Clavius

One of the largest craters on the Moon’s near side, featuring a distinctive arc of craters on its floor.

Visual Description

Clavius appeared as one of the largest and most impressive craters in the southern highlands. The crater’s immense size was immediately apparent, with massive walls enclosing a complex floor. Even with binoculars, a curved chain of progressively smaller craters was visible crossing the floor, creating one of the Moon’s most distinctive crater patterns.

Notable Features

• One of the largest craters visible (231 km diameter)
• Famous arc of craters across the floor (Porter, Rutherfurd, Clavius D)
• Massive terraced walls
• Complex floor topography
• Featured in the film “2001: A Space Odyssey”

Notes

• Named after German mathematician Christopher Clavius
• Best observed 9-11 days after new moon
• The crater arc is a classic telescopic sight
• Coordinates: 58.4°S, 14.4°W
• Crater depth approximately 3.5 km