Mare Imbrium

The Sea of Rains is the largest mare on the Moon’s near side, a vast lava plain visible to the naked eye.

Visual Description

Mare Imbrium appeared as the largest dark feature on the Moon, a vast circular plain bordered by spectacular mountain ranges. The mare floor showed subtle variations in shading and several prominent craters including Copernicus at the southern edge. The surrounding mountain rings create a dramatic frame.

Notable Features

• Largest mare basin visible from Earth
• Bordered by Montes Alpes, Montes Caucasus, and Montes Apenninus
• Contains isolated mountain peaks Pico and Piton
• Features the prominent craters Archimedes, Aristillus, and Autolycus
• Sinus Iridum (Bay of Rainbows) forms a distinctive semicircular bay

Notes

• Name means “Sea of Rains”
• Formed by a massive impact 3.9 billion years ago
• Best observed 7-10 days after new moon
• Luna 17 (Lunokhod 1) landed here in 1970
• Coordinates: 32.8°N, 15.6°W