alphonsus is one of the sites noted for transient lunar phenomena, as glowing red-hued clouds have been reported emanating from the crater. on october 26, 1956, the lunar astronomer dinsmore alter noted some blurring of the rilles on the floor of alphonsus in the photographs he took in violet light. the same blurring did not occur in the infrared photographs he took at the same time. however, few professional astronomers found this evidence of volcanic activity on the moon very convincing.