Fauth (crater)

Fauth is a small lunar impact crater located on the Mare Imbrium, near the northern inner wall of the much larger and prominent crater Copernicus. It is situated on the mare material that surrounds the northern ramparts of Copernicus, making it a distinctive feature in the immediate vicinity of that major crater.

Description Fauth is a relatively simple, bowl-shaped crater with a sharp, well-defined rim and an interior that slopes smoothly to a generally flat floor. It lacks a central peak, which is common for craters of its size. The crater has a diameter of approximately 12 kilometers. Its relatively shallow depth is characteristic of craters formed on the lunar maria. The coordinates of Fauth are approximately 10.9° N latitude and 20.1° W longitude.

Naming This crater is named after Philipp Fauth (1867–1941), a German selenographer (a person who studies the Moon). He was known for his detailed observations and maps of the lunar surface.

Satellite Craters A notable feature associated with Fauth is the smaller satellite crater designated Fauth A. Located just to the north-northwest of Fauth, Fauth A is almost as large as Fauth itself, with a diameter of about 10 kilometers. Fauth A is particularly distinctive for its unusual hexagonal outline, which is thought to be the result of a unique interaction between the impactor and the underlying geological structure. Its sharpness and unusual shape make it a visually interesting companion to Fauth.

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