Aristarchus 1961 Dec 3 UTC 03:05-03:40 Observed by Kozyrev (Crimea,
Soviet Union) described in NASA catalog as: "Emission lines in spectrum
of c.p. red & blue, H2 identified, several km2 area. Projected into
shadow cast by W. wall. Source rose to a height above the crater. 50"
reflector used NASA catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog TLP ID
No. #756.
Bright point on the dark part.
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=37 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=1.
On 1988 Apr 19 at UT 01:15-04:00 J. Horne (Steadman, NC, USA, 8"
reflector, S=4/10) took photographs of the Moon's Earthshine (appeared
in the Aug 1988 Sky and telescope magazine). Aristarchus was bright. In
addition several members of the Madison Astronomical Society also found
the crater to be bright and one of them saw streaks and flashes from
the crater. Manske (8" reflector, x97, + binoculars, S=E) found the
crater to be "abnornormally bright" where as other craters in
Earthshine were just normal. Fryback's (Madison, WI, USA, 8" reflector,
S=VG) photographs confirm that the crater was very bright - the Moon
was only 4deg in altitude though. The Camweron 2006 catalog ID=325 and
the weight="confirmed". the ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1940 Dec 02 at 00:00? Vaughan (Des Moines, Iowa, USA, 3" reflector)
observed Aristarchus in the dark part as a bright spot. The cameron
1978 catalog ID=480 and weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Mar 29 at UT 19:00 L. Todd (England?) observed that Aristarchus
in Earthshine was very clearly seen and appeared to blink occasionally.
Foley (Kent, UK) also notcied variations in Aristarchus. The Cameron
2006 catalog ID = 396 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1992 Apr 06 at UT00:45-02:03 G. Johnson (Swanton, MD, USA, 3.5"
refractor, x36) observed Aristarchus in Earthsine, but at a higher
magnification is appeared as a diffuse star. However the crater was not
seen later. D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 3" refractor), D. Weier
and F. Graham (Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 7" reflector, photographs),
observing at 01:24UT could not see the crater. The cameron 2006 catalog
ID=443 and the weight=0. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Harpalus 1969 May 19 UT 21:20-22:00 Observed by Marcomede
Rangel Nunes and Julio Dias Nogueira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
18" refractor). "Brightening in crater (inexperienced
observers). (Apollo 10 watch)." NASA catalog weight=0.
ALPO/BAA weight=1. NASA catalog ID #1126.
On 1847 Dec 11 at 18:00UT Hdgson (Eversley, UK, x80 refractor and 40x
reflector) observed in Plato (Though it might have been Cape Agassiz or
Teneriffe Mts) a bright spot of about a 1/4 the angular diameter of
Saturn that varied intermittently and was at all times visible on the
night side of the Moon. The following day he glimpsed the same spot
rhough clouds. From his drawing the spot was ~5' below the true N.
point & near the following limb (IAU E. limb) Cameron comments that
Plato fits the angular distance better than the other two candidates
unless there was a large northern libration. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=125 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1865 Jan 01 at UT 18:00-18:30? Grover (England? or USA?, seeing =
good and transparency = clear) observed south east of Plato at the foot
of Mt Blanc a small bright spot like a magnitude 4 star - slightly out
of focus. This bright speck remained unchanged for 30 minutes. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=137 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 May 20 at UT 19:35-20:30 Gomez (Spain, 12" reflector) observed
blue-white pulsating light in Aristarchus that illuminated the inner
walls - it was maximum at 19:55UT. This observation was made during the
Apollo 10 watch. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1128 and weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 May 20 at UT 21:00-22:00 Bury (France, 4" refractor) observed
Aristarchus to be very bright, as an elliptical bluish spot at 21:00UT.
This observation was made during the Apollo 10 watch. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1128 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 May 20 at UT 21:10-22:30 Marcomede Rangel Nunes and
Julio Dias Nogueira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 18" refractor)
Harpalus brighter than Bouguer - this was during the Apollo 10
watch and Cameron comments that the observers were
inexperienced. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1129 and weight=0.
