Plato 1966 Dec 23 UT 06:15-07:10 Observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 6" reflector, S=P, T=G) and Coralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM,
USA, 24" reflector +Moonblink) "3 brilliant spots on floor, all showed
blinks, (permanent colored Ground features ?). Not confirmed by
Corralitos MB." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1005.
Gassendi 1967 Jan 21 UT 19:36-20:24 Observed initially by
Moore & Moseley (Armagh, N.Ireland, 10" refractor, x360, S=G),
Ringsdore (England, 10" reflector), Sartory (Farnham, England,
15" reflector?), Duckworth (England), Kilburn (Ashton,
England, 6" reflector), Farrant (England, 8" reflector) "Eng.
moon blink at 1936 (no events from 1750-1815h) outside SE
wall, brighter at 1939h, seen vis. at 1940h, faint at 1946h.
Moved NW at 1950h. At 2000h, Moseley saw it farther W., lost
it at 2008h. Seen again at 2026h further toward group of
hills. Moore saw it faint at 2002h, lost it at 2005h, vis. &
blink at 2007h. Checks again at 2010-50h, 2130-50, 2200-20,
2250-2300, 2325-0000h.Duckworth suspected blink in S.Iridium
nr. Bianchini later, but clouds intervened, after clearing
couldn't see it. Neg. obs. in 11 other features, inc.
Alphonsus & Plato. Confirmed Gass blink 2018-2024h" NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1010. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Gassendi 1971 Oct 29 UT 22:15-22:50 observed by J.Coates and
A.R. Neville (Burnley, UK, 6" reflectir, x192, slight fog,
seeing jumpy but good at times). An in ititial Moonblink
search proved negative. However white light observations by
Coates revealed a golden brown colour between the black
interior shadow and the base of the (bright W (IAU?) wall).
Neville confirmed its appearance as a coppery hue and saw the
colour for 5 minutes before it vanished at 22:55UT. ALPO/BAA
weight=2
On 1990 Sep 30 at D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x150) observed a red spot on the west wall (bright
in red filter and faint in the blue filter. No filter
reactions were found elsewhere. Gassendi had much detail
visible. A sketch was made. BAA observers in the UK were
alerted but they could not observe due to cloud. Cameron
2006 extension catalog ID=411 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1977 May 28/29 UT 20:45-21:15 Observed by D. Sims
(Dawlish, Devon, UK) saw a hazy area on the south east floor
that was normal in red and white light but darker in blue.
This was partly confirmed by J-H Robinson (Devon, England, 10"
reflector) 21:24-23:12 who saw the south east floor of
Gassendi to have a loss of detail - but no colour seen,
although at 21:57-21:58 it was slightly brighter in red than
in blue briefly. P. Doherty (22:45-23:15) did not see anything
ususual. D. Jewitt (22:22-22:55) did not reveal anything
ususual, apart from spurious colour. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=3 and ID=1463. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus, Schroter's Valley, Herodotus 1881 Aug 06 UT 00:00?
Observed by Klein (Cologne, Germany, 6" refractor, 5" reflector)
"Whole region between these features appeared in strong violet
light as if covered by a fog spreading further on 7th. Examined
others around & none showed effect. Intensity not altered if
Aris. placed out of view." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #224. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1985 Mar 02 at 20:00UT? Marshall (Medeline, Colombia, South America)
measured some very low Crater Extinction Device brightness readings of
Censorinus compared to Proclus. The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=
261 and the weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1982 Apr 04 at UT 23:30-00:25 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 7cm
refractor & 16cm reflector) noticed the TLP in his refractor
first of all at x25. So stepped up the magnification to x111 and
found the crater brightness not what he was expecting. He tried
different filters but found no difference in brightness. With
the 16cm reflector however some changes in brightness were
dected. The crater has a very pale yellow colour and it was
slightly darker than Lacus Somniorum. P. Foley tried to confirm
at 00:09 but the crater looked normal then. The Cameron 2006
catalog extension TLP ID is 167 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
A blue tinge was seen inside and outside the crater
perimeter. The surrounding halo lost brightness that
was observed on 1993 Jan 29. Observed on Apr 19, 20 and 28th.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=213 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Furnerius 1961 May 26 UT 02:20-03:00 Observed by Cameron (Aldephi, MD,
USA, 3.5" Questar reflector x160, S=G) "Crater stood out like
glittering points (small craters on rim?). Many features examined but
effect seen only on this crater and Stevinus (Specular refl. from flat
surface?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #738.
Stevinus 1961 May 26 UT 02:20-03:00 Observed by Cameron (Aldephi, MD,
USA, 3.5" Questar reflector x160, S=G) "Crater stood out like
glittering points (small craters on rim?). Many features examined but
effect seen only on this crater and Stevinus. (Specular refl. from flat
surface?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #738.
Brilliant blue color seen at first for seconds, later for min
2h later, in blue filter. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 (high).
Cameron 1978 catalog ID 572.
Tycho 2971 Nov 28 UT 21:58-22:05 observed by D.B. Taylor (Dundee,
UK, darker area inside the crater (NE and SE floor) in a Moon
Blink device. However the observer does not report through which
filter ir was darker. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1971 Oct 30 UT 19:35-20:55 E.Watkins (Braintree, UK, 4.5"
reflector, x45,x150, x225), thought he saw a faint patch at
19:35 and it still was visible at 19:40. At 19:50-19:55 he saw
what may have been the remainder. At 20:55 he noticed a shadow
in the area. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Herodotus 1957 Sep 05 UT 02:55-03:24 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x180, S=1-5, T=5) Pseudo
peak visible within floor shadow at 03:10h" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #671. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Schickard 1972 Sep 19 UT 19:45-20:25, 20:00-23:30 Observed by Watkins
(Herts., Eng. 4.5" reflector, x225, S=G) Amery (Reading, Eng.m 12"
reflector?), Fitton (Lancashire, Emg., 8.5" reflector) and Moore
(Selsey, Eng., 12.5" reflector?, 4.5" refractor 45-225x, S=P)
"Luminous, nebulous spot attracted Watkin's att'n. Got brighter.
Checked 'scope--not instru. Obj. had greenish-gray color, size @ 15km.
Amery & Fitton with blink devices noted nothing unusual at later times
(2000-2330h). Aris., Plato, Gass. were neg. at 1930-2025h (date not
given, guessed at fr. available info.). Turbulence, lasting
secs. at a time." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #
1344. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2002 Feb 24 UT 05:15-05:35 W. Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA) observed an
obscuration in Herodotus - the shadown was, almost, but not
completely black. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2002 Feb 24 UT 06:05-06:20 W. Haas (Las Cruces, NM, USA) observed
that the shadow was, almost, but not completely black. This might have
been related to the observing conditions.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1955 Oct 28 at UT00:00? Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet Union, 50"
reflector) detected in Aristarchus Fraunhofer lines in UV spectra that
were much narrower than in the solar spectrum. This indicated
luminescent glow which overlapped contour(?) lines. Greatest after Full
Moon, but fluctuated monthly with no indication of solar activity
effect. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=621 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=5.
On 1955 Oct 28 at UT 00:06 W. Taylor saw a naked eye flash on the Moon
in the north east area, on the edge of Mare Vaporum. The flash was
intense and radiated to a large area. The duration was 1/4 seconds.
Aristarchus, Schroter's Valley, Herodotus 1881 Aug 07 UT 00:00?
Observed by Klein (Cologne, Germany, 6" refractor, 5" reflector) "Whole
region between these features appeared in strong violet light as if
covered by a fog spreading further on 7th. Examined others around &
none showed effect. Intensity not altered if Aris. placed out of
view." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #224.
Aristarchus 1981 Mar 17 UT 22:40-23:25 Observed by Moore
(Selsey, England, 15" reflector, seeing III) "Aristarchus very
bright according to Crater Extinction Device and a coloured
blink detected" BAA Lunar Section TLP report. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 2016 Jun 17 UT 05:00 A.Anunziato (AEA, Argentina Meade ETX
105, seeing 7/10, sketch made) observed a very tiny light spot
where the shadow from topographic relief to the south of
Vallis Schroteri nerges into the crater rim shadow on the
floor of Herodotus. There should be no light spot here.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1939 Aug 27 UT 02:00 Observed by Haas? (NM? USA, 12"
reflector?) "NE part of c.p. was I=6.4, compared with I=9.4 on 9/28/39
(see #462) under similar cond.@ NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID# 458.
All observers saw a blue tinge seen inside and outside the
crater. Marshall observed a bright spot in the middle of
the crater floor and thought perhaps that it was a central
peak. No central peak can be found on Lunar Orbiter images.
Cameron 2006 Catalog extension ID=214 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
Proclus 1976 Sep 06 UT 02:00 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA,
4.5" reflector 45-300x, S=3, T=5) "Nothing vis. on floor of 2deg
brightness. Usually floor ray & Proc. A are vis. at this col. & c.p. is
5 deg bright. (must have been 2 deg tonite)." NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID #1450.
Cobra Head, Aristarchus 1964 Feb 25 UT 02:37-02:38, 02:39-02:42
Observed by Budine (Binghamton, New York, USA, 4" refractor, x250, S=6,
T=4) "Red flashes" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
802.
Mons Piton 1984 Mar 14/15 UT 19:18-01:48 Observed by Foley
(Kent, England, 12" Reflector seeing I, Transparency Very
Good) "Colouration and brightness seen on Piton (CED used)"
BAA Lunar Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1984 Mar 14/15 UT 19:18-01:48 Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" Reflector seeing I, Transparency Very Good)
"Obscuration and colour seen on Plato" BAA Lunar Section
Report. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Daniell 1979 Jul 06 UT 21:15-22:30 Crick (Belgium, 6"
reflector, Seeing=II and transparency=good.) noticed
obscuration on a bright spot on the south east wall. This spot
was quite prominent through a red Wratten 25 filter. The floor
was very dark. Other craters were checked and were normal. A
sketch was supplied and the position was the same as in other
earlier reports. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=60 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1987 Feb 10 UT 21:05-22:10. M. Cook (Frimley, UK), "NE
ray distinct & also floor E of it, not distinct as on Dec 13 &
Jan 11, while March 10, 11 & 12 seen by Price, North, Peters,
Foley & M Cook, where rim was clear and sharp." - quote from
the 2006 Cameron Catalog extension - TLP ID=297 and weight=5.
