Embedded Files
Lunar Program Certificate #775 awarded 6/14/2012:
NASA Apollo 50th Observing Challenge Certificate:
Software used:
SharpCap Pro 3.0 for capture
AutoStakkert 3.0 for stacking
SkySafari Pro 6.0 for locating targets
PhotoShop for image sharpening and stretching
MicroSoft Paint to label features
To earn a Lunar Evolution Observing Program certificate and pin you must:
Be an Astronomical League member in good standing either as a member of a member society or as a member at large.
Have previously completed the Lunar Observing Program. Include the date and certificate number.
Make the Apollo Site observations, including a sketch or image of the sites and descriptions that include your estimate of the Lunar Epoch (Nectarian, Imbrium, etc.), actual Lunar Epoch (look up), and features that make it appear to be that epoch (i.e. broken-down walls, craters on the feature’s floor, etc.).
Note: If you earned the NASA Apollo 50th Observing Challenge certificate in 2019, mention that fact in your submission and you will receive credit for those observations.Make the Lunar Evolution observations, including a sketch or image of the objects (at least one from each Epoch) and descriptions (for all objects) that include your estimate of the Lunar Epoch (Nectarian, Imbrium, etc.), actual Lunar Epoch (look up), and features that make it appear to be that epoch (i.e. broken-down walls, craters on the feature’s floor, etc.).
Virtual Moon Atlas was used to find the actual Lunar Epochs. I made my predictions prior to looking up the actual Lunar Epochs.
Imaging Locations:
Bortle Latitude Longitude Elev.
Brommelsiek Park orange 38.723N 90.815W 644 ft
Home--driveway red 38.631N 90.553W 562 ft
AL#: 1
Name: Alphonsus
Date imaged: 3/10/2014
Time imaged: 8:11 PM CDT
Phase: Two days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 18
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ----
Stacking Software: Registax 6.0
Actual Lunar Epoch: Nectarian
Alphonsus has a very eroded crater wall, an interior that looks to be the same level as the exterior, and floor with a good deal of debris/fractures/rills/craters. It is older than its neighbors Arzachel.
The much eroded walls suggest earlier than Imbrian but after Pre-Nectarian.
My prediction:
Nectarian Era
AL#: 2
Name: Arzachel
Date imaged: 3/10/2014
Time imaged: 8:11 PM CDT
Phase: Two days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 18
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ----
Stacking Software: Registax 6.0
Actual Lunar Epoch: Lower Imbrian
Arzachel is fairly similar to Alphonsus... smaller with a larger central peak. It has a bit less erosion on the north wall vs. that on Alphonsus's southern wall so it is a bit younger.
My prediction:
Early Imbrian Era
AL#: 3
Name: Ptolemaeus
Date imaged: 5/30/2020
Time imaged: 10:05 p.m. CDT
Phase: 8.2 days
Location: Home
Seeing: ‘4/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: ETX-70
Camera: Samsung Galaxy S9 Smart Phone
Exposure: One exposure at auto settings,
Gain: zoomed in to fill the frame.
Video length: ----
Frames: 1 frame
Stacking Software: none
Actual Lunar Epoch: Pre-Nectarian
Much of what was said for Alphonsus is true for Ptolemaeus... very eroded crater wall, an interior that looks to be the same level as the exterior, and floor with a good deal of craters. I don't see rills/fractures.
Based on the southern edge of the crater Alphonsus overlapping it, Ptolemaeus is slightly older.
My prediction:
Nectarian Era
AL#: 4
Name: Archimedes
Date imaged: 3/10/2014
Time imaged: 9:15 PM CDT
Phase: Two days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 14
Video length: 60 seconds
Frames: ---
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Upper Imbrian
Archimedes is in Mare Imbrium so it must be younger than that (early Imbrium).
The crater has a floor that is level and looks to be the same height as Mare Imbrium which filled during the Late Imbrium.
My prediction:
Late Imbrium Era
AL#: 5
Name: Autolycus
Date imaged: 3/10/2014
Time imaged: 9:04 PM CDT
Phase: Two days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 14
Video length: 60 seconds
Frames: ---
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Copernician
Autolycus is a relatively young crater in Mare Imbrium with sharp, steep walls without much erosion. The crater is deep and not flooded. There may be some faint rays visible in my image particularly towards (and in) Archimedes.