The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1988 Apr 21 at UT 01:28-04:00 D. Fryback (Madison, WI, USA) took a
series of photographs - Aristarchus was a luminous patch and in one
photograph a red spot (Cameron suspects marks on the film). is seen
near Aristarchus. Strangely though when looking through the telescope,
the crater was not excessively bright. D. Spain (Fairdale, KY, USA,
3.5" reflector?, x60) observed a narrow white streak of mag 5-6 of
duration 0.5 sec that covered 160-320km near the centre of the Moon at
01:53UT. A similar streak happened but the direction was different.
Next 2 small red flashes were seen at 02:00 and 02:01UT of magnitude 7
(<1sec) in the vicinity of Aristarchus. The cameron 2006 catalog ID=327
and the weight=1.
On 1988 Apr 21 at UT 01:53 D. Spain (Fairdale, KY, USA, 3.5"
reflector?, x60) observed a narrow white streak of mag 5-6 of duration
0.5 sec that covered 160-320km near the centre of the Moon at 01:53UT.
A similar streak happened again but the direction was different. Next 2
small red flashes were seen at 02:00 and 02:01UT of magnitude 7 (<1sec)
in the vicinity of Aristarchus. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=327 and the
weight=1.
On 2011 Apr 07 UT 19:45-20:10 Aristarchus was seen to be “very
bright” in Earthshine. Giorgio Sancristoforo (Milan, Italy,
203mm SCT, atmospheric seeing good) noticed Aristarchus to be
exceptionally bright (Sketch supplied) at around 20:00 and was
the first to report this. Although he did not record the start
and end times, he commented that the effect lasted 20-30 minutes
and then was significantly reduced in brightness. Although
direct comparison in terms of brightnes could not be made with a
star, he thought Aristarchus to be brighter than +0.7 in
magnitude (Saturn). Furthermore Aristarchus was visible when
daylight was still present, when looking through the telescope,
although it could not be seen with the naked eye due to too much
extraneous light. Aristarchus was probably white in colour, but
the observer was partly colour blind and so was uncertain. Not
much detail was seen elsewhere in Earthshine, even when the sky
darkened, and he was not able to see Kepler or Copernicus, just
the limb. No details were seen in Aristarchus itself, for
example no ray to the SW was visible. It later transpired that
Lajos Bartha (Budapest, Hungary, 70mm refractor, x83, seeing
conditions good) had observed Earthshine even earlier from
UT19:45-20:10 and noticed a bright area close to the edge of the
Moon that he later confirmed was Aristarchus. When he started
observing the sky twilight was still a deep blue, but the dark
side of the Moon was seen both with the naked eye and through
the telescope. Earthshine was medium in brightness and grey in
colour. Copernicus and Kepler were weak in brightness but
certainly visible. There was some scattered light from the
sunlit side of the Moon noticed, but not enough to obscure
Copernicus and Kepler from visibility. As a test he moved the
telescope around and the bright spot moved with the Moon and so
was not a glare problem. The following day he checked Earthshine
again but found that the bright spot was not so conspicuous. As
a footnote, Tim Haynes (UK) had been observing an occultation of
37 Tauri, much earlier at 19:14UT, through 10x50 binoculars. He
commented that Earthshine was visible, but that he hadn't
noticed Aristarchus - though he was not looking at the Moon
specifically to see this crater. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 May 21 at UT 20:00-21:00 Brandli and Germann (Switzerland, 6"
refractor) observed a slow orange-red blinking on the surrounding area
of Aristarchus. It was seen less markedly the next night. Wald (Zurich,
Switzerland) noted at 20:30UT that the crater was pink (Confirmation
says Cameron) - this was during the Apollo 10 watch. The cameron 1978
catalog ID=1131-1132 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
South Cusp 1969 Jul 19 UT 17:55-19:10 Observed by Dzapiashvili
(Georgia, Soviet Union) "Saw an abnormally bright spot at end of
S.cusp. Polariz. meas. at 8.3% at 1845-1847h (Apollo 11 watch?)"
NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA catalog ID #1164.
Fracastorius 1973 Mar 09 UT ~19:57 Robinson (Devon, UK) saw a
Moon Blink (colour) in this crater. This crater is long
suspected of giving permanent blinks due to natural colour. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1975 Mar 18 at UT 00:57-04:00 Reiland, Brown and Lojeck (Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, 6" reflector x45 and 8" reflector x200, photos taken)
observed the following at Aristarchus: "While obs. Earthshine on moon,
saw it glowing -- a bright steady star-like glow, est. at 5-8th mag.