Cameron gives the observers confirming this TLP as: M. Cook,
G. North and Davies. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1972 Oct 19 UT 17:55-18:05 Observed by Gabriel (Wettern,
Belg. 4" refractor, x166, S=E), Hitchens (Stamine Locks, Eng., 8.5"
reflector, S=F), Peters (Kent, Eng., 10" relector), Amery (Reading,
Emg. 10?" reflector), Flynn (england, 12" reflector) "At 17:55h noted
bluish-purple color area just N. of Aris. & it reached just over N.
wall, lasted 2 min. At 1800h color noted again, but not as brilliant &
gone at 1801h. Seen again at 1804h & now was on E. (ast. ?) wall,
lasting M 1min. Sure of its reality but not of lunar origin. All gone
at 1805h. Hitchens noted a very bright spot on W. (IAU?) wall between 2
prominent bands. Blue darkening in W#38 filter, neg. in W#8,25,58 &
integrated light. Other areas gave similar but lesser effects. May be
due to damp geletin. (Moore thinks not LTP but many obs. have rep't
blue in Aris.) Others obs. later (2100, 2215-2300, 2305h) & noted
nothing unusual." NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1346.
Kepler 1954 Nov 07 UT 23:20 Observed by F.A. Lugo (Caracus,
Venezuela, 3.5" scope x125) Bright red star=like point just
outside E.wall - visible for an hour. NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #580. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1993 Sep 28 at UT 04:30-06:10 S.Beaumont (Cambridge, UK)observed
that the north east edge of Herodotus appeared as a "highland area
spilling over into" the Cobra's Head border or "overlook". The shadow
on the elevation was contiguous with a similar shadow over the Cobra's
Head "like a darkening of the terrain. Shadow appears softer diffused
without sharp bounds of most Lunar shadows. sketch. S. edge of crater
started to appear at 0615". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=468 and the
weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1 as the date or UT are wrong.
Schroter's Valley 1897 Oct 08 UT 22:00 Observed by Pickering
(Cambridge, Maas., USA, 15"? refractor) "Variations in vapor col.
Tillsow, C was largest compared with D&E& most conspicuous 1.3 d after
sunrise. Drawing. (time est. fr. given colon.)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #291.
On 1977 May 30 at 21:04-02:13UT J.H.-Robinson noted a loss of
detail inside Gassendi, however he did not regard this as a
TLP. The effect was also seen by P.W. Foley. Cameron 2006
extension catalog TLP ID=16 and weight=0 ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Feb 14 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) thought that there was something
odd about Mons Pico in that it looked very bright and gave a good
impression of a crater. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=241 and
weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1984 Feb 14 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) observed that Plato was darker
than the nearby mare and no detail could be seen on the floor or the
eastern wall - the later was obscured. At 23:40UT some dimming was
still present on the north east wall and still no detail on the floor
of Plato. Cook noticed that the eastern floor close to the wall was
misty and also noted no detail on the floor. Amery though noted that
all parts of the floor were sharp although some darkening was visible
in the north west and a hint of obscurtion. The east wall though was
quite sharp. Mosely could see the central craterlet but from 8-6
o'clock tricky to define (Foley says that this effect has been seen at
this colongitude before). Streak ray across the floor of Plato seen
(North) - filter measurements made. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=
241 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1988 Jan 02 at 06:41-07:08 UT D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
using a 8" reflector, seeing 4 out of 10) observed that at 06:56 UT
Aristarchus floor (point F) brightened rapidly from an intensity of 5.2
to 6, however at 07:08 UT the spot returned to normal. He also noticed
that the bands on the walls varied every few minutes. A mist like
appearance was seen on the floor of Aristarchus. Through a red filter
he could see through the haze, but floor detail could not be seen
through a blue filter. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=316 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1988 Jan 02 at 05:57-06:13 UT D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA,
using a 8" reflector, seeing 4 out of 10) observed that points B and D
on Cape Agarum faded suddenly from 7.0 to 6.4 (B) and 6.0 (D). However
these returned to their normal levels at 06:13 UT. Cameron 2006
extension catalog ID=316 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Apr 28, Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA using a 8" reflector
and a 2.5" refractor) observed a very bright reg region on top of the
south west rim of Aristarchus crater. This was on the same side as the
ray system between Aristarchus and Herodotus. Louderback noticed some
chromatic aberation - blue where he had seen the red patch before.
Louderback suspects chromatic aberation was the cause although did not
see red in that region ever again. "Patch was between his observation
points A and C. Point C was 5 points brighter in the red filter than in
the blue." A sketch was made. Cameron suspects that the TLP was real.
Cameron 2006 TLP catalog extension ID=92 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1821 Jan 16 at UT 21:00 S. Cooke (Stonehouse, UK) An
effusion of smoke effect, which lasted about a minute, seen.
It appeared like the fluttering of a bird and passed over the
Moon before it evaporated, and must have been foreshortened,
as it seemed in effect to have passed over the whole disc,
starting from west of Menelaus, and near Plinius. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Louderback observed that the south west wall was a creamy deep yellow.
There was also strong fluorescent blue on the west wall of the Cobra
Head - Schroter's Valley area and this was similar to the violet glare
seen on Aristarchus at times. Violet was seen between Aristarchus and
the Cobra Head. Seeing coditions were poor. Brightening of a point
near C occurred roughly every 10-15 seconds and lasted 0.5 sec -
(Cameron concludes that this was not due to the Earth's atmosphere).
A 0.2 step drop in brightness was seen on point A (twin spots).
Point C had reduced by 0.6 steps. Elsewhere was stable in brightness.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=281 and weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Variations in vapor column rising from the Cobra Head feature
(seen on several nights in succession) and also in the visibility of
craterlets A, C, F. Sunrise +2d. (time est. fr. gives colongitude).
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=279 and weight=3. Pickering was observing from
the southern station of Harvard University in Arequipa, Peru.
Manilius 1939 Jun 30 UT 06:05 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"?
reflector) "Dark area in S. part was I=2.0 but was I=3.7 on 7/30/39.
Obs. conditions were very similar." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #449.
Plato 1873 Apr 10 UTC 21:00? Observed by Schmidt (Athens, Greece, 6"
refractor) "Under high sun, 2 faint clouds in E. part of crater."
Aristarchus 1975 Sep 18 UT 21:00? Observed by Foley (Kent,
England, 12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?)
interior corner." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1414.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 22 UT 18:20-21:13 Observed by D. Cutts
(Chester, Eng., 8.5" reflector, x200), Moore (Sussex, Eng., 12"
reflector x425), Miles (Coventry, Eng. 5" refractor), Delaye and
Jourdran (Marseilles, Fr., 8" reflector) "Pulsating patch on W.
wall between 2 radial bands. Faded by 2000h. Returned to normal.
(Cutts). Miles saw strong pink in whole interior at 2112h.
Strong blink. No blink there at 2210-2212h. Gass., Grim., &
Plato were neg. Delaye & Joudan photog. it as very bright. Moore
got neg. results at 2135. (confirm. of activity?, Apollo 12
watch)." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1226. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
Madler 1940 Aug 17 UT 06:45 (Cameron gives 07:30 but Haas says
this is wrong) Observed by Haas (New Mexico?, USA, 12"
reflector?) Bright spot on S. rim had I=5.8 on this date but
8.9 on Aug. 17, when observing conditions were similar (see #
473). NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #470.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Mare Humboldtianum 1951 Jan 21 20:47-22:00 UT observed by Baum
(Chester, England). The appearance of some mountains on the
limb appeared to change over time, with some mistiness. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Aristarchus 1989 Oct 13 UTC 21:00 Observed by Cook (Frimley, Surrey,
UK, 20cm reflector (visual and video)) "Aristarchus had what appeared
to be a outline of a ghost crater on it's eastern side - quite large
and bright". Cameron 2006 extended catalog TLP ID No=378 and weight=5.
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Plato 1937 Jul 22 UT 06:20 Observed by Haas (Alliance, Ohio,
USA, 12" reflector?) "Floor distinctly greenish, but was gray on
June 23, 1937 at 0430 & col.84 (normal?)" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #421. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1916 Oct 10 UT 21:00? Observed by M, Maggeni (Florence
Obs., Italy) "Reddish shadow spread over part of crater. Looked like
vapor (like nitrous vapor) and obscured underlying craters. The Cameron
1978 catalog weight=3 and ID = 365. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus. 2024 Feb 23 UT 19:22. A.Conway (Bootle, UK - 20cm
Newtonian (dobsonian), 9mm Plossl eyepiece, Samsung A33 mobile
phone camera, 36 sec AVI file at 30fps, seeing probably
average-good). Noticed a blue tinge on northern rim of the
crater. This is probably normal, but we are flagging this up
as a weight 1 TLP, in order to obtain some repeat illumination
observations and confirm that the strength of the blueness is
normal.
Aristarchus, Cobra Head, 1969 Dec 23 UT 05:19-05:34 Observed by
A.R. Taylor (Buckinghamshire, UK, 8.5" reflector, 240x, Wratten
25 and 80B) Strong blink in crater at 0519. All traces gone by
0534. Could only see in filters, Plato, Copernicus, Gassendi all
normal. Obscur. also in Cob. Head." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #1230. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Stevinus 1961 May 29 UT 02:45-03:30 Observed by Cameron (Adelphi, MD,
USA, 3.5" reflector, x160, Questar, Seeing=good) "Craters stood out
like glittering points (small craters on rims?). Only anomalies among
many features examined (specular refl. from flat surface?)." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #738. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Furnerius 1961 May 29 UT 02:45-03:30 Observed by Cameron (Adelphi, MD,
USA, 3.5" reflector, x160, Questar, Seeing=good) "Craters stood out
like glittering points (small craters on rims?). Only anomalies among
many features examined (specular refl. from flat surface?)." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #738. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Eratosthenes 1976 Sep 08 UTC 04:29 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector 45-225x, S=5-4, T=5) "Psuedo-shadow X3 was present
but X disappeared from wall(same intensity?) which was rated 4 deg.
