Purpose – to eliminate many of the TLP reports in the 1978 NASA catalog as events that are really just due to the illumination at the time and nothing to do with TLP activity on the Moon. Any remaining events that cannot be explained in this way will be investigated further in more detail – in particular could they be due to out-gassing, landslides, debris from meteorite impacts etc. The predictions below are for when the illumination matches that during the original TLP report to +/-0.5deg. Text in bold refers to when illumination and viewing angle (libration) match that at the original TLP to +/-1 deg.
Note all observations presented below are of a “preliminary” nature and are awaiting detailed analysis by the BAA/ALPO. Predictions for past observations are in brown type and current observations are in black type.
For UK observers below are listed details of predicted repeat illumination events one day in advance. Alas it is not possible to give details about each predicted event for all geographical sites, so if you are outside the UK, please look up what’s on for your geographical region on:
http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/~rhill/alpo/lunarstuff/predict_dec.pdf
or alternatively if this does not work click here for world wide predictions of repeat L.T.P. events
Though if you submit observations from outside the UK I will summarize further details about the original TLP.
For last month’s observations click here.
Dr. Anthony Cook has asked me to post all observations onto my web site due to increased work load at his position at School of Computer Science and IT, University of Nottingham, Nottingham United Kingdom. This arrangement will continue until May 2005. I will inform Dr. Cook of any positive lunar transient phenomena reports that may come in for his examination. Nothing will change with the program except where you send your observations and where you can view them. I will attempt to maintain the quality work that Dr. Cook has done this past year and post all observations onto this page as they come in.
Respectfully Yours
David O. Darling, Assistant L.T.P Recorder for A.L.P.O. and BAA L.T.P. Combine Sections.
Date UT Phase Feature_Observer & Original Obs. [Notes]
REPEAT ILLUMINATION ONLY OR ILLUMINATION/LIBRATION
EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2005
The following are a set of dates and UT times under which you will have the chance to observe various
lunar craters under identical illumination (to within +/-0.5 deg – non bold type) or identical illumination
& libration (to within +/- 1 deg – bold type) conditions to what they appeared as during past TLP
(Transient Lunar Phenomena) events. The objective of observing such features at these dates and times is
to gain a detailed set of observations of the “normal” appearance of these features from which we may
critically judge past TLP reports. This will help greatly to eliminate many past TLPs from the 1978
NASA catalog for which simple tricks of lighting were to blame. It will then allow us to identify a core
set of reliable observations whose origin may be due to transient, natural surface processes on the Moon.
As this document is 166 pages in length, please locate your nearest city/county and print out only the
relevant pages for your geographical location. Also due to the size of this document, and lack of time, I
am unable to provide details of each observation, however I have given details for a few examples at the
end. PLEASE NOTE that these observational reports are being typed in by hand out of a poor quality
microfiche copy of the 1978 NASA catalog of TLP. So far just over a half of these reports have been
typed in, so it will be several months before the full set are all available. So you will most likely not find
50% of the references listed above in the reports below. Please be patient – this situation will be rectified
in the coming months. If you have any questions about specific observations or would like your area to be
included in future, please email me.
Dr Tony Cook
Date UT Phase Feature_Observer & Original Obs. [Notes]
2005-Jan-01 05:01-05:36 73% Aristarchus2_Bartlett 1956-Jul-28 [2030]
Vivid blue violet glare on central peak, band across east floor & EWBS E & NE Wall. Absent 07:20.
Routine Report 2005-January 02 UT 05:05-05:30 Aristarchus Michael Amato (West Haven, Connecticut, USA, Cassegrain 127mm FL 1540mm, Seeing 6, Transparency 3rd Magnitude, with some scattered high clouds, temperature 45 F). Nothing unusual to report with crater, no L.T.P. detected.
2005-Jan-01 05:59-08:42 72% Aristarchus_Garbett 1976-Aug-15 [8415]
2005-Jan-02 06:21-10:03 63% Aristarchus_Cowan 1974-Sep-08 [8030]
2005-Jan-03 07:09-09:20 53% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1957-Aug-18 [2250]
2005-Jan-04 08:21-12:25 41% Quadrantid impact flashes in Earthshine
2005-Jan-05 08:01-09:51 32% Aristarchus_Foley 1975-Aug-02 [8210]
2005-Jan-05 09:40-12:25 31% Look for sporadic impact flashes in Earthshine
2005-Jan-05 09:44-13:00 31% M.Nubium_Hirst 1878-Oct-21 [360]
2005-Jan-06 11:11-12:25 21% Look for sporadic impact flashes in Earthshine
2005-Jan-13 22:58-23:59 16% Look for sporadic impact flashes in Earthshine
2005-Jan-14 00:00-23:59 26% Look for sporadic impact flashes in Earthshine
2005-Jan-15 00:00-23:59 36% Look for sporadic impact flashes in Earthshine
Routine report: 2005-Jan-15 UT 00:00-04:00 Earthshine Don Spain (Louisville, KY, USA, 152mm achromatic refractor at 80X, temperature 28 degree F, humidity 40%, occasional high thin clouds, seeing 3, transparency Good). Did not observe continuously. These observations were made sporadically during a public observation gathering at a local park. We had over 300 members of the general public show up and I observed the earthshine in lulls at my scope which was set on the Moon the vast majority of the time and Saturn the remainder. No flashes or anything unusual was seen in earthshine.
