Plaskett (crater)

lunar crater data
latitude=82.1
N_or_S=N
longitude=174.3
E_or_W=E
diameter=109 km
depth="Unknown"
colong=170
eponym=John S. Plaskett

Plaskett is a prominent lunar impact crater that is located on the northern hemisphere on the far side of the Moon. It lies only a few hundred kilometers south of the lunar north pole, and the sunlight it receives is at a low angle. The large Rozhdestvenskiy walled-plain is attached to the northeast rim of Plaskett, between the crater and the pole. To the south is the overlapping Milankovic-Ricco crater pair.

The outer rim of Plaskett has a somewhat polygonal shape formed from outward bulges in the perimeter. The inner wall is d along the southern edge, while the remainder is rougher and less finely featured. The interior floor is relatively flat and there is a central peak formed of a double-mount at the mid-point. Satellite crater 'Plaskett U' is attached to the southeast rim.

Because of the isolation of this crater and its location near the lunar limb, it has been suggested as the ideal spot for a future lunar base. A base here would allow simulation of a mission to Mars. [cite news
author=Foing, Bernard H.; Josset, Jean-Luc
date=March 1, 2007
title=SMART-1 views the edge of Luna Incognita: Mars on the Moon?
publisher=ESA
url=http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/SMART-1/SEMEYGN0LYE_0.html
accessdate=2007-09-11]

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 Plaskett crater.

References