Disappearance of X so unexpected that he examined inner S wall very
carefully & was certain it was free from psuedo-shad. Had vanished
within 24h. Other pseudo-shadows showed no change. X reappeared next
nite. (X must have been 4deg; &this is much higher than any other
meas.). Variability of wall shadows may habe been what Pickering saw,
suggests Bartlett." Cameron 1978 TLP catalog weight=4 and catalog ID
1452. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1992 Oct 10 at 18:57-19:04 UT I.S.Brukhanov (of Minsk, Belarus,
using a 6" refractor x40 and x98) saw a star like point inside Plato
crater of similar brightness to the central peak of Alphonsus. The
event lasted 90 seconds before weakening and vanishing completely at
19:04UT. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=455 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1981 Apr 18 at UT 19:50-22:10 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, using a
14" reflector, seeing poor and transparency poor) observed faint-yellow
streaks still visible, but less prominent. Cameron mentions that
Bartlett noticed this colour, but in the south floor of Aristarchus.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=133 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus area 1955 Sep 30 UTC 20:45 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset,
England, 6.5" reflector, x200) "Area showed a westward yellow smear,
looked darkish in red, indicating presence of green." NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #614. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1969 Jan 03 UT 03:20-03:50 Observed by
Taboada (Mexico) "Brightness between craters dimmed at 0345.
Change in colouration in N. part of Aris. -- gray & slightly
pinkish. Became more remarkable at 0350 in almost all the
extension of the cleft, (Sch. Vall. ?)." NASA catalog weight=3.
NASA catalog ID #1114. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1878 Nov 09 UTC 21:00 UTC Observed by Klein (Cologne, Germany,
6" refractor?) "Faint, but unmistakable white cloud not seen before."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #207.
Aristarchus 1973 Feb 15 UTC 17:07-19:31 Observed by Theiss (located at
51N 5.67E) "area 4-5 diameters of Aristarchus were coloured clearly
yellow-red" 120mm reflector used. Ref Hilbrecht & Kuveler (1984) Moon
and Planets Vol 30 p53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1973 Aug 13 UT 22:25-22:35 observed by Pedler (Devon, UK).
Observer noticed a slight blink on a lighter patch on the floor
just beneath the south(?) rim using Moon blink filters.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
David Darling observed bright glittering on Aristarchus. This
was followed by a flare up in brightness at 00:38:05 UT in the
comet-like ray area of the crater equivalent in intensity to the
central peak. Then he saw another one on the north east rim of
Aristarchus of the same brightness. A third flare was seen at
00:49UT in south of Herodotus, on the comet-like ray. Another
two flares were observed at 00:56UT on the north west rim of
Aristarchus. Darling suspects that these effects were due
to seeing effects and Cameron agrees. However Weier suspects
that they were TLP? Brightness measurements by Weier were for
the south west rim of Herodotus 8.0, for a spot at the Cobra's
Head 9.0 and 7.5 for C.H. Cameron apparently did not see the flashes
but did suspect that the interior of Aristarchus was a bit unusual.
Don Spain did not see anything unsual at all. Cameron 2006 extended
catalog ID=380 and the observation weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1967 Dec 16 UTC 22:00? Observed by Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector) "Crater took on an unusual appearance on inner
NE (ast. ?) wall. Showed a very pale blue & the opposite wall a pale
red color seen in no other features. Lasted only 10m & survived a
change of eyepieces." Seeing=I (Antoniadi). NASA catalof weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1056.
On 2002 Mar 29 at 02:20-02:38UT C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm refractor,
x120 - no cloud, slight haze, no wind, seeing good) noticed during
first part of observing period that Aristarchus was getting steadily
brighter, very much brighter than Proclus. This continued until 02:36UT
when it dimmed suddenly over a period of about a minute or so. No
colour effects seen. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2002 mar 29 at 02:20-02:38UT C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm refractor,
x120 - no cloud, slight haze, no wind, seeing good) noticed during
first part of observing period that Aristarchus was getting steadily
brighter, very much brighter than Proclus. This continued until 02:36UT
when it dimmed suddenly over a period of about a minute or so. No
colour effects seen. ALPO/BAA weight=2. Just as an after thought - was
it Aristarchus that was varying, or Proclus?
Louderback, of South Bend, WA, USA observed a bright area over
Mons Anguis and Eimmart - it resembled a comet and had a bluish
colour and varied in brightness. The colour was confirmed as it
was not seen in a red filter but could be seen in blue and white
light. Other features were checked but did not show anything
similar although a violet glare was suspected in the blue filter. A
sketch was made. Observer made Eimmart 8 in brightness at 07:30UT.
Noted that the area around Eimmart appeared opaque at times and less so
at other times. At 08:52UT the phenomenon was seen again. On May 2nd
a bright spot was still seen in the region but it was not changing
dimensions. During the observation on Apr 30th the atmospheric
transparency was excellent. A 2.5" refractor was used. Reference:
Personal communication from Louderback to Cameron on 1980 Jul 16th.
The Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID of this TLP was 93 and the
weight was 4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 2002 Mar 29 UT 05:27-05:36 Observed by Darling (Sun Praire, WI,
USA, 12.5" f/5 Newtonian, +Rotating polaroid visual densitometer)
"Observations made following telephone alert call about Brook's report.
Aristarchus, Proclus and Censorinus monitored for brightness variations
from 04:41-05:37UT. Apart form a change in transparency due to cirrus
cloud at 05:11-05:18, there were significant dimmings of the
brightnesses of Proclus at 05:27. Aristarchus remained constant - this
suggested that Clive Brook's earlier report was not a TLP in
Aristarchus, but possibly in Proclus which he was using as a
comparison" ALPO Lunar Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Censorinus 2002 Mar 29 UT 05:27-05:36 Observed by Darling (Sun Praire,
WI, USA, 12.5" f/5 Newtonian, +Rotating polaroid visual densitometer)
"Observations made following telephone alert call about Brook's report.
Aristarchus, Proclus and Censorinus monitored for brightness variations
from 04:41-05:37UT. Apart form a change in transparency due to cirrus
cloud at 05:11-05:18, there were significant dimmings of the brightness
of Censorinus at 05:36UT. Aristarchus remained constant" ALPO Lunar
Section Report. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Manillus 1955 Aug 03 UTC 21:00 Observed by Firsoff (Sommerset, England,
6.5" reflector, x200) "Maniluus very bright in all colors, especially
blue, extraordinarily so" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID
#602.
Timocharis 1955 Aug 03 UTC 21:00 Observed by Firsoff (Sommerset,
England, 6.5" reflector, x200) "Crater was bright in blue, seemed large
& diffused." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #602.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1969 Jan 04 UT 03:00-03:45 Observed by
Taboada (Mexico) & Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA,
24" reflector + Moon Blink) "Brightness increased slightly
around Herod. & cleft (S.V?) became darker than previous day.
The dark gray & pink formed yellowish at 0345h in whole region
of Aris. Bluing around crater in Corralitos MB (photos?)
(confirm. of activity at Aris.?)" NASA catalog weight=5. NASA
catalog ID #1115. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1969 Jan 04 UT 03:00-03:45 Observed by
Taboada (Mexico) & Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM,
USA, 24" reflector + Moon Blink) "Brightness increased
slightly around Herod. & cleft (S.V?) became darker than
previous day. The dark gray & pink formed yellowish at 0345h
in whole region of Aris. Bluing around crater in Corralitos
MB (photos?) (confirm. of activity at Aris.?)" NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1115. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 May 11 (UT 20:30-20:55) C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm
refractor, x28) found Aristarchus to be brighter than he would
have expected. Compared to Proclus and Tycho. He observed from
20:55-22:38 and found it to be normal in brightness over this
time. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1962 May 20 UTC 08:00? Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson,
CA ?, 60" reflector? Photometer) "Reddish color in Aris. 0.88
magnitudes brighter than normal (photometry)." NASA catalog weight=5
(very good). NASA catalog ID #758. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Bullialdus 1962 May 20 UTC 08:00? Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson,
CA ?, 60" reflector? Photometer) "1.05 magnitudes brighter than normal
(photometry)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #758.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Kepler 1962 May 20 UTC 08:00? Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA
?, 60" reflector? Photometer) "1.03 magnitudes brighter than normal
(photometry)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #758.
Enhancement of spectrum in UV and CaI recorded on photoelectric
spectrometer scans by Grainger and Ring in Italy. Effect seen on
Aristarchus. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=740 and weight=5. ALPO/BAA
weight=5.
On 1970 Nov 14 UT20:10 J.Coates (Burnley Astromical Society,
8.5" reflector, x102 and x204) saw a dirty green colour on the
NW region of the crater, in patches, with a green area nearby.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
1969Jan04 UT19:30-20:00 W.Deane (Hendon, UK, 2" refractor)
observed a bright yellow spot just E of Aristarchus, stretching
from the S. end of Montes Harbinger to the S. wall of Prinz. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Copernicus 1975 Jul 24 UT 22:52 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England, 10" ? reflector or 4" refractor?) "Copernicus indistinct in
red and blue filters" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID
#1409.
Fracastorius 1975 Jul 24 UT 22:52 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England, 10" ? reflector or 4" refractor?) "Fracastorius had a blink
(red or blue?)" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1409.
Tycho 1975 Jul 24 UT 22:52 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth, England,
10" ? reflector or 4" refractor?) "Tycho indistinct in red and blue
filters" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1409.
On 1996 Jul 31 at 22:40UT P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector, x300)
noticed a lack of detail in the Cape Agarum area - he would normally
have expected to have seen some craterlets. However he would not rate
this observation much because the seeing was only III and he does not
think that it was an obscuration. However just in case he wanted to
record this report in the archives. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1954 Nov 12 UTC 02:20-03:05 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, S=5-6, T=3-4) "Blue-violet glare on EWBS &
whole length of E. wall. Suspected viol. tint on VA; uncertain @
m" NASA catalog weight=4. This had faded later by 05:07. NASA
catalog ID #582. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphazen Alpha 1972 Oct 23 UT 22:10?-22:13? (Stoke-on-Trent, UK,
21cm Newtonian, x217, seeing very good). Flickering colours seen
on the north field of Alhazen Alpha mountain. Above UTs
estimated by the observer, but the duration of the effect was 3
minutes. Colouration centred on the hills that run north to
south between Mare Anguis and Mare Crisium. The colour
alternated from east to west about 2 or 3 times per second. The
colour was not apparent to the north or south, or indeed on any
other features. Telescope field of view moved, but effect stayed
in the same place on the Moon. Moon't terminator scanned for 15
minutes afterwards, but the effect did not recur. The colour
seen was mostly red, with a band of orange, and a strip of
yellow nearest the hills, the proportions being 6:2:1. The bands
seemed to arc up steep above the Moon's surface and flatten out
over the mare surface either side of the hill features. No
filters were used in the observation. Observer suspects some
kind of diffraction spectrum to explain the larger dispersion in
the red end of the spectrum. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Schroter's Valley: Cobra Head 1824 Nov 08 UTC 00:00? Observed by
Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany) "Mingling of all colors in small spots.
