On 1977 Apr 29 at UT21:40-23:20 an unknown UK observer reported a TLP
in Gassendi crater. The following are reports by observers attempting
to confirm activity: J.W. Napper (Didcot, UK, 30cm reflector, x287,
Wratten 25 and 44a, conditions clear 5+) received a telephone alert
call at 22:00 but the sky was cloudy until 22:30. An initial look
revealed nothing unusual, then at 22:54 he observed a colour blink just
inside the north wall, appearing bright in red and normal in blue or
white light. No loss of detail seen and the effect lasted only 2
minutes. A sketch was made. However the observer stresses that the very
bad seeing casts some doubt on this observation. L. Fitton observed
using a 8.5" reflector, with Moon blink device at x200, seeing was I-
II. All areas negative, including Gassindi from 21:40-21:55 and again
22;00-22:25 and finally 22:50-23:30 negative. Mike Brown (Huntington,
York, UK, 30cm reflector, x220 and x350, seeing 3-4/5, and transparency
5/5) - observed from 22:00-23:25UT no colour seen, nor obsecuration,
all filters negative, despite seeing a lot of fine setail inside this
crater.
On 1989 Sep 12 at UT00:58-02:25 D. Darling (Sun Praire, WI, USA, 12.5"
reflector, x159, S=7/10) observed similar light conditions to 1989 Jul
15. At 02:00 he observed pink on the south west wall of Aristarchus
crater. At 01:24UT the Aristarchus ray was yellowish, however the
entire Moon had a grey-yellow tinge of colour. Chromatic aberation was
observed at 01:56UT. By comparison Gassendi was checked and had no
colour. At 02:10 the crater wall of Aristarchus was unusual and was
quite different in appearance to rims of other craters. The cameron
2006 catalog ID=375 and the weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1971 Sep 01 UT 20:45-21:05 Observed by Neville,
Cunnington (Nottingham, UK, 4" refractor x180, altitude, low)
"Saw a bright glow, especially in E. wall (Confirm. but not
indep.?)" NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #1310.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
S. of Aristarchus 1951 Sep 13 UTC 14:00? Observed by Osawa (Japan, 6"
reflector) "Bownish-red color, blue on NW rim of A." NASA catalog
weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #546.
Cobra Head 1967 Mar 23 UT 18:40-20:47 Observed by Sartory,
Moore, Moseley (Farnham, England, 15" reflector (Sartory) seeing
very poor & 10" refractor in Armagh, N. Ireland (Moore & Mosely)
x360 - seeing Fair to Poor) "Red patch seen intermittently;
moon-blink from 1916-2047h. Position agreed with Sartory who
alerted them to Aris. area; checks on others were neg." NASA
catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID 1020. Then Aristarchus 1967
Mar 23 UT 18:40-20:30, 21:30 by Marsh and Farrant (Cambridge,
England, 8" reflector, x330). "Suspected colour on SW (ast.)
wall. Farrant saw color in crater, completely independently,
(inform. suggests same phenom. as seen by Moore & Moseley tho
they said Cobra head). NASA Catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #
1021. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1967 Mar 23 UTC 18:40-18:50 Observed by Sartory (Farnham,
England, 15" reflector) "Heavy blink on inner S. wall. Moved toward N.
at 1845, faded at 1850." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog
ID #1019.
Aristarchus. 2024 Mar 22 UT 22:08. G.Vega (Argentina, Oro
Verde - 20cm f/5 Newtonian on an EQ5 Goto mount - two colour
cameras used: a Player One Ceres C & a Nikon D5100).
Colour images show a region of blueness from the W. rim of
Aristarchus and the NE of Herodotus (maybe also on the inner
SE rim of Herodotus?) i.e. generally SE of the Cobra's Head.
Blue colour is usually present on the rim of Aristarchus and
to the north - but I don't recall seeing such strong blue
colouration in this region before? No other craters exhibit
this blue colour. As the colour is present in two images,
taken with different cameras it looks genuine. Two other
colour images, at lower resolution, were taken from Oro Verde,
by W.Elias, at 23:06 and 23:18, but neither of these exhibit
this blue colour - but that maybe a resolution issue? ALPO/BAA
weight=3.0
Aristarchus-Herodotus 1971 Sep 02 UTC 20:00 Observed by Ayeau
(Paris, France, 12" reflector, x100) "Brownish-red or maroon
seen on Aris. W.wall ridge to Herod. on S.wall of Herodotus"
NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog ID #1311.
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Rays of(?) (in?) Herodotus 1955 Oct 28 UTC 18:30 Observed by Kozyrev
(Crimea, Russia, 50" reflector, spectragraph) "Spectrum 3934A (K of
Ca). 3964 (H of Ca) change in luminosity. 13% in H, 19% in K, 2% in H,
3% in K. in photo-line-depth method" NASA catalog weight=5 (very high).
NASA catalog ID #622. ALPO/BAA weight=5.
Mersenius 1975 Jun 21 UT 21:50-22:45 Observed by McConnell
(Northern Ireland, 6" reflector) Moore? (Sussex, Enland, 15"
reflector, 5" refractor, S=F), Reading (Rushden, England, ?
