Fracastorius

A distinctive crater on the southern shore of Mare Nectaris with its northern wall breached by lava.

Visual Description

Fracastorius appeared as a semi-circular crater on the southern edge of Mare Nectaris, with its northern wall completely breached and flooded by mare lava. Only the southern and side walls remained intact, creating a distinctive bay-like formation. The floor was dark and level with the adjacent mare surface.

Notable Features

• Northern wall completely breached and flooded
• Dark, flat floor continuous with Mare Nectaris
• Semi-circular shape forming a bay
• Remaining walls show good preservation
• Excellent example of mare flooding

Notes

• Named after Italian physician and astronomer Girolamo Fracastoro
• Best observed 6-8 days after new moon
• Classic example of a “ghost crater” or flooded crater
• Coordinates: 21.5°S, 33.0°E
• Demonstrates mare lava interactions with craters