My prediction:
Copernican Era
AL#: 6
Name: Atlas
Date imaged: 8/22/2020
Time imaged: 8:10 p.m. CDT
Phase: 3.8 days
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘8/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: f/6 C5 & 2x barlow
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.031551 seconds
Gain: 40
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 1900
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert best 10%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Upper Imbrian
Atlas isn't in a Mare or lunar basin.
The crater has eroded walls and the floor has an extensive rille system.
There are no rays.
I don't believe the crater is eroded enough to be Early Imbrian, but I can't tell if the crater is Late Imbrian or Eratosthenian.
My prediction:
Eratosthenian Era
AL#: 7
Name: Rimae Atlas
Date imaged: 8/22/2020
Time imaged: 8:10 p.m. CDT
Phase: 3.8 days
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘8/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: f/6 C5 & 2x barlow
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.031551 seconds
Gain: 40
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 1900
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert best 10%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Imbrian
Atlas isn't in a Mare or lunar basin.
The crater has eroded walls and the floor has an extensive rille system. The rille system had to have formed post crater.
I don't believe the crater is eroded enough to be Early Imbrian, but I can't tell if the crater is Late Imbrian or Eratosthenian.
My prediction:
Eratosthenian Era
Rimae Atlas is on the floor of the crater Atlas
AL#: 8
Name: Cassini
Date imaged: 3/10/2014
Time imaged: 8:24 PM CDT
Phase: Two days after first quarter
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 18
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: -----
Stacking Software: Registax 6.0
Actual Lunar Epoch: Lower Imbrian
Cassini is located in Mare Imbrium and is filled to that level. It shouldn't be older than the Late Imbrian when it filled at the same time as Mare Imbrium.
The crater wall is highly eroded, broken in a number of places and gone in others.
My prediction:
Early Imbrian Era
AL#: 9
Name: Clavius
Date imaged: 9/26/2020
Time imaged: 7:17 p.m. CDT
Phase: 9.4 days
Location: Home
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.003271 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: 1 minute
Frames:
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert3.0.14
Actual Lunar Epoch: Nectarian
Clavius is in the Southern Lunar Highlands, a very old region of the moon. The crater has many internal craterlets and a floor well below the surrounding highland area. The wall is eroded to a good degree, but intact.
My prediction:
Nectarian Era
AL#: 10
Name: Rutherfurd
Date imaged: 9/26/2020
Time imaged: 7:17 p.m. CDT
Phase: 9.4 days
Location: Home
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.003271 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: 1 minute
Frames:
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert3.0.14
Actual Lunar Epoch: Copernician
Rutherfurd is in the wall of Clavius. It has a very intact, non eroded wall but lacks a ray system.
My prediction:
Eratosthenian Era
AL#: 11
Name: Copernicus
Date imaged: 3/10/2014
Time imaged: 10:23 PM CDT
Phase: Two days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘3/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/1000th
Gain: 22
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ----
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Copernician
Copernicus was caused by the event that started the Copernican Era.
The mid day view shows the bright ray system.
My prediction:
Copernican Era
AL#: 12
Name: Copernicus Mid-Day
Date imaged: 9/6/2020
Time imaged: 4:03 a.m. CDT
Phase: Four days past full moon
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘8/10
Transparency: ‘3/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" Dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.001988 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: ---
Frames: 2000
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.1 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Copernician
Copernicus was caused by the event that started the Copernican Era.
It has a sharp crater wall and a bright ray system.
My prediction:
Copernican Era
AL#: 13
Name: Deslandres
Date imaged: 3/10/2014
Time imaged: 8:57 PM CDT
Phase: 2 days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 18
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ---
Stacking Software: stacked with RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Nectarian
Deslandres is in the southern highlands, one of the older areas of the moon's surface. It isn't in a Mare or basin. The large crater's walls have almost completely eroded away. The floor has many craters, some very old. The program's web page says it all " Craters from this era have broken down walls and are often pockmarked with smaller craters."
My prediction:
Pre-Nectarian Era
AL#: 14
Name: Walther
Date imaged: 3/10/2014
Time imaged: 8:57 PM CDT
Phase: Two days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 18
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ---
Stacking Software: stacked with RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Nectarian
While Walther has broken down walls and is pockmarked with smaller craters, it overlaps and the walls are more distinct than its neighbor Deslandres.
My prediction:
Nectarian Era
AL#: 15
Name: Werner
Date imaged: 3/10/2014
Time imaged: 8:57 PM CDT
Phase: Two days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 18
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ----
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Eratosthenian
Werner has fairly distinct walls that don't show much erosion. The crater lacks a ray system.
