Rowland (crater)

lunar crater data
latitude=57.4
N_or_S=N
longitude=162.5
E_or_W=W
diameter=171 km
depth="Unknown"
colong=163
eponym=Henry A. Rowland

Rowland is a large lunar crater that is located in the northern part of the Moon, on the far side from the Earth. This is an old, worn formation that is overlaid by a number of smaller craters. The most notable of these is 'Rowland Y', which is attached to the inner wall along the north-northwestern rim. Additional smaller craters are attached to the inner wall along the southeast and south-southwest rims, the later being designated 'Rowland N'. 'Rowland C' forms a double-crater with a smaller, bowl-shaped formation in the eastern part of the floor.

The outer wall of Rowland has been rounded by a long history of minor impacts, leaving the edge somewhat irregular and rough. The top of the rim has been worn down until it became almost level with the surrounding terrain, making this a circular depression in the surface. The remains of a can still be discerned in places, particularly along the eastern and southeastern inner wall.

Attached to the exterior of the eastern rim is the huge Birkhoff walled-plain, an even older and more worn formation. Due north of Rowland, within one crater diameter, is the Sommerfeld crater. To the west-southwest is the smaller Chappell crater.

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 Rowland crater.

References