Goclenius (crater)

lunar crater data


caption=Goclenius crater (bottom) and Magelhaens (center). "NASA photo."
latitude=10.0
N_or_S=S
longitude=45.0
E_or_W=E
diameter=54 × 72 km
depth=1.5 km
colong=315
eponym=Rudolf Goclenius, Jr.

Goclenius is a lunar crater that is located near the west edge of Mare Fecunditatis. It lies to the southeast of the lava-flooded crater Gutenberg, and north of Magelhaens crater. To the northwest is a parallel rille system that follow a course toward the northwest, running for a length of up to 240 kilometers. This feature is named the "Rimae Goclenius".

The rim of this crater is worn, distorted and irregular, having a somewhat egg-like outline. The crater floor has been covered in lava, and a rille cuts across the floor toward the northwest, in the same direction as the other members of the "Rimae Goclenius". A similar rille lies across the floor of Gutenberg crater, and it is likely that these features were all formed at the same time, after the original creaters were created.

There is a low central rise located to the northwest of the crater mid-point.

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 Goclenius crater.

The following craters have been renamed by the IAU.
* Goclenius A — "See" Ibn Battuta crater.

References