Plinius

A prominent crater on the border between Mare Serenitatis and Mare Tranquillitatis, featuring terraced walls and a central peak.

Visual Description

Plinius appeared as a well-formed crater situated on the narrow isthmus between Mare Serenitatis and Mare Tranquillitatis. The crater displayed distinct terraced inner walls and a small central peak on its floor. The rim was sharp and well-preserved, indicating a relatively young age. The crater’s strategic location between two major maria made it an excellent landmark for orientation when observing the central nearside region.

Notable Features

• Located between two major maria
• Terraced inner walls
• Small central peak
• Sharp, well-preserved rim
• Strategic landmark location

Notes

• Named after Roman author Pliny the Elder
• Excellent reference point for nearside maria
• Best observed 6-8 days after new moon
• Coordinates: 15.4°N, 23.7°E
• Classic example of complex crater