The Lunascan Project (TLP): An EBTI (Earth-Based Telescopic Imaging) project using live CCD technology to document and record LTPs (Lunar Transcient Phenomena) and other anomalies observed near the Moon.

The Lunascan Project (TLP) was established in September of 1995 and utilized a giant 16" Newtonian reflector. The Project now involves the use of an array of three telescopes, remote controlled from a control room with numerous video monitors and recorders. Cameras provide live high, medium & low power, high resolution television pictures of the lunar surface. The Project is being conducted by a number of amateur astronomers and investors in the United States. The Headquarters is located at:

Observations and recordings are made during available lunar observation periods and reviewed and studied during the following days.

In September of 1995 The Lunascan Project began with three primary goals:

1) To conduct live and recorded high-powered scans of the lunar surface in an serious long-range project to document reports of LTPs (Lunar Transient Phenomena).

2) To create a comprehensive computer database of LTPs, mistakenly thought to number about 200 in total, mostly anecdotal in nature with numerous drawings, and only a few with photographs.

3) With the aid of others interested in scientific research of our nearest neighbor, the isolation and placement into proper context the nagging reports of alien artifacts.

Within a few months it was discovered that:

1) Similar equipment was being used in astronomy, and in particular, lunar research in other parts of the world. In the beginning the only edge we thought we had was time, dedication and the desire to constantly improve the images. What was needed was coordination and a centralized location for the data and images.

2) There was no need for a comprehensive computer database. In existence already were two NASA catalogs with about 1500 reports. The lunar nearside had already been divided into 76 Sections (Rukl) and the new database would simply list primary target areas by section and region. Also keyed to the database was the location of the most detailed photographs from major observatories and ID numbers of the best NASA images.

3) The nagging reports of strange objects on the lunar surface, reported by numerous authors of numerous books, were being investigated by several verification groups, much more capable than The Lunascan Project and armed with the best images NASA has in its possession (Apollo, Lunar Orbiter and Clementine imagery). These groups pledged their assistance.

4) Strange objects observed possibly NEAR the Moon, "FMOs" ("Fast-Moving Objects") or "Fastwalkers" were also being reported. These were seen on less rare occasions and were easily observed and recorded at lower powers.

In order to launch the 15-year-old dream, it became necessary to solicit support and investment capital from several individuals. A newsletter (Lunascan Update) was circulated until we created The Lunascan Project web site, to discuss the research and report the findings. The supporters and members of the project have their feet on the ground and their eyes on the stars, and in particular, the Moon.

With every discovery there are new mysteries and questions. The Moon may not be a dead world as once thought. There remains a lot to be learned. If the Project accomplishes nothing more than serious documented LTP research, it will be considered a resounding success.

Just a little more than a year into the Project, The Lunascan Project team videotaped an object which appeared to be orbiting the Moon. (See U092196).

The best is yet to come. Stay tuned.

Francis L. Ridge, Project Coordinator