L.T.P. report: 2005-Jan-15 UT 01:25 Mutus F Robert Spellman (Azusa, California, USA. Super Circuits PC-164 EX Camera, Celestron 11 SCT). When imaging the Moon using the Super Circuits PC-164 EX camera he noticed a string of bright points of light in the crater Mutus F. He thinks that the points correspond to the craters western rim but I cant be sure. To view the image you can check out his web page at: http://www.geocities.com/xetor_2000/11505.html
Routine report: 2005-Jan-15 UT 19:56-20:30 Mare Nectaris Don Spain (Louisville, KY, USA, 152mm achromatic refractor at 127X, through #21 orange filter, temperature 36 degree F, humidity 57%, some high thin clouds, seeing 3, transparency Average). Observed the shoreline and the sea proper, nothing unusual noted.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-15 UT 20:11-20:19 Atlas & Hercules Don Spain (Louisville, KY, USA, 152mm achromatic refractor at 127X, through #21 orange filter, temperature 36 degree F, humidity 57%, some high thin clouds, seeing 3, transparency Average). Observed in and around these formations, nothing unusual noted.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-15 UT 20:20-20:30 Proclus & Mare Crisium Don Spain (Louisville, KY, USA, 152mm achromatic refractor at 127X, through #21 orange filter, temperature 36 degree F, humidity 57%, some high thin clouds, seeing 3, transparency Average). The west wall of Proclus was very bright as was part of the mastif on the north shore of Crisium. See Attached LAC map for location and notes.
STRONG SOLAR FLARE WARNING: 2005-JAN-16 UT 03:49 "Active sunspot region 10720 (see our previous AstroAlert) continues to produce solar flares. The latest (and thus far, the most significant event) was a major class X2.6 event at 23:02 UTC on 15 January. This event was associated with a very fast coronal mass ejection. Although most of the mass appears to have been ejected well north of the Earth, there is a definite Earthward-directed component visible in SOHO LASCO imagery. Although an analysis of this event is still underway, it is probable that this event will impact the Earth sometime on 17 or 18 January, serving to prolong levels of disturbed space weather conditions and auroral activity." This is Sky & Telescope's AstroAlert for Sun-Earth Interaction
2005-Jan-16 00:00-23:59 46% Look for sporadic impact flashes in Earthshine
2005-Jan-16 23:13-23:41 46% nr_Censorinus_Enie 1966-Dec-18 [4510]
Routine report: 2005-Jan-16 UT 23:44 Proclus David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, 2X short barlow, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Proclus and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 23:44.35 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-16 UT 23:46 Macrobius David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, 2X short barlow, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Macrobius and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 23:46.58 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-16 UT 23:57 Romer David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, 2X short barlow, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Romer and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 23:57.35 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-16 UT 23:58 Atlas David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, 2X short barlow, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Atlas and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 23:58.43 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-16 UT 23:59 Franklin David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, 2X short barlow, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Franklin and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 23:59.55 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
2005-Jan-17 00:00-04:03 48% Look for sporadic impact flashes in Earthshine.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-17 UT 00:20 Mare Tranquillitatis David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, prime focus, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Mare Tranquillitatis and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 00:20.01 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-17 UT 00:20 Theophilus David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, prime focus, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Theophilus and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 00:20.29 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-17 UT 00:21 Piccolomini David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, prime focus, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Piccolomini and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 00:21.37 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-17 UT 00:22 Pitiscus David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, prime focus, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Pitiscus and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 00:22.35 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-17 UT 00:23 Mutus David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, prime focus, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Mutus and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 00:23.21 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-17 UT 00:23 Maurolycus David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, prime focus, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Maurolycus and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 00:23.42 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-17 UT 00:27 Mare Serenitatis David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, prime focus, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Mare Serenitatis and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 00:27.45 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-17 UT 00:28 Posidonius David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, prime focus, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Posidonius and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 00:28.19 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-17 UT 00:29 Mare Crisium David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, prime focus, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Mare Crisium and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 00:29.09 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected. Also see routine report Jan 15 UT from 20:20 to 20:30 where Don Spain makes mention of bright mastif on north shore. My photograph shows still present 4 hours and 9 minutes later. Giving strong indication that this is the normal appearance of this feature under this lighting condition.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-17 UT 00:32 Messier David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, prime focus, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Messier and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 00:32.01 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
2005-Jan-17 00:49-02:44 47% Censorinus_Holmes 1988-Nov-15 [9130]
2005-Jan-17 04:09-05:26 48% Messier_Klein 1878-Nov-01 [370]
STRONG SOLAR FLARE WARNING: 2005-JAN-17 UT 17:13 "A powerful X-class solar flare (class X3.8) erupted from active sunspot region 10720 at 08:52 UTC (4:52 a.m. EST) on 17 January. This remarkable event involved a steady increase in solar x-ray intensities for a period of over 2 hours before beginning a slow decline. X-rays remained above the M-class levels for over five and a half hours. The solar explosion was also exceptionally "loud". At frequencies of 10 cm (about 2800 MHz), the explosion was over 80 times louder than the background noise of the Sun, registering a burst intensity of 12,000 sfu (the normal background level being about 150 sfu). The solar flare and associated high velocity coronal mass ejection succeeded in accelerating protons to near relativistic velocities, arriving at the Earth within tens of minutes. The huge influx of energetic particles increased the existing radiation storm from category S2 to a category S3 event, which is sufficient to be of concern to spacecraft operators and astronauts." This is Sky & Telescope's AstroAlert for Sun-Earth Interaction
"This event was associated with a high velocity Earthward-directed coronal mass ejection. Although an analysis of the CME is not yet complete, there is fair certainty that its arrival at the Earth will result in periods of major to severe geomagnetic and auroral storm activity. The arrival time is yet to be determined, but a good guess would probably be later on 18 and into 19 January (UTC time).
Spaceweather.com reported extensive aurora over Europe on 21 January 2005. You can check this link here also there was a photograph taken by DMSP satellites you can check this image here.
Routine report 2005-Jan-17 UT 20:26-20:46 Caucasus Mountains, Eudoxus, and Aristoteles Don Spain (Louisville, KY, USA, Maksutov 90mm at 103X, temperature 23 degrees F, humidity 23%, wind 5 to 10 mph, some thin high clouds, seeing 3, transparency Good). Day light observation without any filters, nothing unusual noted.