Described a violet glimmer near Cobra Head & plateau that spreads;
starts just after sunrise. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=4 and catalog
ID=103. The ALPO/BAA catalog weight=3.
Plato 1870 Mar 19 UT 00:00? Observed by Gledhill? (halifax,
England, 9" refractor) "Same group (of craters) as in Feb.
illuminated. (if phase same as Apr. 1970 then date is Mar 19"
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #165.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 2006 Jan 16 at 05:44UT T. Bakowski (Orchard Park, NY, USA) observed
a round dark object in 1 of 21 frames from a camera. The exposure was
1/250th sec. Seeing conditions were bad. The dark spot is east of Mons
Vinogradov, at or near crater J. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Schickard 1939 Aug 02 UT 00:01 Observed by Moore (England,
12?" reflector) "Floor milky, walls almost vis. 2 bright pts.
in area. not extending to extreme w.part of floor" NASA
catalog ID #456. NASA catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1969 Dec 26 UT 03:35-03:45 Observed by Kilburn (England,
6" x192) "Suspected faint blink & glow outside of SW(IAU?) wall. Large
area was gray toward Herod. Another blink inside between 2 bands
at0330h. At 0345h neither blinks seen. Blink seen in blue (=red
event?). Next nite crater was normal." NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1231.
Plato 1971 Dec 04 UT21:00-21:10 D.B.Taylor (Dundee, UK, 10"
refractor, conditions poor and turbulent). Observer suspected
colour orange colour near bright spot on north wall. Observation
ceased due to being clouded out. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1968 Dec 07 UT 07:00? observed by Corralitos Observatory
(Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector+Moon Blink) "Bluing around 3
craters, strongest at Aris. Lasted several days. Photos show 30% more
intensity in blue filter than in red or neutral. Moon's declination
northerly. Obs. think it was due to atm. effects" NASA catalog weight=5
(very high). NASA catalog ID #1105.
On 1968 Dec 07 at UT 07:00? Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM,
USA, 24" reflector and Moon Blink device) observed a bluing around
three craters, one of which was Kepler. This effect lasted several
days. Photographs were taken that show30% more intensity in the blue
filter than in red or neutral. The Moon's decination was northerly. The
observers suspect that it was an atmospheric efect and not a TLP. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1105 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1940 Jul 22 UT 05:00 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) "Largest bright spot in SE part of floor had I=8.6,
but 6+ on other dates. (see #472, 474 & 475). (8.6 is normal?)"
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #469. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Proclus 1956 Jul 25 UTC 06:16-06:33 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=3-5, T=4) "C.p.
distinctly vis. within floor shadeo, est. 5 deg bright but no
trace of it at col. 122.37deg in Oct, '55(Oct. 4?)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #645. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Darling, alerted by Keyes saw Aris >> brighter obj on moon (as
it normally is) Comet ray & N rim of Herod. >> could see no
detail - Aris. except two bands, moon was pale yellow (low alt.)
with halo around it. Nothing unusual elsewhere. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID #384 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1,
just in case there is some merit in this report?
Near Bacon, Barocius, Nicolai i.e. 16E-25E, 52S-42S 1878 Nov 13 UTC
02:30 Observed by Hammes & others (Oskaloose, Iowa, USA, 6.5"
reflector) "Lunar volcano (drawing) (investigation & correspondence
cast doubt on location)" NASA catalog weight=? NASA
catalog ID #208.
LeCroy Jr. and Sr. (Springfield, VA, 4.5" reflector, x75, S=VG, T=3)
observed the following in the Aristarchus and Herodotus region: "Prior
to 0542h the 2 craters were 2 bright spots within bright areas. Then a
brightness developed merging them together into one big bright area
with no discernable details. Returned to normal at 0554h. Sketches.
Albedo=10+ where normal albedo is 9.5". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
1413 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 2006 Dec 08 at UT 17:32 (+/- 2 min) M. Collins (Palmerston
North, New Zealand, 3.5" Maksutov, 40mm eyepiece, seeing III-IV)
observed during daylight hours an extremely bright flash south of
Godin. It flared up and down over a fraction of a second an appeared
three times brighter than the Moon background itself. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Plato 1877 Nov 23 UT 22:00? Observed by Crain, Klein, Eng.
officer (France?, Cologne, Germany, England?, 6" refractor?) "A
luminous triangular object on floor & each craterlet on floor
outlined as a lum. pt. (indep. confirm.?)" NASA catalog weight=5
(very high). NASA catalog ID #199. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 27 UT 20:00? Observed by Miles (coventry, England,
5" refractor, x120) "Strong pink color in N. part; spectacular strong
blink. Did not notice obscur. Bands were vis." NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #1227.
On 1955 Oct 04 UT 22:00 Dubois and Kozyrev (Crimea, Soviet Union,
50" reflector) observed the following in Aristarchus crater: "Low
disprsion (d=.13 whereas on Oct 28 & Nov d=0.03) Spectogram showing
emiss. in central part nr. H&K". Cameron says that this is a
confirmation of the previous Bartlett TLP? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=
619 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Pico 1976 Aug 13/14 20:50-01:00, 03:15 Observed by Foley? or Findlay?
(England, S=E) "Dark line to the E. (IAU?) of Pico obs. & persisted
till 0100h. On 14th the whole area around Pico was gray & diffused. At
0315h detail reappeared & NW corner sparkled. Small brilliant spot
appeared due N. of it & the albdeo exceeded Aristarchus (=9+ ?)" NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1443.
1936 Oct 04 UT07:42 W.Haas drew bands, many smaller spots on
floor. Pickering's atlas 9D col 141 shows bands but no bright
spots. Haas' location Aliance, OH, USA. Reference: Haas, W.
J.Royal Astr. Soc. Canada. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=416 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Schroter's Valley & Vicinity 1897 Oct 15 UT 19:00 Observed by
Pickering (Cambridge, Mass. USA, 15"? refractor) "Variations in vapor
col. change in direction of cloud rising from F is marked - (time est.
from given colon.)" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
292.
Theophilus 1971 Dec 06 UT 21:35-23:20 Observed by Findlay, Ford,
Taylor, Robbie (Dundee, Scotland, 10" reflector x180), Bolger
(Chester, England), Fitton (Lancashire, England, 8" reflector).
"Red-orange patch on E. (IAU?) floor even without a blink.
Others confirmed. Dimmed by 2105h but still seen. Dimmer yet at
2230h & gone at 2300h. Baum saw brownish-red patch at 25.5E,
12.5S. Taylor saw reddish patch SE of crater, fainter at 2220h,
gone at 2300h. Fitton saw image very dull,yellow & steady.
Filters showed nothing unusual, & nothing seen at 2320h." NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1320. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristillus 1939 Sep 03 UT 05:00 Observed by Haas? (New
Mexico?) "Dark area in W. part of floor was I=4.0, comp. with
I=1.3, & I=3.7 (see #450, & #454). Used different telescope,
but can't explain diff. in albedo, since phase is similar in 2
& dist. from term. similar in all (normal?)." NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #459. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristillus 1939 Jul 06 UT 05:00 Observed by Haas? (NM?, USA,
12" reflector?) "Dark area in W. part of floor was I=1.3 but
other dates were brighter. or same. yet cond. similar (see #
454, 459 & 461)" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #450.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Fracastorius 1975 Jul 27 UT 22:45 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England) "Blink seen. Floor brighter in red than in blue. Suspects
colour is spurious". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID
#1410.
Plato 1975 Jul 27 UT 22:45 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth, England)
"Blink seen. Floors brighter in red than in blue". NASA catalog weight=
1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1410.
Theophilus 1975 Jul 27 UT 22:45 Observed by Robinson (Teignmouth,
England) "Blink seen. Floor brighter in red than in blue". NASA catalog
weight=1 (very low). NASa catalog ID #1410.
On 1979 Jul 14 at UT 00:24-01:10 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 15cm
reflector, x35, x52, x73 and x110, seeing IV-V, transparency very
good). Note that the observing date was also written as Jul 18th in the
original report? Puiseaux was very clear in white light, but could not
see the cenrtral peak. The central peak though was visible through a
Waretten 15 (yellow) filter. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Messier A 1951 Oct 20 UT 00:00? Observed by Moore (England)
"Brilliant white circular patch in it. has seen it & Messier
blurred several times." NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA
catalog ID #545 Note that the date and time given are probably
wrong as the Sun is ~7deg below the local horizon at this time.
ALPO/BAA weight=1 to reflect this error.
In 1955 Sep 07 at UT 03:45-05:20 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, S=5, T=
3) observed the following in Aristarchus crater: "Strong blue-viol. gl.
in E, NE rim & E. base of c.p. Dark viol. nimbus, granular aspect of
floor". Cameron suggests that this is confirmation of Firsoff's TLP of
the same day? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=609 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Copernicus 1955 Sep 07 UT 03:20 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England,
6.5" reflector x200, S=VG) "Brightening up of crater in the blue
filter" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #607.
Eratosthenes 1976 Sep 14 UTC 04:24 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4.5" reflector, 45-300x, S=6, T=3 hazy) "Pseudo shadow F
disappeared & wall here is same intensity as whole inner crater wall, =
4deg. No change in X, X3 or X2 (4 deg much brighter than normal)." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). Cameron c1978 atalog ID=1453 and weight=4. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1956 Jul 28 UT 05:20-05:55 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=4) "Vivid blue-
viol. gl. on c.p., band across E. floor, & EWBS, E. & NE wall".
N.B. The effect had vanished by 07:20UT. NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID 646. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1975 Jul 29 at UT 00:00 Fraser (England, 6" reflector, x70) and
Howick (England, 3.5" reflector) observed the occultation of 51 Pisc.
at emersion - Fraser saw a flash or spike of liht which proceeded
emersion of primary by 0.4sec. The 9.0 mag companion appeared some
moments later. Howick at 1 km away, with 3.5" reflector noted nothing
unusual. Cameron says that no 3rd companion is known. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1411 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1976 Aug 15 UT 23:00-23:45 Observed by Garbott (2)
(Bedfordshire, England, 10" reflector x500, seeing Antoniadi I)
and by Moore (Sussex, England, 15" reflector, x360, seeing
Antoniadi IV) "Noted blue color on N. wall extending toward
Herod. Also saw orange color in S. region. Confirmed by father.