14" reflector) and Foley (Kent, England, 12" reflector, S=P)
"McConnell saw an obscur. starting at 2150h which disappeared
at 2245h. Moore(?) alreted, saw no anomaly in 15 in refl. &
5-in refr. under fair conditions from 2209-2228h. Reading
reported neg. fr. 2250-2345h (after phenom.). Foley reported
color in it but also a crater to S. of it & Aris., prob. due
to seeing conditions." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog
ID#1408. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1995 October 6 at UT 21:30 R. Lena (Rome, Italy - a UAI observer,
11.4cm reflector) saw 4 or 5 flashes from Herodotus crater. Light
intensities (mag?) ranged from 9 to 8 and they were brighter through a
red filter. There is no 2006 Cameron catalog entry for this observation
- it has come from the UAI web site. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
1954 Aug 11 observed by Firsoff (Somerset, UK, 6.5" reflector,
x200) "Brilliant in red filter, variable)" NASA catalog
weight=4. NASA catalog ID #570. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1995 Oct 06/07 at UT 22:45-00:00 P. Mirteto (a UAI
observer, RI, Italy, 20cm reflector) observed some brightness
changes in Herodotus. Please note that this description is a
summary of the material on the UAI web site. The ALPO/BAA
weight=2.
Alphonsus 1966 May 03 UTC 21:30 Observed by Smith (England, 10"
reflector) and Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24"
reflector, Moonblink) "Reddish patches. Not confirmed by Corralitos MB
(but in their report they give the feature as Gassendi)." NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID #936. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1987 Mar 13 at UT 20:52 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK, S=VG) obtained
some video that shows variation in Aristarchus crater e.g. ä visual
oddity in the SE corner" (Foley was interpreting the video). H.Hatfield
took some film of the TLP (Unstudied yet). The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
301 and the weight=5.
On 1987 Mar 13 at UT 20:52 M. Mobberley (Sussex, UK) found that Mons
Pico varied in its north east section. This was recorded on video tape.
The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=301 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Godin UT 02:15-03:05 Observed by Porter (Narragansett, Rhode Island,
USA, 6" refletor, 45, 90x, S=P?, T=2) "Albedo change in some pts.
yellow-orange color on rim. Wondered if it were atmos. LTP albedo=
7,7,7,6.5. Normal albedos=7,7.5,6.5,6.5 for same pts. Nearby plain
albedos =6. LTP from 0250-0300h. Intensity normal at first;pts in W.
decreased & N.pt increased. No difference in intensity in red filter
till suddenly it jumped out & became vis. above the high background
albedo. Sketch. He thinks it was atm. seeing" NASA catalog weight=2
(low). NASA catalog ID #1370.
Aristarchus 1975 Oct 18 UTC 20:00? Observed by Foley (Kent, England,
12" reflector) "Deep blue-viol. spot in NW (IAU?) interior corner."
NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID #1415.
Aristarchus and Herodotus UT 20:00? Observed by Areau (Paris, France,
12" reflector x100) "Maroon color covering the ridge(?) E (ast. ?) &
the ridge(?) S. of Herod. In 3 or 5 secs. Cloud disappeared after 10
min." NASA catalog weight=3 (average) NASA catalog ID #1312.
On 1973 Dec 8 UT18:15-18:20 R.Billington (UK, 2" refractor)
reported that ristarchus was orange. However 15 minutes earlier,
another observer, Livesey made a sketch and did not report any
colour. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1979 Aug 06 at 22:24-22:54 P.Madej (Hudersfield, UK, 6"
reflector. Purple Wratten 35, and Yellow Wratten 15 filters
used) Orange glow seen (at x73) on west side of crater, near the
central peak. The central peak was coloured too at x110. At
22:32 (x75) the central peak was brighter than the rest of the
area wrough the yellow filter. At 22:34UT at x73 everything
looked OK through the purple filter. The TLP was still visible
at 22:54. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Schroter's Valley 1955 Jul 03 UT 22:00 Observed by Firsoff
(Somerset, England, 6.5" reflector x200) "Drawing contains a
star-like pt. at N. part of valley." NASA catalog weight=4.
NASA catalog ID #597. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Gassendi 1973 Dec 08 UT 20:20-20:22 observed by J-H Robinson
(Devon, UK, seeing dair to poor). Suspected blink detected -
might have been due to atmospheric condtions?. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1971 Jan 10 UTC 20:17-20:42 Observed by Taylor (Slough, England,
8.5" reflector) "Blink (dark gray to black), 13x3km diam. on E. wall &
floor in indentation in wall. Smaller by 2028 h. gone at 2035h.
Reappeared at 2028h & gone completely at 2042h)." NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1282.
Schickard 1940 May 20 UT 20:00 Observed by Moore (England, 12?"
eflector) "Fog on floor -- milky appearance, less pronounced
than on 8/2/39 (see #456)." NASA catalog ID #465. NASA catalog
weight=4. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1912 Apr 01 at UT 22:00-23:00 LeRoy (France?) during a
partial eclipse, observed Tycho to be visible as a very bright
spot standing out in the slate grey shadow. Apparently only
Tycho was seen during the elipse. The mid eclipse point was at
22:14UT. The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=236 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1968 Mar 14 UT 01:32-02:06 Observed by Olivarez, Maley,
Etheridge (Edinburgh, TX, USA, 17" reflector, x125 + Moon Blink) and
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon Blink)
"S=5 (F-G) for the TX observations. "Trident Moon Blink on S. wall
creet & c.p. & white spots in crater. No color seen vis. Blink not seen
earlier or later. Other craters blinked some but not as strongly.
