Diophantus (crater)

Diophantus is a prominent lunar impact crater located in the southwestern part of Mare Imbrium. It lies to the east of the Montes Carpatus mountain range, and north-northwest of the prominent crater Eratosthenes.

The crater is named after the ancient Greek mathematician Diophantus of Alexandria, often called the "father of algebra."

Diophantus is a relatively young crater, possessing a well-defined rim and a rugged interior. The inner walls are terraced, displaying a series of concentric shelves and slope features. At the center of the crater floor is a small central peak.

To the east of Diophantus is a sinuous rille named Rima Diophantus, which meanders generally northward across the mare. Rima Diophantus is believed to be a collapsed lava tube, formed by molten rock flowing beneath the lunar surface. Its origin is likely volcanic.

The lunar coordinates of Diophantus are 31.0° N, 33.2° W. It has a diameter of approximately 19 kilometers.