My prediction:
Eratosthenian Era
AL#: 16
Name: Endymion
Date imaged: 7/23/2020
Time imaged: 8:49 p.m. CDT
Phase: 3.2 days
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘8/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" Dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.004626 seconds
Gain: 40
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 1913
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.0 best 10%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Pre-Nectarian
Broken down walls and pockmarked with a few smaller internal craters. Based on SkySafari it doesn't appear to be in a mare or basin suggesting that it is older.
The smooth and fairly featureless floor is well below the area surrounding the crater.
Given my level of knowledge it could be anything between Pre Nectarian and Late Imbrian Era
My GUESS:
Early Imbrian Era
AL#: 17
Name: Eratosthenes
Date imaged: 3/10/2014
Time imaged: 10:23 PM CDT
Phase: Two days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘3/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/1000th
Gain: 22
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ----
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Eratosthenian
The crater was created by the event that started the Eratosthenian Era.
It is in Sinus Aestuum and has a sharp rim, few internal craters but no ray system.
My prediction:
Eratosthenian Era
AL#: 18
Name: Furnerius, Furnerius A
Date imaged: 7/23/2020
Time imaged: 8:58 p.m. CDT
Phase: 3.2 days
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘8/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" Dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.004626 seconds
Gain: 27
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 2069
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.0 best 10%
Actual Lunar Epoch: not found in VMA
SkySafari puts both craters in Vallis Snellius placing them Nectarian Era or after when most of the large basins were formed.
Furnerius has very broken down walls and is pockmarked with smaller craters suggesting very old.
Furnerius A has sharper craters walls and is much younger. There is a bright rim and rays in the area.
My prediction(s):
Early Imbrian Era
Copernician Era(A)
AL#: 19
Name: Furnerius, Furnerius A Mid-Day
Date imaged: 9/26/2020
Time imaged: 7:27 p.m. CDT
Phase: 9.4 days
Location: Home
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.001223 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 3542
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert3.0.14
Actual Lunar Epoch: not found in VMA
SkySafari puts both craters in Vallis Snellius placing them Nectarian Era or after when most of the large basins were formed.
Furnerius has very broken down walls and is pockmarked with smaller craters suggesting very old.
Furnerius A has sharper craters walls and is much younger. There are no rays.
My prediction(s):
Early Imbrian Era
Eratosthenian (A) Era
ETX-70 with starlight analog video camera
Looking at some other images I found supporting data for rays about Furnerius A
The arrow points to Furnerius A and the rays in the area can be seen.
Apparently I was unable to accurately find Furnerius in the bright mid-day lunar sun. The craters are at the very top edge of the image, above and to the right of Rhetia. The image is good enough to show rays in the area, but not good enough to "count" for the activity. Rather than wait a month I'll substitute a different target as 19-O below.
AL#: 19-0
Name: Stadius Catenae
Date imaged: 10/13/2013
Time imaged: 07:57 PM CDT
Phase: One day after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘5/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/1000th second
Gain: 16
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: -
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch:
Stadius is very old with a highly weather wall and crater filled to the level of Sinus Aestuum to the east. Stadius Catenae, the crater chain between it and Copernicus, shows sharp crater walls with little erosion. I don't see any rays even with boosting the contrast in PhotoShop.
My prediction:
Eratosthenian Era
AL#: 20
Name: Grimaldi
Date imaged: 10/1/2020
Time imaged: 1:07 a.m. CDT
Phase: 13.6 days
Location: Home
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: Skywatcher 12" dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.00099 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 3534 frames
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.0.14 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Pre-Nectarian
SkySafari put Grimaldi in Oceanus Procellarum and such it must be Late Imbrian Era or younger.
VMA says it is Pre-Nectarian and very much older.
The crater walls look to be entirely gone, with only a dark spot (basalt?) showing the location. Images better than mine would probably show many craterlets.
I'm guessing SkySafari is wrong.
My prediction:
Nectarian Era
AL#: 21
Name: Hevelius
Date imaged: 10/1/2020
Time imaged: 1:07 a.m. CDT
Phase: 13.6 days
Location: Home
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: Skywatcher 12" dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.00099 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 3534 frames
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.0.14 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Nectarian
Similar to Grimaldi but with a much lighter floor.
