Gassendi

A spectacular floor-fractured crater on the northern rim of Mare Humorum with an extensive rille system.

Visual Description

Gassendi appeared as a prominent crater overlapping the northern edge of Mare Humorum. The crater walls were well-defined, with the southern wall partially flooded by mare lava. The floor was notably complex with hints of rilles and ridges visible even at low magnification. A central peak complex was visible on the floor.

Notable Features

• Large floor-fractured crater
• Complex rille system on floor (telescopic highlight)
• Overlaps Mare Humorum
• Multiple central peaks
• Partially lava-flooded southern wall

Notes

• Named after French astronomer Pierre Gassendi
• Best observed 10-12 days after new moon
• The floor rilles are a famous telescopic challenge
• Coordinates: 17.5°S, 40.1°W
• One of the finest floor-fractured craters