridge of light. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
the previous night". Its diameter is less than 3"
(5-6 km) as judged by comparing with the angular diameter
of Jupiter and also Jupiter's third satellite (the
diameter of the active part of the volcano was at least
twice the angular diameter of Jupiter's Moon). The shape
was an irregular round figure with very sharply defined edges.
It resembled a small piece of burning charcoal, when it is covered
by a thin coat of white ash. The other two volcanos were
much further towards the centre of the Moon and
resembled large faint nebulae that are gradually
much brighter in the middle; but with no well defined luminous
spot within them. These three spots are plainly to be
distinguished from the rest of the marks upon the Moon;
for the reflection of the Sun's rays from Earth is, in its present
situation, sufficiently bright with a ten-foot reflector, to
show the Moon's spots, even the darkest of them. Such
similar phenomena were not perceived in the previous month,
despite using the same telescope. The volcano was not as bright
as his 4th May 1783 sighting (resembling a 4th magnitude star as
seen with the naked eye), though the latter was smaller in diameter.
Cameron's 1978 ALPO catalog has a TLP ID No. of 33 and a weight of
4. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight is 3.
the previous night". Its diameter is less than 3"
(5-6 km) as judged by comparing with the angular diameter
of Jupiter and also Jupiter's third satellite (the
diameter of the active part of the volcano was at least
twice the angular diameter of Jupiter's Moon). The shape
was an irregular round figure with very sharply defined edges.
It resembled a small piece of burning charcoal, when it is covered
by a thin coat of white ash. The other two volcanos were
much further towards the centre of the Moon and
resembled large faint nebulae that are gradually
much brighter in the middle; but with no well defined luminous
spot within them. These three spots are plainly to be
distinguished from the rest of the marks upon the Moon;
for the reflection of the Sun's rays from Earth is, in its present
situation, sufficiently bright with a ten-foot reflector, to
show the Moon's spots, even the darkest of them. Such
similar phenomena were not perceived in the previous month,
despite using the same telescope. The volcano was not as bright
as his 4th May 1783 sighting (resembling a 4th magnitude star as
seen with the naked eye), though the latter was smaller in diameter.
Cameron's 1978 ALPO catalog has a TLP ID No. of 33 and a weight of
4. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight is 2.
There were two other volcanos were much further towards the centre of
the Moon and resembled large faint nebulae that are gradually
much brighter in the middle; but with no well defined luminous
spot within them. These three spots are plainly to be
distinguished from the rest of the marks upon the Moon;
for the reflection of the Sun's rays from Earth is, in its present
situation, sufficiently bright with a ten-foot reflector, to
show the Moon's spots, even the darkest of them. Such
similar phenomena were not perceived in the previous month,
despite using the same telescope. The volcano was not as bright
as his 4th May 1783 sighting (resembling a 4th magnitude star as
seen with the naked eye), though the latter was smaller in diameter.
Cameron's 1978 ALPO catalog has a TLP ID No. of 33 and a weight of
4. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight is 2.
In 1965 Jul 02 at UT 04:20-05:50 Albert and Welch (Azuss, CA, USA, 8"
reflector, x375) and Emanuel (West Covina, CA, USA, 4.5" reflector)
observed 4th magnitude star-like flashes to blotches in Aristarchus, in
ashen light. Cameron says that this is independent confirmation and
also that the date in MBMW is 7/1/65 which is local time + 2nd UT. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=881 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Bright spot (in dark part of Moon - confirmation of Arkhipov?). Cameron
1978 catalog weight=5 and Cameron 1978 catalog serial No. 418,
On 1980 Nov 11 at UT17:35-18:32 G. Blair (Weir, Scotland, UK) at
17:35UT immediately noted that the Earthsine was extremeley bright. All
large detail easily seen on unilluminated disk. 17:38UT a definite pale
reddish brown tinge enveloped the Aristarchus area. 17:39 seemed to be
getting larger and more intense west (IAU) side. Attempted to contact
other observers. 17:40UT Aristarchus still had a bright central peak.
