Also known as: Aristarchus crater
Date/time: 2007.09.23.
Equipment: 76/900 Newtonian
Magnification and filter(s): 118x
Seeing: 7/10 Transparency: 3/5
Humidity: low
Wind: none
Location: Zákány, Hungary N46°14′ 59,2″ E16°57′ 15,3″
Observer: Bognár Tamás
Named after the Greek astronomer Aristarchus of Samos, is a prominent lunar impact crater that lies in the northwest part of the Moon’s near side. It is considered the brightest of the large formations on the lunar surface, with an albedo nearly double that of most lunar features. The feature is bright enough to be visible to the naked eye, and is dazzling in a large telescope. It is also readily identified when most of the lunar surface is illuminated by earthshine.
Description:
Circular formation visible during the Earthshine. Important rays. Transcient phenomena. Forms an interesting couple with Herodotus. Young formation (450 millions of years). Steep slopes especially to the North. High walls in terraces. Few and extensive flat floor. Small central mountain.
Observation:
Interest : Exceptional formation
Observation period: 4 days after First Quarter or 3 days after Last Quarter
Minimal Instrument: 50 mm refractor
Position:
Longitude: 47.490° West
Latitude: 23.730° North
Side: Nearside
Quadrant: North-West
Area: Aristarchus crater region
