Le Verrier (lunar crater)

Le Verrier is a lunar impact crater located in the southeastern part of the Moon's near side. It lies to the southwest of the prominent crater Petavius, and to the east-northeast of the smaller crater Vendelinus. The crater is named after Urbain Le Verrier, a French mathematician and astronomer who is best known for his calculations that led to the discovery of Neptune.

Description

Le Verrier is a relatively large and somewhat worn crater. The rim is eroded and irregular in places, with several small craterlets along the edge. The interior floor is relatively level, though not perfectly flat, and contains several small craterlets as well. There are no significant features within the crater itself, such as central peaks or prominent rilles. The crater's ejecta blanket is relatively subdued, indicating an older geological age. Its overall appearance suggests a significant period of bombardment and erosion since its formation. The crater is not easily visible from Earth with the naked eye; telescopic observation is usually required.

Location and Dimensions

Le Verrier is situated at selenographic coordinates 31.7° S, 60.3° E. Its diameter is approximately 70 kilometers. Its depth is not precisely known but is likely considerable given its size. Its precise age is also uncertain, but is estimated to be billions of years old, predating many of the younger craters in the surrounding area.

Naming and History

The crater was officially named by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in honour of Urbain Le Verrier. The IAU is responsible for assigning names to lunar features. Le Verrier, given his contributions to astronomy, represents a fitting namesake for a significant lunar formation. The crater's designation likely occurred during the early mapping and naming periods of lunar cartography. Further studies and observations continue to refine our understanding of its characteristics and history.