17:50UT fading a little from the west (IAU). 18:00UT slight revival in
brightness. 18:15UT effect still visible when Aristarchus set behind a
high western horizon. The two sketches supplied show the illuminated
region around the crater with extension to the west (IAU). P. Foley
(Kent) found thatAristarchus was bright enough in Earthshine to be seen
with the naked eye. Telescope in operation at 18:00UT and the entire
Aristarchus region was bathed in violet/rose colour with what appeared
to be a strong ray extending to the west (IAU). Detail could be clearly
seen inside Aristarchus crater such as the central zone, west and north
wall and rim in relief from point southeat to northwest. CED measure
0.8 (white), 0.9 (blue), 0.2 (red). No other reading in Earthshine gave
a measure in red. Observation ceased by 18:32UT as the Moon was very
low. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1970 Jul 07 at UT 23:00-23:30 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=good) observed the following in
Aristarchus: "Similar conditions as last night (#1264) but diminished
in brightness to 40% (to 6deg bright. Real phenom. in the dimming?)".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1265 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1948 Aug 09 at UT 02:40 Woodward (Toronto, Canada, sky very
clear) observed, using a telescope, a bright, bluish-white to
greyish-yellow, 3 sec duration flash in Earthshine. The flash
was between magnitude 0 to 1 if one were looking for a similar
magnitude star in the sky without a telescope. There was
possibly a very slight motion of the flash in a southerly
direction. Also there were two terminal bursts. Cameron suggsts
that this might have been a meteor? Ref: Moore, P.A. Guide to
the Moon (1953), p117. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=508 and
weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Macrobius 1972 Apr 17 UT 20:10-20:45 Observed by Persson (Hvidore,
Danmark, 2.5" refractor x58 & x100, seeing=good) "Macrob. was a white
ring without outline or shadow. (shad. should have been seen--sun only
up 5deg alt. Something was raising albedo from 0 to surround." NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1328.
Proclus 1972 Apr 17 UT 20:10-20:45 Observed by Persson (Hvidore,
Danmark, 2.5" refractor x58 & x100, seeing=good) "Proclus not as clear
as usual" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1328.
On 1972 Apr 17 at UT 20:10-20:45 Hvidore (Denmark, 2.5" refractor, x58,
x100, seeing=good) noted a brightening of the dark limb between
Hercynian mountains and Cleostratus crater. Thought that it was due to
atmospheric disturbance. Cameron says similar to other reports e.g. No.
1156. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1330 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
In 1824 May 02 at UT 21:00-21:15 Gobel (Germany, seeing = excellent)
saw near Aristarchus (47W, 23N) a soft (matte) light like a star seen
through mist. Brightness increased suddenly to magnitude 9-10. After
several seconds it became weak, finally disappearing. repeated this 3
to 4 times in 15 minutes. The Moon was a very narrow sickle shape and a
major feature could be seen in Earthsine. The date given was 1821 but
Cameron says it is 1824. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=88 and weight=4.
The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1970 Jul 08 at UT 23:00-23:30 Celis (Paso Hondo, Chile, 3"
refractor, x60, x100, x135, seeing=excellent) observed the following at
Aristarchus: "Conditions again similar (to #1264). Brighter tonite(8
deg) than last nite. but not as bright as on the 6th. Pin pts. of light
very accentuated. The radial open hand extended fingers form not so
frequently, perhaps because of the larger crescent illum. now.".
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1266 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
In 1963 Oct 22 at UT 21:00? Andre (Belgium, 2.25" refractor) noticed
that Posidonius A's shadow was not seen when it should have been seen.
The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=777 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2012 Mar 28 at UT 20:45-20:50 Two unknown Italian
observers, reported on an on-line formum that they had
independently seen a distinct glow with a comma/drop shape.
One of them moved the Moon and the glow moved with the Moon.