First noted at 0057h. Obs. other obj. then came back to it. It was
still there -- till moonset (@0500h). Saw it in other telscopes &
Lojeck took photos. (photo shows Aris. prominent, but also LaLande,
Pytheas & Timocharis. 2 prs. in Aris. but there are other pts on the
print, it may be grain)". The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1404 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1969 Jul 19 at UT 1845-18:47 Pruss and Witte (Bochum, Germany, 6"
refractor x36 and binoculars) saw brightenings in the north west wall
of Aristarchus for 3-7 seconds of about 1 magnitude over the
background. From orbit at UT 18:46 the Apollo 11 crew Armstrong,
Aldrin, and Collins (in orbit around the Moon and using the naked eye)
were asked to take a look at Aristarchus after Earth-based reports of
TLP activity. Armstrong reported (after the solar corona had set, on
the night side) that probably Aristarchus "to be considerably more
illuminated than the surrounding area. It just has - seem to have, a
slight amount of flourescence to it". Collins reported a moment later:
"Looking out on the same area now. Well at least there is one wall of
the crater that seems to be more illuminated than the others. I am not
sure that I am actually identifying any phosporesecence, but that
definitely is lighter than anything else in the neighborhood". Houston
then asked if the crew could detect any colour and if the inner wall
was the inner or outer part? Aldrim commnted that it was the inner
wall and Collins mentioned thatno colour was incolved. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=1165 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1969 Jul 19 at UT 19:30-21:30 Gervais (Lodure, France, 4.5"
refractor?) saw the whole region of Aristarchus and its environs
as brighter than normal. Two photographs were obtained. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1156 and weight=5. At UT 20:30-20:55
Oliver (Spain, using a reflector) found the Aristarchus to have
brightened by about 1 magnitude. From UT 20:12-20:30 the crater
had been normal. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1167 and the
weight=2. At UT 21:00-00:35 P. Mourilhe Silva (Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil, 19.5" refractor) saw Aristarchus as a very bright
elliptical shape which extended to the north like a bridge
between two points. Jose M. L. da Silva and Ronaldo Mourao (Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil, 13" refractor) saw a brightening on the
north west wall from 21:24-23:22UT intermittently but cont'd.
Wall was extraordinarilly bright, along NW wall brighter.
Moseley (Armagh, Northern Ireland, UK, 10" refractor) detected
an unusual bright, along north west wall, brighter than normal
in Earthshine and brighter than crater. It was not constant, but
pulsated irregularly with frequency of 20 seconds and amplitude
0.75-1.0 magnitudes. No colour seen or obscuration though lokked
for. Clouds interrupted observations. Vasquez (Valparaiso,
Chile, 12" reflector) saw it as a very luminous point of
magnitude 1. Wairy Cardoso (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 12"
reflector and 18" refractor) noted a bright. 1s??? The Cameron
catalog ID=1168 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=4.
Theophilus 1969 Jul 19 UT 19:30-21:30 Observed by Fox (Notts.
England, 6.5" reflector) and Ringsdore (England, 15"
reflector). Fox saw intermittent glow in Theoph. for > 2h
(time not given). Ringsdore confirmed. (Apollo 11 watch)"
Confirmed by Baum 21:00-21:20UT. NASA catalog weight=5. NASA
catalog ID No. 1166. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1966 Sep 20 at UT 03:22 Three Astronet observers (Phoenix, AZ, and
Los Angeles, CA, USA) (independently?) reported flashes in Grimaldi
crater. One observer was in Phoenix AZ, and another in Losa Angeles,
CA, so probably not due to the atmosphere. Cameron comments that the
astronaut Schmidt on Apollo 17 saw a flash in it while orbiting the
Moon. the Cameron 1978 catalog ID=977 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
South Pole 2011 Apr 08 UT 19:30-20:00 A.Kemp (Mold, Flintshire, UK) observed that the
Leibnitz peaks at the southern pole stood out sharply. However one of the peaks was “shining
like a spot light. So bright that I couldn’t make out its shape”. – image clear and steady with
excellent transparency and seeing in the 70mm f/13 refractor (25mm and 10mm eyepieces).
