Mons Gruithuisen Gamma

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Mons Gruithuisen Gamma
Mons Gruithuisen Gamma (left) and Delta (right)
Lunar Orbiter 4 image
Highest point
Elevation1500 m
ListingLunar mountains
Coordinates36°34′N 40°43′W / 36.56°N 40.72°W / 36.56; -40.72
Geography
LocationNear side of the Moon
Geology
Mountain typeLunar dome
Oblique view from Apollo 15
Oblique view from LRO

Mons Gruithuisen Gamma (γ) is a lunar dome[1] that lies to the north of the crater Gruithuisen at the western edge of the Mare Imbrium.

This massif is shaped as a rounded dome in the surface, occupying a diameter of 20 km and climbing gently to a height of over 1500 meters.[2][3] At the crest is a small crater.

This formation appears foreshortened when viewed from the Earth, and it has been described by Antonin Rukl as resembling an "upturned bathtub".[4]

To the east lies the similar Mons Gruithuisen Delta (δ). Together they are often informally called the Gruithuisen domes. To the south of the Gruithuisen domes is a portion of Oceanus Procellarum that was named Sinus Viscositatis [it] by the IAU in December 2022.[5]

Mons Gruithuisen Gamma was expected to be the landing site for Peregrine Mission One, which launched on January 8, 2024, on the maiden flight of the Vulcan Centaur rocket, the mission failed due to a leaky valve, precluding any attempt at landing.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Cain, Fraser (July 31, 2006). "What's Up this Week: July 31 – August 6, 2006". Universe Today.
  2. ^ Mons Gruithuisen Gamma, Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN)
  3. ^ LROC Quickmap, DEM contours layer
  4. ^ Rukl, Antonin (2004). Atlas of the Moon. Sky Publishing. p. 201. ISBN 1931559074.
  5. ^ Sinus Viscositatis, Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN)

External links[edit]