(similar to many of Bartlett's rept's.), More noted nothing
unusual at 2320h." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1444.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 2009 Oct 09 UT11:00-11:04 NASA's LCROSS upper centaur stage,
followed 4 min later by the observation spacecraft, is due to impact
into a the crater Cabeus in the hope of kicking up some dust and
possible frozen volatiles. Note that this description is intended for
observers on the date of impact and it is doubtful that any new
science could be achieved by re-observing the same area months
after the impact. If you are observing on the date of impact, then
please observe around 11:00-11:04UT and ignore the predicted times in
the headings. However this report is included as techniqcally
if something is seen it is a TLP, albeit man-made! For those observing
on the date in question here are a few observing tips to maximize
the science of your observations: (1) If you are imaging, then please
try to obtain images before the impact because you can then subtract
these from images taken during the impact and hence show up faint
changes that you might normally miss. (2) If you have a spare scope and
camera,use this to observe through filters such as UBVR or I, or if you
have narrow band interference filters, try observing in
say Hydrogen Alpha, Methane, OH, or indeed any volatile that you
might expect to see in a comet (the main source of water at the poles).
(3) Please try checking the area long after the impact, just in
case other effects might trigger a TLP. (4) Please go to some trouble
to ensure accurate timings- these will be essential in order to
understand the sequence of events - assuming any are seen. Timings can
be obtained using a short wave radio or via a GPS. Note that you should
always use UT or UTC. (5) Please send any observations that you make
into the upload section of the LCROSS campaign observers web site. If
you belong to an astronomical society e.g. BAA or ALPO, then do please
send copies of your observations to the Lunar Sections of your society
or club. (6) Finally this desription will be updated a day or two after
the planned impact.
Aristarchus 1974 Sep 08 UT 04:45-06:30 Observed by Cowan and Johnson
(Dublin, TX, 8" reflector, x59, x152, S=7) "Saw a bright luminous,
blue, misty cloud on th NE rim. Obscur. for 1st hr. then gave way to
pink & features became vis. Cloud was tear-drop shape. No movement to
glow. Pink cloud glowed too. Very tenuous by 0130h. (Nakamura says
there were no seismic events within several hrs. of this time). Another
person saw it without being advised as the where it was." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1393. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Copernicus 1939 Sep 06 UTC 06:00 Observed by Haas? (New Mexico?, 12"
reflector) "Dark area at foot of N. inner wall had I=4.8 comp. with I=
1.8 in #451. (same phase so a real difference)." NASA catalog weight=4
(good). NASA catalog ID #460.
On 1878 Oct 18 at UT 21:00? Gaudibert (France?, 4"refractor) observed
Webb's white spot on SW border of Wargentin to be brilliant, however
this had vanished by Oct 19. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=204 and the
weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Vitello 1939 Jul 10 UT 09:30 Observed by Haas? (NM? USA, 12?"
reflector) "S.part of dark area was I=2.5 but diff. values other times.
(see #453, &457). Cond. were similar" NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #452.
On 1979 Jul 18 at UT 00:24-01:10 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 15cm
reflector, x35, x52, x73 and x110, seeing IV-V, transparency very
good). Note that the observing date was also written as Jul 14th in the
original report? Puiseaux was very clear in white light, but could not
see the cenrtral peak. The central peak though was visible through a
Wratten 15 (yellow) filter. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1878 Oct 18 at UT 21:00? Gaudibert (France?, 4" refractor) observed
Webb's white spot on SW border of Wargentin that had been brilliant the
previous night, had completely vanished tonight. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=204 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Vitello 1939 Jul 11 UT 09:30 Observed by Haas? (NM, USA, 12"?
reflector) "S. part of dark area was I=2.5, but diff. values other
times. (see #453, & #457). Cond. were similar." NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #452.
Aristarchus 1975 Aug 02 UT 02:23-02:49 Observed by Foley (Kent,
UK, 12" reflector, photos obtained) "Floor of crater was slate
gray/blue & a dense blue-viol. obscur. at NW corner of floor.
Photos show smudge there. Phenom. vanished at 0249h. No alert or
blink in order to get photos before it faded. Crater was
abnormally bright." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #
1412. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1897 Sep 22 UT 00:41 Observed by Molesworth (Trincomali, Shri
Lanka, 9" reflector, conditions very good) "A Glimmering knotted streak seen
beneath and parallel to the W wall. At the centre of the E. Edge of the shadow
was another faint glowing effect – probably coincident with the central peak.
The crater was more than half filled with shadow." NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #290. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1957 Jul 31 UT 02:24 C. Johnson (4" reflector, x91, seeing 10/10)
observed a slight ring of light reaching around the north limb of the
Moon. The ring was only just brighter than Earthshine and about 1600km
long. The Moon's age was 3.9 days. The reference for this comes from;
Johnson, Craig, L. "Lunar Limb Brightening", Strolling Astronomer,
11:118, 1957.
On 1980 May 18 at UT 22:27 P. Madej (Huddersfield, UK, 12" reflector,
seeing very good) observed Taruntius crater (in Earthshine) to change
brightness from black to light grey in about 30 seconds. Cameron 2006
catalog extension ID=95 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Observer: Fallows Observing site: Cape Town, South Africa. Cameron 1978
catalog describes the event as: Bright 8th magnitude star-like point.
A more detailed account is as follows: Early in the year 1821 -- and a
light shone out on the moon -- a bright point of light in the lunar
crater Aristarchus, which was in the dark at the time. It was seen,
upon the 4th and the 7th of February, by Capt. Kater (An. Reg., 1821-
689); and upon the 5th by Dr. Olbers (Mems. R.A.S., 1-159).(25) It was
a light like a star, and was seen again, May 4th and 6th, by the Rev.
M. Ward and by Francis Bailey (Mems. R.A.S., 1-159).(26) At Cape Town,
nights of Nov. 28th and 29th, 1821, again a star-like light was seen
upon the moon (Phil. Trans., 112-237).(27).Cameron 1978 catalog ID=91
and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
1950 Nov 14 UT23:38 L.T. Johnson (La Plata, MD, USA, 10"
reflector, x179) observed a mag 10 flash in Earthshine. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
On 1981 Apr 09 at UT 19:44 M. Price (Camberley, Surrey, UK, 6"
reflector, 58x and 117x) saw a 4 sec brightening in Aristarchus in the
clear Earthshine. Other features visible were: Grimaldi and some mare.
Foley found the crater to be "luminous & translucent". Cameron 2006
catalog ID=129 and weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
CCD images were captured in white light that seemed to show that
the relative brightness between Aristarchus or Pytheas differed
considerably to what they were to be one night later on 2008 Nov 26.
Either Aristarchus was brighter on the 25th or Pytheas was darker.
Which feature, and which night, the abnormality occurred on is
uncertain. One possible explanation might be a brightness
gradient from glare from the sunlit side affecting the image contrast
quality of the CCD images for relative photometric measurements.
This TLP is being assigned a weight of 3 for now.
CCD images were captured in white light that seemed to show that
the relative brightness between Aristarchus or Pytheas differed
considerably to what they were to be one night later on 2008 Nov 26.
Either Aristarchus was brighter on the 25th or Pytheas was darker.
Which feature, and which night, the abnormality occurred on is
uncertain. One possible explanation might be a brightness
gradient from glare from the sunlit side affecting the image contrast
quality of the CCD images for relative photometric measurements.
This TLP is being assigned a weight of 3 for now.
On 1931 Feb 22 at UT 20:30 Joulia (Castelnaudary, Aude, France?)
observed in the Aristarchus region: "Reddish-yellow glimmer of light,
very variable with nearly complete extinction. (similar to Herschel's
1787 & Tempel's 6/10/1866 obs.)". The Cameron 1978 atalog ID=399 and
weight=3.
Observer: Fallows Observing site: Cape Town, South Africa. Cameron 1978
catalog describes the event as: Bright star-like point.
A more detailed account is as follows: Early in the year 1821 -- and a
light shone out on the moon -- a bright point of light in the lunar
crater Aristarchus, which was in the dark at the time. It was seen,
upon the 4th and the 7th of February, by Capt. Kater (An. Reg., 1821-
689); and upon the 5th by Dr. Olbers (Mems. R.A.S., 1-159).(25) It was
a light like a star, and was seen again, May 4th and 6th, by the Rev.
M. Ward and by Francis Bailey (Mems. R.A.S., 1-159).(26) At Cape Town,
nights of Nov. 28th and 29th, 1821, again a star-like light was seen
upon the moon (Phil. Trans., 112-237).(27).Cameron 1978 catalog ID=92
and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1978 Dec 25 at UT 02:00 Taboada (Mexico) noticed that Aristarchus
appeared to brighten in the dark though less intensely than Copernicus
and Kepler (Cameron comments: älso brightening?). Alerted for tidal
predictions by Middlehurst - Apollo 8 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=1111 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Jun 30 at UT0246-0319 D. & D. Darling (Sun Praire, WL, USA,
12.5" reflector, 80x and 150x, S=5/10). A weak blue glow seen in the
Aristarchus region. It was fainter than that in May 1979 but was
relatively easier to see. There was one "streamer" going south and
another to the south west, and then smaller ones within the crater.
These streamers started to fade from view at 03:04UT and the blow glow
changed to a blow spot and Aristarchus became normal by 03:19 UT.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=56 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1821 Nov ? at UT 19:00 an unknown observer (in England) reported
"Bright spots on the moon. (if early phase, date would be 26th-29th) 4
other instances mentioned. Fixed streaks of light in dark part -- first
one stated as moving. The cameron 1978 catalog ID=94 and weight=2. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 Nov 15 at 10:07-10:40 UT P. Jean (Outremont, Quebec,
Canada, 4" refractor?) saw in the SE part of Mare Serenitatis
a luminescent area just over on the night side of the
terminator - it was cone shapes and coppery in colour. Cameron
comments that maybe it was a very low sun angle effect and she
has seen something similar, but on the bright side of the
terminator. Jean then goes onto comment that at 10:25UT a very
dark line was seen south of the cone i.e. east of the
terminator. A sketch was provided and P.Foley commented that
the cone did not correspond to any terrain. Cameron 2006
Catalog Extension ID=339 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
2004 Dec 18 UT 02:00 F. Serio (Houston, TX, USA) may have
imaged aperiod of brightening in this crater in images -
though Darling comments that it could be a Registax issue.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
CCD images were captured in white light that seemed to show that
the relative brightness between Aristarchus or Pytheas differed
considerably to what they were to be one night earlier on 2008 Nov 25.