Only Aris. areas blinked when Moon blink was moved around. Observers
consider blinks real. Alt. of moon was 50 deg. Drawings. Corralitos
say they did not confirm, but they rep't Copernicus, not Aris." NASA
catalog weight=5 (very high). NASA catalog ID #1062.
On 1984 Dec 07 at UT 19:30-23:30 M. Mobberley (St Edmunds, UK,
seeing=IV-V, transparency=good, spurious colour seen) found 2
bright pathces on the east rim on alternate sides of a bright region.
The band from the central 16km wide region was dark on the east side.
Foley (Kent, UK, 12"reflector, seeing=II-III) found Aristarchus to be
not as bright as normal, apart from the band that Mobberley found (1
hour later). The dark regions were a murky green colour (bright through
green, blue and yellow filters and dark through red and orange
filters). Cook (Frimley, UK, transparency=excellent, CCD camera used)
found a bright "bulge"on the eastern side. Apparently data suggests
that the band was brighter in red than in near IR light. Cook's
calibrated brightness measurements suggest that there was no change in
brightness over the crater with time. Two other bright points were
seen: one at the Cobra's Head and another half way between the east rim
of Aristarchus and passes Herodotus. Wratten 29 (deep red), Wratten 87
(near IR) and combined Wratten 29 and Wratten 87 were used. In the red
Wratten 29 filter the brightness falls at22:20 at Shroters valley and
then rises in the bright ray. They return to normal at 22:30UT. There
was however a lot of measurement noise from the brightness readings of
points B and D. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=256 and the weight=5. The
ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1964 May 26 UT 04:10-04:35 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, S=5, T=5).
observed that Aristarchus had a strong blue-violet glow on the east
wall and EWBS, with a strong violet tinge on the nimbus. Crater was
hazy, could not focus it in red, green or blue light. The Cameron 1978
catalog ID= and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1955 Aug 03 UTC 04:13-04:40 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore,
MD, USA, 5" reflector, x180, S=5, T=5) "Floor blackish 2 intensity but
in green filter assumed a distinctly mottled or flocculent appearance
-- seen only in green. Neither blue nor red had any effect, but on
previous eve. green light had not produced such an appearance." NASA
catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #602. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1976 Jun 12 UT 05:21 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore. MD.
USA, 4.5" reflector, 40-225x, S=5, T=3, "Deep viol. tinge in N. 1/2 of
nimbus. Faint blue-viol. radiance (gas ?) on E. - NE wall along crest.
No color elsewhere, nor on plateau m." NASA catalog weight=4 (high).
NASA catalog ID #1435.
On 2000 Jun 16 UT 20:37 C. Brook (Plymouth, UK, 60mm
refractor, x117 & x40, seeing good, transparency excellent)
observed abright spot on the north rim of Mare Crisium (57E,
25N). It was comparable to the illuminated rim of Proclus in
brightness. No colour seen. The spot was not visible the next
night. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Archimedes 1940 Aug 18 UT 03:25 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) NE outer wall had I=5.0, but was I=2.5 on June 20
(see #467) (similar colong.)" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA
catalog ID #471. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1972 Nov 20 UT 20:20 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge, England,
8.5" reflector, x178) "Dark patch in crater. Disappeared by next nite.
The normal ring seemed thickened. On Dec. 7. the crater appeared
bright. Drawings. (prob. real LTP, nr. FM)" NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #1350.
Lichtenberg 1951 Jan 22 18:19.2-18:38.5 UT observed by Baum
(Chester, England). Tiny red spot noticed initially and then
faded. Location of spot 31.403N 66.167W. 20cm refractor x90-
x100. Seeing fair-extremely good. NASA catalog assigns a
weight of 3. NASA TLP ID No. #542. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Aristarchus 1956 Nov 17/18 UT 23:30-00:30 Observed by
Argentiere et al. (Itatiba City, Brazil, 20, 10 and 6 cm
reflectors) Crater may have been brighter than expected(?)
during a lunar eclipse. NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID
#658. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Byrgius 1956 Nov 17/18 UT 23:30-00:30 Observed by Argentiere
et al. (Itatiba City, Brazil, 20, 10 and 6 cm reflectors)
Crater may have been brighter than expected(?) during a
lunar eclipse. NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #658.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Kepler 1956 Nov 17/18 UT 23:30-00:30 Observed by Argentiere et
al. (France?) "Crater was extra-ordinarily bright". NASA catalog
weight=3 and catalog ID #658. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Manilius 1956 Nov 17/18 UT 23:30-00:30 Observed by Argentiere
et al. (Itatiba City, Brazil, 20, 10 and 6 cm reflectors)
Crater may have been brighter than expected(?) during a
lunar eclipse. NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #658.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1956 Nov 17/18 UT 23:30-00:30 Observed by Argentiere
et al. (Itatiba City, Brazil, 20, 10 and 6 cm reflectors)
Crater may have been brighter than expected(?) during a
lunar eclipse. NASA catalog weight=3. NASA catalog ID #658.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Tycho 1956 Nov 17/18 UTC 23:30-00:30 Observed by Argentiere et al.
