|
Theophilus is a relatively young crater situated on the Kant plateau, an elevated area in the central highlands near Mare Nectaris. In this oblique view looking south, part of Nectaris is visible as the smooth, dark area near the horizon at the left edge. Theophilus has the ruggedly terraced walls and central peak protruding through a relatively shallow floor characteristic of fresh complex impact structures. Beyond the sharp structural rim are the relatively bright hummocky deposits of the ejecta blanket showing a subtle radial scour texture particularly evident in the lower right quadrant of the image. The scouring is produced as blocks ejected from the crater plough into the surface of the growing ejecta blanket and surrounding target rocks; this scouring testifies to the erosional capabilities of meteorite impact. Just to the right of the structure is an older impact structure that has been partially obliterated by the impact event that produced Theophilus. Apollo lunar image AS16-0692(M). Location:
11.4°S, 26.4°E Right click here to download a high-resolution version of the image (3.71 MB) |
