Reiner Gamma

One of the Moon’s most prominent albedo features—a bright swirl on Oceanus Procellarum with no associated topography.

Visual Description

Reiner Gamma appeared as a bright, tadpole-shaped marking on the dark surface of Oceanus Procellarum. Unlike typical bright features that are craters or mountains, this feature was purely a difference in surface brightness (albedo) with no associated relief or topography. The swirl showed intricate curved patterns resembling a giant comma or tadpole shape. This unusual feature remained bright at all sun angles, unlike typical lunar highlands that appear less prominent at high sun.

Notable Features

• Bright albedo feature with no topography
• Tadpole or comma-shaped swirl
• Located on Oceanus Procellarum
• Intricate curved patterns
• Associated with magnetic anomaly

Notes

• One of the Moon’s most mysterious features
• Associated with local magnetic field
• Possibly formed by cometary impact
• Best observed 12-14 days after new moon
• Coordinates: 7.4°N, 59.0°W
• Unique type of lunar feature