(France?) "Crater was extra-ordinarily bright". NASA catalog weight=3
(average). NASA catalog ID #658.
Kepler 1962 Jul 17 UTC 06:24,08:36 Observed by Wildey, Pohn (Mt Wilson,
CA, USA, 60" reflector+photometer) "Crater was at Vmag 2.68 at earlier
obs. which was .47 mag brighter than av. mag. at 15d & it faded to near
normal at later time to V=3.10(photom. measures), a change of 1/2 mag.
or @1.5 times in brightness" NASA catalog weight=5 (very good). NASA
catalog ID #761.
Conspicuous bright spot seen on 6th. Also seen on 7th, absent on 8th.
Cloud-like effect where light had been (on 8th). Cameron 1978 catalog
TLP ID No.=139 and weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1967 Nov 17 UTC 18:36-18:50 Observed by Moore, Moseley
(Armagh, Northern Ireland, 10" refractor x260) "Faint blink
under SW wall. Nothing seen vis. Gone by 1839h. Reappeared at
1841, then gone by 1850h. Checks till 0200h were neg. Obs.
dubious of reality of phen." NASA catalog weight=2. NASA catalog
ID #1054. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Proclus 1958 Aug 30 UT 06:30-06:45 Observed by Bartlett (Baltimore, MD,
USA, 4" reflector, x240, S=6, T=5) "Proc. Q. a bright spot on NE rim
apparently a crater presented a very abnormal aspect. Extraordinarily
large & at least 9 deg bright -- like EWBS on Aris. This spot is
subject to large unexplained variations. At 97 deg col. in July, Q was
also 9 deg bright but very small. At col.96 deg, 5 in May '58,
col.99deg in Feb.'50, & 96 deg in Nov. '55 it was not seen at all.
Assoc. with tonite was a distinct blue glare on NE rim, extending for
short dist. & @ 2x as far as S." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #894.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 23 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographed
due to clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
W.Humboldt 1897 Dec 09 UTC 23:00? Observed by Goodacre (Crouch End,
England, 12" reflector) "Shadow anomaly. Chocolate penumbral shade
edging black shadow on E. wall." NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA
catalog ID #296.
Cobra Head 1955 Oct 31 UTC 19:00 Observed by Milligan (England?) "Dark
blue obscuration" NASA catalog weight=3 (average). NASA catalog ID 624.
On 1983 Jan 29/30 at UT20:35-01:00 Sykes (UK?) observed that
Linne appeared to brighten for approximately 20 min and had the
appearance of a point (confirmed). This observation was made
during a major Torricelli B TLP. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198
and the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Torricelli B 1983 Jan 29/30 UTC 20:35-02:30 Observed by Foley (12"
reflector, seeing Antoniadi II, Transparency=good, no spurious colour
seen), Moberley (14" reflector, seeing Antoniadi II, transparency
excellent, spurious colour strong), Cook, J & M (12" reflector, seeing
Antoniadi II-III, transparency moderate). All observers based in
southern England. "Initially crater brightest feature on the Moon, then
it faded. Strong colour also seen by all observers e.g. green-blue to
violet. Report of observations written up in JBAA Vol 100, No. 3, p117
123, (2000) - probably one of the best reorted TLP". The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=198 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=5.
On 1983 Jan 29 at UT22:09 M.Mobberley (Sulfolk, UK, 14" reflector)
noted that Arago B had a slight tinge of violet colour, and was a lot
less (bright?) than Torricelli B's blueness. Other craters checked but
were not showing any blue colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198 and
weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
On 1983 Jan 29 at UT22:09 M. Mobberley (Suffolk, UK), found that Moltke
crater was "exceptionally bright". Other craters (apart from Arago B
Torricelli B etc) appeared normal. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=198 and
the weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 May 28 at UT 01:50-03:00 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia)
observed the whole region of Aristarchus, Herodotus and Shroter's
Valley all to have a brightness of 3 and all blue and impossible to
focus on (he had never seen it like this before). Also the interior of
Aristarchus was invisible. Brightness measurement taken and a sketch
was made. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=222 and the weight=3. The
ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Proclus 1972 Nov 21 UT 21:30 Observed by Farrant (Cambridge, England,
8.5" reflector, x130) "Thickened bright ring remained, but the dark
patch had disappeared. (dark patch prob. real temporary phenom. as it
was seen nr. FM when contrasts are strongest, yet disappeared" NASA
catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1351.
