Early Morning Sun Illuminates a Young Lunar Crater
A breathtaking view from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) showcases a recently discovered crater on the Moon, bathed in the dramatic light of an early morning sunrise. This unnamed crater, approximately 10 kilometers in diameter and a staggering 2200 meters deep, is located at 70.00°S, 302.46°E.
The image, acquired on August 30, 2023, with an incidence angle of 82 degrees, reveals the steep western wall of the crater. The rising sun casts long, deep shadows across the lunar surface, highlighting the intricate details of this relatively young geological feature. The crater's walls are described as being at their angle-of-repose, around 36 degrees, with crisp and sharp small-scale features indicating a very recent formation – potentially as young as the famous Giordano Bruno crater, which is estimated to be two million years old or less.
The LRO, a robotic spacecraft dedicated to orbiting the Moon, captured this incredible image from an altitude of 100 kilometers. The photograph itself is approximately 12 kilometers wide at its center, providing an intimate look at lunar topography. The clarity and sharpness of the features suggest minimal resurfacing since its formation, making it a valuable subject for lunar science.
This discovery and the remarkable imagery provided by the LRO continue to enhance our understanding of the Moon's dynamic geological history. Scientists are eager to learn more about these young impact craters, which offer valuable clues about the rate and nature of lunar bombardment.