Inspections during the above time period revealed no changes in brightness. Previous
observations of this area had never shown such an unusual brightness, and Arthur likened the
brightness to “a maximum brightness of Venus shining amongst 2nd magnitude stars”. The
observer was an experienced observer. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Mare Crisium 1826 Apr 12 UT 20:00 Observed by Emmett (England?) "Black
moving haze or cloud". NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID
109. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Grimaldi 1969 Jul 19 UT 20:39-20:45 Delaye (France, 25cm
refractor) saw a bright bluish spot near Grimaldi. 20:43 a
flash was seen by Thinon. Delaye saw flashes at 20:44 and
20:45. Between 21:00 and 23:00 (J. M. L.) da Silva (Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, 19.5" refractor) saw a bright spot on the W
(IAU??) of Grimaldi. However there is a bright spot near
Grimaldi, so this maybe normal. NASA ID = 1167. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Lunar volcano, seen on the dark side, as bright as a
6th magnitude star,
A bright spot was seen. Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=40 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA catalog weight=2.
Theophilus 1969 Jul 20 UT 18:40 Observed by Delaye, Thinon, Donas, ?
ourdan (Marseilles, France, 10" refractor x60) "Saw a flash on the c.p.
of mag 1.0, duration 0.1s, no color. (meteor?) (Apollo 11 watch)".
NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1174.
On 1969 May22 at UT2045-2105 Wald (Zurich, Switzerland) observed the
pinkish colour in Aristarchus was less marked tonight. The astronauts
were alerted and at 22:12 reported no activity but could see the crater
and Earthshine was strong near the terminator. Apollo 10 watch,
spacecraft far from the terminator. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1134
and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Atlas 1969 May 22 UT 21:20-21:40 Observed by Germann, Wild, Vieli
(Zurich, Switzerland, 6" reflector) "Rim towards the sun was bright.
Part of time was interrupted. (Apollo 10 watch)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1135.
On 1969 Jul 20 at UT 19:55-20:10 Delaye, Thinon, Donas, and Jourdran
(Marseilles, France, 10" refractor, x60) saw between 19:55-20:04UT
Aristarchus to be bright and in it pulsations with 10 sec duration. At
20:05UT it's spot brightened, at 20:08:50-20:35:50UT brightening and
pulsations of variable duration. At 20:55:50UT just a feeble flash.
Cameron comments that this is probably not atmpsheric effects as the
period is too long - also it was during the Apollo 11 watch. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=1175 and th weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1984 Jul 05 at UT 00:00-01:25 Marshall (Medelin, Columbia,
seeing=II) observed that Censorinus was much less bright than Proclus
(confirmed by CED readings). Cameron 2006 catalog ID=247 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1984 Jul 05 at UT 00:00-01:25 Marshall (Medelin, Columbia) found
Proclus to be much brighter than Censorinus (which of the two was
abnormal is a question) - though he thought that Censorinus looked
dull. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=247 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Mare Crisium 1826 Apr 13 UT 20:00 Observed by Emmett (England?) "Black
moving haze or cloud" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID =
109. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Triesnecker Rille 1912 May 23 UT 18:00? Observed by Gordeenko
(Russia) "Change in shape from representation by Brenner and
Krieger not accountable by lighting conditions" NASA catalog
weight=0. ALPO/BAA weight=1. NASA catalog ID #339.
Mons Piton 2022 Aug 04 UT 19:41-20:10 T. Smith (Codnor, UK,
16inch Newtonian, x247, Seeing IV) mountain was very bright
and red around its eastern slopes. An examination of the
bright and contrasty Proclus crater revealed that to be
relatively colour free compared to Piton. An examination of
other features, north and south along the terminator revealed
some tinge of coloiur but not as strong as on Mon Piton. Mons
Piton examined with a yellow filter at 19:50 and still showed
red along the eastern side, other features along the
terminator had no colour through the filter. Video images by.
