Rupes Altai

The Altai Scarp, a spectacular curved fault scarp marking part of the outer ring of the Nectaris Basin.

Visual Description

Rupes Altai appeared as a dramatic curved escarpment in the southeastern highlands, forming a prominent arc concentric with Mare Nectaris. The scarp showed as a bright, raised ridge when viewed from the side near the terminator, with the escarpment face catching sunlight while casting deep shadows. This feature represented one of the Moon’s most impressive tectonic structures, rising up to 2 km above the surrounding terrain.

Notable Features

• Long curved escarpment, 427 km in length
• Concentric with Mare Nectaris
• Part of Nectaris Basin outer ring
• Rises up to 2 km height
• Dramatic when near terminator

Notes

• Named after Altai Mountains on Earth
• Part of multi-ring impact basin structure
• Best observed 6-8 days after new moon
• Coordinates: 24.3°S, 22.6°E
• One of the Moon’s most prominent scarps