Simpelius (crater)

Simpelius is a lunar impact crater located near the Moon's south pole. It lies on the far side of the Moon and is not visible directly from Earth. Due to its location, it is subject to extreme lighting conditions, with very low solar angles and long periods of darkness.

The crater is relatively small, measuring approximately 14 kilometers in diameter. It is characterized by a well-defined rim and a bowl-shaped interior. The terrain surrounding Simpelius is heavily cratered, reflecting the intense bombardment the lunar south pole has experienced over billions of years.

Simpelius is situated within the larger South Pole-Aitken basin, a vast impact feature on the far side of the Moon. Its exact age is difficult to determine, but it is believed to be ancient, having formed likely during the early stages of lunar history.

The crater's name honors Simo Petteri Simelius, a Finnish geodesist who made significant contributions to the study of the Earth's shape and gravity field.

Because of its proximity to the lunar south pole and the possibility of permanently shadowed regions within or near the crater, Simpelius has garnered interest as a potential site for future lunar exploration. Permanently shadowed regions may harbor deposits of water ice, a valuable resource for future lunar inhabitants.