Astronomers’ Observing Guides Other Titles in This Series
Star Clusters and How to Observe Them Mark Allison
Saturn and How to Observe It Julius Benton
Nebulae and How to Observe Them Steven Coe
The Moon and How to Observe It Peter Grego
Supernovae and How to Observe Them Martin Mobberley
Total Solar Eclipses and How to Observe Them Martin Mobberley
Double & Multiple Stars and How to Observe Them James Mullaney
The Herschel Objects, and How to Observe Them James Mullaney
Galaxies and How to Observe Them Wolfgang Steinicke & Richard Jakiel Peter Grego
Venus and Mercury, and How to Observe Them ISBN: 978-0-387-74285-4 e-ISBN: 978-0-387-74286-1
Library of Congress Control Number: 2007937298
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987654321 springer.com Dedication For Jacy, my daughter oyu ok n htohr r nprdt bev ecr n Venus. and justice Mercury does observe text to My my inspired them. are hope others this I to to that – grateful USA contributors and generous and image deeply work, and The your UK am helpful Blom. to the tremendously I Harry in been and and have Watson Springer book, John book at and this to help staff go produce his the thanks for to special All and hard book, underway. this worked got write have project to me the asked as having advice for Inglis Mike to Thanks Acknowledgements
vii Acknowledgments h ora fteSALnrSection, Lunar – the SPA publications Section, the astronomy of five of edits journal Subsection He the Topographical Association. Lunar Astronomical the Moon. co-ordinated British the has the of 2006 bright dark since and and the 1984, during Moon since deep’ the ‘go imaging to and likes mm 127 occasionally 200 observing a his he are is from but instrument interests ranging planets, observes favourite instruments, his He primary but of 1976. Grego’s Newtonian, variety since mm SCT. a 300 skies with a night to UK, the Maksutov Rednal, mm of in watcher garden regular his a from been has Grego Peter Grego Peter About Circulars h monthly the dio n ouns for columnist and advisor Csel 98,the 1998), (Cassell, www.lunarobservers.com. at o oOsreIt Observe to How 05.H saFlo fteRylAtooia Society. Astronomical Royal the of Fellow a is He 2005). Universe Know? to rg a ietdteLnrScino rti’ oit o oua Astronomy Popular for Society Britain’s of Section Lunar the directed has Grego rg steato fanme fatooybos including books, astronomy of number a of author the is Grego and Newsletter MoonWatch oua Astronomy Popular Srne,2005), (Springer, Clis 06 and 2006) (Collins, onOsre’ Guide Observer’s Moon fteSceyfrteHsoyo srnm,the Astronomy, of History the for Society the of ouni UK’s in column k tNight at Sky aaie nadto,h rtsadillustrates and writes he addition, In magazine. edt nw Stargazing Know? to Need oa ytmOsre’ Guide Observer’s System Solar h e Moon New The aaie n anan i w website own his maintains and magazine, srnm Now Astronomy PiisFrfy 2004), (Philips/Firefly, ora fteBALunar BAA the of journal , aaie sobserving is magazine, Clis 2005), (Collins, olso:Earth! Collision: (Philips/Firefly, h onand Moon The P News SPA Luna Need
ix About Peter Grego .OrCretKoldeo Venus of Knowledge Current Our 3. Mercury of Knowledge Current Our Venus and Mercury 2. of Knowledge Current 1 Section Introductio 1. Grego Peter About Acknowledgements Contents as est n Gravity and Density Mass, Dimensions Physical Orbit Venus’ Quadrant Southwestern Quadrant Northwestern Quadrant Southeastern Quadrant Northeastern Surface Quartet Mercurian Mercurian Known A the of Survey A Nomenclature Mercurian Mercury of History Surface Field Magnetic Atmosphere Tenuous A Crust and Mantle Core, Period Origins Rotation and Tilt Axial Gravity and Density Mass, Dimensions Physical Orbit Mercury’s eu,teRa Vulcan Real the Venus, Highlands and Terrae Features Tectonic History Surface Period Origins Rotation and Tilt Axial ...... 11 ...... 73 ...... esetv nMruyadVenus and Mercury on Perspective A – n ...... 71 ...... ix ...... vii ...... 15 ...... 73 ...... 9 ...... 74 ...... 9 ...... 72 ...... 24 ...... 75 ...... 33 ...... 25 ...... 78 ...... 50 ...... 14 ...... 13 ...... 42 ...... 20 ...... 72 ...... 10 ...... 16 ...... 11 ...... 72 ...... 71 ...... 9 ...... 22 ...... 1 ......
xi Contents xii Contents .OsrigMercury Observing 6. Venus and Mercury Recording 5. Venus and Mercury Observing for Equipment 4. Venus and Mercury Observing 2 Section oyn-pYu Observations Your Copying-up Drawing Line Programs Computer Data Venus and Mercury Techniques Recording Mounts Telescope Seeing and Scopes Viewers Binocular Eyepieces Resolution Telescopic Telescopes Binoculars and Monoculars Vision 300E) to (180 Region 180E) Kawelu-Atla-Helen to The (60 Three: Region Region 60E) Niobe-Aphrodite-Artemis to The (300 Two: Region Region Ishtar-Alpha-Lada The One: Region Triptych Venusian A Venus of Survey A Conditions Surface Field Magnetic Atmosphere Venus’ Modification Crater Craters Post-impact Impact Venusian of Classification Mechanism Impact The Features Impact Structures Tectono-Volcanic Flows Lava Occultations Mercury of Transits Telescope the Effect Through Stroboscope Appearance The its and Phases Mercury’s Observations Binocular Views Eye Naked Venus and Apparitions Mercury of Venus Occultations and Lunar Mercury to Common Phenomena Imaging Digital Mercury Featuring Opportunities Photo Scale Large Selected Venus and Mercury Imaging n eu,2009–2019 Venus, and ...... 155 ...... 170 ...... 162 ...... 82 ...... 210 ...... 227 ...... 187 ...... 105 ...... 201 ...... 90 ...... 211 ...... 173 ...... 172 ...... 172 ...... 107 ...... 106 ...... 207 ...... 103 ...... 223 ...... 183 ...... 109 ...... 169 ...... 177 ...... 223 ...... 211 ...... 92 ...... 183 ...... 158 ...... 192 ...... 87 ...... 189 ...... 177 ...... 188 ...... 97 ...... 93 ...... 209 ...... 207 ...... 155 ...... 109 ...... 140 ...... 213 ...... 123 ...... ujc index Subject index Feature Venus Index Feature Mercury of Bibliography and Resources Internet Useful Groups, Societies, Venus Observing 7. otwieBooks Worthwhile h eu rni f6Jn 2012 June Occultations 6 Stellar of Transit Venus The H-alpha in View The Views Eye Unaided Protected Venus of Transits Anomalies Contour Anomalies Venusian Patterns Cloud Venus’ Venus Telescope of a Observations Through Nocturnal Daytime in Venus Locating Observation Telescopic Eye Observations Unaided Binocular the with Views Daytime Star Apparitions Evening and Morning Brilliant ...... 259 ...... 229 ...... 255 ...... 229 ...... 243 ...... 253 ...... 249 ...... 247 ...... 242 ...... 241 ...... 244 ...... 237 ...... 235 ...... 234 ...... 243 ...... 236 ...... 244 ...... 229 ...... 233 ...... 236 ......
xiii Contents aldte‘ueir lnt.Tetrs‘neir n spro’aeoccasionally are are they ‘superior’ ‘inferior’ and the and Earth, as ‘inferior’ the known terms beyond are Sun The lie they the planets. that consequence orbit paths ‘superior’ orbits a Saturn apparent the have as and planets’ called Venus and Jupiter the and Earth, Mars, for Mercury the planets. reason Both of true clear. that the became within that heavens System, the Solar though beauty. the the and from love of name of to centre its goddess enough took Aphrodite), bright planet Greek stunning – sunset the this –4.4 to after dark that (equivalent magnitude a hours surprising Venus as against not 4 Roman brilliant seen is to as when It up object shadows. appear skies cast white can twilight pure Venus dazzling the sky, a in twilight Always visible sunrise). remain before can (or furthest its at of messenger fleet-footed celestial ancient the the in Mercury, Hermes to Roman god relative gods. the swift motion the the into rapid with transformed Its association later year. an dusk is Greece, to a between perfectly Glistening times Mercury alternating it time, sky. dozen –1.3, lent a dark a at magnitude background truly half weeks than few a skies a brighter in dawn for shining eye never and unaided seen and the be with hue, visible never only pinkish can always slightly it appear Mercury that a Earth, can close the with so planet on – view Neither of most Su Sun. point at the our to the From near from sky. relatively the appears far in very Sun the them opposite took peculiarities. cultural never that ignorant, wanderings thinking though for quaint, basis such scientific any any in have been merit could never any person has is reasoning there there no say, ancient and to into astrology, incorporated Needless for were astrology. basis special wanderers and apparently mysterious belief their seven of of the these systems Because and sky, Sun objects’. the the heavenly in plus ‘seven status – five the Saturn the up and two Jupiter comprised making is Mars, this as Moon, ‘planet’ Venus, and word Venus Mercury, The ‘wanderer’, – skies. and meaning planets dawn ‘planetes’ classical Mercury and Greek dusk planets the the between from the flit derived that regarded light have of points realms eyes celestial bright the human about curiosity them, keen a above developed ancestors remote our since Ever Venus and Mercury on Perspective A – Introduction 1 Chapter ofsdwt inr n otr lnt.TeinrpaesaeMruy Venus, Mercury, are planets inner The planets. ‘outer’ and ‘inner’ with confused twsol fe h oencnnto htteSn o h at,lya the at lay Earth, the not Sun, the that notion Copernican the after only was It and Mercury, as Sun the from far as twice around venture to appears Venus their that in planets, classical five the among special were Venus and Mercury itemr hna usrthdhn’ width hand’s outstretched an than more little a – n
A Perspective 1 on Mercury and Venus Section 1 Current Knowledge of Mercury and Venus Section 1 Current Knowledge of Mercury and Venus emnn ugsi h ln fisobtaon h u.Teeaeindications are There Sun. the around orbit opposite two its with of ellipsoid, it plane triaxial currently although the a Earth, is in forming the Mercury from spherical, bulges of accurately of permanent shape measure out precise to slightly The it small probably kilometres Earth. too is cubic is the billion it of 61 because size of unknown physical volume the a the 1/18th having as and is ranks diameter, and Earth’s planets the of (0.383) the four of System. all smallest Solar like the the rocks, in is silicate object It of largest planets. 11th chiefly inner composed System’s planet, Solar the terrestrial a is Mercury Dimensions Physical physics. more Newtonian the slightly classical in very by acceleration along point predicted small perihelion that a the than produces nudges consequence which This a velocity, too. as orbital increases and planet’s mass increases, advancement. velocity relativistic of its overall degree perihelion, its precise perihelion towards the Mercury’s speeds calculate to why Mercury us As explains allows and Relativity Gravi- advance, arcseconds of Universal should 43 of point Theory some Law General Newton’s by using Einstein’s differs made clockwise tation. figure century predictions years, this to per million according However, arcseconds a century north). 574 of per the by quarter from perihelion every viewed Sun its the when of around point circuit the one of to (completing (3.38° advance ecliptic the planet. the to other of owing any elliptical plane of the most that to the exceeds 7.005° is by far orbit inclination equator) its Sun’s Mercury’s attained and the 0.2056, is planets, of km/s the 38.86 eccentricity all of of orbital an velocity maximum orbital With its minimum aphelion. reaches its Mercury’s at it while aphelion. perihelion km/s, at At 58.98 km/s. of AU) the velocity 47.36 (0.4667 km to is 46,001,272 km velocity between respect 69,817,079 ranges orbital with and Sun average period perihelion the light (its from at 3.22 distance period AU) or actual orbital (0.3075 Its AU, sidereal days. (0.3871 87.99 a km of in 57,909,176 stars) Sun, of the distance from average minutes) an at orbits Mercury Orbit Mercury’s Mercury of Knowledge Current Our 2 Chapter htteemyb ereo eipei smer,issuhr hemisphere southern its asymmetry, hemispheric of degree a be may there that iha qaoildaee f489k,Mruyi itemr hnone-third than more little a is Mercury km, 4,879 of diameter equatorial an With pattern ‘rosette’ complex a out traces orbit Mercury’s above, from Viewed
Our Current
9 Knowledge of Mercury 10 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury aie 0saepoedrn t he lbso ecr a loe t mass its allowed has Mercury the of 10 be on flybys × cannot 3.30 three exerted at mass its perturbations determined its during be Gravitational therefore probe to law. space and 10 third satellites, Mariner artificial Kepler’s or using natural calculated no has Mercury Gravity and Density Mass, considerably are moons somewhat icy actually distant are those – of respectively Saturn’s both diameter, massive. and although less in twice Ganymede or Mercury, km Jupiter’s Ocean, than 5,150 – Atlantic satellites larger and the planetary km of Two area 5,262 Moon. the Titan, the to equivalent of Earth, area the the of is that which percent crust, 15 solid substantial thick. Mercury’s km to tidal order 100–200 due the solar be amplitude in to that be in thought to inevitable metre likely is a is it around It although of hemisphere. deformation, crustal northern repetitive its produce forces than larger slightly being orce o h fet fgaiy ecr scnieal esrta h Earth, g/cm the 5.3 than denser of considerably density is uncompressed Mercury gravity, an of having effects the for corrected aigi h oa ytmsnnhms asv bet ecr’ aeilhas material Mercury’s object. g/cm massive 5.43 most of ninth density System’s average Solar an the it making ssihl oedne t55 g/cm 5.52 at dense, more slightly is at.Mruyssraegaiya h qao s024pretta fteEarth’s, the of that km/s. percent 4.435 0.284 is is velocity equator escape the its at and gravity surface Mercury’s Earth. ecr’ ufc rao oe7 ilo qaeklmte mut osome to amounts kilometres square million 75 some of area surface Mercury’s h at,Mo n ecr,t scale. to Mercury, and Moon Earth, The 23 3 g(3 rlintne) /8hta fteEarth, the of that 1/18th tonnes), trillion (330 kg eodol otesufo h at,which Earth, the of stuff the to only second – 3 093teErhsdniy.Hwvr when However, density). Earth’s the (0.983 3 oprdwt . g/cm 4.4 with compared 3 o the for lhuhteei obih trmrigMruysnrhclsilpl,testar pole. the celestial time). south pole, years’ its celestial 12,000 to north around close Mercury’s very in lies marking star 3.31) star pole by (magnitude bright Earth’s (which, Pictoris no Vega Alpha the and is be star) there to pole Although is current precession, (Earth’s of Polaris virtue stars the between midway ssnie hl rmte‘o oe h u per ooclaeaon h zenithal the around oscillate to appears the opposite perihelion. Sun affair, the around the precisely pole’ protracted at ‘hot being point similarly the skies a from Mercury’s from while is in perihelion sunrise, sunset motions as at where solar noticeable apparent planet, is of the It sequence on rotation. solar canceling- planet’s point is temporarily bizarre the – opposite perihelion of This nature the near effects in Sun itself. observed the counter-intuitive showing the around seemingly out orbit first and planet’s manages System after the finally Solar by days the disc caused 18 in solar unique around whole – horizon the dance rising, the diameter; its for recommence clear apparent horizon to the more in to towards once shrinking back course falls it apparent slowly then reverses in then Sun now arcminutes and the days, 102 point, of eight this to further most At 96 a heave so. experience around to does from which days it growing as Earth poles’), horizon, diameter four longi- the ‘hot around these above takes From the disc Sun perihelion. its of the at surface, is side Mercury’s planet on either the tudes when (90° sunsets longitude and sunrises in alternating 270° long and as twice 90° 176 and period lasts days rotation next, 44 planet’s the further year. the to a than Mercurian sunrise and longer a one zenith, times as from its three Mercury, – reach on days to ‘day’ Earth Sun complete the A for sunset. year) until Mercurian a (half days daytime. the during heating and range, night atmospheres, temperature the their greater in on by a cooling allows rapidly temperatures moderated surface atmosphere of is its substantial melts range Venus a and The (lead of Earth lack side. perihelia Mercury’s the dark alternate while like planet’s at planets the Sun of when on surfaces the Kelvin Sun the 90 to the to exposure beneath Kelvin) their directly Kelvin 601 during 740 lie at from poles equator, that range the hot – surface on the Mercury’s longitude points on at 180° Temperatures – at perihelion. poles’ at other ‘hot is the two Mercury and has 0° planet Sun the at the face result, one hemispheres a alternate times that As means perihelion. 154 This each Sun. around the around km/hour, orbits two equator. 10.89 every Earth’s is the The equator at stars). its velocity the rotational at to the respect point than with a slower rotation its of ie., velocity period, rotational spin sidereal its termed being og aksm . ilo er,we h nvrewstotid t current its two-thirds was necessary Universe is the it when system, years, planetary billion its 4.6 and Sun some the back of go origin to the understand fully To Origins celestial north the skies, 4 Mercury’s around h orbit In its 18 seasons. of at no plane lies the experiences to pole planet 0.01° the mere a Sun, tilted the is axis rotational Mercury’s Since Period Rotation and Tilt Axial g.Lk oa,tesar prlo h ik a aaywsitrae ihgiant with interlaced was galaxy Way Milky the of spiral starry the today, Like age. ecr slce na32si-ri eoac,rttn he ie nisai for axis its on times three rotating resonance, spin-orbit 3/2 (this a in minutes locked is 30 Mercury hours 15 days 58 every once just axis its on rotates Mercury euirkn fsniei ob bevdfo onso h qao tboth at equator the on points from observed be to is sunrise of kind peculiar A Earth 44 around takes it equator, planet’s the on point a from sunrise Following 4m2sRA, 14°Dciain–i h oselto fDraco, of constellation the in – Declination 61.45°
