CHAPTER 5

RECORDING 

A

LUNAR TRANSIENT PHENOMENA

EVENT

The following is specific steps you want to take when observing a Lunar Transient Phenomena (L.T.P.) event. Different aspects need to be looked at depending on the kind of L.T.P. event is taking place. For example a color event will require a few more steps than say a darkening event.

The following are recommend steps documented by the observer during and after the observation of the event takes place.

1. All weather conditions should be noted including temperature, wind directions, wind speed, barometric pressure, humidity, and cloud type if any in the sky. Also the forecast for the following day. This will help in determining the kind of frontal boundaries that may be impacting your observing area.

2. The seeing conditions should be noted along sky transparency. If seeing conditions change during the observing period this should be noted. This is important if the seeing is turbulent. An example if a color event is appearing at intervals with the seeing it is probably an atmospheric effect. You should look with your naked eye every few minutes to determine if any clouds are crossing in front of the moon.

3. The altitude of the moon above the horizon. This information is needed to help determine if the event is being caused by atmospheric effects. If there is a blue color on the top or bottom of the crater rim and red opposite rim, again an atmospheric effect could be causing this.

4. It should be noted if any color phenomena is noted on the surrounding craters. When detecting the color event try and determine the surface size of the phenomena. The area should be blink using Wratten 38a blue filter and Wratten 25 red filter. To learn more about conducting a moon blink go to Lunar Transient Phenomena Observing Manual chapter 7. Different eyepieces should also be used to see if any changes in the feature are detected. The eyepiece should also be rotated to rule any image change caused by the eyepiece. Carefully scrutinize the whole area so nothing is overlooked.

5. A sketch should be made showing the  proper orientation in  International Astronomical Union (I.A.U.) sense so it can be correlated with other data. This sketch can also contain brightness estimates or albedo determination. To learn more about conducting albedo estimate go to Lunar Transient Phenomena Observing manual chapter 6. The drawing of the phenomena can be extremely valuable and can help pinpoint the exact location of the L.T.P. event. Even a crude sketch is better than none.

6. All visual perceptions and thoughts should be written down in your observing notes. What may seem trivial at the moment of the observation may turn out to be important later. It is critical to document what you see and not fall into the trap of reporting what you think you should be seeing.  Many observers over the years have failed to report what they truly saw for fear of ridicule. This is a very important loss for science and future generations. Keep in mind if you saw it the phenomena happened. What was the cause is another matter. This will hopefully be determined in the future as the scientific data continues to be collected and analyzed. 

7. If a camera is available photographs should be tried. Notes should be taken regarding exposures, exposure lengths and type of photographic setup. Such as prime focus, eyepiece projection. Its also important to document the time of each photograph so if change is detected between the exposures the length the event transpired can be determined. Also it important to have accurate information on the photographs since questions will always come up regarding your claim.  You will find there will be no shortage of critic to try and discredit your observation.

8. It also recommended that you contact another observer/s to have your observation confirmed. You will find that a confirmation can add a great deal credibility to observation and give strong marks in the scientific community. When asking another observer to confirm your L.T.P. observation its important to not be to specific when making your call.  By this I mean you see a color event on the western rim of the crater Aristarchus, it is ruby red in color going to soft pink. When you contact your observing partner you should not go into great detail since then the critic will claim you lead the witness on. Be general when reporting the event. A good example would be to tell the observer that you detected a color event on the crater Aristarchus and leave it at that.  When the observer reports back to you still do not tell him exactly what you saw but first let him describe what he/she was able to see.  If it sounds like your observation was confirmed request to have the other observer write up the observation and include it with yours. Once you have submitted your observations it can then be discussed with each other in greater detail what you saw.  It is important to keep detail dialogue from taking place until all observers involved in the alert have written up there observations and submitted them.  This will keep observers from changing there reports to reflect some one else's and reduce the fear of being criticized or looking foolish.

Good Hunting.