On 1978 Apr 23 at UT20:35 (Rawlings, UK, finderscope, x50)
observed a bright flash (~0.3 sec duration) near to Copernicus (20W,
9N) with rays to the south east whilst he looked through a finder
scope. Moore, who studied the drawing, suggests that the area of the
flash was near Copernicus. However Cameron says this cannot be the case
if the flash was in darkness as mentioned in the BAA Lunar Section
circular. She comments that it might have been a meteor? The Cameron
2005 catalog ID=28 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1990 Dec 03 at UT23:00-01:30 M.C. Cook (Frimley, Surrey, UK) noticed
that the central peak of Aristarchus was quite bright and extended to a
circular region in the east in the crater "sprout" area - Cameron
suggests that this is Bartletts self defined EWBS area?. Beyond the rim
to the east was very bright. However no colour effect was seen in
filters. A sketch was supplied. Cameron notes the coincidence of
perigee and full Moon. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID is 416 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
East of Plato 1961 Jun 29/20 23:00?-01:00 Observed by Granger
and Ring (both in Italy) "Enhancement of spectrum in UV & Ca I
recorded on photoelectric spectrometer scans" NASA catalog
weight=5. NASA catalog ID #742. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
In 1954 Jul 17 at UT06:50-07:15 Bartlett (Baltimore, MD, USA, S=
5, T=5-1) observed near Aristarchus: "Pale violet tint on
surface NE of crater, no color elsewhere". The Cameron 1978
catalog ID=568 and weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 24 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographe due to
clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
E. of Picard 1879 Nov 01 UT 00:00? Observed by an unknown observer
(England?) "Bright spot. (Fort admits he has several more of these
records of LTP, but does not give them because they don't fall nr.
Mars'opposition which he tho't was cause of them.) Elevation rising N-
S, with shading toward terminator." NASA catalog weight=3 (average).
NASA catalog ID #214.
LaLande 1973 Jul 17 UT 03:30-03:45 Observed by Galgoey (Washington, NJ,
USA, 2" refractor x46, x117), S=VG, T=5) "Star-like pt., variations, 1-
2s, seen only at 40x, not at higher powers. LTP albedo =10, normal=8,
nearby plain =6 (geom, instrum. & atm. & refl. material at site
effects?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID #1371.
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 5" reflector x180) "Strong violet glare on
E. rim, changing to brown. At 0220 dark viol. in nimbus, at 0235
viol. changed to brown. At 0255 viol. suddenly reappeared, but
faded to invis. at 0300. Again at 0308 reapp. Only time he ever
saw such color changes." NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID
583. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Gassendi 1940 Aug 20 UT 03:25 Observed by Haas (NM?, USA, 12"
reflector?) "Largest bright spot on SE pt. of floor had I=8.6
(real changes? see @ '#649, 474, & 475, all similar change)."
NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #472. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
1824 Dec 08 UTC 00:00? Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany)
"Bright fleck in SE part of crater" NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA
catalog ID #104. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Aristarchus 1947 Nov 30 UTC 00:00? Observed by Favarger
(France?) "3 bright points on inner w. slopes." NASA catalog
weight=2. NASA catalog ID #499. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1983 Jan 30 at UT 23:45 Chapman (England, UK) observed that
Censorinus was low in brightness. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=199 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1983 Jan 30 at UT 23:45 P.W. Foley (Kent, UK, 12" reflector)
measured that the brightness of the region around Toricelli B was 2.3
(high) and there was a slight blue colour. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=
199 and the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Plato 1870 Feb 18 UTC 00:00? Observed by Gledhill (Halifax, England,
9" refractor) "Illum. of another group of craters different from group
in Aug. & Sep. obs. (date is F18 if phase is similar to Ap 1870)
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #164.
Peirce A (Swift=IAU name?) 1937 Dec 23 UTC 22:00 Observed by Wilkins
(England, UK, 12.5" reflector) "Obscuration on floor if crater. Crater
invis. (similar to #394, 396)." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA
catalog ID #412.
Aristarchus 1970 Jan 25 UT 07:00? Observed by Thomas, Rogers,
Corralitos Observatory (Organ Pass, NM, USA, 24" reflector, Moon blink)
"Bluing around the crater -- vis. in monitor but not photographe due to
clouds" NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #1233
On 1961 Jul 01 at UT 00:00? an unknown Miranova (Russia or
Israel) obtained some spectral photometry of lunar objects. A
spectral plate in 425 -> 500nm bands. The Cameron 1978 catalog
ID=743 and weight=5. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Area of darkness overlapping NW rim. It was visible through
this area of obscuration. Sketch. Cameron 2006 extended catalog
ID=376 and Cameron weight=3. ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Messier & A 1972 Aug 27 UT 08:51-09:21 Observed by Hansen (LeMoore, CA,
USA, 6" reflector, x200) "Perculiar thread of shadow connecting the 2
craters. Sun's elev. @ 6deg. Drawing (possibly a high peak on E.wall of
A casting a shadow?)" NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog ID
#1342.
Birt 1972 Sep 25 UT 23:20-23:45 Observed by Doherty (Stoke-on-Trent,
England, 10" reflector x280, S=VG) "All bright areas were similar in
intensity (albedo) but 2 larger ones at times seemed brighter. N & S.
The E. IAU? wall of the small craterlet showed most prominently & at
times suspected a faint pt. of light just W. of its center. This was
very suspect however." NASA catalog weight=1 (very low). NASA catalog
ID #1345.
