Aryabhata (crater)

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Aryabhata
Aryabhata crater AS15-M-2683.jpg
Apollo 15 image
Coordinates 6°12′N35°06′E / 6.2°N 35.1°E / 6.2; 35.1 Coordinates: 6°12′N35°06′E / 6.2°N 35.1°E / 6.2; 35.1
Diameter 22 km
Colongitude 356° at sunrise
Eponym Aryabhata
Oblique view from Apollo 8, facing west Aryabhata crater as08-13-2345hr.jpg
Oblique view from Apollo 8, facing west

Aryabhata, named after Indian astronomer Aryabhata, [1] is the remnant of a lunar impact crater located in the eastern Mare Tranquillitatis. The crater has been almost submerged by lava-flow, and now only an arc-shaped ridge formed from the eastern half of the rim remains above the lunar mare. This crater was previously identified as Maskelyne E before being named by the IAU in 1979. Maskelyne itself is to the southwest.

Related Research Articles

References

  1. "Aryabhata (crater)" . Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. USGS Astrogeology Research Program.
Ewen Whitaker British astronomer

Ewen Adair Whitaker was a British-born astronomer who specialized in lunar studies. During World War II he was engaged in quality control for the lead sheathing of hollow cables strung under the English Channel as part of the "Pipe Line Under The Ocean" Project (PLUTO) to supply gasoline to Allied military vehicles in France. After the war, he obtained a position at the Royal Greenwich Observatory working on the UV spectra of stars, but became interested in lunar studies. As a sideline, Whitaker drew and published the first accurate chart of the South Polar area of the Moon in 1954, and served as director of the Lunar Section of the British Astronomical Association.

NASA space-related agency of the United States government

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the United States Federal Government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research.

Ben J. Bussey is an American planetary scientist.