Plinius (crater)

lunar crater data
latitude=15.4
N_or_S=N
longitude=23.7
E_or_W=E
diameter=43 km
depth=4.3 km
colong=336
eponym=Gaius Secundus

Plinius is a prominent lunar impact crater on the border between Mare Serenitatis to the north and Mare Tranquilitatis to the south. South-southeast of Plinius is the crater Ross, and to the northeast is Dawes. Just to the north is a system of rilles named the "Rimae Plinius". At the northwest edge of the rille is the "Promontorium Archeruia", a cape off the western rim that encloses the Mare Serenitatis.

The sharp rim of Plinius is slightly oval in form, with a d inner wall, and an irregular outer . It lacks a visible ray system. The crater floor is hilly, and in the middle is an irregular central peak that has the appearance of a double crater formation under certain angles of illumination. There is a cleft feature attached to the northern side of the peak. The eastern half of the floor is much more smooth and level than the hummocky west, and this section forms a crescent shape about the central peak.

atellite 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 Plinius.

References