On 1944 Mar 12 at UT 23:00 H.P. Wilkins (Kent, UK, 8.5" reflector)
observed that Plato appeared incomplete - the central crater had it's
north wall obscured. cameron comments that maybe this was due to the
low altitude of the Moon? The Cameron 1978 catalog ID=491 and
the weight=4. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
Near Kepler 1966 Dec 31 UT 03:00? Observed by Petrova,
Pospergelis (Pulkova Observatory, Russia) "Special glow in this
area. Confirmed by photoelectric method (Petrova) & polarimetric
(Pospergelis?) almost simultaneously recorded by both" NASA
catalog weight=5. ALPO/BAA weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1007.
On 1989 Jan 26 at UT 03:45 De Groof (Belgium) noted a white few second
long flash from Copernicus crater. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=347 and
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=3.
C.Brook (Plymouth, UK) noticed that the east wall of this crater was
brighter than the walls of nearby craters. Cameron comments that Foley
says that this is normal and agrees. Cameron 2006 Catalog Extension ID=
433 and weight=1. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 1969 Sep 30 UT 04:46-05:10 Observed by Maley, Saulietis
(Houston, TX, USA, 16" reflector, x130) "Intermittent blue color on SE
wall, verified by others. At 0500h, taking 10s to reach max. then
slowly disappeared. Gap appeared after 1st event. Drawing." NASA
catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #1202. ALPO/BAA weight=4.
On 1983 May 31 at UT03:45-04:30 K. Marshall (Medellin, Columbia) noted
that the whole area of Aristarchus, Herodotus, and Schroter's valley
was both blurred and violet. There was hardly any detail seen inside
the crater. Herodotus could hardly be seen either and Schroter's valley
was totally unrecognizable. A sketch was supplied. The Cameron 2006
catalog ID=223 and the weight=3.
On 1964 Feb 02 at UT08:30-09:40 G.Reneau and B.Crowe (2.4"
refractor, x90)observed Ross D to be double. This was during a
time when observers were looking for a Ranger crash plume. The
Cameron 1978 catalog ID=799 and weight=1. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Something resembling a cigar shaped shiny object seen
on S rim - hanging over a smaller crater. It looked like a bright
aluminum can in the sun & cast a shadow onto the rim. The length
was 8-10 miles long x 1 mile wide at the central point.
It appeared tapered to points at both ends. Observer studied it
for several hours. S term. ~60-70miles away. Apparently not related
to topog. Alt. 8deg. Cameron 2006 Extension catalog weight=3.
ALPO/BAA catalog weight=1.
Plinius 1937 Jul 27 UT 04:37 Observed by Haas (Alliance, OH,
12"? reflector) "E. end of c.p. varied in intensity at similar
lighting conditions. Intensity was low est on this nite, being
at I=5.0. Other nites were:
Date Time col. I
6/23/37 0600 84 8.5
7/20/37 0200 58 6.0
7/22/37 0300 78 6.5
9/22/37 0700 114 6.0
9/24/37 0830 142 6.5
10/17/37 0100 59 8.5
10/21/37 0500 109 8.5
NASA catalog weight=4 (good) on this and the nights listed. NASA
catalog ID #422. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Observed by Bartlett (Baltimire, MD, USA, 5" reflector, x150) "N. half
of crater hazy & ill-defined". S=5, T=4. NASA catalog weight=4 (good).
NASA catalog ID 571.
On 1991 Jul 31 at UT 07:50 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor) observed that the south floor of Aristarchus was wellow -
"almost gold, spilled over S wall on ray toward Herodotus". Cameron
comments that Bartlett often reported a yellow floor but not a spill of
the colour over to the external ray. Cameron also comments that
Louderback's refractor would refract more in blue light than in yellow,
therefore she did not think that it was due to chromatic aberation. The
Cameron 2006 catalog ID=431 and the weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=2.
On 1991 Jul 31 at UT 07:50 D. Louderback (South Bend, WA, USA, 3"
refractor) found that all of Mons Piton was "unusually dark". Points D,
C (E and S resp), usually brightest points, but this time were not
bright. "Whole mt was as dark as W wall usually is at this time. In
violet filter Piton disappeared completely, but was a little brighter
in red filter and points D & G showed. Color not seen by eye. No albedo
measured. Suggests red event." Cameron rules out chromatic aberation
from Louderback's refractor. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=431 and the
weight=3. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Plato 1975 Jun 28/29 UT 23:00-01:20. Foley (Wilmington, UK, 12"
reflector, seeing, III, good clarity transparency). At 23:00,
00:30, and 01:15 blue was seen on the inner wall:floor southern
boundary, and red on the corresponding northern floor:wall
boundary. However by 01:20, blue was now on the S-NW floor:wall
boundary, and red on the NE-SE floor:wall boundary. Atmospheric
spectral dispersion existed in many regions, but did not change
like the colours in Plato. Similar appearance craters such as
Grimaldi, Schickard, and Riccioli, were checked for a similar
change in colour, but no change was noticed in these. ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
Aristarchus 1975 Nov 15 UT 06:34 Observed by Rule (Edinburgh, Scotland,
4" reflector x36) "Blue patch in crater (similar to many of Bartlett's
obs.?)" NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #1383.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 01:55-02:45 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness and definition of
A of about 1/4 to 1/2 minute period. Rest of field unaffected. Checked
for cloud wih naked eye during fades - negative. Checked for misting
and tear salt on eyepiece by shifting A around the field - negative."