Our Current 11 Knowledge of Mercury 12 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury ytefc htieprilsbn oehrmc oeefcetyta iiae,the silicates, than efficiently more much together bond particles ice that fact the objects by protoplanetary planets. the producing the of of quickened, pace nuclei in planetesimals the the – snowball stage, became larger formation to this that the planetary At objects form. of of larger to the seeds growth planetesimals the enabled the accretion mountain-sized in forces enabling – gravitational Material Gravitational size, matter its today). period. of Saturn began this clumps of Sun during the larger rings nascent like the innumerable the (something in into material encircling diameter found of disk in sizes chunks metres particle protoplanetary create ten of to and range agglomeration centimetre same of one means between by ranging condensed together – sticking ammonia other, and crystals. methane AU ice water, 5 forming – some disk, material Jupiter, the of icy of distance out Sun, current nascent the metallic the heavier around from and as Beyond silicates such for condense. gases enough to low lightweight elements but for condense, high to too helium, were and hydrogen disk proto-Sun’s orbit. protoplanetary between the current the distance in Mercury’s formation, temperatures of the its size after kilometers, the diameter years about million 100,000 in to lying around 150 shrunk AU gas had By 100,000 is and diameter Sun). than Unit, dust and more of Earth Astronomical rotation, disk the rapidly an proto-Sun’s broad the AU, the a Surrounding of lay (1 reactions. plane proto-Sun thermonuclear the the ignite of along orbit, to current globe Neptune’s cool flattened as too wide spinning inter- as far object disturbed still an – but proto-Sun the distinct Solar a in the became globule become arise to to ultimately own was their entities globules under collapsing such these themselves System. of of on One regions thousands in cloud. denser stellar perhaps freely these of collapsed – Many which regions. gravity globules denser form dark to formed together shunted was massive nearby cloud short-lived a but from energetic, propagated a highly vicinity. surrounding a have the shockwaves surrounding in may the gas tug star by it hot gravitational caused of cluster; been the bubble have star by growing may are which produced or it there ripple been or star but explosion, have the passing unknown, supernova may of is massive It clumps origin a causes. denser The of possible these regions. of of number denser formation material a the its of of trigger multitude some to pushed a served cloud form the beyond to from together originating ripple dust a molecular and Galaxy, oxygen) mainly the metals). and – and nitrogen silicates percent of of (99 proportion particles – small gas percent a light interstellar (1 and 100 cold helium around with of typically hydrogen, composed entities, across, gravitationally-bound vast years – clouds molecular aso oe3 ats olwn nasmlrfsin rt-aun proto- proto-Saturn, fashion, surrounded cores similar ice-rock atmospheres. a attained their gaseous in as it thick massive until Following with more vicinity themselves Earths. grew sweep orbital proto-Neptune 30 gravitationally its and to some in Uranus enough helium) of massive and mass – hydrogen to Earths a (mainly first dozen gases was a the Proto-Jupiter around up developed. of protoplanets mass large a very reach four of cores ice-rock pcso oi atrcnesn hogotteds etyclie iheach with collided gently disk the throughout condensing matter solid of Specks planets, inner the by occupied now region the in Sun, nascent the to Near solar the Kelvin, 10,000 exceeded had core globule’s the at temperatures Once interstellar the of material the of some ripple, the of cause the Whatever of arm spiral outer an within embedded clouds, molecular giant these of one In nteotrSlrSse,weeteiiilpoeso glmrto a helped was agglomeration of process initial the where System, Solar outer the In h lntscnr,frigtepae’ oe hl ihe aeilsc ssilicon, as such material lighter while core, of single planet’s the sources towards a forming by sink several centre, produced to was planet’s were heat material iron-rich the and planet There heavier elements caused differentiation. of the Differentiation decay impacts. as formation, asteroidal radioactive in known pressure, After materials internal process according heating: separate raw Sun. a this and of melt density, young to selection its material hot the limited to enabled the heating a but to from mass, homogenous close formed Mercury zone seen, a have we As Crust and Mantle Core, have to likely disrupted tidally are being them surfaces. before their like Mars’ Earth to Deimos, objects the down and – and crashing Phobos and form Venus asteroids done. to Mercury, captured had enough orbited planets tiny substantial temporarily outer are material planets giant of terrestrial satellites, the disk the two as a of satellite, attracted None own have metals. its to and enough silicates large – of Mars was chiefly and a Earth composed Venus, has Mercury, one – and each System Solar comets inner the icy dominated Earths. of protoplanets hundred billions a contain Oort and the five to as between estimated known of Sun, is mass the Cloud total from AU Oort populate 100,000 The to and Saturn, roughly Cloud. 50,000 far and lying between flung Jupiter zone with were and encounters spherical planetesimals AU close a icy after 50 of System numbers Solar around vast the to beyond However, plane. Neptune ecliptic beyond the spreading along than zone less a somewhat occupies being mass individual total as (its remained Belt objects Moon). Asteroid the own our main and because object the Jupiter, planet-sized within of Sun single asteroids disruption the a orbiting form gravitational Planetesimals to the comets. unable of and were Jupiter asteroids and as Mars day between this ignited to Sun survive the these thermonuclear years. time of million that the 50 to – than nebula Kelvin less solar process, took the million entire of star, the 15 that collapse a thought the as of is of It order beginnings born. was the the Sun from in the and – triggered, were high reactions so the became by away core swept was gas remaining any System’s the as Solar of tracks, the wind. its proportion of solar in growth large stopped further a plane, was The channel planets its space. to giant interstellar to its eventually into mass into was perpendicular original into that slammed star’s deflected flow winds sucked were bipolar solar was a and Strong material producing lines. disk as field flares protoplanetary magnetic sudden to surrounding powerful to sufficient along star. collapse, not prone star T-Tauri gravitational was variable, the by a degrees but fuelled as million prodigious output, known energy 5 was its is around reactions, what of thermonuclear become temperature ignite to core threshold its significant Although a crossed Sun ansu n lmnu oet omtepae’ ateadcut l the All crust. and mantle planet’s the form to rose aluminium and magnesium yaon 0 ilo er fe h olpeo h oa lbl,fu sizeable four globule, solar the of collapse the after years million 200 around By which Belt, Kuiper the comprise disk protoplanetary Sun’s the of Remnants many – System Solar the in large at remained planetesimals smaller Countless Sun’s nascent the at temperatures and pressures gravity, under contracting Still proto- the globule, solar the of collapse the after years million one around By
Our Current 13 Knowledge of Mercury 14 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury en uhasalpae ona oteSn ti nupiigta Mercury’s that unsurprising dissipated Mars. soon is formation or its it Earth after the had Sun, space. have Venus, into once the surrounding may to it that atmosphere than near substantial substantial Any so less far planet is small atmosphere a such Being Atmosphere Tenuous A body a producing Mercury. ultimately space today’s mass, to to single lost composition of is a and velocity material into mass a rocky similar melded at bodies’ of cores proto-Mercury two iron-rich of the featuring objects the mass of Simulations most both the while Sun). that one-sixth of the show body by mantle km/hour a consumed and 126,000 by largely crust in impact be lighter volatiles glancing (to the remaining a space of any into quantities evaporating flung iron-rich vast Mercury, were own while of whose body that process, planetary into the another subsumed of was impact core the by augmented further the of much up make silicates contained while is diameter) iron its the percent planet’s of crust. 80 the and half Most to (around mantle silicates. across up km percent 3,900 or to 30 up volume, measuring and core iron enormous crust. an percent within rocky 70 solid a some by to overlain iron) and (mainly mantle metallic silicate a a namely by structure, surrounded internal core, similar a have planets terrestrial oasu 05pret,atog hs r o imycntandvle.Traces values. constrained firmly sodium not percent), and are (42 percent) these oxygen (0.5 although a calcium of percent), percent), up from (6 (0.5 made helium indistinguishable potassium percent), is almost (22 it hydrogen is composition, percent), (29 atmosphere of terms Mercury’s In level), vacuum. sea at pressure olwn ifrnito,i setrl osbeta ecr’ rncr was core iron Mercury’s that possible entirely is it differentiation, Following amount to thought composition, its from results density mean high Mercury’s ihasraepesr faon 10 around of pressure surface a With − 15 as( rlinhteErhsatmospheric Earth’s the trillionth (a bars neir fteErhand Earth Mercury. the of the interiors between Comparison nteleadsd h antcfedi tece u noaln antctail magnetic long a into out stretched length. is in surface. field radii the magnetic from Mercury away the the 15 distant radius of perhaps side radii Mercury nose boundary leeward one Mercury (the shock’s than the 1.5 magnetopause less bow the around On little The of is a nose field) shock. Sun) the magnetic the bow with planet’s it facing surface, a slowing planet’s and as wind, the with solar known from line the wave in deflects shock portion and a (the space creating into and out magnetic down the distance Mercury’s of magnetosphere. some pressure planet’s extends the the Belts), of field field geometry Allen the Van magnetic distorts Earth’s wind the the solar as (such of particles charged magnitude energetic observed Mercurian fossilised the of intrinsic is for that of it account that and that especially strength. field to or models, magnetic iron, fail these Sun’s in rise of magnetism, the rich magnetic giving Both between crust core, Mercury’s planet. a interactions liquid that the outer of by suggested an magnetisation been induced has remnant has somehow it from it to that from Alternatively, emanates thought and separated effect. field is is mantle, crust dynamo Mercury fluid solid a of a planet’s to core the by that the core possible While inner is the core. it models ago, molten current long most a solidified dynamo, be have require magnetic might existence active most this its an and – smallest possess how for mechanism This the to but is dynamo planet field. Mercury – rotating If internal magnetic understood. energy slowly an poorly magnetic Earth’s is of Mercury to means the within some converted produced by of to are being generated amounts strength axes energy being strength the the mechanical is field case it 1/100th magnetic Mercury’s that around planet’s in implies is – The rotation; axis Gauss other. of magnetic axis each Mercury’s 0.002 Earth, planet’s of the the 14° with with within common line in in Also roughly charged Earth. negatively and the positive like with field, poles, magnetic dipole substantial a has Mercury Field Magnetic the that indications strong permanently are are pole soon there ice. north as but the water at sublimates with sunlight, craters this covered shadow-filled to permanently of subjected deep, freeze most of is which – floors surface volatiles hemisphere other nuclei the unilluminated and cometary planet’s as vapour the impacting crust, water on Occasional occasionally of out Mercury’s gases. may quantities within sulphurous crust liberate elements the of undoubtedly in potassium of quantities fissures and decay out deep-seated sodium belch radioactive ions through Helium, and events the photons degassing impacts. by energetic while micrometeoritic provided constituents of by impact atmospheric also and the Other are by Sun space. crust into the planet’s back from magnetosphere the drifting planet’s from the later liberated helium by before are and gathered while hydrogen wind, of solar a the Atoms for from replenished. derived and probably lost are being continually are likely atoms also are neon and krypton xenon, argon, exist. nitrogen, to water, dioxide, carbon of hl ecr’ antcfedi a o ekt rdc eto trapped of belt a produce to weak too far is field magnetic Mercury’s While – gases of envelope stable a means no by is atmosphere Mercury’s However,
Our Current 15 Knowledge of Mercury 16 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury vdn costat ftecretsraeo ecr.Albttoo h 23 the of two but by All formed Mercury. were below) of still (listed is surface basins terrain multi-ring current makes Mercurian cratered the large highly which known of ancient terrain, currently This tracts original cratered units. the across highly geological ‘sandblasting’ evident oldest producing planet, planet’s and the the time up into over smash crust to Mercurian continued of impacts that asteroid the like crust to anorthositic rise predominantly produced a to have forming would Moon. that minerals crust, the episode the to plagioclase an in similar low-density Such levels ocean’ highest Moon. allowing ‘magma own a differentiation, our produced further covered have have kilometres may to hundred crust several thought outer original the of Mercury’s melting Global of ago. years billion km across 4.6 62 around km and 1,340 km and 100 measuring multi- km craters 510 large respectively. (C), impact are diameter are are Calorian in rings Caloris Kuiper main (T), and and whose Mansur Tolstoj Tolstojan respectively; basins Periods. (PT), impact (K) asteroidal Pre-Tolstojan Kuiperian ring based the and periods distinct (M) namely: several Mansurian ages, into arranged relative been on has history geological Mercury’s Mercury of History Surface nhaiycaee ra.Smlrciei aebe sdi h identification the in used found been relief have high of criteria arcuate features Similar units, topographic areas. younger isolated cratered geologically and heavily scarps through in and protrude ridges ranges that mountain lobate of massifs identification the isolated including criteria, and of variety a using identified Period. Pre-Tolstojan the during impacts asteroidal h r-osoa eidbgn ihteeris hsso h lntshistory planet’s the of phases earliest the with begins period Pre-Tolstojan The hs nin ecra matbsn n hi ocnrcrnshv been have rings concentric their and basins impact Mercurian ancient These and meteoroid stable; hardly were crust Mercurian early the on Conditions ecr’ nrni dipole magnetosphere. intrinsic Mercury’s iso ecr’ known basins. impact Mercury’s major main of the longitude rims map showing on 10W) (Centred Hemispherical in Diameter Period. Pre-Tolstojan – PT Period; Tolstojan from – derived Data T rim. Period; topographic Calorian main – C ages: Relative (km) diameters Ring Age Centre Basin 3 aiSoa 3,4WP 6,600, 360, 790, 480, PT 825, 700, 375, PT 44W 580, 83S, PT 350, 115W 240, 220, 33S, 580, 425, PT PT 10W PT 4N, 860, PT 106W 151W 57N, 19W 17N, 35N, PT 850, 590, 280, 270, 30W 31S, Sadi-Scopas 53W 23. 73N, 360, Bartók-Ives PT PT 22. PT 410, Donne-Molière 21. 171W Chong-Gauguin PT 105W 23S, 20. 27W 56S, 51N, PT Gluck-Holbein 1030, 19. 700, 420, 162W Hawthorne-Riemenschneider 52S, 18. Ibsen-Petrarch 75W 17. 24S, PT Budh 16. Juana Derzhavin-Sor 15. Borealis 49W 14. 43S, Eitoku-Milton 13. Vincente-Barma 12. Matisse-Repin 11. Andal-Coleridge 10. rs,1993. Press, ecr’ ut-igipc basins impact multi-ring Mercury’s .Tr6,18 T30 6,950, 660, 380, PT 168W 6N, 475, 490, 260, 150, 340, 330, 260, PT PT 150, 200, PT PT 132W 34N, PT 900, 172W 129W T 630, 59N, 1S, PT 23W 16S, 159W 44N, 164W 151W 16S, 49N, C 195W Tir 30N, 9. Mena-Theophanes 8. Hiroshige-Mahler 7. Brahms-Zola 6. Sobkou 5. Shakespeare 4. Eyck Van 3. Tolstoj 2. Caloris 1. h elg fMliRn matBasins Impact Multi-Ring of Geology The 560 1750 3700 2700, 1990 alSui,CmrdeUniversity Cambridge Spudis, Paul , 4,890 740, , 355 620 850 420 285 500 500 640 850 1530 725 850 4,1080 840, , 680 , 3,1175 930, , 1420 , 520 450, , 950 , 1050 780, , 1140 , 1700 1250, 950, , 700 , 20 1550, 1250, , 770 510 930 1175 1340 2230 , 1200 , 1310 , 720 , 1250 1060 940 1180 bold 1500 , 2050, , 1300 stebasin’s the is 1500 , ,