2005-Jan-17 22:27-00:02 57% PtolemauesA_Bartlett 1952-Oct-26 [1420]
2005-Jan-17 22:27-00:20 57% Lubbock_Hill 1973-Nov-02 [7930]
2005-Jan-17 23:05-01:03 57% near_RossD_Harris 1964-Mar-21 [3070]
2005-Jan-18 04:07-05:07 58% Alphonsus_Hopp 1972-Sep-15 [7455]
2005-Jan-18 04:11-06:31 59% Messier_Klein 1878-Nov-02 [375]
2005-Jan-18 22:28-01:04 67% SulpiciusGallus_Dawes 1867-Jun-10 [170]
2005-Jan-18 22:28-00:21 67% Eratosthenes_Bartlett 1976-Aug-04 [8380]
2005-Jan-18 23:05-01:03 67% Piton_GLR 2004-Jan-30 [9520]
2005-Jan-18 23:18-01:14 67% Plato_Schroter 1789-Jul-30 [25]
2005-Jan-19 00:52-03:28 67% Eratosthenes_Bartlett 1969-Nov-18 [6355]
2005-Jan-19 01:37-03:28 67% Pallas_Stuart 1953-Nov-15 [1435]
Routine report 2005-Jan-19 UT 1:52-3:39 Aristillus Robin Gray (Winnevcca, NV, USA. 152mm refractor, F 9 at 114X & 228X, seeing 5, transparency 5). Blinked Aristillus with Wratten filters Red 29 and Blue 38A. At the beginning of the session the illuminated SW crater wall appeared slightly brighter through red filter than in white light; in the Blue 38A filter all features in the crater were more obscure than in white light. At the end of the observing session contrast of the brighter areas through the Blue 39A had increased while through the red they remained the same as they had been.
Unusual features seen in the crater were as follows. The south half of the crater floor appears to be slightly darker than the northern half - this was visible at 114X but not at 228X. In the WNW of the crater floor there was what appeared to be a fairly large, very shallow, almost dimple like crater. This was not featured in Rukl's Atlas, the University of Arizona Quadrant maps, Clementine Atlas of the Moon, or any photographs of Aristillus I have seen. No TLP seen.
2005-Jan-19 02:44-04:41 68% N.Cusp_Harris 1912-Jan-28 [645]
2005-Jan-19 03:26-06:09 68% Eratosthenes_H.Hill 1947-Jan-30 [1155]
2005-Jan-19 22:30-23:03 75% Proclus_Bartlett 1976-Aug-05 [8385]
2005-Jan-19 22:48-01:45 76% Aristillus_Haas 1939-Jul-26 [980]
2005-Jan-19 23:04-02:15 76% Plato_Fitton 1970-Dec-08 [6855]
Routine report: 2005-Jan-19 UT 23:21 Eratosthenes David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, 2X short barlow, temperature 15 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Eratosthenes and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 23:21.31 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
Routine report: 2005-Jan-19 UT 23:24 Plato David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, prime focus, temperature 15 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Plato and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software, had faint response on the floor of the crater. Along with the Mare Frigoris located to the north. To view image taken at 23:24.00 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected.
2005-Jan-20 01:07-04:49 76% Copernicus_Lovell 1966-Mar-02 [3805]
2005-Jan-20 01:34-03:23 76% Piton_Bartlett 1961-Apr-25 [2705]
2005-Jan-20 01:38-03:33 76% Alphonsus_Argus_net 1969-Nov-19 [6395]
2005-Jan-20 04:41-08:37 77% Censorinus_Maskelyne_Druzdov 1927-Apr-12 [780]
2005-Jan-20 05:18-06:42 77% Messier_kelsey 1966-Dec-22 [4525]
2005-Jan-20 22:31-01:09 83% Ramsden_Brook 1999-May-25 [9310]
2005-Jan-20 23:25-02:18 83% Daniell_price 1979-Jun-05 [8645]
Routine report 2005-Jan-21 UT 1:11-2:31 Daniell Robin Gray (Winnevcca, NV, USA. 152mm refractor, F 9 at 114X & 228X, seeing 4, transparency 5) for most of the observing session with clouds moving in toward end. When initially viewed, Daniell's interior looked uniformly very dark. As the observing session went on this gradually changed so that the crater floor showed varying intensities. The north end was the lightest, and toward the south end was much darker area, the exact boundaries of which were very hard to make out with poor seeing. At 228X very little of the variable darkness in the crater floor could be made out, so most of the observation was made at 114X. It seems likely that the increasing visibility of varying albedo areas on the crater floor was a contrast effect. When the observation began it was still light outside and as it got darker more detail within Daniell could be seen. When clouds move in at the end of the observing session the crater floor went back to a nearly uniform dark gray. The crater wall was the brightest and thickest in appearance at the south end of the crater. On the north end it faded to the place where it was visible only as a dim threadlike line, almost indistinguishable from the surface outside Daniell. Blinked Daniell several times during the observing session with Wratten filers Red 29 and Blue 38A. Through the Blue 38A filter Daniell was nearly invisible; through the red it looked essentially the same as in white light. No TLP seen.
DOD's comments - note this observation corresponds to the same illumination conditions to Marcus Price 1979 June 5 UT 20:15-21:10. Where he reported an obscuration of detail. I consulted with Dr. Anthony Cook and he said the following. "Robin Gray's observation that is very difficult to see in blue light is indicative to me of Rayleigh scattering down the blue end of our spectrum in our atmosphere reducing image contrast. The effect may be visible on similar low contrast features."
"I suspect that a lot of Daniel TLPs from the 1970's/1980's are simply due to feature being low contrast and affected by seeing, transparency and scattering of light. But it is worth checking at repeat illumination to make absolutely sure."
Routine Report: 2005-Jan-21 UT 03:27 Timocharis Myron Wasiuta (Spotsylvania, VA, USA, Cassegrain 12" fl 120", Camera Phillips ToUcam, Temperature 15 F, Seeing 5, poor seeing mostly-no clouds). Nothing unusual seen from AVI file. Did not observe visually. To examine the image taken at 03:24 UT click here.
2005-Jan-21 03:35-05:31 84% Alphonsus_Argus_net 1969-Nov-20 [6415]
Routine Report: 2005-Jan-21 UT 03:27 Cobra Head Myron Wasiuta (Spotsylvania, VA, USA, Cassegrain 12" fl 120", Camera Phillips ToUcam, Temperature 15 F, Seeing 5, poor seeing mostly-no clouds). Nothing unusual seen from viewing of AVI file, did not observe visually. To examine image taken at at 03:27 UT click here.
