Joplin (crater)

Joplin is a small impact crater located on the Moon. It is situated within the larger Apollo basin, on the far side of the Moon. More specifically, it is located within the Mare Ingenii, a lunar mare that lies within the Apollo Basin.

The crater is named after the city of Joplin, Missouri. The naming convention for craters in this region of the Moon reflects a theme of American cities.

Joplin is relatively small and bowl-shaped, typical of lunar impact craters of its size. Its rim is well-defined, and the interior slopes down to a dark, presumably basaltic, floor. Due to its location within the Mare Ingenii, the crater's floor is likely filled with mare basalt, a dark, solidified lava flow.

Observations of Joplin, and other small craters in the area, are primarily conducted through orbital missions, as no human missions have explored this specific region of the lunar far side. Data collected from orbit helps scientists understand the composition and history of the lunar surface.

The coordinates of Joplin are approximately 37.3° S latitude and 165.3° E longitude.