Schickard

One of the largest craters on the Moon’s nearside, located in the southwestern quadrant with a distinctive dark-patched floor.

Visual Description

Schickard appeared as an enormous crater in the southwestern region of the Moon, one of the largest craters visible on the nearside. The most distinctive feature was its floor, which showed patches of both dark mare material and lighter highland material, creating a mottled appearance. The crater walls were relatively low and worn, consistent with its great age. The combination of size and distinctive floor patterns made Schickard one of the most recognizable features in the southwestern quadrant.

Notable Features

• One of largest nearside craters, 227 km diameter
• Distinctive patchy floor, dark and light areas
• Low, worn crater walls
• Located in southwestern quadrant
• Ancient formation

Notes

• Named after German astronomer Wilhelm Schickard
• Floor shows both mare and highland material
• Best observed 11-13 days after new moon
• Coordinates: 44.3°S, 54.6°W
• Impressive due to enormous size