It is uncertain how experienced the observers where. A chart
was provided which shows the lcoation of the glow in the
western side of Mare Imbrium. It is just possible that this
was Aristarchus in Earthshine, though that is very slightly
further west and south than the observers reported. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 2012 Mar 28 P. Grego (Cornwall, UK, seeing II, 100mm
refractor, x132) observed a patch of light just inside the NW
rim of Menelaus on the shadowed wall or floor. Computer
visulaiztions of the illumination conditions using a digital
elevation model failed to produce this effect. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Cepheus A 2000 Oct 04 UTC 08:15-08:50 Observer: Maurice Collins
(New Zealand, 90cm ETX) - observer noted that crater was
extremely bright - wasn't sure if this was normal and at the
time rated it as the brightest (contrasty?) crater that he had
ever seen on the Moon. Many years later he suspected that he may
have mis-identified the crater. This still leaves us with thr
problem as to why a crater should be so bright in this region,
and if so, which one? ALPO/BAA weight=1.
In 1982 Sep 24 at 22:45-23:40 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia) saw in
Theophilus an obscuration on the south west wall close to Cyrillus and
furthermore it had a red / mauve colouration (seen best in a 12mm Ortho
eyepiece). Through a Wratten 15 yellow filter the region was quite
bright. At23:40UT the obscuration faded. There was plenty of detail in
the region between Theophilus and Cyrils. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
184 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Pitiscus 1981 Sep 05 UT ??:?? but assumed to be AM? which would make
it 00:00-03:00UTC. Observed by Slayton (Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA,
8" reflector, ASA 64EK7 f/170, Kodak Kodachrome) photographed a bright
glow in the crater that appeared to move. Observer also reported seeing
it visually noting that it looked gray with a tinge of red. For further
information see p266 of Sky & Telescope (1991, March). Note that
Cameron gives the date and UT at 1981 Sep 06 UT 01:00-01:30, or one day
later. I will use this date and time from now on. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=152 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1915 Apr 21 at UT 1800? Houdard (France) noticed a special
occurrence south of Posidonius which he took as evidence of water
vapor. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=351 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
A.S.Williams of West Brighton, UK, using a 2.75" Acromatic refractor
(x75, definition good, but it was too windy to use the 5.25") noticed
that the mare was a mass of light streaks and spots. This was not
considered unusual, but these features were unusually plain, distinct
and brught, especially the streaks. The observer could not recall
seeing the streaks so bright and clear with this instrument before, and
indeed hardly ever with the larger 5.25" telescope. The observer
continued to observe Mare Crisium on many nights for several months and
comments that such an unusual exhibition was later seen perhaps once
every 2-3 lunations. They are uncertain how much this effect depends
upon the state of the Earth's atmosphere. This TLP does not make it
into the Cameron 1978 catalog and so may not be a TLP - however it has
been included, just in case, and to try to understand what was actually
seen. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Alphonsus 1967 Aug 13 UT 18:40-18:55 Observed by Horowitz (Haifa,
Israel, 8" reflector?) "Glow or hazy patch seen while using filters.
Brighter than background. Not seen after 2055 or next nite" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1041.
Purbach 1970 Apr 14 UT 12:00-14:00 Observed by Osawa (Awajt-Shima,
Japan, 8" reflector, x288) "Photos in blue and orange taken. Ill-
defined obscur. in blue photo in S. part of crater compared with
orange. (neg. is so faint it is doubtful. Apollo 13 watch. Similar to
Alter's findings in Alphonsus)." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA
catalog ID #1250.
On 1972 Apr 21 at UT19:01 Mattingly (Apollo 16 commander, in orbit
around the Moon, using his naked eyes) saw a bright flash from below
his horizon on the lunar farside (approximate longitude=180 deg). he
was dark adapted at the time. However no sesimic event was recorded and
so Cameron suspects that this was not a meteor impact but a cosmic ray
striking his eye. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1331 and weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1990 May 03 at UT 02:03 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, seeing
steady) observed a point of light inside Alphonsus just to the north
of the central peak, along the "center ridge". It was seen again, half
way between the central peak and the noth west rim - along the ridge.
All other features were normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=403 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Peirce A (Swift=IAU name) 1937 Mar? 23? UTC 22:00 Observed by Wilkins
(England, UK, 12.5" reflector) "Obscuration on floor if crater. Crater
invis. (similar to #394, 396)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #412. Note this is almost certainly supposed
to be 1934 Dec 23!
