Michelson (crater)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Crater characteristics
Coordinates 7.2° N, 120.7° W
Diameter 123 km
Depth Unknown
Colongitude 121° at sunrise
Eponym Albert A. Michelson

Michelson is a lunar crater on the far side of the Moon. It lies along the northeastern outer rim of the huge Hertzsprung impact basin, and to the southwest of the Kolhörster crater.

This is a heavily-eroded crater formation with multiple impacts along the rim edge and within the interior. The rim is roughly circular, but has been rendered relatively uneven due to these smaller craters. There are small craters across the interior floor, including impacts along the north, west and southeastern edges.

To the southeast of the outer rim is a crater chain that has been designated Catena Michelson. This feature is radial to the Mare Orientale impact basin, and passes near the outer rim of the Grachev crater.

[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 Michelson crater.

Michelson Latitude Longitude Diameter
G 5.7° N 118.8° W 27 km
H 4.6° N 116.8° W 35 km
V 8.0° N 124.4° W 20 km
W 7.5° N 121.3° W 25 km

[edit] References