Arzachel

The southernmost and youngest crater in the famous Ptolemaeus-Alphonsus-Arzachel chain.

Visual Description

Arzachel appeared as the most prominent and well-preserved of the three-crater chain. The crater showed excellent terraced walls rising high above a complex floor. A prominent central peak was clearly visible, and the overall structure appeared sharper and deeper than its northern neighbors, indicating its younger age.

Notable Features

• Excellent terraced walls
• Prominent central peak complex
• Deep crater floor
• Youngest of the three-crater chain
• Well-preserved structure showing less degradation

Notes

• Named after 11th-century Spanish astronomer Al-Zarqali
• Best observed 8-10 days after new moon
• Most pristine crater in the Ptolemaeus chain
• Coordinates: 18.2°S, 1.9°W
• Crater depth approximately 3.6 km