SE of Ross D 1964 Aug 16 UT 04:18-05:20 Observed by Harris and
Cross (Whittler, CA, USA, 19" reflector?) "Bright area.
Condensations varying with time" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #840. ALPO/BAA weight=3
On 1887 Nov 23 at 16:15-17:00 UT Von Speissen & others of Berlin,
Germany, using a 3.5" refractor (x180), saw a "Triangular patch of
light (time in Middlehurst catalog wrong? Moonrise was at > 18:30h. If
year =1887, age=8.8 days & time OK. must be same observation as ID=256
in Cameron 1978 catalog - note similarity of names and also the
reference date). Cameron 1978 catalog ID=258 and weight=1.
A track of reddish light, like a beam, was seen
crossing the shadowed floor of Plato.This TLP has an ID
No. of 17 in Cameron's 1978 catalog and a weight
of 3. It has an ALPO/BAA weight of 2.
Plato 1882 Mar 27 UTC 20:10-21:00 Observer: A.S. Williams (Brighton,
UK, 5.5" saw the shadow filled floor of Plato at Sunrise with a
"Glowing and curious milky kind of light". About 1 hour after sunrise
at Plato, there was no trace of this effect. The TLP filled the whole
floor except at a quarter of the diameter from the east wall which was
actually quite black. The observer saw a curious phosphorescent glimmer
at sunset (April11th?). Cameron comments that Birt, Nelson and Waugh
saw obsecuring mist or fog in Plato on many occasions. Cameron 1978
catalog ID=229 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 Dec 27 at UT 05:32 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 6"
reflector x240, seeing=3-6/10 and T=4) noticed "2 small high-sun areas
nr. Eimmart - brightening around Mare Crisium, except for interior of
Proclus - in blue light. They were brighter than 2 spots on Cap.
Agarum rated 8.5 & Proc. 9. Not as bright next night. Probably a real
blue light brightening". Cameron 2006 catalog ID=79, location on Moon:
(70E, 23N) and weight=4.
On 1965 Sep 03 UT03:00-05:00 D.Harris (Located near Whittier
College, Whittier, CA, USA, using a 10" f/8.2 Newtonian
reflector, x78 & x208, seeing 5-6, transparency 2-0) observed a
ridge obscured SSW of Ross D. No drawing was made, only a
written description. "Ridge not visible near crater; possible
white patch 1/3 Ross D diameter" The ridge is the wrinkle ridge
extending NNE from Ross D, a well established often visible
feature. Harris comments that this was not one of the better TLPs
seen near Ross D, and there were no independent observers,
neverless he was ceratin of this being a TLP, and it was
consistant with other activity seen near this crater between 1964
and 1970. Cameron 1978 catalog ID 891 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 1895 May 02 UT 20:45, 23:45 Observed by Brenner and Fauth
(Germany?) "Streaks of light (Brenner) bright parallel bands in
center Fauth (indep. confirmation?)." NASA catalog weight=5.
NASA catalog ID #284. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Linne 1867 Jan 14 UT 20:00 Observed by Knott (England?) "White covering
had seemingly disappeared, was a dark spot. Definition (seeing?) was
poor." NASA catalog weight=1 very low. NASA catalog ID #148.
Morales of France?, observed "an illumination" in Kepler on 1884 Feb 05
at UT20:00?. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID is 241 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
On 1972 Apr 22 at UT 18:58-00:28 Hopp (75mm refractor, 1200mm focal
length,transparency 4 out of 5 and seeing 4 out of 5, located at 52deg
30' N and 13deg 15'E) Censorinus brighter than normal relative to
Proclus. Published in Hilbrecht and Kuveler, Moon and Planets, 30
(1984) p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1974 Mar 02 at UT 23:00 Fitton (Lancashire, UK, 8.5" reflector,
x200, seeing = excellent and transparency = excellent) observed "A fine
deep red line seen at 1st contact with B-ring of Saturn. Nothing
unusual at A-ring contact. Persisted during occult. of B-ring. It
divided into 2 components & space between B-ring & globe cutting ring
into 2 disjointed ends persisted till dark limb passed onto globe of
Saturn, then a short red line corresponding exactly to chord of planet
disk defined by lunar limb. It increased in length as occult.
progressed. It suddenly vanished after 3/4 of globe had been occulted.