2005-Jan-21 03:46-06:29 84% Gassendi_Moseley 1967-Jan-21 [4580]
2005-Jan-21 05:30-07:26 84% Plato_Kelsey 1966-Dec-23 [4535]
2005-Jan-21 05:38-06:02 84% Gassendi_H.Robinson 1977-May-28 [8525]
2005-Jan-21 08:07-08:07 85% Sinus_Iridum_Duckworth 1967-Jan-22 [4590]
L.T.P Report 2005-Jan-21 UT 18:04-18:44 Torricelli B Gerald North (Norfolk, United Kingdom, 254mm Newtonian Reflector (f6.3), stopped down to 200mm (f/8), magnification 64X, 128X, seeing Ant. IV, Fair transparency. Some haze). No Spurious color seen.
21h 05m - 21h 09m UT, X64. The terminator passes just west (IAU) of the westernmost extent of the Mare Humorum. Gassendi well placed to see interior relief. Aristarchus is on the terminator and is about 95 per cent filled with black shadow.
21h 10m - 21h 21m UT. Raster-scan, X128. Seeing ANT IV. Fair transparency. No spurious color seen. Plato’s near-central floor crater let is occasionally glimpsed as a white spot. Otherwise the floor of Plato looks rather bland. The Jura Mountains are in sunlight and are well seen close to the terminator. The Messier twins appear of equal prominence. Torricelli B strikes me as appearing rather dull with a prominent dark halo of strongly bluish tint. The halo extends just a few arc seconds around the crater. All else, including Gassendi, Langrenus and Tycho all appear normal. At end of this scan period look again at Torricelli B. The crater seems rather brighter, though the dark halo appears about the same.
21h 21m - 21h 31m UT. Telephone my suspicions about Torricelli B to Mrs. Marie Cook as I know she can quickly set up for observation, and may well be observing already.
21h 31m - 21h 43m UT. Scrutinize Torricelli B, X128. Torricelli B does appear to be varying in brightness. However, I suspect that these variations in brightness are due only to the variations in image quality with the seeing; the crater appearing dimmer at times when the image quality lapses. I am, though, not absolutely sure about this. However, by 21h 42m UT is can no longer see the dark, bluish, halo. Only the normal dark halo (of the same extent as before but less dark and neutral gray in hue) is now visible!
21h 44m - 21h 49m UT. Alternate between scrutinizing Torricelli B and stepping back from the telescope in order to rest my eye. The crater, though still apparently still varying in brightness, does seem to look consistently brighter than earlier. In fact, it now seems to me to be of the brightness that I would expect at this stage in the lunar cycle. Also, I am sure at this time that the current apparent variations in brightness are entirely due to the variations in image quality due to seeing.
21h 49m - 21h 56m UT. Scrutinize Torricelli B, X128. Come to the same conclusion as just reported for the previous scan. Decide it is time to re-scan the rest of the Moon.
21h 58m - 22h 06m UT. Just start to re-scan the Moon as Mrs. Marie Cook telephones me to pass on her news.
22h 07m - 22h 17m UT. Raster-scan, X128. All seems normal on the Moon, including Torricelli B.
22 17m UT. Observations terminated.
L.T.P. ALERT NOTIFICATION RECEIVED: 2005-JAN-21 UT 21:44 I received email notification from Dr. Anthony Cook that Gerald North of UK, saw color and fading of Torricelli B.
LUNAR TRANSIENT PHENOMENA OBSERVING ALERT SENT: Alert notification sent to all observers on 2005-Jan-21 UT 23:10. See Notice See Location Finder.
Routine Report 2005-January 21 UT 18:00-18:15 Proclus Michael Amato (West Haven, Connecticut, USA, Cassegrain 127mm FL 1540mm, Seeing 6, Transparency 3rd Magnitude, clear slight breeze, temperature 13 F). Nothing unusual to report with crater, no L.T.P. detected.
L.T.P. Report 2005-Jan-21 UT 21:23 Torricelli B Marie Cook (Mundesley, United Kingdom, Questar 90mm reflector. Seeing IV, Transparency Moderate to Poor, Fast moving clouds, later clear with haze, Temperature 5 degrees C). "The report can be viewed by clicking here." At 21:30 UT hours, I received a phone call from Gerald North who had been observing Torricelli B and notice it albedo varying, but also a blue/mauve coloration in its surroundings area. I checked with the Questar and noticed the albedo variation, but seen no color around the crater.
L.T.P. Report 2005-Jan-21 UT 21:20 to 23:10 Torricelli B Albino Cargognani UAI (Italy) Maksutov-Cassegrain, diameter 127mm, 150X, no filter. Clear Sky, Seeing III-IV). "Tor. B was clearly visible but none of strange was observed. The crater appear as usual (I have observed the crater many times in this last years). No unusual color was present and the brightness (the same for all the observation period), was similar to Moltke and many less of Censorinus. None Italian observers send me a report."
Routine Report 2005-January 21 UT 23:00-23:15 Proclus Michael Amato (West Haven, Connecticut, USA, Cassegrain 127mm FL 1540mm, Seeing 6, Transparency 3rd Magnitude, clear slight breeze, temperature 13 F). Nothing unusual to report with crater, no L.T.P. detected. Also received Torricelli B observing alert but by then Moon was facing away from my south facing condo deck.
2005-Jan-21 22:32-23:55 89% Barkers_Quadrangle_Moore 1949-Feb-09 [1235]
2005-Jan-21 22:32-22:32 89% Aristarchus-Herod_Taboada 1968-Dec-31 [5695]
L.T.P. Report 2005 January 22 UT 01:00 (Follow-Up) Torricelli B R. Serio (Houston, Texas, USA Cassegrain 6 inch at 150X & 180X, Seeing 3, high deck of cirrus clouds). Took the Celestron C6 out after hearing of the LTP. Skies were covered by deck of high cirrus clouds. Seeing about 3. Made observations of area with Celestron 5mm X-cell at 150X but clouds were too thick to really see anything that size. Also tried a Celestron 4mm Ortho at 180X and waited for breaks in the clouds, but decided to try the Celestron Neximage. Took about 98 frames with 2X barlow through the deck of cirrus clouds. That peak in the Censorinus area seems to be bright again. Torricelli B is hard to make out. To view image taken at 0100 UT click here.
