Type: Crater
Size: 96km
Longitude/Latitude: 17° W, 6.1°S Age: Older than 3.9 billion years
Best time to see: One day after first quarter 1 March) or last quarter (13-14 February)
Minimum equipment: 50mm refractor
It is not the clearest of lunar craters, its ringed plain defined by a gently raised rim to the west, appearing broken in form to the east. It forms a characteristic trio with 60km Bonpland and 48km Parry to the south. This pair are ancient too, but presumably younger than Fra Mauro as their rims appear to bulge into Fra Mauro's boundary, inverting the curve of the walled plain's rim. This suggests they were formed after Fra Mauro and overlay its edge.
This story is from the February 2023 edition of BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
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This story is from the February 2023 edition of BBC Sky at Night Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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