No afterglow at spot on limb, no irreg. at limb could be seen. Obs.
eliminates Saturn, telescope, & atmosp. as possible cause. Suggests
refraction from tenuous atm. of destructive interference of reflected
light from very small angle at limb, or diffraction of Saturn light
grazing limb". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1389 and weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Clavius 1915 Apr 23 UTC 20:00 Observed by Cook (England?) "Narrow
straight beam of light from crater A to B" NASA catalog weight=1 (very
poor). NASA catalog ID #352. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2009 May 03/10 UT23:20-00:11 P. Abel (Leicester, UK, 20cm reflector,
x312, seeing III-IV) observed that the north east wall was slightly
brighter than would have been expected, slightly blurred (not seeing
related blurring) and had a strong orange-brown colour. No spurious
colour seen elsewhere. A change in eyepieces showed the same effect. No
luck in alerting other observers. A drawing was made at 23:20UT and
finished at 00:12UT. At 23:12UT part of the inner NW floor had a dull
brown colour, whereas before it was grey.By 00:11UT the colour effect
was fading and by 00:18 seeing condirions were too bad to continue. M.
Cook (Mundesley, UK, 9cm Questar telescope, x80, x130, seeing III,
transparency moderate to good) had observed Tycho earlier in the
evening at 22:15UT, but had seen no signs of colour. W. Leatherbarrow
(Sheffield, UK, 8cm scope, high cloud interuptions and bad seeing) had
taken monochrome images at UT 20:07 and 20:10, but these showed nothing
unusual, and he checked the crater visually at 00:00-00:30, but
detected no colour, although the Moon's low altitude contibuted to poor
seeing conditions and some spurious colour was seen. CCD images from M.
Collins (Palmerston North, New Zealand) taken at 00:46UT showed
nocolour apart from spurious colour on contrasty edges, in no way
reflecting what was seen early by P. Abel. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Birt 1955 Apr 15 UT 03:20-05:00 Observed by Capen (California
Seeing=Excellent) "Small craters between Birt & wall were invis. at
times under excellent seeing, while craterlets on w.side were
continually obs." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #586.
On 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 1997 Dec 09 at UT 18:42-19:02 P. Salimbeni(Cugliate Fabiasco,
Italy, 20cm reflector) observed colour on the northern edge of the
crater - 23A filter used. This is a UAI reported observation and has
come from this organizations web ste. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1975 Mar 22 at UT22:10-22:25 T.Flynn (Edinburgh, UK, 30cm
Newtownian, x75) observed 3 large areas on the floor of Plato to be
delicately darker in the blue filter. There were of different darkness.
He did not regard these as TLP, but permanent blinks. This is a BAA
report. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1991 May 24 at UT 00:05-00:08 UT Romualdo Lourencon (Sao
Paulo, Brazil, 60mm refractor, seeing=III) detected a circular
cloud in Jansen B and H? (Gazateer report says F and K). "The
crater of the event 100km diam. compared to Copernicus, dark
with crescent obscured region below it. Was S of Jansen. A
circular depression there was before LTP in darkness. Wonders if
circ. depr. was shadow of cloud? The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
428a and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1882 Jan 29 at UT 17:00-17:30 an unknown observer noted an unusual
shadow in Eudoxus crater. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=227 and the
weight=2. Reference: Sirius Vol 15, 167, 1882. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1969 May 26 UT 20:30-21:05 Observed by Farrant
(Cambridge, England, 8" reflector, x160, S=G) "Had misty
portion of SW(ast. ?) floor from 2030-2105h at which time it
was gone. Clearly seen, had ill-defined boundaries & was an
easy obj. to see. Alt.=33 deg. (Apollo 10 watch)." NASA
catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID No. 1148. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Gassendi 1967 Jun 18 UT 21:10-22:30 Observed by Whippey
(Northalt, England, 6" reflector?) "Faint redness outside NE &
SE wall of crater." Moore (10" Armagh refractor, x360) was
observing too 22:10-22:40, with and without a Moon Blink but
detected no redness, however his observing conditions were not
very good at the time. NASA catalog ID #1039. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO.BAA weight=2.
