Schwarzschild (crater)

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Crater characteristics
Coordinates 70.1° N, 121.2° E
Diameter 212 km
Depth Unknown
Colongitude   249° at sunrise
Eponym Karl Schwarzschild

Schwarzschild is a large lunar impact crater that is located in the northern part of the Moon's far side. The nearest craters of note are Seares to the northeast, and Gamow to the southeast.

The somewhat irregular outer rim of Schwarzschild has been overlaid by many smaller impact craters, including most notably 'Schwarzschild K' across the southeastern face and 'Schwarzschild D' on the northeast rim. The rim is roughly circular in form, with an outward bulge along the southwest side. The rim has been softened and modified by impact erosion, particularly to the northeast. Just to the northeast of 'Schwarzschild K' is a short chain of small craters lying across the rim and inner wall of Schwarzschild.

The inner floor of Schwarzschild is relatively level in comparison to the rugged terrain outside this walled plain, and is particularly flat in the north-northeastern half. There is a region of low, irregular ridges to the west of the mid-point. Lying in the southeastern part of the floor is the satellite crater 'Schwarzschild L', and Surrounding this interior crater is an outer rampart formed from the ejecta material during its formation.

[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 Schwarzschild crater.

Schwarzschild Latitude Longitude Diameter
A 78.7° N 124.0° E 50 km
D 71.9° N 132.4° E 24 km
K 67.5° N 125.0° E 45 km
L 69.3° N 122.1° E 45 km
Q 66.3° N 108.9° E 19 km
S 67.8° N 104.7° E 17 km
T 69.9° N 107.7° E 16 km

[edit] References

  • See the reference table for the general listing of literature and web sites that were used in the compilation of this page.