My prediction:
Nectarian Era
AL#: 22
Name: Cavalerius
Date imaged: 10/1/2020
Time imaged: 1:07 a.m. CDT
Phase: 13.6 days
Location: Home
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: Skywatcher 12" dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.00099 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 3534 frames
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.0.14 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Eratosthenian
Cavalerius is a fairly new crater with walls that have not been eroded much. Other than the two central peaks the depressed, rounded floor of the crater doesn't show much erosion.
There is no ray system.
My prediction:
Eratosthenian Era
AL#: 23
Name: Hainzel
Date imaged: 10/16/2013
Time imaged: 8:35 PM CDT
Phase: 5 days after first quarter
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘4/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 16
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ----
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Nectarian
Hainzel has a very eroded wall and contorted floor. As much of half of It underlies Hainzel A.
My prediction:
Nectarian Era
AL#: 24
Name: Hainzel A
Date imaged: 10/16/2013
Time imaged: 8:35 PM CDT
Phase: 5 days after first quarter
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘4/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 camera & 5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 16
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ----
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Eratosthenian
Hainzel A has a slightly eroded walls and more rounded floor than its neighbor. As much of half of It overlays lies Hainzel.
My prediction:
Eratosthenian Era
AL#: 25
Name: Harpalus
Date imaged: 10/16/2013
Time imaged: 7:03 PM CDT
Phase: 5 days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘4/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 16
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ----
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Copernician
Harpalus has only slightly eroded walls and possibly a ray system.
My prediction:
Copernican Era
AL#: 26
Name: Hortensius
Date imaged: 3/13/2014
Time imaged: 7:55 PM CDT
Phase: 2 days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘5/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/4000th
Gain: 13
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ---
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Copernician
Hortensius has sharp crater walls and I believe a ray system. I say believe because it is between Kepler and Copernicus and they've thrown out much material.
My prediction:
Copernican
AL#: 27
Name: Hortensius Omega
Date imaged: 3/13/2014
Time imaged: 7:55 PM CDT
Phase: 2 days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘5/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/4000th
Gain: 13
Video length: .
Frames: ---
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Imbrian
The Hortensius dome field is in Mare Insularum and would date to after its formation. The Mare was created in the Early Imbrian and filled in the Late Imbrian.
My prediction:
Late Imbrian Era
AL#: 28
Name: Kepler
Date imaged: 3/13/2014
Time imaged: 7:55 PM CDT
Phase: 2 days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘5/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/4000th
Gain: 13
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ---
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Copernician
Kepler has very sharp walls and an extensive ray system.
My prediction:
Copernican Era
AL#: 29
Name: Kepler Mid-Day
Date imaged: 9/6/2020
Time imaged: 4:03 a.m. CDT
Phase: Four days past full moon
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘8/10
Transparency: ‘3/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" Dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.001988 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: ---
Frames: 2000
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.1 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Copernician
Kepler has very sharp walls and an extensive ray system.
My prediction:
Copernican Era
AL#: 30
Name: Langrenus
Date imaged: 7/23/2020
Time imaged: 8:52 p.m. CDT
Phase: 3.2 days
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" Dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.004626 seconds
Gain: 27
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 2004
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.0 best 10%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Eratosthenian
Langrenus is in Mare Fecunditatis and dates after the mare filling.
The crater has a wall that hasn't been eroded very much and a floor that isn't too contorted. The crater lacks a ray system.
My prediction:
Eratosthenian Era
AL#: 31
Name: Mare Imbrium
Date imaged: 5/31/2020
Time imaged: 8:54 p.m. CDT
Phase: 9.12 days
Location: Home
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘5/10
Telescope: Celestron f/6 C5
Camera: Canon T7i
Exposure: 1/320th
Gain: ISO 400
Video length: ----
Frames: 1
Stacking Software: none
Actual Lunar Epoch: Lower Imbrian
Mare Imbrium was created during Early Imbrium and filled during the Late Imbrium Era as the basins created in the Early Imbrium were filled and cooled.
My prediction:
Early Imbrium Era
AL#: 32
Name: Mare Nectaris
Date imaged: 8/24/2020
Time imaged: 9:56 p.m. CDT
Phase: 5.81 days
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘3/10
Telescope: f/6 C5 & 2x barlow
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.02506 seconds
Gain: 100
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 1135
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Nectarian
Mare Nectarian was created by the event that started the Nectarian Era.
My prediction:
Nectarian Era
AL#: 33
Name: Mare Vaporum
Date imaged: 9/6/2020
Time imaged: 4:45 a.m. CDT
Phase: Four days past full moon
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" Dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.001903 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: ---
Frames: 2000
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.1 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Pre-Imbrian
Many of the large basins on the moon were created in the Nectarium and Early Imbrian Eras and filled during the Late Imbrian.
