Proclus (crater)

lunar crater data


caption=Proclus crater from Apollo 15. Note the prominent ray system. "NASA photo".
latitude=16.1
N_or_S=N
longitude=46.8
E_or_W=E
diameter=28 km
depth=2.4 km
colong=314
eponym=Proclus Diadochus

Proclus is a young lunar impact crater located to the west of the Mare Crisium, on the east shore of the Palus Somni. It lies to the south of the prominent, terraced Macrobius crater, and west-northwest of the flooded crater Yerkes. Between Proclus and Yerkes, on the edge of the mare, are the Promontories named Olivium and Lavinium.

The rim of Proclus crater is distinctly polygonal in shape, having the shape of a pentagon, and does not rise very far above the surrounding terrain. It has a high albedo, being second only to Aristarchus crater in brightness. The interior wall displays some slumping, and the floor is uneven with a few small rises from slump blocks.

The crater has a notable ray system that extends for a distance of over 600 kilometers. The rays display an asymmetry of form, with the most prominent being rays to the northwest, north-northeast, and northeast. There is an arc with no "ejecta" to the southwest. These features suggest an oblique impact at a low angle.

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 Proclus crater.

The following craters have been renamed by the IAU.

* Proclus F — "See" Crile crater.

References

External links

* [http://www.lpi.usra.edu/resources/apollo/frame/?AS17-150-23047 Apollo 17 image AS17-150-23047] using the 70 mm Hasselblad.