Either Pytheas was brighter tonight or Aristarchus was darker.
Which feature, and which night, the abnormality occurred on is
uncertain. One possible explanation might be a brightness
gradient from glare from the sunlit side affecting the image contrast
quality of the CCD images for relative photometric measurements.
This TLP is being assigned a weight of 3 for now.
CCD images were captured in white light that seemed to show that
the relative brightness between Aristarchus or Pytheas differed
considerably to what they were one night earlier on 2008 Nov 25.
Either Pytheas was brighter tonight or Aristarchus was darker.
Which feature, and which night, the abnormality occurred on is
uncertain. One possible explanation might be a brightness
gradient from glare from the sunlit side affecting the image contrast
quality of the CCD images for relative photometric measurements.
This TLP is being assigned a weight of 3 for now.
Ross D 1967 Dec 8 UT 02:30-02:40 Observer: Harris (Tucson?,
AZ?), colourless bright area SW of Ross D with repeated
condensations that appeared then dissipated in thirty seconds to
a minute. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 2003 February 8,2003 UTC 02:09-03:07 Observed by Gray
(Winnemucca, NV, USA, 152mm F9 refractor Seeing 6-7, Transparency 6
305x) "Blinked Proclus with Wratten Red 25 and Blue 38A filters.
Features seen through the red filter were basically seen with the same
degree of clarity as in white light, in the case of sunlit walls, maybe
a little bit better in the red. With the Blue 38A filter only the
brightest part of the crater walls (north end) was visible-the rest of
Proclus was dark shadow. At 3:07UT I compared the brightest parts of
Proclus with Censorinus and Dionysius. The brightest parts of Proclus
and Dionysius were comparable. Censorinus was much less bright than
either of the above craters-the halo and crater were much faded over
its usual brilliant appearance. Both Censorinus and Censorinus A
were visible as distinct craters at 114x. The black shadow covering the
east 40% of Proclus last night had broken up into three patches
separated from each other by lighter bands. These were confined to
the east crater wall. Only the central patch was black, the other two
were considerably lighter. Running along the southwest edge of the
crater floor of the crater floor appeared to be a hill to the north
of which was a less elevated plateau. As the observing period
progressed part of the brilliantly illuminated north crater wall
developed a darker area which gradually became more prominent. As
the sun is getting higher I would expect shadows and dark areas to
diminish-what was happening here is unknown. However, this is not an
unusual event for this part of Proclus". The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Theophilus 1966 Jan 28 UTC 01:24-03:45 Observed by Cross &
Ariola (Whittier, CA, USA, 19" reflector, x300, S=6-4, T=4, "3
red patches appearing and dissappearing at different times.
Obscurred at sunrise on it. Later, red patch appeared on the
floor." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #920. ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
2018 Jun 19 UT 04:00 G. Cross, using a 60" f/16 Cass, Strehl >
0.9, under descent seeing conditions, found that the ghost
crater was not visible - was this an obscuration or just
normal apeparance? ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1891 Nov 30 at UT23:00 Observer: Fallows Observing site: Cape Town,
South Africa. Cameron 1978 catalog describes the event as: Bright star-
like point. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=93 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Nov 16 at UT 16:43-19:22 Dall'Ara (Switzerland, 4"? reflector),
Stucchi (Switzerland, 12" reflector) observed in Aristarchus
intermittent pulsations - Cameron speculates atmopsheric and also
mentions the Apollo 12 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1211 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Maskelyne 1969 Nov 16 UTC 16:28-17:10 Observed by Persson (Hvidore,
Denmark, 3" refractor) "Brightening & obscur. (Apollo 12 watch)." NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1210.
Alphonsus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Aristarchus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Censorinus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hopmann (Czecholovakia?)
"Green flash or brightening (date correct ? written 8-4-65. First taken
as American convention, thus as Aug. 4, but now think it was in
European convention of day first then month)." NASA catalog weight=2
(low). NASA catalog ID #873a.
Hyginius N 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Linne 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Proclus 1965 Apr 08 UTC 20:00? Observed by Hoffman (Germany?) "Saw
variable shining bright lights". NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA
catalog ID #873.
Einmart 1913 Jan 15 UTC 00:12 Observed by Pickering (Cambridge,
Massachusets, 11" refractor, x330) "Spreading apron of white material
like a sea of cloud. Not seen again after this date. Crater had been
brightest area on moon between it & limb -- albedo 9. on Aug 5 albedo =
6. His atlas shows it bright. It grew dull after this date. He gave
col. as 117? but FQ was at 1/15/?? at 10h" - note the quality of the
NASA microfische is very bad and probably some of this text has been
incorrectly read?. NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #
342.
On 1987 Nov 28 at UT 04:16-04:45 D. Louderback (South Bend, WI, USA,
3"reflector, x150, S=E) observed that the Promontorium Agarum plateau
was rather dull and grayish - usually it was "tannish" "even > sunlit
areas, & twin craters at his point A which are always > spots on
plateau. At 0420 whole plateau sank into complete darkness, hard to
distinguish from mare plain. albedo dropped to 5 from 6.8 reading.
Nearby plain was normal 5 so phenomena had not spread to it. At 0424
Cape started to reappear to albedo 6 until 0445, when it returned to
normal, but not sharply defined - like through haze. Detail better in
red than in blue filter, sketches. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=315 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1878 Oct 03 at UT 20:00 an Unknown observer noted that Hyginus Nova
had the most conspicuous of all appearances, and there was no trace of
it on 1878 Oct 04. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=201 and weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Mare Crisium 1989 Jan 14 UTC 19:15 Observed by Hedley-Robinson (Devon,
UK, 5" Coude, Antoniadi II seeing, x150) "Floor blinks indicating
colour - used a Moon blink device". 2 areas of the floor were affected,
The first one was on the far west of Mare Crisium, next to Proclus
crater. The second area was in the NNW, but outside the edge of the
mare. Other features elsewhere checked but gave no colour reaction.
Peters (UK) though did detect colour elsewhere, but his seeing was III-
IV. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=344 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
1987 Feb 06 UTC 02:35 Observed by Darling (Sun Praire, Wisconsin, USA,
12.5" Newtonian x342) "I was using a 12.5 f5 Newtonian reflector with a
9mm eyepiece and 2x Barlow with no filters. I had been observing other
features on the Moon when I had panned to the area where the sunrise
was taking place on Mount Piton. The mountain peak looked like a
shimmering block of ice with a phosphorescence luminescence cloud
around the peak. What was really interesting was the shaft of light
streaming across the Lunar Maria that appeared like a cone and it came
to a point near Mount Piton. The Mountain had the appearance of mother
of pearl and the luster or glow that surround the peak only lasted
about 20 minutes." The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=296 and gthe weight=4.
the ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Fauchier of Marseilles, France, seeing=good - fair and the Moon at a
high altitude, saw two lights on the Moon brighter than any others
during similar circumstances. They had colour. These had not been seen
before and he ruled out cromatic aberation. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=249
and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Menelaus 1969 Nov 17 UT 16:00-19:00 Observed by Rubens de
Azevedo,A. Monghilhot, E. Leal e Jose Fernandes (Joao Pessoa,
Paraiba, Brazil, 8" and 10" reflectors) "Entire crater of
Men. illum. by pale greenish light. (Azevedo)" NASA catalog
weight=5 NASA catalog ID #1211a. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
2004 Dec 20 UT 02:51-03:26 R. Gray (Winumma, USA) noted that
the crater had exceptional brightness to nimbus surrounding it. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Proclus 1972 Oct 15 UT 20:48 Observed by Hopp (13.25E, 52.5N,
75mm refractor) "Bright flash at the NW wall but poor seeing."
T=3, S=5. Ref: Hilbrecht & Kuveler Moon & Planets (1984) Vol
30, pp53-61. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1995 Jul 06 at UT 03:22-03:57 R. Spellman (Los Angeles, USA
found that the floor of Proclus appeared to darken slightly
through a blue filter. The ALPO/BAA weight=2. Source of this
observation came from Spellman's web site.
In 1878 Oct 04 at UT 20:00 an Unknown observer noted that Hyginus Nova
could not be seen, whereas the night before the crater had the most
conspicuous of all appearances. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=201 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Williams of the UK, on 1882 Sep 20 at Moon's age 8.4 days, noticed a
spot that had been seen on the 21st and 23rd of the same year with
abnormal brightness. The spot was near Picard. Williams comments the
spot was "nearly as large but a little fainter than Picard, This
observation was reported in the Astronomical Register of the Royal
Astronomical Society and is not included in the Cameron catalogs. It is
one of many measurements of the brightness of this spot for different
illumination angles and is one of three outlying brightness points
spotted on a graph by Willaims. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1916 Sep 05 at UT 19:30 Markov (Russia) observed in Plato light on
shadow of the bands at the bottom of the crater. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=364 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Copernicus 1955 Jul 28 UT 20:20 Observed by Firsoff (Somerset, England,
6.5" reflector x200) "Great brilliance of the terraces in E(IAU?) wall
system(?) gets specular refl. (he gave 0820UT, but must have meant
2020" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog No. #600.
Gassendi 1967 Feb 18 UT 20:30-20:40 Observed by Moore, Moseley
(Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x300) "Red color in
crater (in dark)". NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1015.
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1980 May 23 at UT21:14-21:55 J.H. Robinson (Teighmouth, Devon, UK,
12" reflector, seeing II-III) could see Aristarchus in blue and clear
filters, but not in red light. Robinson saw some variability in this
effect with time. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=96 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
On 1980 May 23 at UT 21:14-21:18 Marco Petek (Porto Alegre,
Brazil) saw a shadow extending south east from Campanus
opposite to the Sun - however Foley thinks this is normal.
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=96 and weight=0 or 1.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1980 May 23 at UT21:14-22:18 G. Blair (Bridge of Weir,
Scotland, UK, 216mm reflector, seeing II-IV) found a red tinge
along the western wall of Coperncius, perhaps 32km in length.
This was invisible in a blue-green Wratten 44a filter, but was
unmistakble in a red Wratten 25 filter. Could have been
spurious colour - but no other regiosn were affected. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1980 May 25 at UT 22:18 G. Blair (Bridge of Weir, Scotland, 216mm
reflector, seeing II-IV) suspected a short sharp flash, white in colour
north of Tycho's north wall. Nothing more seen. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
2012 Sep 24 UT 22:00-23:00 Copernicus. E. Horner (Salisbury,
UK, 15cm reflector) observed a prominent red arc where the
sunlit part of the interior wall met the shadow. Sometimes the
arc was 1/4 the way around the interior, and sometimes half of
the way around. Telescope moved, but the red arc stayed where
it was. Eyepieces change, but the effect remained. Other parts
of the Moon checked, but no red seen. There were however
splashes of green e.g. Longomontanus on the terminator,
elsewhere further inland from the termionator, and little
splashes of green on Mare Frigoras - but lasting a brief time.