VMA says Pre-Imbrian (before Imbrian) but I have no way to predict this.
My prediction:
Early Imbrian
AL#: 34
Name: Maurolycus
Date imaged: 9/6/2020
Time imaged: 4:35 a.m. CDT
Phase: Four days past full moon
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘3/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" Dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.001741 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: ---
Frames: 2000
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.1 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Nectarian
The crater is in the Southern Lunar Highlands, an area for old features and it must post date the highlands formation. The crater wall is heavily eroded and the floor has many craters.
My prediction:
Nectarian Era
AL#: 35
Name: Meton
Date imaged: 8/24/2020
Time imaged: 9:52 p.m. CDT
Phase: 5.81 days
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘7/10
Telescope: 3f/6 C5 & 2x barlow
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.019389 seconds
Gain: 100
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 990
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3 best 10%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Pre-Nectarian
Meton is a very old crater with very eroded walls, pockmarked with many other older craters. The floors of all the craters are of equal level showing they were all there before filling. It is difficult to see where Meton starts and the craterlets end.
Meton is one of the "craters of this era have broken down walls and are often pockmarked with smaller craters."
My prediction:
Pre-Nectarian Era
AL#: 36
Name: Milichius
Date imaged: 3/13/2014
Time imaged: 8:32 PM CDT
Phase: 5 days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘3/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 16
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ---
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Eratosthenian
The almost circular crater doesn't show much sign of erosion. The floor looks like it is below the level outside the rim. The central peak doesn't look very eroded but there are no rays.
My prediction:
Eratosthenian Era
AL#: 37
Name: Milichius Pi
Date imaged: 3/13/2014
Time imaged: 8:32 PM CDT
Phase: 5 days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘3/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 16
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ---
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Not determined
The dome Milichius Pi is in Mare Insularum and would date to after its formation. The Mare was created in the Early Imbrian and filled in the Late Imbrian.
My prediciton:
Late Imbrian Era
AL#: 38
Name: Montes Carpatus
Date imaged: 10/13/2013
Time imaged: 07:57 PM CDT
Phase: 1 day after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘5/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/1000th
Gain: 16
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ---
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Imbrian
Montes Carpatus are the southern part of the huge circular remnant of the collision that created the Mare Imbrian basin.
My prediction:
Early Imbrian
AL#: 39
Name: Petavius
Date imaged: 7/23/2020
Time imaged: 8:55 p.m. CDT
Phase: 3.2 days
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" Dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.004626 seconds
Gain: 27
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 3528
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.0 best 10%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Lower Imbrian
Petavius is in Vallis Snellius and would post date the valley's formation in the Nectarian Era. The crater's walls are highly eroded and the floor has a rille system suggesting older than Eratosthenian Era. That leaves either Early or Late Imbrian but I'm unable to predict which.
My GUESS:
Late Imbrian
AL#: 40
Name: Plato
Date imaged: 3/10/2014
Time imaged: 8:24 PM CDT
Phase: Two days after first quarter
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘6/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: 18
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ---
Stacking Software: Registax 6.0
Actual Lunar Epoch: Upper Imbrian
Plato is in the area just north of Mare Imbrian that was thrown up during the collision that cause the Mare's formation. As such, Plate should post date the Mare's Early Imbrian formation.
The huge crater has a flat floor that has a number of craterlets as well as an eroded wall showing its age.
My prediction:
Late Imbrian
AL#: 41
Name: Posidonius
Date imaged: 8/24/2020
Time imaged: 10:00 p.m. CDT
Phase: 5.81 days
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘3/10
Telescope: f/6 C5 & 2x barlow
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.009308 seconds
Gain: 95
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 1295
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Upper Imbrian
Posidonius is on the border of Mare Serenitatis and Lacus Somniorum and post date their formation in the Lower Imbrium.
The crater's floor looks to be at the same level as Mare Serenitatis and was filled at the same time.
My prediction:
Late Imbrian
AL#: 42
Name: Proclus
Date imaged: 8/22/2020
Time imaged: 8:03 p.m. CDT
Phase: 3.8 days
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘8/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: f/6 C5 & 2x barlow
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.031551 seconds
Gain: 40
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 1908
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert best 10%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Copernician
Proclus has very sharp walls and an extensive ray system. The crater rim is very bright showing it has eroded very little.
