Zwicky (crater)

lunar crater data
latitude=15.4
N_or_S=S
longitude=168.1
E_or_W=E
diameter=150 km
depth="Unknown"
colong=192
eponym=Fritz Zwicky

Zwicky is a lunar impact crater that is located on the far side of the Moon. It lies to the west of the Aitken crater, and is attached to the western rim of Vertregt crater. Attached to the northern end of Zwicky is the Heaviside crater. This is a considerably eroded formation with an irregular rim and interior. Portions of the southern rim still survive, but the remainder has been almost completely eradicated.

The satellite crater 'Zwicky N', located in the midst of the interior of Zwicky, has a relatively dark floor in comparison to the surrounding terrain. This smaller crater has a polygonal outline with relatively smooth inner walls. The interior floor is a lower albedo material that has a cracked surface. It is thought that this is caused by the cooling of molten material, or possibly tectonic movement. This is referred to informally as a "turtleback crater floor".

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 Zwicky crater.

References