Grimaldi (crater)

lunar crater data
latitude=5.2
N_or_S=S
longitude=68.6
E_or_W=W
diameter=222 km
depth=2.7 km
colong=67
eponym=Francesco M. Grimaldi

Grimaldi is a large basin located near the western limb of the Moon. It lies to the southwest of the Oceanus Procellarum, and southeast of Riccioli crater. Between Oceanus Procellarum is the Damoiseau crater, and to the north is Lohrmann crater.

The inner wall of Grimaldi has been so heavily worn and eroded by subsequent impacts that it forms a low, irregular ring of hills, ridges and peaks, rather than a typical crater rim. However there are peaks remaining that reach heights of over 2 kilometers. The floor is the most notable feature of this crater, forming a flat, relatively smooth and featureless surface with a particularly low albedo. The dark shade of the floor contrasts with the brighter surroundings, making the crater easy to locate. The approximate diameter of the inner rim is 140 kilometers.

Beyond the basin are the scattered remnants of an outer wall, which has a diameter of 220 kilometers. This exterior rim is more intact to the north and west of the crater than elsewhere. To the southeast of the Grimaldi plain is a system of rilles named the Rimae Grimaldi. To the northwest, rilles belonging to the Rimae Riccioli approach the western edge of the Grimaldi crater rim.

Grimaldi has a history of transient lunar phenomena, including occasional flashes of light, color patches, and areas of hazy visibility. Gaseous emissions from this area have also been detected using spectroscopy. Orbiting spacecraft have also detected a mass concentration (Mascon) below this feature.

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 Grimaldi crater.

References