The red colour was as strong as a red LED and the green similar
to that of the northern lights. The observer's husband was asked
to independetly check Copernicus and remarked that he could see
a little bit of green at the top and some red near the bottom,
along the line of the internal shadow. Although there were
checks for red elsewhere on the Moon and none were seen, the
Moon was starting to get low and it is typical of spurious
colour in a few respects. Therefore the ALPO/BAA weight=1 for
safety.
On 1980 May 23 at UT22:30 (P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 10" reflector, seeing
II) described Aristarchus as a "blue luminous patch", but it was too
faint to obtain a CED brightness measurement. Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
96 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Atlas 1966 Dec 21 UT 17:10 Observed by Andre (Belgium, 3" refractor)
"Bright spot on SE part of floor, not seen in photo on 12/18/66" NASA
catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1003.
Mons la Hire 1972 Nov 15 UT 09:45-10:18 M.Geisel (Brisbane,
Australia, 12.5" f/8 reflector, x90) discovered the TLP, P.
Anderson (9.5" reflector) independently confirmed that the TLP
had an effect in his Moon Blink device - but the effect
(suspected that the blink was caused by the extreme nrightness
of the mountain?) was weak and thought it not worth further
investigation. Photographs taken by Anderson. Geisel believes
the effect to be real and states that the area remained sharp
and clear throughout. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1969 Nov 18 UT 20:00? Observed by Classen (Pulnitz,
Czechoslovakia, 8" refractor) "Brightened, exceeded normal.
Brightness is monitored relative to Censorinus. (started July,
1969) Obs. thinks all bright craters are variable. (Apollo 12
watch)." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1216.
ASLPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1995 Jul 07 at UT 04:22 R. Spellman (Los Angeles, CA, USA) noted
that the floor of Copernicus was slightly darker in blue light. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1. This report came from R. Spellman's web site.
On 1995 Jul 07 at UT 04:22 R. Spellman (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
noted that the inside of Bodin darkened in blue light and also
the floor was darker in white light than it was the previous
day. The ALPO/BAA weight=1. This report came from R.
Spellman's web site.
On 1995 Jul 07 at 04:22UT R. Spellman (Los Angeles, CA, USA) noted that
the floor of Proclus looked slightly darker in blue light. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Copernicus 1969 Nov 18 UT 21:10-21:11 Observed by Hedervari
(Budapest, Hungary, 3.5" refractor) "Yellowish-red stripe on
inner W. wall (chrom. aberr.? Apollo 12 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID No. 1217. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Goldschmidt 1969 Nov 18 UT 21:59 Observed by Brandi (Wald, Switzerland,
6" reflector x90) "Brightening -- photo. (the author, WSC, cannot
verify LTP on film. Its brightness similar to other features at same
term. dist. Shadow is anomolous if real -- very narrow streak beside it
& beyond main shadow (Apollo 12 watch)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very
high). NASA catalog ID #1218.
On 1960 Aug? 01 at UT 22:00? an unknown observer detected that Vitello
was illuminated -it should have been in shadow? Cameron says that if
several days before sunrise then the date could have been July through
to December, with August 1st most likely, and ancilary data is
therefore given for this date. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=729 and
weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1878 Oct 05 UT 21:40 Observed by Klein (Cologne,
Germany, 6?" refractor) "Fog in W. part of crater. Faint
shimmer like thin white cloud" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #203. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
2007 Oct 20 UT 17:31 A.Pink (Basinkstoke, UK) images a flash on
the dark size of the Moon near to Vitello. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1982 Mar 04 at UT 20:00 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Censorinus
(4.6) to be brighter than Proclus (4.0) in white light. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID=164 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1982 Mar 04 at UT 20:00 M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK) found Proclus
(4.0) to be fainter than Censorinus (4.6) in white light. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=164 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1989 Jan 16 at UT 20:00 G. North (Herstmonceux, UK, 30" reflector)
observed Toricelli B to change in brightness and found colour in it. A
10 minute exposure spectrum was taken (Cameron does not have
information on whether anything unusual was recoeded) before clouds
obscured the Moon. Normally a 30 minute exposure would be needed. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=345 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1970 Dec 07/08 UT 23:30-00:45 UT Observed by Fitton (Oldham,
England, 8.5" refkector, x200, S=G) "Floor blank, yet some craters
should be vis. Outer wall craters showed clearly. (similar to
Bartlett's obs on Nov. 8th, #1278" NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #1279.
Agrippa and vicinity 1878 Dec 04 UT 20:00? Observed by Capron (France?)
"Odd, misty look as if vapor were in or about them" NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #209.
Alphonsus 1966 Apr 01 UT(?) 03:00-03:20 Observed by Jenning,
Harris (Coral Estates, CA, USA, 12" reflector) "Red patch from
c.p. to W. wall (no confirm. from Corralitos obs. moon blink
device & obs. at that time)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA
catalog ID #924. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Alphonsus 1967 Feb 19 UT 20:30-21:11 Observed by Moore,
Moseley (Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor, x360) "Blink
area between 1900 & 1940 with neg. results. Suddenly at 2030
there was a bright red glow, brightest Moseley had ever seen,
at Feb 17 suspectec place. Moore returned at 2037h in time to
see fading effect. Brief return at 2105-2111; neg. from
2120-2250h then clouds. Nothing on Feb 20. confirmation)."
NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1016.
ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Arsyukhin and others (Moscow, USSR), with naked eye and binouculars
saw three dark spots suddenly appear on Mare Crisium and disappear
approximately 30 minutes later. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=145
and catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Arsyukhin and others (Moscow, USSR), with naked eye and binouculars
saw TLP activity in Plato that Cameron thinks confirms what UK
observers saw later. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=145
and catalog weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Observed by G.H. Johnstone of Albuquerque, NM, USA on 1954 Nov 05 UT
20:00 (according to Cameron), but 02:00-04:00 according to the
original observation and at colongitudes 34.7 to 35.7 deg. 4"
reflector, x150 used. The obsewrver reported that the western part
(about 1/3rd of the interior) was pitch black with shadow. However
there was a zone about as wide, or perhaps only a fourth of the total
width that was distinctly a lighter bluish shade, almost like twilight.
The shadows of the peaks on the western edge of the rim were clearly
seen crossing this bluish shadowed area. Then this area ended sharply,
and the farside was bathed in light from the rising sun. The shadows of
the peak were sharply defined across the twilight zone, and the edge of
the pitch black shadow was easily defined but not as sharp as the
darker shadows crossing the the blue twilight zone. The observer
checked other craters but did not see this condition in any of them -
they all had the abrupt division between black and white that we would
normally expect to see. Cameron 1978 catalog ID=579 and weight=2.
Reference 1962 edition of ALPO's Journal: The Stolling Astronomer.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Censorinus 1969 Nov 19 UT 1922 Observed by Brandli (Wald,
Switzerland, 6" reflector, x90) "Brightening -- photo, (the
author, WBC, cannot verify from photo. It is brighter, but so
are Proc. & Dionys. -- it being between. i.e. Proc. > Censor. >
Dionys. Apollo 12 watch)." NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID #1220. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1870 May 10 UTC 22:00 Observed by Birt (England) "Extraordinary
display of lights. Says not effect of sunlight" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #167.
P. Moore at 21:10 found the southern wall (and ontothe southern floor)
of the crater to be indistinct. Elsewhere in the crater everything was
sharp. The effect was still seen at 21:42UT, but less strong. A check
was made for colour with aq Moonblink device, but none was seen. There
was still a trace of this effect at 21:44UT, although detail was now
becoming visible. By 21:48UT vertical streaks were seen crossing
the floor from the obscuration area and these were more visible in the
red filter and not in the blue. Cameron comments that undefined patches
on the floor of Plato are not normal. By 21:55UT some craterlets on the
floor started to become visible and the TLP for Moore ended by UT22:23.
P.Foley was alerted by Moore and saw a "amssive dense obsecuration
on the south wall, south floor and south outer glacis to the Mare".
Foley noted that by 21:50UT the effect was fading and finished by
22:03UT. Foley reported an orange translucent haze covering half of the
floor, but floor craterlets could be seen on and off - however his
atmospheric seeing conditions were IV. At 22:00 UT Foley reported the
floor close to the north wall to be "milky or misty". No detail was
visible at 21:15UT and variability in the floor continued until
23:10UT. Hedly-Robinson was aleted at 21:35UT and found no difference
between red and blue views of the area, however he did find that the
south rim was indistinct although this effect had lessened by 22:00 UT
and was normal by 22:17UT. M. Mobberly saw a white spot on the floor at
21:20 UT, whereas he normally would have expected to see craterlets.
Mobberly was alerted at 21:40 UT and took some colour photos. He also
made sketches that showed variability in the floor and dark lines and
patches in the north west corner. However the altitude of the Moon was
low. Cameron mentions that two of the photos show loss of detail at the
south wall and beyond.and also a change in the floor markings.The north
wall at 21:50UT was strangely reddish (didn't think this was spurious
colour). The rest of the wall was sharp at 22:20UT through a yellow
filter. Large bright patch in the centre and rest of the floor was
apparently of the same shading as Mare Imbrium. The above notes are
based upon the Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID 145 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Piton 1969 Nov 19 UT 21:15-22:00 Observed by Baum (England,
4.5" refractor) "Traces of cloudiness on E. slope at 2115h.
Increased at 2150h in extent & brightness. Spread onto plain.
Summit & shadow in W. part sharp & clear. (Apollo 12 watch)."
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1221.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
C. Brook of Plymouth UK, using a 4" refractor x216, noticed at UT 20:10
dark patches coming and going (in terms of visibility) on the floor of
Plato. Occasional views of the central cratelet (seen as a white spot)
were glimpsed. The dark patches seen lasted about 1-2 seconds before
fading out during each visibility cycle. Teneriff Mountains were
checked but no sign of seeing effects that might explain the dark floor
patches. By 20:26UT the dark patch effect was fading and by 20:31UT
floor detail was visible. Observations ceased at UT 20:34. Seeing
conditions were II and the Moon was at a high altitude. Other observers
were alerted but came on-line after the effect had finished. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
At approximately 18:43UT observer noticed that Censorinus, and
its bright apron, appeared particularly brighter than normal.