Our Current 17 Knowledge of Mercury 18 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury rgee yteClrsipc,we mohvlai lis uha h Suisei, the as volcanism such of plains, However, episode volcanic Moon. global smooth the a when favours impact, on of strongly Caloris blankets found the origin thick Formation by of are triggered Cayley mode plains their uniform the smooth for a to the evidence have similar that plains ejecta, suggested smooth been impact the there has ridges, and It here wrinkle crossed composition. like and numbers features crater in compressional Low by surface. planet’s the of percent hundred 15 high. several kilometres typically three scarps, to lobate mountains up and topography, and cliffs pre-existing long huge through to kilometres cleanly leading global alike, crumpled cut crust craters Enormous faults the and These as kilometres. faults itself. three thrust on of around formation up consequence extensive by a the as reduced caused and stresses Mercury crustal shrunk, it of cooled diameter core the the As topography. surface planet’s the hills. knobbly of landscape Caloris. ‘weird’ of planet’s a topographical centre the pre-existing the producing destroyed to through features, and antipodal disrupted directly point waves a traveling shock on concentrated to energy These addition their the Immense focusing in core, through Montes. globe, and traveled Caloris mantle the impact the around Caloris by the and marked by feature’s crust identified. diameter, produced the been waves in is seismic today km also basin compressional 1,340 have Caloris some the Caloris ring, of to whose element main radial topographical basin obvious chains vast most crater Numerous The a hemisphere. and Mercurian produced significant entire valleys geologically an impact of lineaments, most Caloris much the across The spread of rings history. one concentric impact, Mercury’s 3.8 around Caloris in ends the and markers with equator, the Late ago near the years basin multi-ring as billion Tolstoj known the of and formation ago, the years billion 3.8 to and Earth 4 debris the Bombardment. around System, of Venus, Heavy from Mercury, Solar zone affecting lasted inner a impacts that the of disrupted towards Moon period which diverted intense Belt, an were Neptune in Asteroid asteroids and producing the of – Uranus disrupting Millions Jupiter, giants of afield. of gas formation further orbit are System’s late the Solar asteroids in the the change of or by a Millions disrupted by Mercury. triggered gravitationally perhaps been including have planets, to its terrestrial thought at the was on volcanism cussions of episode ago. years widespread billion This four widespread around most landscape. of the height much Mercurian are masked plains of or and intercrater covered The basins form which landscape. existing plains cratered the intercrater pre-existing heavy infilling broad the extensively of the flows, period of lava to some this as crust producing the During surface in the Moon. points across weak the through spread burst on material molten basins bombardment, multi-ring asteroidal eroded ancient, of er g.Drn hspro ti ieyta uho h c urnl existing currently ice the of much that billion likely 1 is to it 3.5 around period from rates this comet lasted diminishing During which and rapidly Period, ago. and Mansurian asteroid years activity the small marks volcanic impact large-scale meteoroid, remained of of has occasional absence Mercury from An solidified. impacts. largely apart and quiet, down cooled geologically interior surface. its planet’s and the further of parts across spread Planitiae, Tir and Odin ifrn omo ciiy episd ecr,hdfrhripiain on implications further had Mercury, inside deep activity, of form different A with Period, Tolstojan the of beginning the saw Bombardment Heavy Late The reper- enormous had have to appear System Solar the in out further Events olwn hsfnleioeo ocncatvt,tepae’ rs osldtdyet consolidated crust planet’s the activity, volcanic of episode final this Following around occupy these and plains, smooth of consists terrain youngest Mercury’s nnw,atog ti siae ohv oa egho rud400k fi icmcie h nieCaloris entire the circumscribes it if km 4,000 around currently of is range length mountain total the a of extent have Calorian actual – to The C estimated Montes. Period; basin. Caloris is Mansurian the – it of M sections although Period; eastern unknown, Kuiperian known – the K of ages: length tectonic.Relative *The – T volcanic; – Period V impact; – I Type: Age Type Location (km) Size Example Type an the displays of Kuiper many Kuiper period, rays. Like spidery crater this era. radial during current the bright the formed of of of that system formation start extensive craters the impact young marks The small ago relatively nuclei. years billion cometary one delivered of was around pole impacts north the planet’s the by near craters shadow-filled permanently within 5 ut-igbsnClrsd1303N 9WIC I 195W 30N, d.1,340 C C T T C C 30W 164W 30S, 23N, V/T I Caloris w.800 190W l.300 159W 31N, 43N, Dorsum Petrarch Schiaparelli basin w.800 near w.800 Multi-ring Area 15. Eyck van around multi-ring Area Ancient 14. (dorsum) Ridge 13. Planitia Caloris terrain Weird 12. terrain Lineated 11. plains Hummocky 10. oentbeeape fMruysgooia features geological Mercury’s of examples notable Some .Sot li otesi .1 5,16 / PT/C PT C* I/V I/T 176W 45S, I 187W 39N, 32W d.411 16S, l.2,000 l.150 Montes Caloris Dostoevskij Vallis (montes) Goldstone Mountains 9. crater halo Dark 8. plain Smooth (vallis) 7. Valley 6. scarp Lobate 5. crater Impact 4. crater Impact 3. crater Impact 2. crater Impact 1. basin (DHC) (rupes) (Tolstojan) (Calorian) (Mansurian) (Kuiperian) osoa eid T–PeTltjnPeriod. Pre-Tolstojan – PT Period; Tolstojan – T ; ogtd,lre hn20km) 200 than larger longitude, ahe 343 383 390 370 411 643 (km) Diameter Raphael Shakespeare Goethe Tolstoj Dostoevskij Beethoven Name ad 270 270 282 290 303 314 Haydn Mozart Eyck Van Vyasa Monet Homer i ecra rtr bten1Wad190W and 10W (between craters Mercurian Big uhd801N 5WIPT I 151W 17N, d.850 K I 170W 33S, T Budh d.80 C I C T 36W 24S, I M 38W 56S, K 176W 31N, d.159 Basho I l.550 I d.70 163W 48N, 31W 11S, Rupes d.100 Discovery d.62 Ibsen March Mansur Kuiper
Our Current 19 Knowledge of Mercury 20 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury nae ml rlin double brilliant Small Unnamed rbs eoete,orkoldeo h perneo h ufcso h more the space of interplanetary surfaces last by the the of quarters appearance our during close the disk, about at of lunar knowledge imaged come our the were only then, they across Before has when sunlight probes. features century, of a topographic play readily half are the these Earth) a with the Moon, of facing displays own Earth knowledge side our surface the the of on Mercury’s from those exception close, discernable least, the (at up With giants features gas imaged features. topographic the whose topographic been of permanent satellites have of the that and range satellites, asteroids their the and planets and terrestrial the all Like Nomenclature Mercurian Chekhov. respectively. of diameter west km crater diameter. km/60 km km 63 20 30 pair, diameter. Bright km 19 49W. diameter. 30S, km at 62 Located Notes unnamed Small Brontë/Degas Unnamed Copley Snorri Unnamed Kuiper Name fdfeetabd teata elciiyo nae ftesrae,pu h angle the plus surface), areas the of by area caused an were of tone reflectivity cases, in actual some variations in (the (and, These albedo planets different moons). the of Galilean on four brightness Jupiter’s different of on areas discern only and could observation telescopic visual on depended System Solar photography. the in objects distant oebih ecra a craters ray Mercurian bright Some km. hundred several for directions all in radiate rays 105W, 8S, at Located crater e h ens ysa h eecp ypeeadtebs at-ae images Earth-based best the and eyepiece telescope the at eyes keenest the Yet iad 213 214 200 214 221 221 216 229 231 246 (km) Diameter Aleichem Sholem Vivaldi Pinto Mendes Bach Michelangelo Wren Valmiki Rodin Pushkin Renoir Name (Continued) 0k crater. km 20 3S 49W). (30S, patch bright a by surrounded crater hkser n h rit a a ykadUtdMnu ude oehrin together William huddled playwright Mansur great Ustad and the Eyck than Van other Jan none artists the find and we Shakespeare example, For use topography. musicians. scientists planet’s the planetary upon prefer while to based planet Schiaparelli, relation system by red no IAU-approved devised the bear modern nomenclature of the often old observers markings with the telescopic situation albedo use yet the to many features; to whose topographic similar planet is planet’s This the a nomen- Antoniadi. Mars, based of to that albedo-marking upon regard an based astronomical of for is use the which Group and clature the However, work, Working sanction telescopic topography. ground-based organisations the amateur Mercury’s of astronomical by of importance the survey referred recognizes devised is still following world that one nomenclature the place of in system its the to is in This planet’s Nomenclature. put the System Planetary and of patchwork nomenclature craters. overlying of impact the young from to emanate due more which the largely systems to ray observed is albedo bright the Mercury of of terrain juxtaposition terms on the smooth in Rather, markings markings different basins, terrain. dusky widely mountainous flooded and that the cratered ancient not heavily areas where the are bright plains Moon Mercury, the intercrater of the On and most highlands. of and cratered basins, surface impact are the multi-ring unlike lava-flooded to quite correspond – Mercury Phaethontias, Liguria, of Pleias, as such Brighter names Apollonia. others. given and were among the Pentas areas Aphdrodites, given these Solitudino Perse- between was Solutudino and spots equator named the Atlantis variously Hermes the were Solitudino of patches of phones, (Wilderness dark south Trismegisti other while Hermae area Greatest), Solitudo Thrice dusky of name large sounding one grand planet example, the (1971). For Murray of Greece. Camichel John charts Henri and by Dollfus later maps and the (1955) for were Dollfus these the basis Audouin among to and prior Notable the Union) flybys. Astronomical as 10 (International Mariner served IAU historic the nomen- latter, by the Giovanni sanctioned of the were by much which by with produced along Maps devised (1934), nomenclature. Antoniadi clature Eugene of and systems planet. (1890) own Schiaparelli the their observations of bestowed visual features. maps they albedo using observed frequently ‘official’ made more and Mercury the larger planet’s of into the verifiable maps around incorporated based in pre-Mariner were lacking never the and all were inconsistent observations, Therefore, These rare, they glasses. so that opera were or data observer, telescope highlands the irregular small southern reliable very an Moon’s however a the discerning as through the reported such appear from observers craters, might visually shadow-filled some glimpsed even Mercury, and been to terminator have regard Mars With and Earth. Mercury of the features whose of topographic and case parts phase the unilluminated darkening. marked in pronounced and a a relevant illuminated shows display especially the often that between is planet) planets division latter inferior (the The Venus, terminator them. and illuminated Mercury Sun of the which at h otenhmshr,wieLdi a etoe svr ieycmoe in composed nicely very is Beethoven van Ludwig while hemisphere, northern the otcaeso ecr aeternmsfo aosatos rit and artists authors, famous from names their take Mercury on craters Most system old the abandoned wisely IAU the assembly General Annual 1973 their At topography the to relation little bear to found were markings albedo these Sadly, and Egypt ancient of mythology the upon based was nomenclature Antoniadi’s which upon charts Mercurian own their produced observers notable of number A actual the of some instances, exceptional some in that noted be may It
Our Current 21 Knowledge of Mercury 22 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury h usd,btlk h at nteisd.Wiemc fMruyssurface in Mercury’s differences of significant much on are While there Moon inside. Moon, the the own resembling our on of planet, Earth that paradoxical the resembles like a superficially but as outside, described the been has Mercury Known Surface the Mercurian of Survey A future. the in been in IAU far ranges, the by thus mountain designated more has be dozens borders, will massifs that it mountain likely that single is poles. to plain it hot addition the planet’s However, after the designated. of named officially one Montes, at position Caloris Planitia its range, Caloris to and reference feature, a albedo is is Norse word prominent Plain) Plain) a (Hindu Hot (a Northern for for Planitia for Planitiae name (Latin (Latin Budh classical Tir Planitia and a Borealis and Mercury) from exceptions; derived for Odin are word There include Norse Mercury). They for the and been plains. have god the cultures Mercury ancient naming from for gods Mercury-associated adopted with along languages, of the after mapping Dorsum the in Schiaparelli role and Mercury. significant a of Dorsum played whom Antoniadi of both named (after astronomers, aforementioned are Rupes two Victoria but Ocean), ship). group, Antarctic Pacific Bellinghausen’s the (after across Rupes Vostok him and took ship) that Captain Magellan’s (after ship planet’s Rupes Discovery final the include they Cook’s of and research, mapping scientific and radar exploration the in prominently figures Haystack which and surface. Vallis of Goldstone Vallis, each Arecibo include Vallis, They Earth. the on Rupes, telescopes Vallis, namely features, Mercurian to Montes. applied and been Planitia same have Dorsum, five the list, in this the longitudes, of passes; Out Mercurian Earth. longitude the of of on system line 20), used the 20° is around define Mayan the Greenwich system to that which ancient numbering died way used through the their is who crater is based centre the Team Kal Mayas crater’s as Imaging Hun (the chosen 10 Mercury. 20 was Mariner of number and flyby original the University first for the the probe’s name of of the Kuiper member before Gerard on a shortly Kal. personalities was Hun crater and Arizona creative Kuiper Arnold of of named rule and craters the Twain are to Mark Mercury exceptions including notable audience Two nearby Schoenberg. his hemisphere, southern the jca h loso ayo hs nin rtr aeas encvrdwt lava with covered been their also and have craters craters ancient younger these of including being many features, highly of of ancient, younger floors hallmarks very the with obviously the ejecta; are overlain all craters the displaying and of craters eroded Many of impact. asteroidal majority by origin. the formed of surface, modes their planet’s and the Mercury on found forms topographic of range the Montes Planitia Dorsum Rupes Vallis feature. of types different 40 for terminology generic recognizes IAU the Currently ncsa lne h is hn hti oie stehaiycaee aueof nature cratered heavily the is noticed is that thing first the glance, casual On pua als,avle.Mruinvlesaealnmdatrradio after named all are valleys Mercurian valley. a Valles), (plural pua ue) cr.Sap r ae fe aosvsesue in used vessels famous after named are Scarps scarp. a Rupee), (plural pua lnta) li.Nmsfrtepae ecr navariety a in Mercury planet the for Names plain. a Planitiae), (plural snua os,amuti ag.Ol n ecra mountain Mercurian one Only range. mountain a Mons), (singular pua os) ig.Rde onttk hi ae rmayspecific any from names their take not do Ridges ridge. a Dorsa), (plural erftr)bfr h ytre fMruyshde afaeasee ihany with answered are half the hidden in Mercury’s time of is some secured mysteries features wisest be the perhaps hopefully topographic before is will future) planet’s it (which near but images the possible, close-up certainly further of is await survey to Speculation areas. following these to the which constrained gravity, and Mercury’s certainty, of with effects the its young Moon. to to on the attests compared of size extent impacted that small similar twice their itself a is and of having rays Mercurian craters the the ray material of up lunar nature this churning spindly and – The features regolith. impact impact impactor secondary original on forming the systems of surroundings, vaporised traces ejecta some These was plus process. bedrock, pulverised which impact of the largely up by made out are thrown ejecta comprising systems and faulting. deformation crustal basin- flows, lava events), forming major consoli- numerous (including of impacts crustal dation, history complex early units a in known conspicuous chart the most showing Mercury’s hemisphere, of Geological combined flooding, lava shrinkage. of planet’s episodes the – distinct by bombardment two Closer about plus brought of sight. like – adjustments first history scale lava crustal huge at complex planet-wide with a obvious with a filled on immediately it reveals or be of surface form not some Mercury’s raw may of Moon their the examination in on basins found impact those multi-ring Large flows. authority. rudhl fMruyssraefaue aebe mgdadmapped and imaged been have features surface Mercury’s of half Around ray coloured light prominent of centre the at lie craters younger the of Some