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.
Plato 1966 Sep 25 UT 23:12-23:35 Observed by Moseley (Armagh, Nortern
Ireland, 10" refractor, x140) "Eng. moon blink sys. blinks inside the
crater. Very dubious due to low alt. of moon." NASA catalog weight=1
(very low). NASA catalog ID #982.
Gassendi 1967 Jun 18 UT 22:50-23:59 Observed by Whippey
(Northalt, England, 6" reflector?) "Faint redness outside NE &
SE wall of crater." Moore (10" Armagh refractor, x360) was
observing earlier 22:10-22:40, with and without a Moon Blink but
detected no redness, however his observing conditions were not
very good at the time. NASA catalog ID #1039. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO.BAA weight=2.
Aristrachus 1966 Jul 29 UT 03:40 Observed by Simmons (Jacksonville, FL,
USA, 6" reflector x192, S=7, T=4-5) and Corralitos Observatory (Organ
Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector + Moonblink) "Spot on S.wall vis. only in
red filter, brightness 8deg. Slightly brighter than surrounding wall.
No confirm. Says it might be part that reflected better. Not confirmed
by Corralitos Obs. MB." NASA catalog ID #968. NASA catalog weight=1
(very low).
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.
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.
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.
In 1950 Aug 25 at UT 10:55 T.Saheki (Osaka, Japan) observed a
stationary yellow-white flash on the Moon of duration 0.2 sec
and mag 6.5. Cameron suggests that this was a meteor. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=536 and weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Two small conical mountains, near last 4th May eruption,
close to the third one that he had seen before, but not
these two. They were not on any map.
SE of Langrenous 1947 Aug 28 UT 21:00? Observed by Baum
(Chester, England) A long mountain mass, on limb to the SE of
Langrenus crater, had a decidedly bluish cast. To the north, on
the limb, were several ordinary peaks appearing in profile and
some were sharp and pointed. NASA catalog ID=498. NASA catalog
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1950 Jul 27 UT 02:56 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "C.p. of Proc.
disappeared)" 5" reflector used at x100, NASA catalog weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Herodotus 1950 Jul 27 UT 03:56 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA) described in the NASA catalog as: "Pseudo
c.p. in Herod. Drawings. (Similar to NASA catalog event #523)"
5" reflector used at x100, NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Aristarchus 1963 Oct 30 UT 01:50-02:15 Observed by Greenacre and
Barr (Flagstaff, AZ, USA, 24" Clark Refractor) observed 2 ruby
red spots - one just to the SW of the cobra's Head and the other
on a highland area east of Vallis Schroteri. A pink colour
formed coverting the SW rim of Aristarchus. Effects present with
or without Yellow Wratten 15 filer. Similar effects checked for
elsewhere on other craters but not seen. So presumed not to have
been due to chromatic aberation or astmospheric dispersion.
Effecta not seen in 12" refractor, but this may have been a
resolution issue. The NASA catalog ID No. is #778. The NASA
catalog weight is 5 (highly reliable). ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Torricelli B 2002 Oct 18 UTC 20:56-21:59 Observer: G.North (UK, 8"
reflector, x134, Seeing Antoniadi IV, Transparency good) - thought that
Torricelli B was perhaps a little brighter than expected, especially
when compared to Moltke and Censorinus based upon past recollection of
relative brightnesses at this colongitude). Slight bluish tint seen as
well. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
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.
