Heinsius (crater)

lunar crater data
latitude=39.5
N_or_S=S
longitude=17.7
E_or_W=W
diameter=64 km
depth=2.7 km
colong=19
eponym=Gottfried Heinsius

Heinsius is an eroded lunar crater that lies in the southwestern part of the Moon. It is located to the northwest of the prominent Tycho crater, and rays from that formation pass to the north and south of Heinsius as well as marking the rim and interior with material. To the south-southwest of Heinsius is the larger Wilhelm walled plain.

The southern part of this crater has been heavily damaged by subsequent impacts. Both 'Heinsius B' and 'Heinsius C' lie across the southern and southwestern rim, while 'Heinsius A' is located in the southern interior floor. Together these three satellite craters form a triangular arrangement with the rims only separated by a few kilometers from each other. If Heinsius possessed a central peak, it is now covered by the outer of 'Heinsius A'.

The northern half of the rim is in better shape, although still worn and rounded due to impact erosion. There is a wide shelf along the northeastern inner wall. A small craterlet lies exactly on the northwestern rim. The northern interior floor is relatively level and featureless.

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 Heinsius crater.

References