Our Current 23 Knowledge of Mercury 24 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury rafo h qao otesuhpl,fo 0 o10 ogtd.Next longitude. 100W to northern 10W planet’s from the pole, in Quadrant) south an (Northwestern covering the Region south, to Shakespeare examination immediate the an equator the its comes by the from followed to is hemisphere from Quadrant) This northern (Southeastern area 100W. to Region planet’s 10W Renoir the from the pole, of north swathe the to vast equator a Quadrant), eastern square million 10 around into known covering divided planet’s been each extent. has area, the in 10) equal Mercury, kilometres Mariner approximately by planet of detail regions the in four imaged of was survey which (that topographic hemisphere detailed this For Quartet Mercurian A h oyo h et te etrsna oteemi eeecsaesurveyed are references main in these reference to of near points features main other the text; as the features of topographic body larger the the 190W. using to trend, longitude. Quadrant), 100W 190W (Southwestern from ranging Region to and Beethoven 100W equator the from the describe pole, of we south north south, the its to to Finally, equator the from hemisphere aho hs orrgosi uvydi eea att et ot osouth to north west, to east general a in surveyed is regions four these of Each (North- Region Stravinsky the of examination an with survey our commence We n loe,islv nilpoal rsn rmaltrpaeo ocns.A well As smooth volcanism. fairly of is phase later floor a Goethe’s from wall arising flanks. the probably its surrounding infill of the on lava some sections from its craters with flooded, western extend terracing, chain and and of that and northern indicative flows lineaments structures The lava radial south numerous floor. the by and crater’s for wide submerged except the are and eroded, cover considerably breached to and been south low has is wall it Its where across. km 383 some rings basin traceable no has quadrant the this of north of crust. rings area the half face continuous multiple through around cutting broad, by known covering A through the basins. cut and Of impact least equator major the coverage. ancient is photographic to Quadrant the concentric the Northeastern from the in Mercury, northeastward deficiencies of running to and due northern 100W. broad unknown to planet’s km 10W the 500 longitude crater quadran from around of pole, this kilometres, portion north square of the large 1/10th to a equator Around the covers from Quadrant hemisphere, Northeastern The Firebird Planetary the Mercury, Region: Stravinsky The Quadrant enigmatic, Northeastern this on lost getting it, of accompany danger that little images in the planet. is themselves and little text maps find crater-crowded the these will Providing to reader features. reference the topographical occasional Mercury’s with of read survey narrative our of http://planetarynames.wr. Research at Astrogeology Nomenclature Survey’s usgs.gov/index.html Planetary Geological of US Gazetteer the website from Program derived diameter. the been feature’s to have the features point, by central accompanied feature’s often the is of Initial information parentheses) this necessary. (in flowing degree; longitude where nearest a and regions latitude produce in adjoining the are by To feature with particular number overlaps east. a each are to some there through references and and only, north, nature diversions general from a of of necessarily trend are rules clockwise these narrative, general a in snmru ml rnl igs oeo hc pert uln uidcraters, buried outline to appear which of some ridges, wrinkle small numerous as rtrLnéadiscla fbih jcai aeSerenitatis. lunar Mare young the in numerous to ejecta appearance with bright similar of peppered of collar of spots, is its bright shapes plain and tiny the Linné as entire trace crater up the from show to Borealis that and appear cross craters directions, steaks that impact Bright of dorsa flows. impact, lava number of topog- Caloris Borealis number a pre-existing the the the beneath large buried by other of the rims nature Mercury’s induced in crater cratered this of volcanism evident highly kilometres, The number is global ago. square raphy a of years 750,000 with billion episode 3.8 around (along late around formed of a been area by have an planitiae) may With plain region. smooth this of section h atepneof expanse vast The course general the showing map tour a is map named line quadrant of each Accompanying dimensions the and coordinates feature named names, Feature meddwti otenBorealis, northern within Embedded Vivaldi 1N 6/1 m olttd 0,lniue1W–i presently is – 10W longitude 70N, latitude to km) 86W/213 (15N, oelsPlanitia Borealis rc iha rao rudamillion a around of area an with tract a – t 7N 0)dmntsteetr northern entire the dominates 80W) (73N, Goethe odface bold 7N 5)i nacetcrater ancient an is 45W) (79N, n nms ae r followed are cases most in and
Our Current 25 Knowledge of Mercury 26 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury 0k cos iia napaac otelnrcae Bullialdus. crater lunar the to Beyond appearance asteroid. in double similar upon across, a crater km of impact 50 its is large impact rim peaks; one near-simultaneous western central of the Goethe’s and superposition perhaps the ramparts or from external another, resulted blocky have with may long shape km 64 crater elongated named northerly most lies planet. the being the rim of on distinction northern crater the has Goethe’s currently beyond which km), Just 11W/69 of Goethe. which southwest crater of they impact km southwest diameter Goethe; km 70 cross 15 ejecta some (unnamed) of young lies Streaks bright a floor. from the originate punctuate may and craters fresher several NASA. impacts. recent more with plains, peppered lava ancient extensive region with an smothered terrain cratered of Borealis consists The h ae aafodn htafce t otenneighbour. northern its escaped affected has floor that cratered flooding highly is whose lava across south flows; later km its lava the 175 some Borealis To crater by sharply-defined. ancient overlain an remains 74W), and however, obscured rim, been southern has its wall northern whose crater t5N 7 n a anrmsm 6 mars.Tecnr fthe of centre The across. km 560 some rim current main our a of has limit of and basin, eastern presence the other 27W the indicate at 51N, that faults lies The at and basins. ridges which surrounding with ancient greatest basin riddled two its is flooded at area crater km is The knowledge. region the 303 this cratered; a in increasingly 10W), craters small becomes of it density but Borealis Juana of plains smooth mars n slctda 5,1W mn h mle rtr nti area this in craters smaller the Among 19W. 35N, at located is are and across km nevu ue uvssuhadfrafrhr30k,triaigashort a terminating km, 300 further a for southward curves crater km Rupes 159 the Endeavour with of ramparts linked external geologically eastern the skirt to Derzhavin south by km 400 through stretches cut is central Planitia and rims Borealis sharp with well-defined, are craters these elevations. of Many km). 14W/65 ntesuhr ato oelslies Borealis of part southern the In prominent deep, the lies Goethe of South meitl otees fthe of east the to Immediately nteesensd fteaoeetoe rc fMercurian of tract aforementioned the of side eastern the On Gluck 4N 4/3k)mrspr fBrai’irglresenbre.The border. eastern irregular Borealis’ of part marks km) 24W/93 (49N, 3N 8/0 km), 18W/105 (37N, 4N 5) hshg,smwa iuu al etr per obe to appears feature fault sinuous somewhat huge, This 35W). (45N, Gluck-Holbein Despréz ezai-o Juana Derzhavin-Sor nevu Rupes Endeavour uofca ae a anrmo rud500 around of rim main a has name) (unofficial Gauguin 8N 1)awl-rsre matcae some crater impact well-preserved a 91W) (81N, Echegaray itraRupes Victoria er incognita terra Monteverdi 6N 6/2k) oe70k away km 700 some km), 96W/72 (66N, 3N 1)t t meit south. immediate its to 31W) (38N, 4N 9/5k)and km) 19W/75 (43N, ugYüan Tung ai uofca ae scentred is name) (unofficial basin 6N 7) 3 mdiameter km 138 a 77W), (64N, 5N 1)ahg cr that scarp huge a 31W) (51N, h eri ossso the of consists terrain the 7N 5) nunusual an 55W), (74N, Aristoxenus er incognita terra Rubens Monet Grieg (82N, (60N, (44N, (51N, Sor , hnMruysdaee huksihl,cupigtecutaddsotn older formed distorting process. and ridge the crust in compressional the of features crumpling a number slightly, topographic evidently a shrunk through diameter is Mercury’s cutting This when terrain, features. cratered furrows, through topographic and way substantial ridges south, its Further snakes external floors. 31W) and lava-filled (25N, young terracing relatively have internal both display and that walls substantial crater the of west distance Holbein noid osm NASA. Dorsum. Antoniadi 3N 9) ohDrhvnadHlenhave Holbein and Derzhavin Both 29W). (36N, unrgo.NASA. region. Yuan Goethe-Desprez-Tung The noid Dorsum Antoniadi
Our Current 27 Knowledge of Mercury 28 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury km), h ot fti li steipesv oberne basin double-ringed impressive the is material. plain bright this of dusting of its south to the owing feature bright particularly a is latter number The a found be including can long, with Here craters, overlain southwest-northeast. large is oriented which of area ejecta charted of Dorsum. indistinctly Antoniadi steaks an of is bright west west the and to northwest lies – its features To Mercurian named all of distinct least tmyhv xeine ute hs ffodn.Teei xesv external extensive is There diameter. and flooding. in smoother of km appears phase ring 116 further inner is a the ring but experienced inner lava, have its with may and flooded it across, been km have 229 rings Both measures rim outer its eaieysot nae li oesalreae otes fHlen To Holbein. of southeast area large a covers plain unnamed smooth relatively A crater, double-ringed eroded highly A unHan-Ch’ing Kuan 2N5W11k)and km) 52W/151 (29N Hugo 3N 7/9 km), 47W/198 (39N, Wren 2N 5/2 m n fthe of one – km) 35W/221 (24N, Praxiteles Velázquez ato h at Maria Santa NASA. the Rupes. of Part NASA. Donne. of east scarp produced crater-deforming this faulting Thrust 2N 9/8 km). 59W/182 (27N, Rodin 3N 54W/129 (38N, 2N 18W); (21N, rbbyoigt en vranwt on jcamtra hc rgntdfrom originated which valley, material prominent ejecta A young afield. with further overlain being to owing probably and htetnsfrsvrlhnrdklmte otews,ars otesalyoung small the to ejecta) km), across 47W/157 brighter west, (20N, the and to craters kilometres with crater hundred impact overlain several largely for (now extends that plain dark extensive more nin rddcaeswt loe los ak nin aapanetnswest extends plain lava ancient dark, A craters floors. the flooded of with craters eroded ancient ecm to come together. closer we pushed walls divided vicinity opposing been its has its in that and youngest craters one centre Several including the the formation, faulting. feature’s of down thrust the by centre by caused deformed has the was been have that faulting through high cuts thrust the m 2,000 is which Subsequent itself some Donne north km). is of their wall (50 West western to crater. crater whose scarp younger km), a km) even (40 produced 12W/50 crater an (5N, unnamed crater by younger ancient the overlapped a an demonstrates by of clearly wall overlapped remarkable which western is a unnamed) the is (all superposition; Donne of craters of principle East similar-sized basin. three crater ancient Another The of this north. area. chain of this its centre in the to traced upon scarp be superimposed unnamed can an across, km by 1,060 through basin, by cut multi-ring upon unnamed is large which superimposed floor is flooded wall a northwestern craters, Rodin’s large Wen-Chi Two while Rodin. of rim, to east the southern parallel to runs knowledge of current that North our Molière of ridge east. west. limit compressional its its the to at and to Dorsum looms scarp terrain Antoniadi and unnamed rough Rupes large the Endeavour in a noticeable lies Rodin, Rodin to radial structuring NASA. centre). at region (Moliere Moliere the of View oigars eea ude ioerst h otes fSnaMraRupes Maria Santa of northeast the to kilometres hundred several across Moving Chaikovskij 1N 7/3 m and km) 17W/132 (16N, 2N 2/1 m,ayugrcae ihitral-ercdwlsand walls internally-terraced with crater younger a km), 22W/119 (23N, Tansen Sinan Yeats 7,10/6 m.Lrotvhsapriual rgtinterior, bright particularly a has Lermontov km). 150W/165 (7N, 9,3W10k)and km) 35W/100 (9N, 1N 0/4 m and km) 30W/147 (16N, 4,7W3 m.Ntbelrecaesi hsae are area this in craters large Notable km). 71W/34 (4N, Lermontov at ai Rupes Maria Santa Donne-Molière 1N 8/5 km), 48W/152 (15N, b Nuwas Abu asakVallis Haystack Handel 1N 0/1 m donRodin’s adjoin km) 20W/116 (17N, iPo Li hs anrmmaue some measures rim main whose , 6,2W,a atfcn scarp east-facing an 20W), (6N, 5,4W aitsfo h rim the from radiates 46W) (5N, 3,3W16k) ato a of part km), 34W/166 (3N, Melville Donne 1N 5/2 m,both km), 35W/120 (17N, Giotto 1N 6/5 km) 56W/150 (12N, 2N 0/5 km) 10W/154 (22N, 3,1W8 m is km) 14W/88 (3N, Proust Ts’ai
Our Current 29 Knowledge of Mercury 30 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury ic etr.Acul fhnrdklmte otws fVaai h crater the is Vyasa indis- of this of southwest of traces kilometres floor the hundred the since upon of itself, superimposed couple Vyasa traced A than be older feature. crater can be tinct and eroded rim even Stravinsky and may northern between this ancient Vyasa’s Vyasa – of large north Aleichem Another immediately Sholem northwest. area the the occupies in (unnamed) km) 88W/200 (50N, – craters meitl eto h Mercurian crater the ancient of northwards km west 200 immediately some Chaikovskij. stretches of and rim equator eastern the the on touch crater to unnamed large a of ocmlt hssre ftenrhatr udat ertr otearea the to return we quadrant, northeastern the of survey this complete To Stravinsky Vyasa 5N 4/9 m ntenrhatand northeast the in km) 74W/190 (51N, 4N 1/9 m soeli ytomc younger much two by overlain is km) 81W/290 (48N, er incognita terra h i ftelreand large the of rim The . biu iwo the of NASA. region. view Stravinsky Oblique the NASA. (arrowed) of area. Vallis view Haystack Oblique hlmAleichem Sholem Al-J km) 54W/110 (5N, Mistral km) 96W/82 (5N, Rajnis km) A 35W/120 (17N, Po Li km) 13W/97 (28N, Vlaminck km) 97W/125 (33N, Mussorgskij S km) 100W/129 (41N, Scarlatti km) 108W/75 (50N, Bruegel km) Descending 97W/102 of (59N, Al-Akhtal order km) 79W/31 (in (71N, Quadrant Myron Northeastern the in Latitude) Craters Named ejecta. of from Vivaldi Other streaks and southeast with Al-Hamadhani runs overlain between plains which region intercrater is The scarp) smooth 85W. Al-Hamadhani relatively unnamed 41N, and is an to Vyasa 105W (possibly 48N, between feature around Running linear afield. bright further a from ejecta bright Al-Hamadhani sk 3N 8/0km) 38W/90 (39N, oseki ¯ vgoa(0,2W9 km) 21W/90 (10N, svaghosa ´ hz(N 2/1km) 22W/91 (1N, ahiz ¯ 3N 0/8 m,afaueta a enoeli ihwispy with overlain been has that feature a km), 90W/186 (39N,
