Handel (crater)

Handel is a crater located on Mercury. It is situated in the northern hemisphere of the planet, within the heavily cratered terrain.

The crater is named after the German-British Baroque composer George Frideric Handel (1685-1759). The International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially approved the name in 1979.

Handel crater exhibits a fairly well-preserved morphology, with a distinct rim and a relatively smooth interior floor. While not exceptionally large, its prominent features make it a significant landmark within its surrounding region. Its diameter measures approximately 157 kilometers.

The impact event that formed Handel crater occurred sometime during Mercury's geological history. Like many other craters on Mercury, it provides valuable information regarding the bombardment history of the inner solar system and the processes that shaped Mercury's surface. Studies of Handel crater, along with other craters, contribute to our understanding of the age and evolution of the mercurian surface.