A.Cook (Newtown, UK) made earlier at 1929 & 19:40 UT, (in the
SWIR (1.5-1.7 microns) did not reveal Mons Pico as especially
bright - but resolutioin was poor. A friend of Smith, phoned
up the next day to say that they saw a mountain on the limb
exhibiting red on the 14th August. Probably the redness was
due to atmospheric spectral dispersion as the Moon was low,
and it was especially visble on Mons Piton as this is an
exceedingly contrasty object on the terminator. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Theophilus 1969 Jul 21 UT 19:30-21:45 and 21:00-22:00 Observed by Fox
(Newark, England, 6.5" reflector,) and Baum (Chester, England, 4.5"
refractor) (S=6, T=4) "At wall, adjacent to Cyrillus was a redish glow,
then obscur. (Fox). Baum saw intermittant white-blue shimmering as if
glowing thru dust glowing & upsurge in brightness on c.p. Gradually
faded to normal at 21:20. 1st time ever seen by him tho. obs. since
1947. Image sharp, no haziness. (indep. confirm. of activity, but
details differ, but same time, Apollo 11 watch)." NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1180. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1991 May 21 at UT05:30-06:15 J. Green (Orangevale, CA, USA, 11"
reflector) photgrapphed a broad bright band stretching east and north
of Cassini crater in 3 exposures taken 10 minutes apart. This
photographic sequence shows a gradual widening towards Cassini and by
the 3rd exposure the band is touching (and then obscuring) Cassini. A
"fan" was visible in the north east and WSW directions, later this was
seen as rays and this was even seen in the view finder of the camera.
Cameron comments that this might be lens flare but suspects that it
would not have been seen in the view finder. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=427 and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Hyginius Cleft 1966 Jul 25 UT 04:40 observed by Kelsey (Riverside, CA,
USA, 8" reflector, x300) "Points at opposite ends of cleft were very
brilliant in red Wratten 25 filter & very dull in blue Wratten 47
filter. Richer uncertain if real LTP." NASA catalog weight=1. NASA
catalog ID #957.
North of Bessel 1969 May 1969 May 23 UT 22:54. Nelson Travnik
(Observatorio Flammarion, located at 45.58W, 21.87S, f/15
10cm refractor, Kodak Tri-X, 1/15 sec exposure, sky
conditions excellent). Dark spot photographed just north of
Bessel - could be a photographic defect?. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1887 Nov 23 UT 20:00? Observed by de Speissens (France?)
"Luminous triangle on floor. Klein says it was sunlight affect. (but
similar to Klein's own obs., #190. Fort says never seen before nor
since)." NASA catalog weight=0 (very unlikely). NASA catalog ID #256.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1895 May 02 UT 20:45, 23:45 Observed by Brenner and Fauth
(Germany?) "Streaks of light (Brenner) bright parallel bands in
center Fauth (indep. confirmation?)." NASA catalog weight=5.
NASA catalog ID #284. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 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.
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.
Censorinus 1969 May 24 UTC 21:10-22:15 Observed by Jean
Nicolini (Sao Paulo, Brazil, 12" reflector) "It was brighter
than Proclus between 2130-2145h. A very tiny cirrus veil
present & Censor. appeared less bright & Proc. continued to
look normal. Weather worsened at 2215h. (Apollo 10 watch)."
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1144. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Piton 1960 Nov 27 ? UT 00:00? Observed by Schneller
(Cleveland, OH, USA, 8" Reflector, x53), "Red obscuration
concealing peak, @10m2 (if near SR, date is 27th; ancillary
data given for 27th -- date not given)." NASA catalog weight=
3. NASA catalog ID #731. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Theophilus 1978 Nov 08 UT 20:49-22:00 Observed by J.D. Cook
(Frimley, 12" reflector, 6mm Ortho eyepiece, seeing III-IV)
Orange discolouration seen on ESE crater floor. Moon blink
tried, but no blink detected. By 21:10 the effect had lessened,
but was still orange. By 21:50-21:58 the effect was smaller and
perhaps more on the SE of the floor. Colour confirmed by Foley.