Our Current 31 Knowledge of Mercury 32 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury 1 oelsPlanitia Borealis P1. Rupes Maria Santa R3. Rupes Endeavour R2. Rupes Victoria R1. Dorsum Antoniadi D1. Al-Hamadhani 38. Aleichem Sholem 37. Stravinsky 36. Vyasa 35. Chaikovskij 34. Giotto 33. Lermontov 32. Proust 31. Tansen 30. Handel 29. Yeats 28. Po Li 27. Sinan 26. Donne 25. Wen-Chi Ts’ai 24. Molière 23. Melville 22. Rodin 21. Praxiteles 20. Han-Ch’ing Kuan 19. Velázquez 18. Hugo 17. Wren 16. Holbein 15. Derzhavin 14. Grieg 13. Echegaray 12. Gluck 11. Monet 10. Quadrant Northeastern of Map to Key 1 asakVallis Haystack V1. .Goethe 2. Vivaldi 1. .SrJuana Sor 9. Rubens 8. Monteverdi 7. Despréz 6. Yüan Tung 5. Aristoxenus 4. Gauguin 3. a idctd,ue sa as used (indicated), Hun Kal crater diminutive The impact 360W. (unnamed) 20S, may large around another crater vicinity at of lies indications this impact evident are centre in shadows there large whose the Dvorak, valleys basin of From a and east topography. area of rupes basin the Donne-Molière Several in planet) the crater. any of smaller part (on a represent numerous crater case of smaller with floor part slightly clear-cut along obscuring older, flooded infrequently-seen an craters, and an of is impact smooth Brunelleschi quadrant – centre. small northwestern its of the southeast of Upon just upon massif west. number superimposed linear its well-formed a a to and including lies peaks, apron terraced ridges southeast internally outer fills several wide, its broad Hsun with lie to crater a Lu diameter; well-preserved of and relatively in south a walls km km), plain 134 300 young 22W, some The (9S, crater floor. of unnamed and south wall an immediate makes the northeastern to Kal its area Hun through flooded around smooth area large cratered a Hsun heavily with The contrast crater striking meridian. tiny a west the of 20° south planet’s Rupes the Maria Santa northern Kal the the Hun of of of continuation north a the parts is to basin’s which represent Donne-Molière found the be that of can remnants ridges clearest and rings The indistinct) ridges rims. multiple (mainly scarps, feature’s ancient with numerous riddled are craters. is impact Quadrant) young region numerous from the traced be terrain can and cratered ejecta of heavily quadrant, dustings of Linear the valleys. Islands across sizeable area. southern a photographic the up north, 100W. covers decipherable its crop Mercury’s plains to to easily quadrant intercrater more 10W of the of and longitude Like proportion Quadrant. complete from portion Northeastern more the pole, much than large south coverage a the has a to area equator This covers the from Quadrant hemisphere, Southeastern The Region: Renior The Quadrant Southeastern etmrda.NASA. 20° meridian. west Mercury’s for marker ocnrct h qaoilDneMlèeipc ai seNortheastern (see basin impact Donne-Molière equatorial the to Concentric 0,2W9 m,acae ihruddwlsadasrkn alycutting valley striking a and walls rounded with crater a km), 23W/98 (0N, 1,2W2k) h eteo u a tefi sda akrfor marker a as used is itself Kal Hun of centre The km). 20W/2 (1S, nIpesoitcTerrain Impressionistic An Dvorák 1S 2/2k)icuigasection a including km) 12W/82 (10S, Brunelleschi Lu
Our Current 33 Knowledge of Mercury 34 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury u hog rmnrht ot yateedu cr hc a econnected be may which is scarp Balagtas tremendous peaks. a prominent by no central south but large to floor and north hilly floor from flooded, flooded through a walls, cut has terraced Kenko its while with massif, three, the of best-preserved and km) east) 16W/99 to west (22S, (from namely Hitomaro, of south NASA. of centre). left bottom, and (at Hitmaro right) (upper Dvorak complex fascinating a by west the in with striated through is protruded rubbly which peaks. and itself, flooded, of ring ancient Hitomaro inner and of the interior an smooth the of between and is traces Hitomaro, contrast from has radiating km which stunning features crater, 220 impact a crater unnamed some the is the of crater of There whole floor unnamed resides. the large unnamed floor km) a This southwestern 16W/107 whose rim. of having on northern and ramparts diameter, its Dvorak northern in in (sadly, than the embedded Tycho smaller straddles crater slightly crater crater impact crater, heavily lunar bowl-shaped south its impact a small the to (unnamed) a in distance to short similar setting A resemblance a and system). ray strong lies shape bright size, magnificent a Tycho’s its minus it though, peak; gives central region sizeable cratered a and walls terraced ra eto fhlyadlnae eri hc xed costo across kilometres. km) a extends square and is 10W/154 which west 75,000 craters (39S, terrain the two Pigalle lineated in the 29W) and does Between (27S, hilly too Dario. of of so south section quadrant; kilometres broad the hundred of several edge lies which eastern very the basin. Ibsen-Petrarch at the alternatively, or, basin Dario impact Hiroshige-Mahler the with oad h at vrki oeyipc rtrwt hr i,internally rim, sharp a with crater impact lovely a is Dvorak east, the Towards rmnn ojie roo ag rtr ucutsMruyscutt the to crust Mercury’s punctuates craters large of trio conjoined prominent A 2S 0/5 m,alrecae ihnmru lvtoso t lo,lies floor, its on elevations numerous with crater large a km), 10W/151 (27S, Balagtas otkRupes Vostok 2S 4,9 m.Mhe steyugs and youngest the is Mahler km). 98 14W, (23S, 3S 9)i h ot,cvrn some covering south, the in 19W) (38S, Mahler 2 ,1W13km), 19W/103 S, (20 Hitomaro rcb Vallis Arecibo Kenko (16S, epvle hc ussuhto south by (see grooved runs is Vallis which wall Haystack valley western mighty crater’s deep the unnamed Homer’s a possible proceeds This adjoins a rim above). basin location, Quadrant, northern impact this Northeastern whose (unnamed) in larger from feature slightly wall, fault A western deep-seated eruption. arcuate the Homer’s a an of be bordering volcanism; source in to of area episode ring appears an an inner from there deposit that an indeed, pyroclastic indications a of represent half strong may wall retained rae southwestern has there that Interestingly, basin ridge. impact flooded large a pedi l ietosfrsvrlhnrdklmte,adcnb rcdmost the traced in set be diamond dazzling can a and forms rays Kuiper kilometres, west. spindly of its hundred Kuiper’s to ring several terrain system. darker ray for the over prominent directions easily and all brightness in is its spread craters. of area impact virtue whole bright by the small, scene and with Homer, peppered and and crust Rudaki darker between a located with underlain is km) 42W/121 (4S, donn uaaii h atis east the in one, Murasaki prominent one most Adjoining north, the the but to southeast, lies the One Vallis to features. another impact southwest, secondary the them to of all Murasaki, of walls 1S 4) ao nae aly oe10k og scnrda 2,57W. 12S, at including centred valleys, is long, fault km 110 larger long some a valley, several across unnamed are major Cutting A floor. north 64W). (13S, flooded its smooth, to a crater and unnamed peak is central is prominent Imhotep Renoir a of with of west scarp west the of km to sections 300 double-ringed terrain short large crater, The A scarp; rays. impact east. Kuiper’s a by flooded its crossed by and to cratered, traversed moderately features and is ancient other which several crater cross unnamed also northeast the large in Kuiper. upon intruded a to is Imhotep by size Kuiper. of similar rays the of by crossed crater crater floored unnamed an to host is wall southern whose eunn otenrho h udatoc more, once quadrant the of north the to Returning n matcae npriua – particular in crater impact One SouthwestofGoldstoneVallislies 1S 2)ct hog h rs ot fMrsk o rud10km. 120 around for Murasaki of south crust the through cuts 32W) (15S, Murasaki 1S 0/3 m.Svrlitrsigvlesrdaefo the from radiate valleys interesting Several km). 30W/130 (13S, Renoir Repin 1S 2/4 m oiae t nios Some environs. its dominates km) 52W/246 (19S, 1S 3/0 m,asmwa one crater younger somewhat a km), 63W/107 (19S, Hiroshige Imhotep Rudaki Kuiper (18S,37W/159km),anancient,smooth- 4,5W10k) h crater The km). 51W/120 (4S, 1W 7/3 m,a le crater older an km), 27W/138 (13W, 1S 1/2k)–dmntsthe dominates – km) 31W/62 (11S, Homer ai nteterminator NASA. right). the (lower on Dario with centre) (near Balagtas 1,3W34k)is km) 36W/314 (1S, iezVallis Simeiz Goldstone Titian
Our Current 35 Knowledge of Mercury 36 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury rcb alsi ieyt eagae,poue ycutltninadfaulting, craters, and sizeable tension several crustal Petrarch, by of produced South (unnamed). feature. graben, crater impact a flooded secondary smaller be a a to of than rim likely rather the is Mercurian with the join Vallis to through Arecibo km northwest 100 cuts nearly which for Vallis crust Arecibo deep the emanates rim ntetranws fPtac,ada nsa ojie rtrcutri assembled is cluster crater conjoined unusual an and Petrarch, around scattered of lie craters west flooded terrain medium-sized the of in number A out. stand km) 31W/99 (40S, including h adcp otesuhis south the to landscape the brilliantdoublecratersurroundedbyabrightpatchofrays(30S,49W).Runningacross Petrarch Simonides Neumann 3S 6/7 m salre mohfordcae rmwoenorthern whose from crater floored smooth large, a is km) 26W/171 (31S, 2S 5/5k) meitl eto hc isasalbut small a lies which of west immediately km), 45W/95 (29S, 3S 5/2 km), 35W/120 (37S, in Rupes Mirni 3S 0) oal scarp. notable a 40W), (37S, Mofolo 3S 8/1 m and km) 28W/114 (38S, eoradenvirons. and NASA. Renoir one of ray NASA. systems. brightest centre Mercury’s of lies the right) at (upper Kuiper Equiano costesuhr ato hsqarn,fo h crater the of from part quadrant, western this the towards of km) part southern the across eepoal omda h aetm sDsoeyRps loa eutof result a as also Rupes, Discovery as time same compression. the crustal at global formed probably were and the Khansa of to south perpendicular Rupes, reduced been scarps, been have smaller Rupes Two has dimensions scarp. Rameau its the since and of feature, line scarp compressional the a by is bisected Rupes crater The Discovery m. that 2,000 evidence scar of height the a places exceeds In km. 1,000 n fMruysms rmnn crs– scarps prominent most Mercury’s of One 6S 3)cnb on riigbyn h otenpito Discovery of point southern the beyond trailing found be can 63W) (64S, Rabelais hutfutcue ycutlcmrsin– compression crustal by caused fault thrust a – p ay Rupes Zarya eouinRupes Resolution 6S 2/4 m epciey hs scarps These respectively. km) 62W/141 (61S, Rameau 4S 2) oa itneo nearly of distance total a 22W), (42S, icvr Rupes Discovery 5S 8/1k)poie good provides km) 38W/51 (55S, 6S 2)and 52W) (62S, cr,bscsteolder NASA. the Rameau. crater an bisects scarp, compressional Rupes, impressive Discovery lower NASA. (towards right). Rupes Vostok with centre) (above Vallis Arecibo and Petrarch Khansa 5S 8)–cuts – 38W) (54S, 6S 52W/111 (60S, Adventure
Our Current 37 Knowledge of Mercury 38 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury opeeorsre fti ato ecr.Mc fti eini oee with covered craters is region small this relatively of the Much from Mercury. km), emanating of rays part linear this bright of survey our complete floor. hilly crater coarse, upon a impact with in intrudes younger crater Embedded which the ancient ridges. km) found wrinkle 21W/87 be prominent can (63S, several valley. crater ramparts by deep large northern a traversed its by Pushkin’s very and adjoining grooved flooded the crater be is lies unnamed to floor appears south an margin and further floor crater Yet eastern internal convex whose large slightly rim its flooded, northern a with superposed and km) walls and 35W/107 internal battered include terraced region the with this floor; crater in a craters km), large 18W/165 Noteworthy Rupes. Discovery of is agr huhls eldfndfoddcrater, the flooded lies well-defined southeast less its to though km larger, 200 A Some north. its crater, to km crater 250 smooth-floored large, lies which Renoir like of west ac fsrnl igdadlnae eri iha raapocigsm 50,000 some approaching Matisse, area an of with north terrain the lineated and To crater ridged Raphael. strongly the of of crater west patch except the km enclosing note smooth 260 completely of some particular and up lies of made which are km), little environs 90W/186 Its with features. plains, named largest intercrater quadrant’s this of one sasmwa mohrunmdpan vranwt rgtsrpso jcafrom ejecta of area stripes Snorri. this bright like with of craters overlain West impact plain, Basin. young unnamed Tolstoj smoother the somewhat from a sculpting is represents it kilometres; square ial,w eunt h a otwsenpr fteSuhatr udatto Quadrant Southeastern the of part northwestern far the to return we Finally, southeast and east the to found be can valleys lineated of full region cratered A w oal crscnb on nti ein rud50k ato Copley of east km 500 Around region. this in found be can scarps notable Two srlb Rupes Astrolabe Copley Haydn Chekhov 3S 5/0k)ada nae 0k imtrcae othe to crater diameter km 20 unnamed an and km) 85W/30 (38S, 2S 2/7 m slctdo h poiesd fChekhov. of side opposite the on located is km) 72W/270 (27S, 3S 2/9 m.Cehvisl samlirne rtr much crater, multi-ringed a is itself Chekhov km). 62W/199 (36S, 4S 1) hl oe80k oCpe’ ot lies south Copley’s to km 800 some while 71W), (42S, Schubert Kurosawa Sullivan 4S 4/8 m;asmlrsmooth-floored similar a km); 54W/185 (43S, edsPinto Mendes Pushkin 1S 6/4 m isa extensive an lies km) 86W/145 (17S, 5S 2/5 km); 22W/159 (53S, Raphael 6S 2/3 m whose km) 22W/231 (66S, 6S 8/1 m,an km), 18W/214 (61S, als(trgt.NASA. right). (at Simeiz Vallis the to left) (at centre ray impact brilliant a Snorri, 2S 6/4 m is km) 76W/343 (20S, Snorri Matisse Sotatsu Hesiod 9,83W/19 (9S, Tsurayuki Fram (59S, (49S, (24S, ntetinl aeb occi,PsknadCme srltvl mohand smooth relatively is ridges. Camões wrinkle and sizeable Pushkin of dozens Boccaccio, 150 with some by riddled proceeds made and triangle of Boccaccio the direction bisects in the valley crater in linear named northwards southerly narrow most km A the quadrant. is massif, this central in large a with crater sharp-rimmed fiau otn(2,4W15km) 41W/135 (52S, Horton Africanus km) 70W/190 (49S, Smetana km) 80W/123 (48S, Ghiberti km) 23W/92 (48S, Tintoretto km) 38W/108 (48S, Andal km) 62W/159 (48S, km) Bramante 93W/132 (47S, Das km) Sur 20W/103 (46S, Ya Po km) 12W/86 (45S, Rilke km) 50W/52 (41S, km) Nampeyo 18W/66 (39S, d’Arezzo Guido km) 57W/42 (38S, Wergeland km) 90W/117 (37S, Carducci km) 80W/75 (33S, Rude km) 63W/123 (32S, Unkei km) 90W/100 (29S, Lessing km) 73W/129 Descending (1S, of Boethius km) order 68W/133 (in (0S, Polygnotus Quadrant Southeastern the in Latitude): Craters Named Other NASA. right). 10E, (lower and Ovid 180W and between centre) south (top degrees Bach 65 to to left) area (lower an Leopardi covering from region, polar south Mercury’s include they pole; south and planet’s km) the km), and 89W/113 Rabelais (64S, between area the populate Rupes hvhno(4,4W17km) 47W/137 (54S, Shevchenko 5S 4) ohaeaon 0 mln.Nmru mlihnmdcraters named smallish Numerous long. km 300 around are both 94W); (57S, Sadi 7S 6/8km). 56W/68 (79S, Camões 7S 0/0km), 70W/70 (71S, Ovid Boccaccio 7S 3/4k) h eri bounded terrain The km). 23W/44 (70S, 8S 0/4 m,aprominent, a km), 30W/142 (81S, iCh’ing-Chao Li 7S 73W/61 (77S, Sei
Our Current 39 Knowledge of Mercury 40 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury e oMpo otesenQuadrant Southeastern of Map to Key km) 76W/65 km) (69S, 58 Okyo / 52W (69S, Horace km) 62W/68 (69S, Spitteler km) 61W/61 (67S, Holberg km) 33W/70 (66S, Callicrates km) 47W/70 (65S, km) Puccini 78W/179 (60S, Chih-Yuan Ma km) 67W/110 (56S, Coleridge .Kenko 7. Mahler 6. Hitomaro 5. Brunelleschi 4. Hsun Lu 3. Kal Hun 2. Dvorák 1. 8 rmRupes Fram R8. Rupes Astrolabe R7. Rupes Adventure R6. Rupes Resolution R5. Rupes Zarya R4. Rupes Discovery R3. Rupes Mirni R2. Rupes Vostok R1. Vallis Simeiz V3. Vallis Goldstone V2. Vallis Arecibo V1. Ovid 46. Boccaccio 45. Sadi 44. Ch’ing-Chao Li 43. Camões 42. Sei 41. Sullivan 40. Matisse 39. Raphael 38. Haydn 37. Schubert 36. Chekhov 35. Copley 34. Snorri 33. Pinto Mendes 32. Tsurayuki 31. Pushkin 30. Hesiod 29. Kurosawa 28. Sotatsu 27. Rabelais 26. Rameau 25. Khansa 24. Simonides 23. Equiano 22. Mofolo 21. Neumann 20. Petrarch 19. Repin 18. Renoir 17. Imhotep 16. Hiroshige 15. Murasaki 14. Kuiper 13. Titian 12. Rudaki 11. Homer 10. .Dario 9. Balagtas 8.