2005-Jan-22 01:27-03:58 90% Aristarchus_Foley 1975-Oct-16 [8245]
2005-Jan-22 01:37-03:35 90% Timocharis_Firsoff 1954-Oct-08 [1495]
2005-Jan-22 02:00-03:55 90% Cobra_Head_Thornton 1949-Feb-10 [1240]
Uruguay: Montevideo
L.T.P. report: 2005-Jan-22 UT 03:15:18 through 03:23:02 (Follow-Up) Torricelli B
Raul Salvo (Montevideo, Uruguay Newtonian Reflector 16mm) Submitted a sequence of seven images taken of Torricelli B region. To view images click here.2005-Jan-22 02:00-04:51 90% Bullialdus_Findlay 1974-Sep-27 [8040]
2005-Jan-22 03:37-05:34 90% Schroters_Val_Firsoff 1955-Aug-29 [1765]
2005-Jan-22 04:08-05:38 90% Aristarchus_Prout 1976-Sep-05 [8450]
2005-Jan-22 04:36-05:39 90% Proclus_Bartlett 1970-Oct-12 [6840]
2005-Jan-22 04:42-07:01 91% Herodotus_Bartlett 1957-Sep-06 [2260]
2005-Jan-22 07:29-09:02 91% Aristarchus_area_Klein 1881-Aug-07 [415]
2005-Jan-22 08:13-09:02 91% Aristarchus_Moore 1981-Mar-17 [8825]
2005-Jan-22 22:33-01:03 94% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1955-Sep-29 [1820]
2005-Jan-22 23:18-03:14 95% W_Limb_Jean 1968-Jan-13 [4940]
2005-Jan-23 01:48-02:49 95% Herodotus_Kozyrev 1955-Oct-28 [1885]
L.T.P. Report 2005 January 2
3 UT 02:25 through 04:34 (Follow-Up) Torricelli B & Moltke Robin Gray (Winnevcca, NV, USA. 152mm refractor, F 9 at 114X & 343X, seeing 7, transparency 5) I was out tonight observing Torricelli B as requested in your L.T.P. alert. Extinction Readings were done with a variable polarize stack with a neutral density filter. All done at 114X.| Universal Time | Torricelli B | Moltke |
| 02:42 | .35 | No Data |
| 02:54 | .40 | .15 |
| 03:02 | .25 | .15 |
| 03:07 | .25 | .10 |
| 03:12 | .25 | .10 |
| 03:17 | .25 | .10 |
| 03:22 | .25 | .10 |
| 03:28 | .25 | .10 |
| 03:33 | .35 | .05 |
| 03:38 | .25 | 0 |
| 03:43 | .25 | .05 |
| 03:48 | .25 | .05 |
| 03:53 | .20 | .05 |
Blinks were also done using the Wratten Blue 38A and Red 19.
| Universal Time | Torricelli B | Moltke |
| 02:56 | Blue 38A - invisible. Red 29 - visible not enhanced. | Blue 38A - visible, not enhanced. Red 29 enhanced |
| 03:26 | Blue 38A - barely visible. Red 29 visible not enhanced. | Blue 38A - visible not enhanced. Red 29 enhance slightly. |
| 04:09 | Blue 38A - barely visible. Red 29 visible not enhanced. | Blue 38A - visible not enhanced. Red 29 enhanced. |
"Figures for extinction reflect how much polarization was necessary to blot out the features observed completely. 0 Represents maximum polarization, figures larger that that represent less complete polarization. Thus a 0 means that the feature is brighter than one with a .1. All extinctions and blinks with Wratten Red 29 and Blue 38A filters were made at 114X. Of the two craters examined. Moltke was the brighter and required more polarization to be extinguished. Little changes in brightness was noted in Torricelli B, which remained at .25 or near it for the entire observing period. Moltke appeared to get brighter over the period of the trial, moving from .15 at the beginning and ending at .05."
"Both craters were blinked with Wratten Filters Red 29 and Blue 38A at 2:56, 3:26, 4:09 UT. Torricelli B nearly vanished in the Blue 38A filter and remained visible but showed no enhancement in Red 29. Moltke showed noticeable enhancement in Red 29 and remained visible but unenhanced in Blue 38A. Moltke showed a nimbus of ray like brightenings on its periphery: Torricelli B has a bright area on its northern rim. At 343X the main crater shows a narrow, fairly bright rim and a dark floor. The maria adjoining to the east is darker than the maria otherwise surrounding the crater. No LTP seen associated with Torricelli B tonight; the reason behind the apparent gradual brighening of Moltke is unknown."
Routine report: 2005-Jan-23 UT 02:36 Aristarchus David Darling (Sun Prairie, WI, USA, Meade LX200, D=203mm F=2000mm f/10, Lunar Planetary Imager, prime focus, temperature 17 degree F, clear with wind out of the north). Image Aristarchus and surrounding area, Conducted Red and Blue blink using Meade Auto Suite software. Had negative response. To view image taken at 02:36.42 UT click here. No L.T.P. detected. Image color adjusted by increasing the hue to +111 and saturation to +59 to bring out the pinkish color of the floor and green color of the ejecta material surrounding the crater.
