Goya (crater)

Goya is a crater located on Mercury. It is notable for its complex floor features, including smooth plains, hollows, and a central peak complex. The crater's relatively young age is inferred from its sharp rim and well-preserved ejecta blanket.

Location and Dimensions

Goya is situated in the northern hemisphere of Mercury. Its diameter is approximately 85 kilometers (53 miles).

Features

• Smooth Plains: The floor of Goya is partially covered by smooth plains, which are thought to be volcanic in origin, representing solidified lava flows that filled the crater floor after its formation.
• Hollows: Irregular, shallow, rimless depressions known as hollows are present on the floor and inner walls of Goya. These hollows are unique to Mercury and are believed to form through a process of sublimation, where volatile elements are lost from the surface.
• Central Peak Complex: A complex of peaks is located at the center of Goya, formed by the rebound of the crust immediately following the impact event that created the crater.
• Ejecta Blanket: A well-defined ejecta blanket surrounds Goya, consisting of material ejected from the surface during the impact. The crispness and extent of the ejecta blanket contribute to the crater's relatively young age assessment.

Significance

Goya is of scientific interest because its features provide insights into the geological history of Mercury, including its volcanic activity and the processes that shape its surface. The presence of hollows in particular makes Goya a valuable site for studying the volatile content and surface evolution of Mercury. Observations of Goya have contributed to understanding the ongoing geological processes on Mercury.