Unfortunately, none of the theories presented in the reading selection really explain TLP.
First, if TLP observations were caused by random flaws in telescope design, then the reports of the TLP would be pretty random as well. Observers with flawed telescopes would probably report TLP happening at many random places on the moon surface, but that's not what observers have been reported. Most observers report TLP from two very specific locations on the moon surface. Since TLP are so closely associated with specific places on moon, they probably reflect real events happening on the moon, not flaws in telescopes.
Second, about the meteor. The flashes of light that meteor impacts produce usually last just one second, but the average duration of a TLP is 20 minutes. It is true that meteor showers in which many meters are grouped together can occur on the Moon. So this could cause light flashes instead of a longer duration. But the vast majority of TLP are not reported during meteor showers.So, while it is possible that a few TLP are caused by meteor impacts, the great majority of TLP certainly have other causes.
Third, could thermoluminescence cause TLP? Certain rocks on the moon do emit their own light. But this light is weaker than the glare of the moon's surface that we usually see when we observe the moon. As you know, we see the moon at night because its surface reflects light from the sun. Now, this reflected light is fairly bright and it is certainly much brighter than thermoluminescence of the moon's rocks. So we would not be able to see the thermoluminescence against this very bright background. It would be like trying to see the light from the candle in front of a powerful spotlight. So thermoluminescence cannot be the source of the observed TLP flashes.
