Bruegel (crater)

Bruegel is a prominent impact crater located on Mercury. It is situated in the Borealis quadrangle, specifically within the Caloris basin's northeastern quadrant. Bruegel is characterized by its well-defined rim, terraced inner walls, and central peak complex. The crater floor appears relatively smooth, likely due to infilling by volcanic material or impact melt after the initial impact event.

Bruegel is named after the Flemish Renaissance painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder, reflecting the International Astronomical Union's (IAU) convention of naming craters on Mercury after deceased artists. The naming honors Bruegel's significant contributions to the art world.

The crater's diameter measures approximately 75 kilometers. Its morphology suggests that it formed during the late heavy bombardment period in Mercury's history. Studying Bruegel's features and surrounding geology provides insights into the impact history and geological processes that have shaped Mercury's surface. Analysis of the crater's ejecta blanket and central peak complex can reveal information about the composition of the subsurface material excavated during the impact.