BAA Lunar Section report.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 02 UT 03:00 Observed bt Michael Amato (West Haven,
CT, USA, 127mm Maksutov, x123) "The brightness variation (as seen by
Brook earlier) was very apparent. One thing never seen before by Amato
was a thin short bright ray that extended out in the opposite direction
as Aristarchus bright ray". The higher the Moon climbed in the sky the
more obvious this short thin bright ray became. An ALPO report.
Plato 1975 Jun 29/30 UT 23:05-00:30. Foley (Wilmington, UK, 12"
reflector, seeing, III, good clarity transparency). At 23:05,
blue was seen on the inner wall:floor southern boundary, and red
on the corresponding northern floor:wall boundary. However by
00:30, blue was now on the W floor:wall boundary, and red on the
E floor:wall boundary. Atmospheric spectral dispersion existed
in many regions, but did not change like the colours in Plato.
Similar appearance craters such as Grimaldi, Schickard, and
Riccioli, were checked for a similar change in colour, but no
change was noticed in these. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Aristarchus 2004 Dec 03 UT 00:00-01:00 Observed by Brook (Plymouth,
England, 60mm OG x120) "Fluctuation in the brightness in Aristarchus
still present but less pronounced than yesterday. Also saw the bright
short ray on the opposite side to the main ray in Aristarchus that
Amato saw yesterday - but this may be normal?" BAA Lunar Section
report.
P.Foley (Nettlestead, UK, 12" reflector) noticed a translucent bluish
glow in Earthshine coming from this crater, despite it being close to
the nright terminator. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=200 and
weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
Marcus Price (Camberley, Surrey, UK) noted that Aristarchus
was extremely bright. A 6" reflector was used. The Cameron
2006 Catalog ID is #98 and the weight is 1. The ALPO/BAA weight
is 1 too.
On 1987 Oct 13 at UT14:00-17:00 J. Moeller (Kirkville, NY, USA,
6" reflector) observe and 10x70 binoculars) noted that
Aristarchus was brilliant in the sky and the most striking
feature on the lunar surface (2-3x brighter than Tycho). It
appeared as a hazy white cloud at first. The effect lasted for 3
hours. The Cameron 2006 catalog ID=309 and the weight=1. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1997 Jul 25/26 at UT 23:00-00:00 S. Fox (Dundee Tayside, Scotland,
UK, 15cm f/5 reflector with x4 Barlow). A series of photographs were
taken that show a glow just beyond the terminator, near to Callipus
crater. Almost certainly this is lens flare from the Barlow lens. The
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
M.C. Cook (Frimley, UK, seeing=III-II) noticed that the crater had a
blue/green colour and that this varied, filling a large circular patch,
brightly illuminating to the ESE-SSE (IAU?) spilling over the wall and
the rim. Shadows inside the crater were large and elongated. The filter
response was greater in the blue than through a yellow or red
Microfiche. Spurious colour was noticed elsewhere but not in
Aristarchus. Cameron 2006 extension catalog ID=313 and weight=3.
ALPO/BAA weight=3
Messier A 1976 Sep 15 UT 21:05 Observed by J.H-Robinson
(Teignmouth, UK, 26cm Newtonian, Wratten 25 and 44a filters,
x200, seeing very poor). Messier A was fainter than Messier in
blue light. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Eratosthenes 1976 Jun 20 UT 07:57 Observed by Bartlett
(Baltimore, MD, USA, 4.5" refractor, 40-450x, S=6.5, T=4-3)
"Floor covered with shadow & c.p. seen as 5deg bright spot.
Another minute spot 5deg bright on SE floor in shadow. (only low
hills on floor in SE. spot on terrace?" NASA catalog weight=4
(high). NASA catalog ID 1436.
On 2012 Oct 08 UT12:00 C. Hastorf (Chuck's Bobcat, AZ, USA, 5"
SCT, seeing 3.5-4 out of 5). Strange lightness seen on
shadowed floor of Plato. ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Tycho 1990 Dec 10 UT 11:03-12:49 Observed by Darling (Sun Prairie, WI,
USA, 12.5" Newtonian, x63) "Nebulous patch seen where the central peak
should have been in the 90% shadow filled crater. The nebulous patch is
seen to vary in size and a star-like point is seen inside it briefly
for 1 sec. The nebulous patch was a bit like what one expects from a
close-up view of a cometry nucleus. A sketch and an image can be found
on the following web site:
http://www.ltpresearch.org/ltpreports/ltp19901210.htm " An ALPO report.
Spitzenberg Mountains 1980 Jul 06 UT 02:05-02:26 Observed by Madj
(Newsome, Huddersfield, UK, 70mm OG, Seeing started as I and ended up
as IV) "Obscuration seen near Spitzenberg Mountains" BAA Lunar Section
Report.
Grimaldi 1972 Aug 02 UT 23:42 Observed by Taylor, Findlay, Ford
(Dundee, Scotland, 10" refractor, x180, filters) "Blink in crater,
slight but definite on W. wall. Appeared bright without filters.
Confirmed by Findlay & Ford. Aris., Gass. & prom. Heraclides were
normal." NASA catalog weight=5. NASA catalog ID #1339. ALPO/BAA
weight=4.