Our Current 41 Knowledge of Mercury 42 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury rtrta isaon 0 mt h otws fVnDjka rud7N 192W. 78N, around ancient at complex Dijck particularly Van of a northwest is the to example km noteworthy 100 unnamed around larger, one lies Several west; that scarp. crater the east-facing unnamed arcuate to an another lie wall by yet craters southern through crater. beyond cut its unnamed is crater; and floor larger lies smaller whose massif, southwest a slightly its central to of a a further by floor crater of upon remnants the superimposed with of is rough, most is occupies floor quadrant, Purcell’s this quadrant this in of latitudes crater cratered. northern far heavily the very Planitia, Borealis are of parts western the and quadrant. and the mid-south of the in 151W) (22N, mid-east; the in 130W) the in west; above); Planitia far Quadrant Borealis the Northeastern namely: Quadrant, quadrant, (see Northwestern the fewer northeast onto No the far region. spread the plains dominate occupy named also survey) basins seven impact than multi-ring this smaller of by detail. number topographic a covered while and area shadow of were the way beyond quadrant the in the is less of centre progressively coverage the show portions towards photographic disk more western located the through features northern of far while area illumination, 190W. the solar planet’s to low the that under 100W the imaged of longitude given much of from thorough, of equator, portion reasonably the knowledge to large current pole a Our north the covers from Quadrant hemisphere, Northwestern The Tempest Topographical a of Region: Shakespeare The Quadrant Northwestern ihteecpino h einaon epé seNrhatr Quadrant) Northeastern (see Despréz around region the of exception the With little a lies actually centre (whose Basin Caloris the around centred Features usiPlanitia Suisei dnPlanitia Odin Purcell 5N 5W ntenorthwest; the in 151W) (59N, a Dijck Van 8N 4W9 m,tems otel named northerly most the km), 147W/91 (81N, i Planitia Tir 2N 7W ntesouthwest; the in 172W) (23N, tteEdge the At 7N 6W15k) loe crater flooded a km), 164W/105 (77N, 1,16)i h a southwest far the in 176W) (1N, aoi Planitia Caloris ucl uprrgt to right) NASA. right). (lower Nizami (upper Purcell pole, north Mercury’s Near okuPlanitia Sobkou 3N 195W)in (30N, uhPlanitia Budh (40N, utn trgtage costeuuulbih einmnindaoe across above, mentioned Degas, region of bright southeast unusual the the from across stretches brightest angles system The right ray Brontë. older at the the cutting of overlaps slightly component rays, longest the and of source the Degas, km); rmtecnondcraters the conjoined than the darker from slightly be to appears additionally, line bright crater; east. this impact of further of particular broad, surface east east any the very from the bordering emanate a area to to the of just appear line doesn‘t terminating it the and since of long part km along 1,000 Ch’ol follows diameter. around interestingly swathe in which bright km its long multi-ring 850 although km valleys, by the some and 300 bordered fractures of measures ridges, is part scarps, ring edge of occupies southeastern main free relatively which whose is Planitia, Planitia feature Sobkou Sobkou a of Basin, plain Sobkou smooth the the of In by east longitude. material 100° of the patches on including Botticelli systems, of north, ejecta east other the Burns material with to crater mingles crustal mainly small this spreads a darker south, ejecta from of Bright south floor ejecta. and patchwork of east patches its brighter for with notable overlain km), 110W/143 (64N, which ramparts. valleys of eastern of system that and a elevation, northern by central outer surrounded a its is of through Jókai remnants cut pronounced. and most floor the flooded being group, a Jókai the rim, well-defined of a prominent has most and well-preserved and km) the youngest 119W/95 includes the which km), craters 135W/106 medium-sized dozen a half n fMruysms rmnn a ytm ped cosSbo Planitia Sobkou across spreads systems ray prominent most Mercury’s of One occupied is – kilometres square 250,000 around – quadrant this of area sizeable A crater eroded ancient, the lies Bjornson of south plains cratered the Over of group neat a found be can Purcell of south the to terrain hilly the Across 4N 1W12k) h rgno hsuuulbih etr suncertain, is feature bright unusual this of origin The km). 116W/162 (46N, 5N 1W4 km). 116W/45 (54N, Bjornson Brontë 7N 0W8 m.Ec ftecaesi hsgroup this in craters the of Each km). 109W/88 (73N, emkrkRupes Heemskerck 3N 2W6 m and km) 126W/63 (39N, 2N 2W,asapsome scarp a 125W), (26N, rudJki NASA. craters Jokai. around large of group The Degas 3N 126W/60 (37N, Mansart Jókai Botticelli Chong (73N, (72N,
Our Current 43 Knowledge of Mercury 44 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury hl ute otesuhletemjrcraters major the lie south the crater, to flooded by further ancient dominated while An is sculpting. impact and radial Planitia, Turgenev pronounced Suisei plain. and of the massif north of central margin the western to the lies Verdi underlying terrain Basin cratered Brahms-Zola which Heavily of the many to dorsa, with related wrinkled are considerably and smooth relatively is northwest km. 30 around of width initial an from tapers gradually above it Quadrant which Northeastern during (see km Vivaldi 1,000 of north the to paln cosmr hn3000sur ioers usiPaii nthe in Planitia Suisei kilometres, square 300,000 than more across Sprawling 6N 6W13k)apoietcae ihsrnl ercdwls large a walls, terraced strongly with crater prominent a km) 169W/163 (65N, 6N 3W16k)le ntenrhatr agno usiPlanitia, Suisei of margin northeastern the on lies km) 135W/116 (66N, ha Baba Ahmad itneo around of distance a – ) oh lf fcentre). of NASA. (left on Kosho converges the cratering Here cratering. radial secondary prominent have right) (centre Baba Ahmad and right) (lower Strindberg ray NASA. bright system. centre extensive (overlapping the an of at lies Brontë) Degas 5N 2W17km) 127W/127 (59N, m,Mruysffhlretnmdcae,mlswt h mle rtrplain crater smaller the with melds crater, named Eyck largest fifth Mercury’s km), hs ntews en irpe oehtb h ytmo igscneti to concentric ridges east, of the system towards the clearly impact by most the somewhat found of be disrupted can being rings Budh west multiple of the the plains in lava of unnamed those the Traces flooded by Planitia. filled largely Odin basin ancient, than an darker Planitia. somewhat of Odin of border limit eastern eastern the the and crater, marks Shakespeare-sized south Caloris its the to by notably Caloris. out grey plain, with splashed the a concentric across basin; debris way Planitia, impact of entire their Dorsum wind flooded blankets the Odin ridges Schiaparelli a thick circum-Caloris on quadrant. of not with areas number smothered is this A cratered impact. area Planitia least of an Odin and is planitiae, part smoothest it other southern the most of the Unlike one planet. in is side plain, hummocky by side lie Planitia. Suisei of reaches western here, the the over From are Eyck. Shakespeare – Van of craters periphery of western wall space the the Rupes northwestern of in part the snuggles range, around adjoining mountain proceeding central Shakespeare, offset of an with west crater younger a km), craters. considerable and by grooves surrounded are ridges, both impact and floors, secondary flooded their above protrude partly and h aoi ai.Tenrhatr ece fBd lntabedwt Sobkou with blend Planitia Budh of reaches northeastern The Basin. Caloris the meitl otees istenihorn li uhPaii,wihis which Planitia, Budh plain neighbouring the lies east the to Immediately plains, different very but medium-sized, two Planitia, Budh and Planitia Odin of plain crater vast the Planitia, Suisei of South Strindberg 4N 5W22k)t oma moigduo. imposing an form to km) 159W/282 (43N, 5N 5W,a atfcn cr oe20k og w well-formed Two long. km 200 some scarp east-facing an 157W), (51N, Zola 5N 7W8 m and km) 177W/80 (50N, 5N 3W10k) oho hs etrsdslyinrrnsthat rings inner display features these of both km); 135W/190 (54N, 2N 6W,abodrdesm 0 mln hc is which long km 400 some ridge broad a 164W), (23N, Couperin 3N 5W8 m n ig fmountains of ridge a and km) 151W/80 (30N, Brahms 5N 7W9 m tn guard stand km) 176W/96 (59N, Shakespeare Mansur mg.NASA. image. high-illumination this make in out to easy not is this image, of Shake- centre the crater at speare, great The 4N 163W/100 (48N, 5N 151W/370 (50N, Zeehaen Van
Our Current 45 Knowledge of Mercury 46 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury matfaue,wt rgtinrtrae al,cnrlmsisadrda impact radial and massifs central walls, terraced inner bright include with features, area impact this in plain the and ghost southeastern beyond km), and the lying part-rings 141W/110 in note as (15N, buried plain of up while show craters southern 156W), which and Large dark craters 16N, rings. small the medium-sized (around two numerous of ‘eyes’ are Budh, glowing out plains of across shine addition pair found craters In a ejecta unnamed ridges. as of wrinkle young and splashes bright hills and particularly few splodges a for numerous save to interruption little with Planitia a omc mato h eto h lnta h in ut-igdCaloris multi-ringed giant the main as Caloris’ quadrant. planet this the of limit of western the rest beyond just the centred on is which impact Basin, a much has so make which had they Phidias, interior. plain melt; patchwork crater impact and smooth of rim large, collar cut the clear dusky with low, a contrast by stunning surrounded a quite are both and sculpting, faltekontpgahcfaue nMruy oei oetnieadhas and extensive so is none Mercury, on features topographic known the all Of Tyagaraja 4,18/0 m.Bt azcadTaaaaaerltvl young relatively are Tyagaraja and Balzac Both km). 148W/105 (4N, Balzac ciprliDru.NASA. Dorsum. Schiaparelli 1N 4W8 km), 144W/80 (10N, Phidias 9,19/6 km) 149W/160 (9N, Harunobu lQy a ete.NASA. centre). (at Al-Qays Amru surrounding area The emntr NASA. terminator. the straddling basin, its plain left, central at here impact shown scar, Caloris largest Mercury’s The
Our Current 47 Knowledge of Mercury 48 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury ata 6N 7W5 km) 177W/51 (69N, Martial km) 165W/76 (72N, Descending Nizami km) of 176W/88 of order (73N, (in patch Saikaku Quadrant bright these Northwestern a the of the by each to in Latitude): surrounded beyond Craters km crater Named further 75 impact Other yet young some and a slightly lie Al-Qays, of found Amru peaks ejecta. trio be of A central can west peak. with craters internal and craters an south and impact east, walls unnamed terraced this with within smaller Caloris- to crater craters of radial include Notable impact centre number ridges terrain. Tir young a lineated basin’s prominent of Caloris displays section of the of Tir northern number patches equator; 176W. several a Mercury’s and around including Caloris at by features, equator topographic two the related into above divided just km. to lies 250 is parallel around roughly which for Planitia running diameter Tir crater, of the plains of of western the southeast apron across the another an to one particularly by of two lying chains Mozart, surrounded from ones of away number fingers prominent crater A radial in ridges. imposing project concentric craters impact coarse and secondary several and large sculpting a impact radial km), 191W/270 radial fault radial this (8N, along movements of crustal the Much to by the due Planitia. excavated also to material Tir is of found it of lines. impacts of be some east low-angle also while the and impact, can to Caloris Planitia attributed Caloris be Odin to may of radial sculpting south terrain lineated and of north Patches Eyck. impact Van young and relatively the Zola around Radial region beyond. craters the plains in hummocky prominent spread the particularly basin for into are the and features to vie Montes radial Caloris mountain chains dorsa the crater small beyond and peaks, and eastward, Valleys isolated Moon’s craters. of scarps impact the number small faults, a than and with clusters Concentric larger along Planitia, somewhat Imbrium. Caloris – on Mare position kilometres sea, square circular million biggest 1.5 almost of most Traces area the Caloris. east; Caloris’ from further of km much 1,800 plains some features traceable the among are with basin centre. found the meet be to concentric to can structures gap distant rings Odin A Montes, Caloris Caloris western terrain. outer southeastern of surrounding the of the in plains found above the be consists metres can allowing which and wide thousand – kilometres across, bedrock several hundred uplifted 1,340 of several of measures heights blocks Montes, great to – Caloris rise massifs the smooth-surfaced by segmented, part of in formed ring, aaou(1,18/0km) 108W/80 (31N, Takanobu km) 176W/70 (31N, March km) 124W/75 (33N, Heine km) 110W/70 (41N, Whitman km) 154W/47 (56N, Janácek km) 138W/65 (60N, Kosho i lntaisl sabod aafoddipc ai oe120k in km 1,250 some basin impact lava-flooded broad, a is itself Planitia Tir crater the is Caloris of south terrain scarred the upon Superimposed an cover Planitia Caloris of plains wrinkled grey the Montes, Caloris the Inside Nervo 4N 7W6 m cost h eri surrounding terrain the to across km) 179W/63 (43N, muAl-Qays Amru 1N 7W5 m,arelatively a km), 176W/50 (12N, Mozart e oMpo otwsenQuadrant Northwestern of Map to Key km) 133W/140 (1N, Lysippus km) 132W/80 (6N, km) Thoreau 104W/165 (9N, Meng km) Wang 108W/80 (11N, Ha-Levi km) Judah 103W/35 (14N, K’ui Chiang km) 119W/180 (22N, Dürer km) 103W/100 (24N, Mickiewicz .Brontë 9. Ch’ol Chong 8. Burns 7. Botticelli 6. Bjornson 5. Mansart 4. Jókai 3. Dijck Van 2. Purcell 1.
Our Current 49 Knowledge of Mercury 50 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury h aoi ai.Srdln h qao r h i ai ntenrhetand Eitoku- northwest Tolstoj, the the lie in Tir Basin of Tir South northeast. the the are of in equator lineations Basin and the Mena-Theophanes rings Straddling the outer Basin. more the Caloris by located affected the conditions. areas are lighting regions in higher Northwestern the mapped topography. to was owing disk detail the topographic of illumination of less centre angle the while low towards The a Sun, under coverage. imaged the photographic were of quadrant from through knowledge the 190W. of gained thorough to portions been reasonably western 100W a far has longitude north, topography from southern the quadrant’s equator, to planet’s this the quadrant the to neighbouring of its pole portion Like south western the the from covers hemisphere, Quadrant Southwestern The Region: Beethoven The Quadrant Southwestern Dorsum Schiaparelli D1. Rupes Zeehaen R2. Rupes Heemskerck R1. Planitia Tir P6. Planitia Budh P5. Planitia Odin P4. Planitia Sobkou P3. Planitia Suisei P2. Planitia Caloris P1. Al-Qays Amru 27. Mozart 26. Nervo 25. Tyagaraja 24. Phidias 23. Balzac 22. Harunobu 21. Couperin 20. Brahms 19. Zola 18. Mansur 17. Eyck Van 16. Shakespeare 15. Strindberg 14. Baba Ahmad 13. Turgenev 12. Verdi 11. Degas 10. nudryn akfoddforta a enmtldwt usqetimpacts. subsequent with mottled with been basin has impact that clearly-defined floor a flooded is dark It quadrant. underlying this an of portion northeastern lies the south far with the meshing latter In Basin. the Sadi-Scopas Basins. circumpolar of Hawthorne-Riemenschneider the rings the outer and the Bartók-Ives Basins, the Vincente-Barma the and Milton Beethoven quadrant’s this of much underlie basins impact multi-ring ancient large, Several 2S 2W63k) h ags ae rtro ecr,dominates Mercury, on crater named largest the km), 124W/643 (21S, ypoyo Splendours of Symphony A 5 r ra ntesra ftery otws fMn om prominent a forms Mena of southwest rays the of shape. spread Bright, wedge the Beethoven. striking in of and break ramparts arc 45° northern crater a the the from and rays equator sharply-defined the between stretches floor. hummocky a and walls terraced internally with rai akdysrae ihnro aly n aea nanorthwest-southeast a in appears local catenae floor the and crater’s of valleys Much the narrow fissures. of with deep-seated part striated where along markedly outer east flooding is The There and later area floor. west floor. to the the due flooded above in perhaps rise patchy particularly darker, hills Valmiki, a its of to and ring arcs with walls inner small contrast an scalloped of startling clear-cut indications but are a northwest, low the makes with to peak, feature near-neighbour central larger and much walls terraced substantial smooth Calorian dark the against nicely particularly background. up plains showing rays latter the rim, (8S, from crater and impact systems rim, ray unnamed Bright from kilometres. small emanate hundred several a also this across directions from of all in rays part Southeastern radiate spidery in 105W) northeastern description out Bright (see the opens east above). which further in area, plain Quadrant, features this wrinkled unnamed in named sizeable craters a flooded few into similar the numerous are of There one quadrant. Mena-Theophanes is the floor, to flooded radial 129W. are floors. 1S, craters flat at these smooth lies that relatively centre coincidence whose have Basin, others a the perhaps but one is peaks, final It central the crater unnamed), sizeable the (all have of found craters south these be similar-sized immediately can dozen lies east a which half further of of kilometres line hundred remarkable several a while Beethoven, and Mena southern Beethoven’s basin. impact neighbouring Tolstoj crater the prominent the across the to by eastward radial straddled km is are wall 150 features than these radial – more prominent plain for display flows. extends particular lava in which by flanks lineation craters southeastern peripheral scalloped and numerous somewhat eastern of a Beethoven’s embayment has glancing the crater rim to flooded a Beethoven’s owing unnamed from floor. appearance shaped southwestern resulting regular Beethoven’s more lies possibly on but km) shape lies sized 60 similar its × a – (80 impact; floor crater asteroidal unnamed Beethoven’s southeastern on flooded Beethoven’s sits elongated on ridges, north-south radial A numerous floor. by floor. eastern surrounded northern and Beethoven’s peak of central on halo bright crater circular that brilliant km crater but 10 southern diameter small ( unnamed Beethoven’s A km an work, rampart. of 75 surrounds outer at km unnamed substantial ejecta been an 150 a have by by some to surrounded occupied across is appear is runs forces centre than compress Beethoven’s tensile not rille floor. Indeed, did arcuate interior extent. the remain an great that to so causing a enough concentric lava, to infilling sturdy display the slump was not of and load crust does extra underlying the Beethoven the by of unflexed that floor indicating the ridges, basins, wrinkle flooded many Unlike atr,faue hc r ieyt erltdt h aoi rTripc basins. impact Tir or Caloris the to related be to likely are which features pattern, 9,10/2 m,aszal on rtrwt nitral ercdwl and wall terraced internally an with crater young sizeable a km), 120W/129 19S, iebesot aoinpanpntae agl yodbre craters buried old by largely punctuated plain Calorian smooth sizeable A Bartók Philoxenus 3S 3W12k) ieypeevdipc rtrwt t bright, its with crater impact nicely-preserved a km), 135W/112 (30S, 9,12/0k) ag u nmrsiecae ihasmooth a with crater unimpressive but large a km), 112W/90 (9S, Schoenberg Ives 3S 1W2 m,sm 5 msuho Beethoven’s of south km 450 some km), 111W/20 (33S, Cézanne 1S 3W2 m,js eodBehvnswestern Beethoven’s beyond just km), 136W/29 (16S, 9,13/5k)le ntepanbetween plain the on lies km) 123W/75 (9S, Mena Sayat-Nova 0,14/2k)costeae,but area, the cross km) 124W/52 (0S, h Ta Chu Valmiki 2S 2W18k) feature a km), 122W/158 (28S, 2,15/1 m;treof three km); 105W/110 (2S, 2S 4W21k) a km), 141W/221 (24S, Bello
