Interpretation about an anomaly  in Mare Serenitatis from UAI -Lunar Section communication

Raffaello Lena, Piergiovanni Salimbeni, Eric Douglass, Giorgio Mengoli, Francesco Badalotti

Prepared 20 November  1999

In date november  12, 1999  UAI Lunar Section reported a short note   concerning a suspect event in Mare Serenitatis that covers a significant area of the  surface (see the frame below).
In UAI paper, the author reports the event  suggesting also a possible anomaly.
The Director of the Section reports that the image was recorded by Enrico Ventura in date march, 24, 1999 at 19.20 UT.
Photo (TP 2415 200 ISO) was obtained by Newton D 200 f 4 with projection Ploss 10 mm ( f 67) time  3 sec.

The GLR network has studied the image. Our interpretation is that the spot is clearly an external/internal reflex for the size. Futhermore the spot is located in the center of the frame.

The most curious thing about this anomaly is its size.
If it is real, it is hugh beyond imagination.  We admit that GLR members  have trouble accepting the image uncritically because of this alone.

Photo obtained by E. Ventura (from UAI Lunar Section).

 Lena the same night observed the Mare Serenitatis at 19.50-21.00 UT but No event was recorded. The reported Ventura's spot has high albedo (and large dimension) and for this reason the spot, if real, must be visible also by visual session.

Mengoli in date march 24, 1999 obtained several CCD images of the region (from 18.00 to 19.10 UT). The frame obtained by Mengoli confirmed the expected floor in Serenitatis.

CCD obtained by Mengoli at 18.10 UT (Refractor 150 mm).

CCD obtained by Mengoli at 19.10 UT (Refractor 150 mm).

Our data show that no anomaly was recorded at 19.10 and 19.50 UT. The spot is not an suspect event but a reflex.