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 1989 Jun 17 at UT 06:33-07:16 R. Manske (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, 1"
refractor) sketched a nebulous spot near to Herodotus crater that at
06:49 (when he tried some filters out) was visile through red, blue and
yellow filters, though it was slightly fainter through the red filter.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=366 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1963 Oct 30 UTC 22:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK)
observed a 30% enhancement at 540nm in the spectra of
Aristarchus. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID No. is 778 and weight
is 5. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 because Oct 30 is not mentioned in
Cameron's refernce.
In 1963 Oct 30 UT 22:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK) observed a
30% enhancement at 540nm in the spectra of Copernicus. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID No. is 778 and weight is 5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1 because Oct 30 is not mentioned in the ref
that Cameron give's to Scarfe's paper.
On 1789 Jan 10 at UT 00:00 Seyffer (Germany) observed "a lunar
volcano". Cameron comments that this must have been bright as it was
near full Moon. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=56 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 Nov 10 at UT 07:54-08:22 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
3" refractor and filters, seeing=2-3 and transparency=5) observed a
blue light at the Cobra's Head, near Aristarchus, that fell back down
to a normal brightness of 7. although the west wall (his point D) went
down to 6.5 (this was 8 back on Oct 5). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=158
and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1891 Sep 16 at UT 19:00? Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Dense clouds of vapor apparently rising from its bottom and pouring
over its SW wall torrds Herodotus. He says no activity till day after
sunrise & ceases a few days before sunset. (Part of an extensive
observing of only a few features under all aspects of lighting.
Drawings and Phtos obtained." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=269 and weight=1.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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.
On 1977 Dec 24 at UT 19:30-23:20 P.Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector).
CED Brightness changes were noted in the central peak and the west
wall. The following features remained relatively steady in comparison:
Proclus, Mon Pico north peak, Mons Piton and Censorinus. Cameron 2006
catalog ID=19 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1966 Aug 01 UT 00:50-01:20 Observers: Moore,
Moseley, Corvan (N.Ireland, 10" refractor) - "Eng. moon blink
detected color (red?) on SW wall. Tel. link got other vis.
confirm, & also another moon blink."NASA catalog ID=#960,
weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1983 Oct 20 at UT23:40 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) observed that
Aristarchus was brighter than normal (as measured with a CED) and much
more so that Censorinus, Menelaus, and Proclus craters (in turn).
Cameron comments that Moore is a very experienced observer. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=231 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1965 Sep 10 UT 04:08-04:38 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector x130, x180, S=4, T=3) "S.region of floor
granulated, 7 deg bright, very faint brownish tinge; rest of crater 8
deg bright white (confirm. of Presson?)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #892.
On 1990 May 09 at UT08:24-08:28 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
reflector, x150, Clears sky) noticeed in Promontorium Agarum (Cape
Agarum), that at 08:24UT the west point (C) dimmed to a brightness of
6.5 before ragaining its normal brightness at 7. Cameron comments that
these are wedge measurements equivalent to 0.5 steps in Elger's
brightness scale. No other effects noticed elsewhere. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=404 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1891 Sep 17 at UT 18:00? Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column. Crater D covered. (there are rays here --
high sun effect on them?) Drawings. Time estimated from given
colongitude)." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=270 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1977 Jan 04 at 16:25-17:30 Kozyrev (Pulkovo Observatory, Crimea,
Ukraine, Soview Union) "Observed unusual processes on moon. Activity in
progress at beginning of obs. Still vis. at 1710, gone at 1730h.
Latharn & colleagues found no seismic activity at that timeunder a
quick look". The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 and ID=1460. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 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 1976 Feb 14 at UT23:35-0053 LeCroy (Springfield, VA, USA, 4.5"
reflector, x75, S=6 and T=4.5). A blue haze was seen on the east side
of Aristarchus and red haze on the west side. At 00:00UT details were
more clear and at 00:24UT Aristarchus and Herodotus, were seperated. At
00:34UT colours were gone. At 00:35UT blue was on Aristarchus and the
area was bright, but was black in a red filter. At 00:53UT the features
were clear and the colour gone and the brightness had decreased to 9.
