Pitatus

A large crater on the southern shore of Mare Nubium, notable for its partially flooded floor and system of rilles.

Visual Description

Pitatus appeared as a large crater on the southern edge of Mare Nubium, with a floor that had been partially flooded by lava, creating a smooth, dark surface. The northern wall was partially breached where lava from Mare Nubium flowed into the crater. The floor showed a delicate system of rilles visible under good seeing conditions, along with some low hills. The contrast between the dark flooded floor and the bright crater rim created a striking appearance.

Notable Features

• Large crater, partially lava-flooded floor
• Northern wall breached by Mare Nubium
• System of floor rilles
• Dark floor contrasts with bright rim
• Southern shore of Mare Nubium

Notes

• Named after Italian mathematician Pietro Pitati
• Excellent example of lava-flooded crater
• Best observed 9-10 days after new moon
• Coordinates: 29.8°S, 13.5°W
• Floor rilles require good seeing