2005-Jan-23 02:47-04:40 95% Piton_Bartlett 1961-Apr-28 [2710]
2005-Jan-23 03:19-05:16 95% Babbage_Lord 1974-Sep-29 [8050]
2005-Jan-23 04:07-05:53 95% RossD_Harris 1965-Apr-14 [3475]
2005-Jan-23 05:11-07:08 95% Schroter'sValley_Pickering 1897-Oct-08 [575]
2005-Jan-23 05:27-07:58 95% Schickard_Watkins 1972-Sep-20 [7475]
2005-Jan-23 05:50-06:45 95% Gassendi_Foley 1977-May-30 [8535]
2005-Jan-23 06:11-08:11 95% Plato_Pico_Foley 1984-Feb-14 [8965]
2005-Jan-23 11:15-11:24 96% Aristarchus_Brown 1966-Apr-03 [3840]
Routine report: 2005-Jan-23 UT 22:55 to 00:05 Torricelli, Torricelli B, Aristarchus, Baily, Plato, and Proclus Don Spain (Louisville, KY, USA, 152mm achromatic refractor at 127X, temperature 20 degree F, humidity 36%, seeing 2, transparency very good). Observed first at the Torricelli B area, nothing unusual noted. Nothing unusual noted when observing the other features. Did obtain several several good CCD images. To view image taken at 23:47 UT click here.
2005-Jan-23 22:59-00:13 98% Plato_Pratt 1874-Jan-01 [275]
2005-Jan-24 00:44-02:41 98% Timocharis_Firsoff 1954-Oct-10 [1500]
Brightening in blue filter first for seconds, later for minutes.
Routine Report 2005 January 24 UT 02:23 through 04:09 Timocharis Robin Gray (Winnevcca, NV, USA. 152mm refractor, F 9 at 114X & 343X, seeing 3-4 improving to 6, transparency 5-6). "Blinked Timocharis with Wratten filters Red 29 and Blue 38A. In the red filter the illuminated crater walls were emphasized over the rest of the crater. Through the Blue 38A the entire crater was bright with some vague mottling. Timocharis was observed through these filters several times during the observing period and there was no significant change in the appearance of the crater through either of them. Timocharis has a very small central peak and a mottled floor made of a range of albedos, at least 5 shades. There is a bright area on the NW crater wall that has a halo of bright material immediately adjacent to it outside the crater. Immediately to the west of Timocharis is a bright spot with a "tail" extending to the west. Both of these show up in the Clementine Atlas of the Moon but they are is unclear. Timocharis is surrounded by a nimbus of ray like material, most of which extends to the east. Nothing unusual seen in Timocharis, no LTP." DOD comments- Since Robin Gray observation is very similar to Firsoff 1954 Oct 10 observation. The crater Timocharis the crater appearance was bright in Blue 38A. Conclusion what was observed by Firsoff was the natural appearance of the crater.
2005-Jan-24 01:00-04:57 98% Plato_Kidd 1971-Nov-01 [7075]
2005-Jan-24 02:33-04:30 98% Maniliius_Haas 1939-Jul-30 [985]
2005-Jan-24 03:04-05:01 98% Grimaldi_Bartlett 1973-Sep-11 [7890]
2005-Jan-24 04:07-06:01 98% Lichtenberg_Baum 1951-Jan-21 [1360]
2005-Jan-24 05:14-08:57 98% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1954-Oct-11 [1505]
2005-Jan-24 05:40-08:54 98% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1957-Jul-11 [2235]
2005-Jan-24 07:01-08:21 98% Madler_Haas 1940-Aug-17 [1055]
2005-Jan-24 08:00-09:40 98% Aristarchus_Cook 1989-Oct-13 [9150]
2005-Jan-24 09:22-10:22 98% Plato_Haas 1937-Jul-22 [845]
2005-Jan-24 09:25-10:39 98% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1954-Oct-11 [1507]
2005-Jan-24 22:36-22:37 99% Aristarchus-Herod_Taboada 1969-Jan-03 [5710]
2005-Jan-24 23:56-02:30 99% Aristarchus_Granger 1961-Jun-28 [2775]
2005-Jan-25 00:13-01:41 99% Proclus_Bartlett 1955-Aug-03 [1735]
2005-Jan-25 00:25-02:22 99% Aristarchus_Gruithuisen 1842-Oct-18 [80]
2005-Jan-25 00:40-02:01 99% near_Aristarchus_Bartlett 1955-Aug-03 [1745]
2005-Jan-25 01:26-04:37 99% nr_aristarchus_D'All_Ara 1968-Dec-04 [5660]
2005-Jan-25 01:26-04:37 99% Plato_D'All_Ara 1968-Dec-04 [5670]
2005-Jan-25 02:22-04:19 99% Archimedes_Haas 1940-Jun-20 [1040]
2005-Jan-25 03:04-04:53 99% near_Censorinus_Hopmann 1964-Apr-26 [3110]
2005-Jan-25 03:48-05:06 99% Archimedes_Haas 1940-Aug-18 [1060]
2005-Jan-25 03:48-05:10 99% Proclus_Farrant 1972-Nov-20 [7535]
2005-Jan-25 04:42-09:54 99% Aristarchus1_Bartlett 1954-Oct-12 [1515]
2005-Jan-25 05:32-07:33 99% Gassendi_Kelsey 1966-Dec-27 [4545]
2005-Jan-25 06:23-09:20 99% Plato_Klein 1878-Nov-09 [380]
2005-Jan-25 08:17-08:49 99% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1955-Oct-31 [1890]
2005-Jan-25 08:37-12:45 99% Arustarchus2_Bartlett 1954-Oct-12 [1525]
2005-Jan-25 09:11-10:13 99% Aristarchus_Pasternak 1973-Aug-13 [7860]
Routine Report 2005-Jan-25 UT 22:10 to 22:30 Langrenus, Petavius, Messier Twins, Linnie, Stofler, Alphonsus, Plato, Gassendi, Aristarchus, Lichtenberg, Schickard, Grimaldi, and Torricelli B Marie Cook (Mundesley, United Kingdom, Questar 90mm reflector magnification 80 to 130X. Seeing II, Transparency Moderate to Good, Fast moving clouds with clear gaps. Temperature 5 degrees C, wind light no clouds). All seemed normal for this phase of lunation. Each of the craters listed all appeared normal.