Grimaldi 1998 Mar 22 UT05:15-06:00 S. Beaumont (Windermere, UK,
127mm rich field refractor, seeing III, transparency Good)
observed that the northern half of Grimaldi seemed much lighter
than the southern half. She comments that she has seen this
before in last quarter phases, but it was really quite marked
how lighter the northern half was on this occasion. The ALPO/BAA
weight=1.
A woodcut from Worms, Germany, shows a star between eyes
of the "Man in the Moon". This is a star like appearance on the
dark side. Cameron 1978 catalog weight=6. Cameron 1978 TLP
ID No. 6. It is possible that this was in the region of
Calippus. The ALPO/BAA weight is 1. Julian date 1540 Nov 26.
Gregorian date 1540 Dec 06.
On 1994 Jun 14 UT 21:45-22:00 G.Rogers (Crendon, UK, 3" Zeiss
refractor, sky conditions perfectly clear) reported seeing three
very large whitish clouds against the Moon. The strongest seemed
to "stem" from the vicinity of Santbech crater (crater
identified the next day from an atlas), and was a milk chocolate
colour near the stem. The other two large clouds were to the
north - in the general area of Mare Fecunditatis and Mare
Crisium though perhaps slightly further west and in contact with
the terminator? The effect was confirmed (independently) by 4
other observers using the same telescope. The telescope was
moved but the clouds remained in the same position over the
Moon. This report comes from The Astronomer Jan 2013 p 230.
ALPO/BAA weight=1.
On 1953 Sep 16 UT03:00 R.M. Lippert (San Diego, CA, USA, 20cm
Cassegrain reflector, x90)saw a bright magnitude 1 flash on the
Moon, that was probably on the east rim of Werner(?) crater. It
is unclear if the observer meant it was really magnitude 1, or
was what a magnitude 1 star would have looked like. The flash
was yellow-orange in colour. Observation described in the
"Observations and Comments" column in the December, 1953
Strolling Astronomer (Vol. 7, No. 12), on page 170. The ALPO/BAA
weight=3.
A region of the Mare Imbrium was extremely bright, giving
a reading of 8 out of 10 on the Elger scale. Cameron notes
that from photos of the Full Moon, the area appears to
normally be the brightness of Archimedes floor i.e. 3.5 out
of 10 on the Elger scale. Atmospheric seeing was excellent
and the observer could see a lot of fine detail with their
2.4" and 3" refractors. Cameron 2006 catalog extension ID=62
and weight=3.
2004 Jan 02 UT 09:05 (approx) M. Collins (Palmeston North, New
Zealand, ETX 90, seeing 3, clear) saw a possible(?) flash north
of Carlini D at about 16W, 35N in adverted vision. It lasted
only a split second. The ALPO/BAA weight=1.
Williams of the UK, on 1892 Aug 23 at Moon's age 10.0 days, noticed a
spot now rated at +1.5 (in brightness) that had been seen on the 21st
Aug, near Picard. Williams comments that this is the only obsewrvation
that departs "much" from the curve of diurnal brightness. The spot was
descibed as "nearly as large as Picard and nearly half as bright. 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.
Observed by Chernov (Russia) "A periodic change in shape of
small dark spot at bottom of round spot further N. adjacent to inner
wall. It was larger than in proceeding months at same sun elev."
NASA catalog weight=2 (low). NASA catalog ID #669.
The UT given in the Cameron 2006 extension catalog are: 20:58, 23:25-
02:20 and 01:40-04:00, however it is not clear what UT applies to which
of the observers or the two features reported as having TLP on that
night. On 1984 Feb 12-13 Marshall (South Anerica, seeing=III-II)
noticed that Moltke was very bright with a fuzzy violet hue - he had
never seen it like this before. Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID=
240 and weight=2. ALPO/BAA weight=3.
The UT given in the Cameron 2006 extension catalog are: 20:58, 23:25-
02:20 and 01:40-04:00, however it is not clerr what UT applies to which
of the observers or the two features reported as having TLP on that
night. On 1984 Feb 12-13 Marshall (South Anerica, seeing=III-II) saw
initially no craterlets in Plato, despite the Moon being at a high
altitude. At 01:45UT the northwest corner of Plato was red. Again no
other craterlets showed. He found the surrounding wall to be too bright
and this was confirmed by Crater Extenction Device readings and had
problems focussing on the crater. By 02:00-02:50UT he noticed
variability in the visibility of the craterlets. By 03:48UT the central
craterlet was much brighter than before and the crater doublet had
brightened but the southern craterlet was still invisible. Cameron
comments that Marshall was a very experienced observer. A. Cook (of
Frimley, UK) obtained a photodiode line scan image of Plato. The
brightness of the north west wall was brighter than the bright area on
the west wall. Marshall and Mosely both saw a dark area on the floor of
Plato close to the south wall (from clock position of 11 o'clock. There
was a prominent white spot on the floor and the central craterlet was
seen, but only under good conditions. Mosely does not discuss the west
and north west wall brughtnesses that were seen earlier by Cook and
Marshall. Cameron 2006 catalog extension TLP ID=240 and weight=2.
ALPO/BAA weight=3.