Our Current 51 Knowledge of Mercury 52 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury rddcaes including craters, eroded moh ile ntenrhetadcvrdi h otws yscnaycraters secondary by less southwest is the rim in outer covered delineated nearby and sharply from northwest smooth; its the and particularly in ring is hillier inner plain before smooth, crater’s inner like the Michelangelo’s looked between have buried. plain might was the Valmiki interior what its perhaps of is cratered much hills, heavily of lineaments, ring terrain. inner of complete background hilly varied and and crater’s patchy highlands its a the amid below third craters one m large peak 3,900 border central some eastern high floor the m a in 2,000 near has similar rounded, crater across, rather a diameter. a km rises is Alpetragius, 40 which It measures from crater crater. rim it lunar Mercurian Nubium; its the known Mare for to any of remarkable elevation shape of diameter, central size and largest in the size the km represents to 40 Mark possibly proportion of some it a in north for elevation; crater km unusual central 170 unnamed – huge some ridge an relatively 137W, circular 3S, is low At a there dimensions. of since Twain, small form interesting, relatively the geologically its in more of ring the crater inner is complete Twain a Mark displays two, it the Of km). 138W/149 eysot lo.Acrosbodmadrn alyaprnl opsdo a of a composed from apparently rising valley diameter meandering in kilometres broad few curious a A peaks floor. similar of smooth with circlet central very meshing tiny Hawthorne’s directions, southwest. a the all form to in Hawthorne mountains from stretch radiating catenae terrain of and patterns ridges valleys, radial of usfrms ftewyt oso,frt otws.Apoietvle isto lies valley prominent A northwest. to far Tolstoj, that to scarp way larger much the a hilly of of the most component 138W); through southernmost 42S, for Curving the at runs (centred be Delacroix. interesting scarp to of unnamed appears Two vicinity an feature is elevations. the this kilometres in central hundred to several of for found perched cluster km terrain be crater 50 from a to unnamed impact rising and are an small hills terracing is features fresh of wall internal a western line with from Delacroix’s central rays Straddling crater a by rim. with southwestern crossed its crater is on a which streak floor Delacroix, upon flooded broader of superimposed a is another rim wall southern and northern the floor Shelley’s by rim. Shelley’s from western overlying emanating its streak beyond rays immediately thin Bright southeast, a floor. the with eastern from quadrant, its Shelley into once into intruding Kan hills extends with Han and internal ridge northwest wall the prominent the its that A from crossing indication structure. streaked ring an been a remains has had there interior although whose ejecta, floor Calorian hilly a and walls craters linked the the across; surrounds and km – 400 impacts than Tolstojan and more basin mottled. the darkly ancient that is more indications vicinity are and this There larger in floor. terrain a lies flooded within Hals a of lies with east crater crater the ancient to an hundred basins. plain 100W), Several impact smooth (53S, ramparts. small, southern ancient the Hawthorne’s local across beyond kilometres lies the impact crater, secondary of older a an one represents km), to likely the feature of related north the just feature lies eroded, Rheita, considerably Vallis Moon’s rim; own our crater’s like much craters, linked of series mdtehlytrannrheto etoe i ubro l,somewhat old, of number a lie Beethoven of northwest terrain hilly the Amid h otesenprino hsqarn nldsanme finteresting of number a includes quadrant this of portion southeastern The nte akymtldtran–oeta a lal ensupe yCalorian by sculpted been clearly has that one – terrain mottled darkly Another Delacroix 7S 4W5 m,aon ,0 mt h ot,aonmc fthis of much adorn south, the to km 1,000 around km), 144W/50 (72S, Hawthorne 4S 3W16k) hle,teodro h ar a ahreroded rather has pair, the of older the Shelley, km). 130W/146 (45S, sa Chan Ts’ao 5S 1W17k) eodMceagl,anumber a Michelangelo, Beyond km). 115W/107 (51S, Michelangelo 1S 4W10k)and km) 142W/110 (13S, 4S 0W26k) ihisnear- its with km), 109W/216 (45S, Shelley Hals 4S 2W14km) 128W/164 (48S, akTwain Mark Riemenschneider 5S 115W/100 (55S, (11S, atadsuh h rasronigtegatcae hkser,priual to particularly Shakespeare, crater its giant to the particularly surrounding itself, area retain Tolstoj that the distinct areas around south; in main immediately and seen The east lie beyond. be and sculpting can quadrant impact Tolstojian this Tolstoj clear of basin the much impact 510 across of measures multi-ring located effects and units Tolstoj topographical scarp larger inward-facing The discontinuous much across. a km the of consists of ring ring main whose flooded central the unnamed only crater large major a the eroded. surrounding is area and the Sibelius line flooded a been of has of east A which rims the mountain. km) eastern to central 142W/100 the Immediately (50S, substantial skirts crater craters. and a edge smaller and northern several walls Sibelius’ of internal from is terraced runs region has scarp Can. the small it Han and Han from north; between floors, from rays region the smooth ejecta linear hilly relatively to of bright the with four lines them occupy by bright of unnamed) crossed two many (all Hals, by craters and crossed smaller at Vincente itself of crater is number prominent impact A crater a central Can. the Vincente, tiny while from west, a radiate the with craters across completely of stretching replaced been chain chains be has bifurcated Numerous to uplift date. only central with later melt, terracing, Its some internal impact wall. strong by eastern and inner buried rim sharp slumped a considerably feature has radial a It a kilometres. be square to thousand likely is that 162W). craters (52S, of Basin chain Vincente-Barma linked the a of Delacroix, of north the o emv cost h otwsenscino hsqarn n describe and quadrant this of section northwestern the to across move we Now ( Vincente 7,12/8k)i h otpoietcae na rao several of area an in crater prominent most the is km) 142W/98 57S, oruiPsRupes Pourquoi-Pas hle.NASA. Shelley. Tolstoj 1S 6W30k) hc sactually is which km), 164W/390 (16S, Sibelius cnrda 8,16)to 156W) 58S, at (centred 5S 4W9 m lies km) 145W/90 (50S,
Our Current 53 Knowledge of Mercury 54 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury t mohfor lcyinrrgo n togylnae ue oe h Tolstoj the zone, outer lineated strongly and region With inner deformation. blocky structural floor, by ring; followed smooth outer cratering Tolstoj’s its secondary grooves beyond by found and formed be areas, were lineations can these surrounding kilometres radial hundred the several Pronounced than for bluer difference. stretching slightly compositional completely are collar that a wide, patches broad suggesting km a These 125 of crater. averaging terrain, presence the dusky the surrounds of is patches diffuse zone of this of up of made wall features western noticeable immediately the most overlies floor, flooded long. smooth km a 150 with some Tolstoj. crater scarp southeastern arcuate a the in inward-facing to km), km an parallel 260 168W/85 lies of some which consists ring of and Tolstojan section rim traceable internal clear easily buried are most the largely There the by but slumping. diameter, unflexed smaller and and remain a compressing slumping graben, to of from concentric interior indications major enough and the sturdy any ridges preventing was infill, wrinkle experienced crust the lava of underlying have Caloris, devoid the of plain to that smooth interior that indicating appear a the craters not is Unlike it younger does flooding. compression; of few Tolstoj episode a several of last contains with floor the It after along kilometres. formed square craters, were 120,000 flooded around Tolstoj’s of near-completely craters. area embayed sizeable flooded, an of has number floor a flooded featuring rim scalloped somewhat Quadrant Southeastern (see Raphael surrounding area the and above). above); (see east its oae 5 mt h ot fTltjsrm h ags n otesel member easterly most and largest the rim, Tolstoj’s is of which north of the to Quadrant km Northwestern 150 a located (see displays Tolstoj Caloris size. in although larger shown its Basin, not to Caloris are owing miniature above) which a features like of ways number many in is Basin oso h rtri lgtyplgnli uln,adhsasharply-defined, a has and outline, in polygonal slightly is crater the Tolstoj lse fhl oe ondadoelpigcaes l fasmlrsz,is size, similar a of all craters, overlapping and joined dozen a half of cluster A the of one and Tolstoj, of scarps outer and inner the between lies terrain Blocky oChü-I Po 7,15/8k) h nynmdcae nteae.Po area. the in crater named only the km), 165W/68 (7S, icne NASA. Vincente. Liszt (16S, ne etr al ncnrs,tecae ssrone yapoietdark prominent a by crater’s surrounded the is touch crater which the arcs contrast, bright In a two across floor; in wall. extend these melt floor western and floor, western impact inner the and an from through rises northern and sharp, peaks Zeami’s a central terracing has bright internal of It group is crater. marked scattered impact group rim, young the irregular relatively Dominating and somewhat Tolstoj. large of a north. northeast km), its 147W/120 to the crater to overlapped another ground is by and lineated overlapped erosion is most itself the displays which it neighbour, group; western the its of by oldest the also is Chü-I oesrkn lse fcaesi ob on mdtesrnl radially strongly the amid found be to is craters of cluster striking more A oso.NASA. Tolstoj. em.NASA. Zeami. Zeami (3S,
Our Current 55 Knowledge of Mercury 56 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury xeto ftesot liso oso;priual rmnn ailfeatures radial Rublev. prominent of particularly north the the Tolstoj; with to Secondary landscape, of found floor. the plains surrounded be across Rublev’s smooth can traced crater of be the most impact can of across Rublev km extends exception to 20 which radial young features ejecta and light bright cratering of a splash by a highlighted by traceable. and is easily of ejecta and rim number clear-cut crater’s a southern is that to rim addition with western in covered its remain, and and elevation basin craters, Zeami central flooded this a by smaller diameter, of east in traces the km craters; unnamed in secondary 400 large, upon very Approximately a intruded 151W). of is rim (3S, southern basin the impact abuts Tolstoj- Goya flooded with floor. its streaked cross its landscape ridges within wrinkle a just nestles within which is immersed furrows, crater radial west, impact km Due a craters 35 wall. by impact a small through southeastern with Many along cut Zeami. floor, by is of out Sophocles’ floor thrown indications dot craters northern age, secondary its its of chain Despite Sophocles; curving crater. within eroded remain more terracing considerably internal and older an km), eta ekadnrhr lo,le oedsac otees fZai ml but towards small points A Zeami. nearby of ejecta east bright the to of distance streak some lies prominent of floor, Zeami. northern chains terrain. of and peak north surrounding radial central the the many to into which lie extend chains through continuous furrows wide, prominent impact particularly km secondary Two 50 deep some and melt, craters impact of collar cos igsascae ihteTltjBsnrnars h etr,s predates so feature, sizeable the across a run km large floor; Basin 300 a of Tolstoj smooth is excess the Eitoku very in with Underlying 157W) a associated centre. 24S, crater’s ridges approximately and the across; at rim of (centred north basin scalloped little flooded a rather unnamed lies low, peaks of a group has It Tolstoj. oso’ atr aprshost ramparts eastern Tolstoj’s Theophanes Eitoku 2S 5W10k)rsdsi oge egbuho otes of southeast neighbourhood rougher a in resides km) 157W/100 (22S, 5,12/5k) on matcae oal o t brilliant its for notable crater impact young a km), 142W/45 (5S, Goya 7,12/3 m,acae fsmlraet ohce;low Sophocles; to age similar of crater a km), 152W/135 (7S, ulv NASA. Rublev. Rublev 1S 5W12k) rtrwhose crater a km), 157W/132 (15S, Sophocles 7,146W/150 (7S, 0k cos,ec opnn aigasalcnrlulf hc ie rma from rises which uplift central into small sunk a component neighbour; having larger its component (the crater from each double rays across), overlapping light km unnamed an of 40 is pasting floor a southern with its covered crater floored oso,atog h etr seceigyidsic rmatpgahclpoint topographical and a Milton from ancient of indistinct the rims by exceedingly the further up is view. between taken of a feature is crater midway the for Basho large lies although of crater the centre Tolstoj, north of the whose area east of the Basin, the either of north to Eitoku-Milton with Much ground associated continues km). hilly be ridge 175W/186 may some (26S, This that across ridge extending Basin. a overlain km, Tir by completely 150 bisected is or is floor Tolstoj it southern and smooth the its crater terracing, interesting that younger size, except an of a massif, is terms by central in Basho large Basho of and to system, North identical floor ejecta Tycho. and 171W) setting crater (28S, shape, metres crater lunar size, thousand unnamed its famous several of the massif, terms make resembles large In whose centre. a walls Basho crater’s floor; terraced of the dark internally at prominent smooth rises bright its high, most its over with and the kilometres contrast sharp, hundred system, good is several a ray for rim northeast Basho’s bright the Eitoku. a to towards line has a in it stretches melt; components with impact beginning of area, craters collar large this significant of of latitudes line A mid-southern Basho Tolstoj. the of across south region southward the stretches in found be can terrain to Eitoku 153W). near 26S, especially at vicinity, (centred southeast the the in numerous to found another rim; be floor. and the can main across north basin elsewhere its the seen the the be delineates to can in radial craters ridges smoothest younger Furrows of large is two floor line and craters basin’s disjointed flooded unnamed a The where margin. southwest, considerable a by Tolstoj hr itnees fBsois Basho of east distance short A hilly and plains smooth of patches with interspersed terrain cratered Heavily 3S 7W8 m,apoietyugipc rtrsrone yadark a by surrounded crater impact young prominent a km), 170W/80 (33S, iou NASA. Eitoku. sa Isa Ustad 3S 6W16k) smooth- a km), 165W/136 (32S, Milton
Our Current 57 Knowledge of Mercury 58 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury r lofudetral otecae,priual oisnrhat n hyare features they and such northeast, wrinkles; its sizeable to several particularly crater, with the ridged to and externally between craters found midway also small punctuated plain are floor few cratered flooded smooth a moderately a has a by Takayoshi Pole. on South Mercury’s lies and km) Tolstoj 163W/120 (41S, the crater with associated probably hilly Barma it the of while most crater, wrinkled, triple markedly conjoined is Basin. large Eitoku-Milton west a the Ustad is of to south north terrain immediate the to Basho’s lies To terrain Tolstoj-lineated Isa. Strongly floor. melt impact darker rmnn roo ag rtr comprising craters large of trio prominent A frel nw s‘aolv:4S 6W18k)adalreunnamed large a and km) 163W/128 41S, ‘Yakovlev’: as known (formerly am.NASA. Barma. ah.NASA. Basho. Takayoshi 3S 6W19km), 163W/139 (38S, 8W10k)woeforadsuhr alapast aebe uldapart pulled been have to appears wall (21S, west. southern crater tension. the unnamed crustal to and another by an floor and including just whose south west, lie the km) further which to 185W/120 one o lies east, each topography the of fascinating Kalidasa to centres Some one south. the rim; and craters, Kalidasa’s southeast older of of the three outside group to upon ramparts, landscape superimposed a northern the is crater’s gouges Kalidasa; through itself the radial cut around beyond Deep more out landscape several floor. fan while chains crater the crater the striate prominent of six floor impacts rest around eastern eastern secondary the clear-cut smooth up by but crater’s making the low caused terrain separates a hillier massif and the mountain wall from curving western large, inner A terraced wall. strongly terrain a A the the with through crater. through km crater cuts 100 similar-sized south. than Hauptmann, a more the of for of to floor continues western and wall wall far northeastern southwestern the crater’s the around runs overlies valley massif, sinuous central a with ai fTrPaii.Altl esta afo h raocpe yTrPaii (see Planitia Tir by occupied area the of half than less little A Planitia. Tir of basin of number a lie ridges, heavily and and scarps hilly valleys, of note. mixture with of heady worthy riddled craters a is large of which composed area terrain an cratered in smooth Tolstoj, a of from Southwest rising in massif trio, scalloped central the particularly large of a rim, youngest craters and sharp floor. the terracing impact-fill keyhole-shaped a is internal itself with sizeable strong Barma secondary crater, west, four diameter. the numerous impact in with medium-sized with km along 15 typical dotted to a east, is 5 its floor from range to smooth which lies its Barma age similar Takayoshi; from of of craters crater unnamed south An the Basin. to Eitoku-Milton the to related probably loNrhetr udat bv)cvr h otwsenpr fti quadrant. this of part northwestern the covers above) Quadrant, Northwestern also ute ot,tecaee adcp ie a otebod loe impact flooded broad, the to way gives landscape cratered the north, Further survey. circum-Tolstoj our to return we south, further venturing Before Kalidasa 1S 7W17k)t h ot safsiaigimpact fascinating a is north the to km) 179W/107 (18S, Hauptmann aiaa NASA. Kalidasa. 2S 8W10k) elfre crater well-formed a km), 180W/120 (24S,