Fitton may also have been observing. At 22:00 A.C. Cook observed
and commented that a darkish, perhaps brown-orange colour seen -
but suspected it was probably spurious colour - but by now the
seeing was V. J.H. Robinson, whilst doing a Moon Blink sweep of
several features, including Theophilus, had not noticed anything
unusual 18:50-19:10. By 22:30-22:35UT, he still could not detect
a blink, but noticed intermittent darkining on the shaded area
on the E. floor, but seeing was now IV. The darkening was more
noticeable in blue than red light. BAA Lunar Section
observation. 2006 Cameron catalog ID #40 weight=3. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Observer made a drawing over a period of 30 minutes. Upon
examining drawing, and comparing with photos made under
similar illumination was struck by the abnormality of a
a small white blob in the north east corner of the shadowed
floor. There should be no raised topography between the wall
and the central peaks that could give rise to this. The making
of the sketch overlapped with an earlier drawing made by Rony
de Laet (Belgium) which did not show this blob. Subsequent attempts
to find sketches/images at very similar illumination angles have
failed to show the blob in the north east corner of the chadowed
floor. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 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 1990 Apr 04 at UT 21:30-21:50 B. LeFranc (France?) reported
observing a white flame effect in Copernicus crater (sketch made) -
though Foley comments that the actual location was east of the crater.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=398 and the weight=2. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Plato 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.
Aristrachus 1966 Jul 29 UT 03:40 Observed by Simmons (Jacksonville, FL,
USA, 6" reflector x192, S=7, T=4-5) and Corralitos Observatory (Organ
Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector + Moonblink) "Spot on S.wall vis. only in
red filter, brightness 8deg. Slightly brighter than surrounding wall.
No confirm. Says it might be part that reflected better. Not confirmed
by Corralitos Obs. MB." NASA catalog ID #968. NASA catalog weight=1
(very low).
On 1938 Mar 13 at UT 04:00-06:00 Barker (Chestnut, England, UK) noted a
slight reddish colour in Plato. However Fox (Newark, UK, 6.5"
reflector, x240) saw none on the south east wall, but instead saw a
yellowish glow on the southern floor at the same time (confirmation?).
Appearently Fox saw the same effect on Apr 10, 11, and May 8-11, then
on June 8-10. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=432 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
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.
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.
In 1962 Dec 09 at UT 07:36 Wildey and Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector) observed that Oceanus Procellarum was 1.13 magnitudes
brighter than normal. Observation at sunrise and is abnormal if area
measured was mare. If it were an east facing wall it would be normal.
The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
In 1962 Dec 09 at UT 07:42 Wildey and Pohn (Mt Wilson, CA, USA, 60"
reflector) observed that Aristarchus was 0.80 magnitudes (x2) fainter
than average for this age (photometric measurement) Vmag=3.80, average=
3.0. The Cameron 1978 catalog weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
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.
On 1992 Feb 16 at UT 01:05-01:35 P. Moore (Selsey, UK, 12.5"
reflector, seeing=III) found the north rim area to be both very
bright and misty - though he did not think it to be a TLP but
wanted it to be recorded, just in case. The Cameron 2006 catalog
ID=440 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1981 Oct 11 at UT 00:05-02:00 B.Hobdell (St Petersberg, FL, USA, 4"
refractor, S=3 and T=5) observed a brightening on the floor of Plato. 4
bright spots appeared and vanished and there was a fith one in the
centre that was very bright at times. At UT 00:14 the central spot
became bright then was "followed by a haze permeating entire floor,
heaviest in the northern quadrant. Came from 2 S peaks or white spots,
shaped like a boomerang extending to presumed c.p. (c.c ?). White
flashed at 0052 from it cloud changed shape - spread N. At 0136
brightening from c.c. area 0419 dissipated. All white spots seen at
0200. Its outer flanks seen clearly the whole time". The above is
quoted from the Cameron 2006 catalog ID=155 and weight=3. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
On 1981 Oct 12 at UT 00:00?(?) B.W. Chapman (12cm refractor,
Seeing II, transparency poor, Kingston-Upon-Thames, UK) found
that Mons Pico was brighter in red light than in blue.
