Hercules (crater)
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| Crater characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 46.7° N, 39.1° E |
| Diameter | 69 km |
| Depth | 3.2 km |
| Colongitude | 322° at sunrise |
| Eponym | Hercules |
Hercules is a prominent crater located in the northwest part of the Moon, to the east of Atlas crater. It lies along the east edge of a southward extension in the Mare Frigoris. To the west across the mare is the Bürg crater. To the south is the ruined crater Williams.
The interior walls of Hercules have multiple terraces, and there is a small outer rampart. The crater floor has been flooded by lava in the past, and contains several areas of low albedo. The central peak has been buried, leaving only a low hill near the mid-point. The satellite crater 'Hercules G' crater is located prominently just to the south of the center. The small crater 'Hercules E' lies along the southern rim of Hercules.
In the past this crater has been reported as the site of some transient lunar phenomenon.
[edit] Satellite craters
By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater mid-point that is closest to Hercules crater.
| Hercules | Latitude | Longitude | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | 47.8° N | 36.6° E | 9 km |
| C | 42.7° N | 35.3° E | 9 km |
| D | 44.8° N | 39.7° E | 8 km |
| E | 45.7° N | 38.5° E | 9 km |
| F | 50.3° N | 41.7° E | 14 km |
| G | 46.4° N | 39.2° E | 14 km |
| H | 51.2° N | 40.9° E | 7 km |
| J | 44.1° N | 36.4° E | 8 km |
| K | 44.2° N | 36.9° E | 7 km |
The following craters have been renamed by the IAU.
- Hercules A — See Keldysh crater.
[edit] References
- See the reference table for the general listing of literature and web sites that were used in the compilation of this page.
