Xiao Zhao (crater)

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Xiao Zhao
Xiao Zhao EN0108828473Ml labeled.jpg
MESSENGER image
Planet Mercury
Coordinates 10°35′N236°10′W / 10.58°N 236.16°W / 10.58; -236.16
Quadrangle Eminescu
Diameter 24 km (15 mi)
Eponym Xiao Zhao

Xiao Zhao crater is small in comparison with many other craters on Mercury. However, Xiao Zhao's long bright rays make it a readily visible feature. The fresh, bright rays, which were created by material ejected outward during the impact event that formed the crater, indicate that Xiao Zhao is a relatively young crater on Mercury's surface. [1]

Hollows are present within Xiao Zhao and on the ejecta blanket near the rim. A confirmed dark spot is present in Xiao Zhao. [2] This dark spot is associated with the hollows.

Xiao Zhao was named by the IAU in 2008 after the 12th-century Chinese painter Xiao Zhao. [3]

Xiao Zhao is located near Eastman crater.

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References

  1. "MESSENGER: MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging". Messenger.jhuapl.edu. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved 2013-02-22.
  2. Zhiyong Xiao, Robert G. Strom, David T. Blewett, Paul K. Byrne, Sean C. Solomon, Scott L. Murchie, Ann L. Sprague, Deborah L. Domingue, Jörn Helbert, 2013. Dark spots on Mercury: A distinctive low-reflectance material and its relation to hollows. Journal of Geophysical Research Planets. doi.org/10.1002/jgre.20115
  3. "Xiao Zhao". Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. NASA . Retrieved 18 January 2020.