There was some spurious colour present - but just a redness
along the southernmost extent of the apron visible; could not
detect any blue along the northern edge however, he did do not
suspect the colour to be anomalous. A re-examination at 18:51UT
revealed that the crater had faded and was seen to fade visibly
in real time to normal levels (over about a minute) by 18:53UT.
Other features remained constant and so too did the apparent
spurious colour.
Ramsden 1999 May 25 UT 20:57-21:22 Observed by Brook
(Plymouth, UK, 4" refractor, x216, seeing II-III) "Bright spot
on W wall - brightness variation seen. - At the start it was
bright, then it faded, and towards the end of the observation
it was starting to brighten again". BAA Lunar Section
observation. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
U.K. observers: G. North and P. Foley, both saw a wisp of blue
associated with this crater. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=209 and
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Daniell 1979 Jun 05 UT 20:15-21:10 Observed by Price (Camberley,
England, 152mm reflector x64 and x128, seeing III, transparency good)
"Obscuration seen" BAA Lunar Section report.
Daniell 1979 Jun 05 UT 20:15-23:00 Observed by Price (Camberley,
England, 152mm reflector x64 and x128, seeing III, transparency good)
observed that Posidonius lacked sharpness.
Plato. 2024 Nov 11 UT 20:33-20:52. T.Smith (Codnor, UK - 16
inch Newtonian, seeing IV) the inner northern rim was an
orange-white colour and this faded, and had vanished by 20:52.
Observation ceased at 20:56. the effect was not present
earlier at 17:49-18:04, nor during a visual check at
23:14-23:24. No other features on the Moon exhibited this
effect at the time. Colour imagery by C.Longthorn at 20:14 and
A.Cook at 20:54 failed to detect any colour in this region,
but these lay outside Smith's observing window. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Gassendi 1969 Nov 20 UT 17:06-17:15 Observed by Duckworth
(Manchester, England, 8" refractor x250) Faint Pinkish
Obscuration on floor. Event in progress at 1706 - left telescope
at 1715 to report it, but TLP gone upon return. Gassendi was
normal from from 1734-1822h. NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog
ID #1223. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1980 May 25 UT 21:33-22:54 Observed by North (Seaford,
UK, seeing III-IV, 460mm Newtonian) Definite strong reddish
glow along NNW border, definitely much stronger than spurious
colouration and always visible when telescope moved in RA and
Dec to eliminate possible chromatic aberation effects in the
eyepiece. Effect ended by 21:54 UT. BAA Lunar Section Report.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Hyginus N 1944 Apr 04 UT 20:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, England,
15" reflector) "Darker than usual. S. edge of great crater valley was
bordered by a narrow dark band for 13km along its length" NASA catalog
weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #490.
Peice A (Swift=IAU name?) 1927 May 12 UT 22:03 Observed by Wilkins
(England, 15" reflector) "Complete obscuration of crater. Saw no trace
of it. It was vis. May 11 & faint on May 13. 3x in 1948 Moore saw whole
area misty gray & devoid of detail, whereas surroundings were sharp &
clear. Birt also found it invis. at times in late 1800's" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #394. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1969 Nov 20 UT 19:30-19:45 Observed by Becker (Holland, 4"
refractor) "Curious small shadow from NW (ast. ?) wall. (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1224.
Aristarchus 1969 Nov 20 UT 19:45-20:05 Observed by Becker (Holland, 4"
refractor) "Sharp whiteness on inner W. (ast. ?) side (Apollo 12
watch)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1224.
Observer noted a bright spot on the interior west wall that seemed
brighter than what they would have expected. unfortunately the precise
time of this observation was not recorded so the moon-rise and
midnight UT values are used to place a limit on the time of
observation. Images by Shaw taken at UT 1754, 18:45 and 23:13
do not exhibit the effect.
SE of Ross D 1965 Mar 14 UT 07:40 Observed by Cross (Whittier,
CA?, USA, 12" reflector). Crater wall partially obscured;
bright area. NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #872.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Plato 1870 May 11 UTC 22:00 Observed by Birt (England) "Extraordinary
display of lights. Says not effect of sunlight" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID #167.
Aristarchus visible just past terminator. West wall was
brighter than normal. Bright flash seen in/on NW wall -
apparently in the same place as Pedler's May 17th sketch.
Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=146 and weight=4.
Observed by M. Price of Camberley, Surrey, UK with
a 6" reflector and a Moon Blink device. Seeing=III.
Plato 1981 Jun 13 UT 20:48-21:08 Observed by Price (Camberley, England,
152mm reflector, seeing III) Possible Moon blink (red) seen
on north wall. Also the craterlets on the floor could be seen
despite the observing conditions not being optimal. BAA Lunar Section
observation. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=146 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1984 Jan 14 at UT 20:00 P. Moore (Selsey, UK) observed that
Aristarchus was brighter than it normally is at sunrise. No
quantitative measurements were made though. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=238 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Censorinus 1981 Apr 15 UT 22:15-23:10 M. Cook (Frimley, UK),
using a 12" reflector,found Censorinus to be glowing exceedingly
bright and was brighter than Proclus. It dulled later, but was
still brighter than Proclus. Censorinus was also slightly
brighter in blue than in red light. Cameron 2006 catalog
extension ID=130 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1968 Dec 31 UT 03:30-03:45 Observed by Taboada
(Mexico) "Terminator between the two was diminishing in brightness over
edge of Herod. at 0345, 2 darker spots seen over same place. (alerted
by Middlehurst for tidal predict.?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low).
NASA catalog ID #1112.
On 1968 Dec 31 at UT 03:30-03:45 Taboada (Mexico) observed the
terminator between Aristarchus and Herodotus was diminishing in
brightness at 03:45UT over the edge of Herodotus. Two darker spots were
seen over same place. Alerted by Middlehurst for tidal predict? The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1112 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Torricelli B 2005 Jan 21 UT 21:21-21:43 Observed by North (Norfolk, UK,
20cm reflector, x64, x128, Seeing IV, Transparency, moderate)
"Torricelli B appeared rather dull with a prominent dark halo of a
strongly bluish tint. The halo extends a few sec of arc beyond the
crater. At 21:21-21:43 crater was varying in brightness but this may
have been due to the seeing? By 21:42 the dark halo was gone. By 21:44-
21:49 UT the crater was brighter and more normal in brightness than
before. By 22:17 UT all was normal. The variations in brightness were
also seen by Cook (Mundesley, UK). Observations by Carbognani (Itlay)
21:20-23:10 failed to find any variations in brightness. Nor did Amato
(CT, USA) from 23:00-23:15 UT."
Plato 1998 Jul 05 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 15" reflector, x200-
x400, seeing II/III) comments that he is puzzled why the floor
of Plato, which is light gray in shade, looks completely blank
tonight. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1978 May 18 at UT20:45-21:53 J.D. Cook (Frimley, UK, 12"
reflector, x240) observed Promitorium Laplace to have
visually a brown colour - though no Moon Blink (red and blue
filters) effect was detected. Cameron comments that this is
probably a subjective effect - also others have reported
something similar at times. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=30
and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Barker's Quadrangle (Capuanus) 26W, 34S 1949 Feb 9 UT 20:00?
Observed by Moore (England, 12" reflector) :Quadrangle not seen,
apparently misty. (quad. in Capuanus? see Wilkins & Moore, The
Moon, p124)" NASA catalog ID=514, weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=3..
M. Cook of Frimley, UK, noticed Torricelli B to have a blue
tinge inside and outside. No colour had been noticed earlier
on 19-21 Mar. Cameron reports also in her catalog that the halo
around Torricelli B had lost its brilliance as seen on 29th Mar.
Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=210 and weight=5 - apparently being
confirmed by Marshall, Mobberley and Foley. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
M. Cook of Frimley, UK observed a brightening of the crater during
this observing session. The cameron 2006 extended catalog ID=346 and
weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Torricelli B 2005 Jan 22 UT 01:00 Observed by Serio (Houston, TX, USA,
6" Cassegrain, x150 and x180, Seeing 3, high deck of Cirrus clouds)
"Torricelli B hard to make out in the videos taken, but images taken
through cloud. A check on the image received by the coordinator shows
that Torricelli B is in fact visible, but perhaps not very bright. A
later observational sequence of images by Raul Salvo (Montevideo,
Uraguay UT 03:15-03:23) showed similarly that Torricelli B was dark,
and there was some brightness variability although the
background setting on these was low" An ALPO report.
Gassendi 1967 Mar 22 UTC 19:39-19:43 Observed by Mosely (Armagh, N.
Ireland, 10" refractor, x360) "Red color & blink strongly suspected
in small area centred on junction of 3 clefts 1/2 way from c.p. &
ESE wall. Well-defined & did not note change during obs. period.
Clouds terminated obs. till 2120 when it was not seen." NASA
catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1018.
At 03:30UT observer noticed a hint of yellow colour
on the floor of the crater and by 03:57UT the south
east and central parts of the floor and the circular
feature on the south west floor had turned a deep
yellow colour. The rest of the crater remained colourless.
Other craters also remained colourless. By 04:05UT the colour
was fading and by 04:15UT it was gone. Maurice Collins
in New Zealand took some low resolution colour images about
4 hours later but these failed to show any yellow colour.
Zac Pujic obtained colour images at a different time of
natural surface colour on the Moon and finds that Bullialdus
does actually have a natural yellow cast to most of the floor.
However this does not explain the variability in colour strength
seen by Robin Gray. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
G. Ward (a lunar observer for 15 years) observed an area just south
west of Mersenius C to be blurred and in a greenish cloud. The green
colour was more like that of dead grass than one gets from a neon bulb.
The effect was seen from 04:50-04:57UT, but could have been going on
before it was first noted at 04:50-UT. Seeing was 6-7/10 4" Refractor
(2 element). refractor had been used hundreds of hours before (over a
10 year period) with no similar colour was seen. The observer checked
other areas but did not see any similar effects. They also rotated and
changed eyepieces, but this made no difference to the TLP. The TLP site
seen was picked up on an image taken earlier at 04:47UT by W. Bailley,
from Sewell, NJ, USA. Unfortunately the area concerned, a mountain on
the image, was saturated and so we cannot tell if a colour was present
there and the seeing was poor.