Aristarchus for comparison was the same brightness in both
filters. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
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 1964 Sep 22 UT 02:54-03:03 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 4" refractor x240, S=5, T=5) "Bright blue-
viol. gl. on NE rim & EWBS; dark viol. nimbus; S. floor 8deg br.
rest of crater 7 deg. Red-brown, changed to coppery, to yellow-
brown (Gilheany, et al. examined crater later, but did not
detect any color in MOON BLINK, so red-brown must have
disappeared." NASA catalog ID #851, NASA catalog weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Kunowsky 1964 Sep 22 UT 03:25-04:30 Observed by Gilheany, Hall, and
Johnson (Port Tobacco, MD, USA, 16" reflector, Seeing=good) "Red area
detected by Trident's MOON BLINK (MB) device, (Aris. normal)." NASA
catalog weight= 5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #852.
Aristarchus 1966 Aug 05 UT 05:22-05:38 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 4" reflector x93, x125, x281, S=4, T=5), "S. part of floor was
granulated & est. at 6 deg bright; faint yellow-brownish tint. Rest of
crater 8 deg bright white."NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog
ID 963.
Alphonsus 1958 Nov 29 UTC 22:00? Observed by Wilkins (Kent, UK,
15" reflector) "Near site of Kozyrev's outbreak saw a circular
patch, black pit center, & red, round masses all around it."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #708.ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1980 Sep 28 at UT05:00-07:00 W. Steed (Ocean City, MD, USA, 3"
refractor, x45 and x220) detected a "tower-like" feature on the east
rim of Mouchez crater, and appeared about 2-3x higher than other
mountains nearby. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=112 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1971 Jun 13 UT 07:22-08:05 Observed by Raimundo Nonato
da Silva (Parnaiba, Brazil, 9.5" reflector, x180) "At 0755h
variation on W.(IAU?) edge of crater "brightness seemed to
become a little darker" as it was gugacious (foggy?), Was not
sure it was a LTP. Other features & it were normal from 0658-
0755h". NASA catalog weight=1. NASA catalog ID 1295. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus 1978 Nov 19 UT 22:40-23:05 Observed by Pedler
(UK, 12.5" reflector, x200, seeing fair) Blue colour seen and
could not focus on this part, where as other craters were
nice and sharp in this filter. Aristarchus darker in red
light. all other craters were normal in red. Attempts to
change the eyepiece did not make any difference to the blue
colour. Cameron 2005 catalog ID=43 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1979 Nov 09 at 10:30-11:05UT D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, S=
4-2/10, T=P) detected a rapid fade in brightness of south and north
sunlit slopes of Mons Piton. Then the western flank faded and became
obscured in detail. The variations detected were approximately 5 sec in
duration, where as seeing effects were of the order of 15 sec. Mons
Pico and other mountains did not show a similar effect. "It was seen
only in viol. filter tho once seemed blurred in red. No changes,
dimming was like a veil of mist covering the mtn - swiftly, then
dissipating as rapidly. Sketch. Phenomenon went on & off till 11:00UT.
Cloud was cir. In viol & spreadover mtn in 2s. Saw 6 rapid, spinning
motions within the cloud like an explosion or tornado seen from above.
Blurring in red was more elongated. Motion across it was like a heat
wave. Whole event lasted ~35m but disappeared in a few secs. Albedos
7.4 cp, 7.5 pt A, 7 pt B." Cameron 2005 catalog ID=75 and weight=4.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1891 Sep 23 at UT 22:00 Pickering, based at Arequipa, Peru, and
using a 12" reflector, saw in Schroter's Valley and the vicinity
"Varitions in vapor column. Drawings. Time estimated from given
colongitude)." Cameron 1978 catalog ID=272 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Heraclides Point 1948 Jul 27 UT 02:00? Observed by Doherty (Stoke-on-
Trent, England, 3" refractor? or 6" reflector or 10" reflector)
"Strangeley blurred & misty; La Place Prom was perfectly sharp."
NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #507.
On 1996 Feb 12 at UT 07:30-08:27 J.Sandel (Caycee, SC, USA)
noted a contrast effect inside Tycho at sunset. At 07:30UT there
was a slight, but definite illumination of small areas of the
crater floor west of the central; peak. Also seen by T. Ferrel
(Lawrenceville, GA, USA, SCT C8). This was oval in shape and
gray in colour - Ferrel noted some diffuseness. It brightened
over 30 minutes. At 08:11UT a definite brightness fade noted in
Tycho's central peak. The crater floor had increased
illumination of entire crater floor. ALPO/BAA weight=3.