2005-Jan-26 00:55-01:15 99% Proclus(Q?)_Bartlett 1958-Aug-30 [2465]
Routine
Report: 2005-Jan-26 UT 00:36 to 01:54 Torricelli B, Aristarchus, Baily, Proclus, and Grimaldi Don Spain (Louisville, KY, USA, 152mm achromatic refractor at 80X, 160X, 246X, temperature 47 degree F, humidity 46%, seeing III, IV, Average). Visual observations of the named features and CCD imaging. Nothing unusual seen anywhere. An image of the area where Torricelli B is located. The CCD image was taken at 00:50 UTC, January 26, 2005 through a 152mm eyepiece with no filter, 50 stacked images. Taken at Hillview, Kentucky, USA.2005-Jan-26 00:55-01:17 99% Aristarchus_Thomas 1970-Jan-23 [6490]
2005-Jan-26 01:28-03:26 99% Kastner_Azeau 1971-Nov-03 [7085]
2005-Jan-26 01:33-04:55 99% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1955-Oct-02 [1835]
2005-Jan-26 02:25-02:47 99% W.Humboldt_Goodacre 1897-Dec-09 [585]
2005-Jan-26 02:52-02:56 99% Cobra_Head_Milligan 1955-Oct-31 [1900]
2005-Jan-26 03:43-05:33 99% TorricelliB_Foley 1985-Dec-27 [9080]
2005-Jan-26 03:49-05:47 99% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1976-Aug-11 [8390]
2005-Jan-26 04:01-06:29 99% Aristarchus_region_Madej 1984-Feb-17 [8975]
2005-Jan-26 05:01-06:18 99% Proclus_Farrant 1972-Nov-21 [7540]
2005-Jan-26 06:00-09:17 99% Aristarchus1_Bartlett 1954-Oct-13 [1535]
2005-Jan-26 06:33-10:12 99% Aristarchus_Pasternak 1973-Oct-12 [7905]
2005-Jan-26 08:42-11:52 98% Agrippa_Bartlett 1967-Jan-27 [4605]
2005-Jan-26 08:56-12:51 98% Ray_Nr_Bessel_Granger 1961-May-31 [2755]
2005-Jan-26 08:56-12:51 98% Aristarchus_Granger 1961-May-31 [2760]
2005-Jan-26 09:35-11:32 98% Aristarchus_Wildey 1962-May-20 [2915]
2005-Jan-26 09:35-11:32 98% Kepler_Wildey 1962-May-20 [2920]
2005-Jan-26 09:35-11:32 98% Bullialdus_Wildey 1962-May-20 [2925]
2005-Jan-26 09:50-11:52 98% Aristarchus2_Bartlett 1954-Oct-13 [1545]
2005-Jan-26 12:11-12:51 98% W_Limb_Jean 1967-Dec-17 [4930]
2005-Jan-27 00:30-01:43 97% Proclus(or?D)_Bartlett 1955-Oct-03 [1845]
2005-Jan-27 00:30-04:08 96% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1955-Oct-03 [1855]
2005-Jan-27 01:54-02:56 97% E.ofPicard_Fort 1879-Nov-01 [390]
2005-Jan-27 01:54-02:09 97% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1958-Aug-31 [2485]
2005-Jan-27 01:54-02:41 97% E.of_Plato_Granger 1961-Jun-30 [2785]
2005-Jan-27 04:30-05:40 96% Gassendi_Haas 1940-Aug-20 [1065]
2005-Jan-27 04:42-06:40 96% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1976-Aug-12 [8395]
2005-Jan-27 06:45-08:43 96% Plato_Gledhill 1870-Apr-17 [225]
2005-Jan-27 08:10-11:09 96% Gassendi_Moseley 1967-Jan-28 [4615]
2005-Jan-27 10:13-12:21 96% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1958-Aug-02 [2425]
2005-Jan-27 11:17-12:21 96% Aristarchus_Kilburn 1969-Dec-26 [6475]
Routine Report 2005-January 2
7 UT 20:30-20:45 Aristarchus Michael Amato (West Haven, Connecticut, USA, Cassegrain 127mm FL 1540mm, eyepiece 12mm, Seeing 5, Transparency 3rd Magnitude, clear and breezy, temperature 8 F). Visual observation on crater and detected no L.T.P.Routine Report 2005-January 28 UT 01:30-01:45 Aristarchus Michael Amato (West Haven, Connecticut, USA, Cassegrain 127mm FL 1540mm, eyepiece 12mm, Seeing 5, Transparency 3rd Magnitude, clear and breezy, temperature 8 F). Visual observation on crater and detected no L.T.P.
2005-Jan-28 02:55-03:12 93% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1955-Oct-04 [1865]
Pale violet tint on EWBS and whole east rim and dark violet on nimbus.
Routine Report: 2005-Jan-28 UT 02:57 Aristarchus Myron Wasiuta (Spotsylvania, VA, USA, Cassegrain 12" fl 120", Camera Phillips ToUcam, Temperature 13 F, Seeing 5, poor seeing mostly-no clouds). Observed repeat lighting for event in listed in NASA catalog. Did not observe visually. Inspected AVI file and JPG image. To view image taken at 02:57 UT click here.
2005-Jan-28 02:55-03:15 93% Madler2_Wildey 1962-Apr-22 [2910]
Routine Report: 2005-Jan-28 UT 02:57 Madler Myron Wasiuta (Spotsylvania, VA, USA, Cassegrain 12" fl 120", Camera Phillips ToUcam, Temperature 13 F, Seeing 5, poor seeing mostly-no clouds). Nothing unusual seen from AVI file. Did not observe visually. To view the image taken at 02:53 UT click here.
