Hertzsprung (crater)

lunar crater data
latitude=2.6
N_or_S=N
longitude=129.2
E_or_W=W
diameter=591 km
depth="Unknown"
colong=140
eponym=Ejnar Hertzsprung

Hertzsprung is an enormous lunar crater that is located on the far side of the Moon, beyond the western limb. In dimension, this formation is larger than several of the lunar mare on the near side. It lies in the northwestern fringe of the blast radius of the Mare Orientale impact basin. Nearby craters of note include Michelson across the northeast rim, Vavilov crater across the western rim, and Lucretius crater to the southeast.

The outer rim of Hertzsprung has been damaged and modified by several notable impacts (mentioned above) and a number of smaller craters. A chain of small craters, designated "Catena Lucretius", begins at the outer southeastern outer rim and proceeds toward the west-northwest until it connects with the perimeter of the inner basin. This inner area is less rough than the outer ring of the floor, and is surrounded by a circular range of ridges. The inner perimeter is also pierced by several craters, including 'Hertzsprung D' along the eastern portion and 'Hertzsprung S' on the western side. Nor is the interior of the inner basin free from impacts, including K, H, X, and L, listed in the table below.

The equator of the Moon passes through this formation, being located to the south of the mid-point and cutting through the central basin.

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 Hertzsprung crater.

References