My prediction:
Copernican Era
AL#: 43
Name: Proclus Mid-Day
Date imaged: 10/13/2013
Time imaged: 07:51 PM CDT
Phase: Two days after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘5/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: AstroVideo System Mark III
Exposure: 1/4000th
Gain: 21
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ----
Stacking Software: RegiStax 6
Actual Lunar Epoch: Copernician
Proclus has very sharp walls and an extensive ray system. The crater rim is very bright showing it has eroded very little.
My prediction:
Copernican Era
AL#: 44
Name: Rima Ariadaeus
Date imaged: 9/6/2020
Time imaged: 4:43 a.m. CDT
Phase: Four days past full moon
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘3/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" Dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.001903 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: ---
Frames: 2000
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.1 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Imbrian
Rima Ariadaeus is in the highlands between Mare Vaporum and Mare Tranquillitatis.
The straight rile cuts across a ridge between Silberschlag to the south and Boscovich to the north showing that it is newer than the ridge.
The walls are only slightly eroded and the rile isn't doesn't show craters overlying it.
My prediction:
Eratosthenian Era
AL#: 45
Name: Sacrobosco
Date imaged: 9/6/2020
Time imaged: 4:18 a.m. CDT
Phase: Four days past full moon
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘3/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" Dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.001903 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: ---
Frames: 2000
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.1 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Pre-Nectarian
Sacrobosco is in the Central Lunar Highlands, an area with older craters.
The walls are very eroded, almost to the point they are difficult to see. The crater is covered with craterlets. As such, Sacrobosco is one of the "craters of this era have broken down walls and are often pockmarked with smaller craters."
My prediction:
Pre-Nectarian
AL#: 46
Name: Sirsalis
Date imaged: 10/1/2020
Time imaged: 1:07 a.m. CDT
Phase: 13.6 days
Location: Home
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: Skywatcher 12" dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.00099 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 3534 frames
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.0.14 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Eratosthenian Era
Sirsalis' crater wall isn't greatly eroded. The crater floor looks like it is below the level outside. The large central peak doesn't look very eroded but there are no rays. It overlies the slightly larger and older Sirsalis A.
My prediction:
Eratosthenian Era
AL#: 47
Name: Sirsalis A
Date imaged: 10/1/2020
Time imaged: 1:07 a.m. CDT
Phase: 13.6 days
Location: Home
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: Skywatcher 12" dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.00099 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 3534 frames
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.0.14 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: not found
Sirsalis A's eroded crater walls show its age. The floor hasn't been flooded with lava. It underlies the slightly smaller Sirsalis so it is older than Eratosthenian Era.
My prediction:
Upper Imbrian
AL#: 48
Name: Tycho
Date imaged: 12:00:00 AM
Time imaged: 08:33 PM CDT
Phase: One day after first quarter
Location: Broemmelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘4/10
Transparency: ‘6/10
Telescope: C14 with .5x focal reducer
Camera: Sony Super HAD II Board
Exposure: 1/2000th
Gain: ---
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: ---
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 2.5.1.7--best 10%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Copernician
Tycho has very sharp walls and an extensive ray system.
My prediction:
Copernican Era
AL#: 49
Name: Tycho Mid-Day
Date imaged: 9/6/2020
Time imaged: 4:07 a.m. CDT
Phase: Four days past full moon
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘3/10
Telescope: SkyWatcher 12" Dob
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.001903 seconds
Gain: 20
Video length: ---
Frames: 2000
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert 3.1 best 5%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Copernician
Tycho has very sharp walls, bright interior and an extensive ray system.
My prediction:
Copernican Era
AL#: 50
Name: Vallis Rheita
Date imaged: 8/22/2020
Time imaged: 8:12 p.m. CDT
Phase: 3.8 days
Location: Brommelsiek Park
Seeing: ‘7/10
Transparency: ‘4/10
Telescope: f/6 C5 & 2x barlow
Camera: ASI120mc
Exposure: 0.031551 seconds
Gain: 40
Video length: 1 minute
Frames: 2003
Stacking Software: AutoStakkert best 10%
Actual Lunar Epoch: Pre-Imbrian
Vallis Rheita is a huge (500x300km) depression/basin in the south eastern face of the Moon. It is filled with older craters.
Similar large basins were created in the Nectarian and Early Imbrian Eras.
Since most of the large basins were created in the Nectarian...
My prediction:
Nectarian
#51-57
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