2005-Jan-28 05:00-08:56 92% Janssen_K_Brook 1992-Sep-14 [9200]
2005-Jan-28 08:49-10:46 91% Grimaldi_Firsoff 1937-Sep-23 [855]
2005-Jan-28 09:04-11:27 91% Aristarchus_Foley 1975-Aug-25 [8220]
2005-Jan-28 09:21-11:42 91% Birt_Doherty 1972-Sep-25 [7485]
2005-Jan-28 10:58-12:49 91% 16E-25E_52S-42S_Hanmes 1878-Nov-13 [385]
2005-Jan-28 12:24-12:45 91% Aristarchus/Herodotus_LeCroy 1975-Aug-25 [8230]
2005-Jan-29 07:59-09:30 86% Plinius_Haas 1937-Jul-27 [850]
2005-Jan-29 08:06-10:03 85% Aristarchus_Kilburn 1969-Dec-28 [6485]
2005-Jan-29 10:30-11:23 85% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1954-Aug-18 [1475]
2005-Jan-29 11:32-12:48 85% Schroter'sValley_Pickering 1897-Oct-15 [580]
2005-Jan-30 06:49-08:16 78% Aristarchus_Brook 2004-Dec-02 [9570]
2005-Jan-30 07:53-08:31 78% Aristarchus_Amato 2004-Dec-02 [9580]
2005-Jan-30 10:48-12:44 77% Aristarchus_Morgan 1973-Oct-16 [7915]
2005-Jan-30 11:38-12:48 77% Aristarchus_region_Firsoff 1955-Sep-07 [1780]
2005-Jan-30 11:58-12:48 77% Copernicus_Firsoff 1955-Sep-07 [1785]
2005-Jan-30 12:23-12:48 77% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1955-Sep-07 [1795]
2005-Jan-31 11:19-12:47 68% Aristarchus_Bartlett 1954-Oct-18 [1555]
SUMMARY OF OBSERVATIONS SUBMITTED:
Observations for the month of January have been received from 13 observers. They were Michael Amato (USA), Clyde Brook (UK), Albino Carbognani (Italy), Dr. Anthony Cook (UK), Marie C. Cook (UK), David O. Darling (USA), Robin Gray (USA), Gerald North (UK), Raul Salvo (Uruguay), Frank Serio (USA), Don Spain (USA), Robert Spellman (USA), Myron Wasiuta.
Four out of the eleven countries represented by the observing network submitted observations. For this month eleven days were covered giving us a 27.5% coverage for this lunation, these dates are 2nd, 15th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, and 28th. With a total of 18 hours and 13 minutes of total monitoring time done by the observers.
During the observing period 40 lunar features were monitored this month, with 8 features being observed more than once by different observers. Those listed in bold are those that had L.T.P. reported. Those observed more than once are followed by the number of separate observations presented. Aristarchus = 9, Aristoteles, Aristillus, Atlas = 2, Alphonsus, Baily, Caucasus Mountains, Cape Agarum, Cobra Head, Daniell, Earthshine, Eratosthenes, Eudoxus, Franklin, Gassendi, Grimaldi, Hercules, Janssen, Langrenus, Linnie, Madler, Macrobius, Maurolycus, Mare Crisium = 3, Mare Nectaris, Mare Serenitatis, Mare Tranquillitatis, Messier Twins = 2, Mutus, Mutus F, Plato = 5, Posidonius, Proclus = 6, Petavius, Piccolomini, Pitiscus, Romer, Stofler, Theophilus = 2, Torricelli B = 8. More will follow concerning the Torricelli B report as the observations are examined in greater detail.
The Torricelli B observation on 21 January at 23:10 UT and was reported by Gerald North and confirmed by Marie Cook and the variation in brightness only lasted for about 22 minutes. By the time the other observers received the L.T.P. Alert the variations had stopped taking place. Both observers are located in the same geographical location in the UK that what they both witness may have been caused by local atmospheric phenomena. A total of 8 observers examined Torricelli B and only the two mention above detected the variations. The other 6 observers all reported the crater appearance was normal. If what they observed was a real phenomena it did not correlate with any tidal stress on the Moon with Perigee taking place on January 10 at 10:08 UT and Apogee taking place on January 23 at 18:15 UT. The observed event in Torricelli B took place nearly 24 hours before Apogee.
There was a great deal of Solar activity with two of the strongest solar flare recorded on January 16 & 17. When examining the Solar Terrestrial Activity Report one can see a great deal of activity was recorded on the date of the Torricelli B. event.
Detailed Notes
Please note that these have been typed in by hand out of a poor quality microfiche copy of the 1978 NASA catalog of
LTP. Presently I am just over 50% of the way through this catalog and many events still need to be typed in. This will take
a few more months. Please make do with the events that we have listed below and sorry again if you cannot find an entry.
Tony Cook
[5] Aristarchus 1787 Oct 07 UT 03:00? Observed by Schroter (Lileinthal, Germany). NASA catalog weight=1 (very
low). NASA catalog ID #36.
[25] Plato 1789 Jul 30 UTC 21:00? Observed by Schroter (Lilienthal, Germany) NASA Catalog Event #61, NASA
Weight=2 (slightly low) Event described as: "Soon after sunrise saw a kind of
fermentation on the floor whichclearly resembled a kind of twilight, (due to some kind of aberration unknown to the observer?)" For further details
see reference: Middlehurst, B.M., Burley, J.M., Moore, P.A. and Welther, B.L., 1968, NASA TR R-277.
[35] 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 vioilet glimmer near Cobra Head & plateau that spreads; starts
just after sunrise. NASA catalog weight=4 (good). NASA catalog ID #103.
[80] Aristarchus vicinity 1842 Oct 18 UTC 23:00? Observed by Gruithuisen (Munich, Germany) "Mingling of all
colors in small spots in W. & NW of crater. (interposition of year dates? was #101 --1842 prob. correct." NASA
catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #121.
[100] nr. Plato in Teneriffe Mountains 1854 Dec 27 UT 18:00-23:00 Observed by hart & others (Glasgow,
Scotland, 10" reflector) "2 luminous fiery spots on bright side on either side of a ridge, contrasting color. Seemed to
be 2 active volcanoes. Ridge was normal color. Spots were yellow or flame color. Never seen before in 40 yrs. of
observing." NASA catalog weight=4 (high). NASA catalog ID #129.
[215] 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 (low).
NASA catalog ID #165.
[235] Plato 1870 May 11 UTC 22:00? Observed by Birt (England) "Extraordinary display of lights. Says not effect
of sunlight" NASA catalog weight=4. NASA catalog ID #167.
[240] Plato 1870 May 12 UTC 22:00 Observed by Birt (England) "Extraordinary display of lights. Says not effect of