Cameron comments that the colour was not due to temp. inversion because
of being dark in the red filter, implying a medium). The Cameron 1978
catalog TLP ID is 1428 and the weight=1. This is an ALPO report. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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 1996 Dec 24/25 at 18:12-00:02UT P. Moore (Selsey, UK, using a 15"
reflector x250-360, and seeing III) saw a strong orange colour on the
south wall and floor of Aristarchus. He suspected it to be spurious
colour but could not detect colours on any other craters. The colour
remained but at 18:12 UT he suspected a trace on colour on Mons Pico
but was not sure. However he reported it to the TLP coordinator of the
BAA Lunar Section. The orange in Aristarchus gradually faded and had
almost vanished by 00:20UT when seeing was too bad to continue
observing. At 02:30UT he was able to re-observe again and there was
still a very very slight hint of orange in Aristarchus - but he
comments that if he had not been looking for it he might not have
noticed. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1963 Nov 01/12 at UT 22:30-03:00 P. Moore (UK, 12" reflector)
observed something unusual in Aristarchus/Copernicus/Kepler -
the Cameron catalog is not very clear which. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=779 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1963 Nov 01 at UT 00:20-00:35 Kopal and Rackham (Pic du
Midi, France, 24" reflector) observed in Kepler an
enhancement in red light at 672.5nm and 545.0nm. Luminescence
~86% +/-3% of background. According to the Cameron catalog,
Moore(12" reflector, UK) noted something unsual between 22:30
and 03:00 but this might apply to Kepler, Coperncius, and/or
Aristarchus and that was seen 23:30-03:00? - the catalog is not
very clear. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=779 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Plato 1944 Sep 03 UTC 03:40 - A.W. Mount (Fort Worth, TX, USA,
Conditions good, seeing 6/10) saw a small white bright point of
light appear suddenly close to the W. wall of Plato glowed
briefly as by far the most conspicuous object in the lunar field
of view and vanished quickly after approximately 2 sec. It was
star-like in appearance and was stationary on the Moon's surface
- about magnitude 6? Angular diameter of the flash was <= 1".
Observing conditions good enough to see the central craterlet in
Plato. 20cm reflector used. Ref. DJALPO Vol 45, p28 Spring 2003.
On 1963 Nov 01/12 at UT 22:30-03:00 P. Moore (UK, 12" reflector)
observed something unusual in Aristarchus/Copernicus/Kepler -
the Cameron catalog is not very clear which. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=779 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1963 Nov 02 at UT 00:00? Scarfe (Cambridge, UK) observed a spectral
line dpeth anomaly? The cameron 1978 catalog ID=780 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1898 Apr 06 atUT 23:00 Pickering (Cambridge, Mass, USA, 15"
refractor?) observed in Schroter's valley and it's vicinity "Variations
in vapor col. Crater E now most conspicuous instead of C which is now
least conspic., but not covered with vapor. (in drawing 2 gaps show,
time est. fr. given ol. ". The cameron 1978 catalog ID=298 and weight=
3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1963 Nov 01 at UT 00:20-00:35 Kopal and Rackham (Pic du
Midi, France, 24" reflector) observed in Kepler an
enhancement in red light at 672.5nm and 545.0nm. Luminescence
~86% +/-3% of background. The Cameron catalog says that Moore
saw something between 23:30 and 03:00, but it is not clear
what exactly, or whether it was Copernicus, Kepler, or
Aristarchus? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=779 and weight=5.
The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 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 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 1993 Mar 08 at UT 22:30 R. Titford (England, UK, 8.5" reflector,
seeing=III) found a very bright white area on the northern wall, "floor
< Mare Imbrium". The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=456 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.
Mare Crisium 1948 Jul 21/22 UT 22:00?-01:00? Observed by Moore
(England, 12" reflector) "Almost featureless except for Peirce &
Picard" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #506. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Aristarchus 1965 Sep 11 UT 08:08-08:15 Observed by Cross,Rasor (Parlos
Verdes, CA, USA, 22" reflector x133, S=F-P) "Red glows,. Photos
obtained but do not show phenom. Haze terminated obs." NASA catalog
weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #894.