Cassini

A prominent crater in the Montes Alpes region, famous for containing the smaller crater Cassini A.

Visual Description

Cassini appeared as a well-formed crater with relatively low walls for its size, located between Mare Imbrium and Mare Frigoris. The crater floor was notably flat and showed dark patches of volcanic material. Even with binoculars, the outline of the interior crater Cassini A was visible on the floor.

Notable Features

• Prominent location in the Montes Alpes region
• Flat floor with dark volcanic patches
• Contains the distinct crater Cassini A
• Relatively low walls for crater size
• Easy to locate landmark crater

Notes

• Named after Italian-French astronomer Giovanni Cassini
• Best observed 7-9 days after new moon
• Cassini A on the floor is a famous telescopic feature
• Coordinates: 40.2°N, 4.6°E
• Gateway to observing the Alpine Valley