Riccius (crater)

lunar crater data
latitude=36.9
N_or_S=S
longitude=26.5
E_or_W=E
diameter=71 km
depth=1.8 km
colong=335
eponym=Matteo Ricci

Riccius is a lunar crater that is located in the rugged, southeastern part of the Moon's near side. It lies within one crater diameter southeast of the Rabbi Levi crater. To the east-northeast is Stiborius crater and due south is Nicolai crater.

This formation has been so heavily bombarded by subsequent impacts that it is nearly unrecognizable as a crater. Only the western and southwest part of the rim remains intact, the remainder having been completely obliterated by small craters. These craters also occupy parts of the northern and southern floor. Only a section in the northeast and near the intact western rim remain unmarked. This is perhaps the most defaced crater formation on the Moon that also possesses an eponym.

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 Riccius crater.

References