Our Current 59 Knowledge of Mercury 60 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury tcnan nitrsigcrlto ih rtr agn ewe n 0k in km 20 and 5 between ranging 40 craters and some eight crater unwrinkled, a of and by circlet smooth up diameter. interesting unnamed relatively taken floor, an An is is northern contains itself floor km. crater it Dostoevskij’s southern 300 this of Dostoevskij’s than of portion across. floor more northern km large of the a distance of extending occupies a much grooves, southeast, and crater – the radial diameter 157W to by km 59S, far 100 to through terrain 167W cut the well-preserved 53S, long, curves through from particularly blocky One cuts beyond. a valley plains the Dostoevskij-radial as into obliterated extend visible most not which sections its of are those many is but craters craters, distinct, impact less smaller is by by wall overlain further eastern impacts places its its from feature; in away ejecta prominent with wall, worn overlain western and has lava Dostoevskij’s bombardment with less afield. filled of been somewhat Aeons has it floor features. its renders walls, smaller status ancient many its than crater, imposing named a biggest Northwestern on second (see crater Mercury’s lies Mozart little to which the distant. radial crater km – craters 500 impact Tir small some perfectly-formed of of above), Quadrant but dozens section by this small pockmarked in a ridge out km), terrain. stands lineated 180W/24 Caloris feature of (5S, patches named number several a one and including Caloris Only to features, radial topographic ridges Caloris-related prominent of of number a displays Tir 5S 8W10k) rtrwt ra ercdinrwls toelp the A overlaps floor. blocky it jumbled, walls; rather inner a with terraced crater lies broad unnamed Dostoevskij smaller with of wrinkle a crater of South the wall a of post-fill. southern some produced km), and were 180W/100 is Basin, plain Dostoevskij (54S, Vincente-Barma of this the east on the within to ridges fill plain lava flooded the by smooth where The underlain wall intersect. Dostoevskij’s rims of parts features’ affected two has above) (see Basin Vincente-Barma Dostoevskij tmyntb novostpgahcfaue u h ag n eyancient very and large the but feature, topographic obvious an be not may It 4S 7W41k)i itelre hnTltj lhuhi is it although Tolstoj; than larger little a is km) 176W/411 (45S, e.NASA. Fet. Dowland Fet otes ofnlytriaeaogteesenrmo nunmdcae (62S, crater unnamed an of slight rim a eastern there the proceeds end scarp eastern along main its the terminate At while low finally east east. unnamed the the to the an ve to southeast to of sinking m curves component ramparts 3,000 lesser it southern around the as the bifurcation, of km) skirting craters elevation 167W/85 before three highest (62S, west, of its crater a the chain reach from to a to radiating terrain bisects on valleys smooth completely goes west- spoke-like Rupes km) south, of Hero main 175W/90 the system centre. Rupes’ (55S, to its unusual crater Hero at an the unnamed east. crater with to an smaller its cleft ground inside is to lower Dowland floor the of immediately of whose in east terrain both number begins higher Rupes, cliff A the Hero facing Basin. of in Vincente-Barma parts global and to ancient large-scale west parallel the by run somewhat of caused ridges conform ridge outline to short lobate appears southwestern Rupes a the Hero is crumpling, to it crustal Although and the long. activity tectonic of km One 700 circle’. some ‘Antarctic cliff Mercurian these, cratered of Vincente-Barma prominent more most hiller, the the with into Gainsborough, concentric Dostoevsky southeast. of pattern the northeast to a and far in north lies ridged centre the whose Mercury. strongly to of Basin be knowledge Sarmiento, our of to its of east limit appears to encompasses western area craters current which entire the of region at The number crater heavily-cratered a a km), a through 188W/145 km amid cuts 400 nearby some and lies scarp K’ai large Liang a bisects north. is which note length particular in Of the rim. to northwestern km Dostoevskij’s 100 below). ridges another (see oriented proceeds northwest-southeast vicinity dramatic the and of in crater number rupes a the and of Dostoevskij, of one is of part This wall eastern southeast. southwestern the the through from cuts extending ridge, lobate compressional 6W3 km). 161W/30 eea ag crsetn oteswrsars h eri otesuhatof southeast the to terrain the across southeastwards extend scarps large Several K’ai Liang Gainsborough 4S 8W10k) ag rtrwt loe lo,le beyond lies floor, flooded a with crater large a km), 183W/140 (40S, 3N 8W10k) aryurmral matcrater, impact unremarkable fairly a km), 183W/100 (36N, eoRupes Hero otesi.NASA. Dostoevskij. cnrda 8,11) om ra curved great a forms 171W), 58S, at (centred Sarmiento (30S,
Our Current 61 Knowledge of Mercury 62 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury tbscsa nae rtr(8,16/2k) n tpoed ot ocut to south proceeds it and mid-way km), section; 156W/12 northern (58S, its height. its in crater half widest faces unnamed around and cliff an averages main highest only bisects Its its it long. it at although km Rupes, is 300 Hero Rupes some of Pourquoi-Pas curve that slight does a as in west, terrain cratered less erably o rud20k costecaee eri ewe h otenedo Hero of end southern the between terrain cratered crater the the crater. and across Rupes that km within 200 west around the for where to km), turn 155W/65 90° (60S, sharp crater a unnamed in sizeable terminates a it of wall northern the through nae rtr(3,16/1 m,bacigit w nta rtrsnorthern crater’s that on two into branching km), 166W/110 (63S, crater unnamed jaRupes Gjöa consid- of tract a across cuts Rupes Pourquoi-Pas scarp, lobate extensive Another cnrda 7,19) h hr ae cr nteae,curves area, the in scarp named third the 159W), 67S, at (centred Keats 7S 5W15k) t otenscinbscsalarge a bisects section northern Its km). 155W/115 (70S, oruiPsRps NASA. Rupes. Pourquoi-Pas omdb crustal mighty by the compression, Formed lfs NASA. largest cliffs. the planets’ of one terrestrial is Rupes Hero oto fti udat hyicuetejie u of duo joined the include and They quadrant. this of portion by straddled very is a rim crater found southwestern a be whose of can km) crustal Dickens Leopardi vestiges 178W/200 of (72S, by the West crater represents west superimposed. unnamed probably been large the which has ground Dickens rim, to of tongue which western elevated pushed upon An its hills. been to of group adjacent has central a overlain lies a wall and displays is walls eastern Keats half inner terraced lies other Keats. whose broad south its of crater its but north To km elevation, the compression. central 50 to tiny the a edge a to jagged by and immediately low crater wall smaller a western a in substantial of terminates massif it central the south; through cutting and floor utdwt ace feet.Hlirgon,cnitn rmrl fconcentric break ramparts of southeastern Its primarily and walls. consisting craters outer and and ground, impact complete inner small Hillier less Bach’s with between ejecta. or lies peppered more of features, is is distorting patches which circular, ring with plain of inner out dusted flooded crater’s slightly smooth The is a to rim west. rings outer bounds its inner Its with to Mercury. craters Wagner of flooded part towards large of this number in a found of be one is Bach km). 104W/120 lme;awikerdernigajcn oti alyt t ot per to appears infill north floor its the to as valley faulting this the to by adjacent wall caused running inner possibly ridge its running valley, wrinkle adjacent spine deep a floor elevated a broad slumped; southern very with Bach’s (72S, a trenched axis. crater with is major elliptical formation its unnamed curious through large a north-south adjacent km), an 65 with × 96W/80 intersect they where down ru flre rmnn rtr oesalrepr ftesoutheastern the of part large a covers craters prominent large, of group A Wagner 7S 8W7 km). 180W/72 (73S, 6S 1W10km), 114W/140 (67S, Dickens jaRps NASA. Rupes. Gjoa Chopin 7S 5W7 m,ayugrcae with crater younger a km), 153W/78 (73S, 6S 2W19k)and km) 123W/129 (65S, Bach 6S 0W24km) 103W/214 (69S, Alencar (64S,
Our Current 63 Knowledge of Mercury 64 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury arwlna rtrcan hc tec oe20k rmtewl fWge to Wagner of wall the of from couple km a 250 are craters some craters stretch similar-sized peak of which more central group chains three sizeable crater this of linear upon a chain narrow superimposed with a southeast; crater this the km from to and sharply 45 proceeds a rim, young retains southern A Wagner its crater, hills. overlies old central an of is it cluster Although pointed part rims. crater’s northern both the of through junction cuts feature particularly deep Bach, a around where all southwest, found the of to be and can east grooving to Radial scenario. this support meitl otews fBc isWge;asalcae bieae h actual the obliterates crater small a Wagner; lies Bach of west the to Immediately Cervantes 7S 2W11km). 122W/181 (75S, ah NASA. Bach. et n a Gogh Van NASA. centre). and (bottom (above left) (lower Bernini with crater centre), Dickens ssote hnteae ewe t ne n ue ig.Isnrhatr and northeastern Its rings. outer and plain inner central Cervantes’ its south. between the area in west complete the the most in than its overlain smoother at disjointed, slightly and is and ring, craters battered inner km is Its 30 ring, Bach. two outer by to the radial to chain centre crater of impact northeast curving slightly deep, a by t otenrmi netdwt ieo ueosde eodr rtr from craters secondary deep numerous while of rings, line the of a component with larger defined indented nearby of clearly ejecta, is number most rim with a the southern overlain and is its the craters rim is nearby to northern which large Its Cervantes basin several craters. ridges mountains. from double-ringed ridge several radiating central eroded The features and its considerably ridges. impact ramparts, around a similar northern floor is of and crater’s number west western the a crater’s across joins Cervantes the it proceed of engulf where rim the to Camões, from near widens Bach, of plains south the plain the to through runs which Chopin ridge of sional north the to terrain the across impact-melt extend smooth northeast, which Wagner. fairly the Riemenschneider, and a to from km from valleys 500 crater rises terraced some linear broad that lies deep with massif numerous outline, younger central and the Ejecta pronounced large floor. from a a craters has and secondary Chopin size walls with west. similar inner covered the of is to craters which eroded Chopin area) highly crater the ancient in eroded several found highly of be and (one to old crater an km overlies 80 wall unnamed southwestern Wagner’s Wagner. than rather Belinskij eisi,ade rtrwt hr i,hsbe eomdb ag compres- large a by deformed been has rim, sharp a with crater deep a Belinskij, Bernini 7S 0W7 m,atog hs etrsmyb eodr oBelinskij to secondary be may features these although km), 103W/70 (76S, 7S 3W16k) h otenpr fCratsi u through cut is Cervantes of part northern The km). 137W/146 (79S, anr NASA. Wagner.
Our Current 65 Knowledge of Mercury 66 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury eodr matvlesrn otees,sihl uvn rudtesouthern the around curving crater slightly the east, the to to secondary Bernini, runs system around valleys younger 50 impact extend a young secondary by craters a upon chain by superimposed overlain secondary slightly Ictinus are is and a these wall in furrows but northwestern arranged Radial Bernini‘s crater’s hills crater. of centre The of km the some at plain. series rises ring, peak central intermittent inner mountain smooth Bernini’s small and an a terraced. region, outline; comprises and eccentric the and broad is elliptical in are across, craters ring km outer double-ringed its 70 other of than walls deeper inner the rather large is a cover feature to This quadrant. impact north) this the dark of to of section (mainly from mid-southern collar kilometres away the patchy of streak of rays hundreds A portion linear many dark. bright for very prominent nearest crater rim many appears portion the and sharp the wall Kan, but Han Its southern ejecta, mountain. surrounds the Gogh. bright melt central with of prominent van streaked a base be of and to the north wall appears floor inner landscape craters, crater’s terraced massif ray cratered The bright curving young heavily broad, notable large most a a the Mercury’s surrounds with of in along one out floor, Kan, crater’s Han stands mountain the floor. of northern of collection the centre A on the floor. from impact-melt rises an peaks surround walls terraced internally by straddled is wall western its while Gogh obliterated, van completely are walls southeastern 3W17k) rmnn rtrwt ra aprsadasbtnilcentral substantial a and ramparts broad with crater prominent a km), crater 134W/167 double Leopardi. large of to the east north by the extends indented to km). which is 173W/105 terrain scarp the rim curving across southwestern large cuts Leopardi’s a scarp on prominent another lies Leopardi, Ictinus Bernini. of ramparts a oh n fteyugs ftelrecaes a hr i,adits and rim, sharp a has craters, large the of youngest the of one Gogh, Van ecr’ ot oeisl sstae nteforof floor the on situated is itself Pole South Mercury’s Bernini. crater double-ringed impressive the is rim southern Gogh’s van Abutting 7S 6W19k)sm itnet h et h ags fIctinus’ of largest The west. the to distance some km) 165W/119 (79S, 7S 3W14km). 135W/104 (77S, eisi.NASA. Belinskij. hoMeng-Fu Chao Scopas (87S, (81S, e oMpo otwsenQuadrant Southwestern of Map to Key km) 165W/68 (76S, km) Martí 109W/68 (73S, Son-Do Yun km) 148W/85 (62S, Rimbaud km) 145W/90 (50S, Sibelius km) 125W/120 Descending (37S, of Surikov km) order 146W/87 (28S, (in Gogol Quadrant Southwestern the in Latitude): ancient Craters the Named of and floor hills Other the with Basin. of peppered Sadi-Scopas section and hidden best-preserved rough largely the is and represents north and its craters, to small terrain The complex. mountain .Mena 4. Sayat-Nova 3. Bello 2. Beethoven 1.
Our Current 67 Knowledge of Mercury 68 Our Current Knowledge of Mercury 9 Wagner 49. Bach 48. Leopardi 47. Dickens 46. Keats 45. Sarmiento 44. Gainsborough 43. K’ai Liang 42. Dowland 41. Dostoevskij 40. Fet 39. Kalidasa 38. Hauptmann 37. Barma 36. Takayoshi 35. Isa Ustad 34. Milton 33. Basho 32. Eitoku 31. Rublev 30. Goya 29. Sophocles 28. Theophanes 27. Zeami 26. Chü-I Po 25. Liszt 24. Tolstoj 23. Sibelius 22. Vincente 21. Kan Han 20. Delacroix 19. Shelley 18. Riemenschneider 17. Hals 16. Hawthorne 15. Michelangelo 14. Twain Mark 13. Chan Ts’ao 12. Valmiki 11. Bartók 10. 5 a Gogh van 55. Bernini 54. Belinskij 53. Cervantes 52. Alencar 51. Chopin 50. .Schoenberg 9. Ives 8. Philoxenus chain) 7. (crater Ta Chu 6. Cézanne 5. 3 jaRupes Gjöa R3. Rupes Hero R2. Rupes Pourquoi-Pas R1. Meng-Fu Chao 58. Scopas 57. Ictinus 56.
Our Current 69 Knowledge of Mercury yl,laigt opeeyopst eaieoinaino h w lnt na in planets two each 4° the by of place orientation of even relative out is opposite is mismatch completely Mercury the a Earth; However, to the 9:23. leading and of Venus cycle, ratio between the that in than is greater resonance near recurring the each case, years, this eight by years. separated 243 timing pairs in lasting the in are transits affects occur planets of This which years. two series Venus, 960 The of slight just mismatch. transits after the huge orientation of since a relative Earth, produce opposite the to the and coincidence time exactly Venus frequency over between orbital up former resonance an adds its orbital of difference be true advance to a in considered than hours) is 22 rather this (about orbits close, Venus 1.5° 13 However just and appears position. years away Earth Venus percent eight Sun, 0.032 Every the just 8:13. around – of orbits, resonance positions Venus orbital relative almost 13 perfect same is and a the from orbits which almost Earth figure assume eight planets a After two days, days. the 583.92 solar Venusian is five Sun) to the equivalent with conjunctions successive any two by perihelic maximum a closest Earth to Sun its the km. the at of to 261,039,880 side Mars of other approach the distance than nearest to a recedes closer the Venus kilometres furthest, – its million At minutes) approaches. 16.4 light some 2.1 and or planet, at AU, velocity (0.26 orbital km minimum maximum its its and from km/s) differ km/s). (36.259 greatly Venus’ (35.784 Sun, not perihelion aphelion the does at around km/s orbit velocity 36.020 circular orbital any almost of of its velocity orbit to circular orbital Due nearly average System. most the Solar it the making in 0.007, planet just of eccentricity 108,941,849 an the has and orbit from perihelion distance at Venus actual AU) aphelion. Sun, planet’s at (0.7184 The the AU) km days. (0.7282 from 107,476,002 km 224.7 AU) between of (0.7233 ranges period km Sun orbital 108,208,926 sidereal of a distance has average an With Orbit Venus’ Venus of Knowledge Current Our 3 Chapter eido ut20years. 200 just of period iia ria rqec oniec cusbtenVnsadMruy In Mercury. and Venus between occurs coincidence frequency orbital similar A between time of period (the period synodic planet’s the Earth, the from Viewed 38,150,900 of distance minimum a to Earth the approaches Venus closest, its At Venus’ equator), Sun’s the to (3.9° ecliptic the of plane the to 3.4° by Inclined
Our Current 71 Knowledge of Venus 72 Our Current Knowledge of Venus vnteSnisl,fo eu’sraesm 4aciue cosadsiigat shining and across cloud. arcminutes dense 44 of some blanket surface visible perpetual Venus’ ever its from north are to itself, Venus’ owing stars Sun surface no the to Venus’ Even However, few star from a Cloud. light Dorado, bright Magellanic of constellation normal Large Draconis, the nearest in constellation the in Chi the the lies from pole Altais. in is away celestial degrees and – south away, planet’s Declination I 5.5° the minutes Nodus pole; some celestial 9 stars and 67° Draconian 3.56 RA, the magnitude m celestial between north 10.9 planet’s midway the h solar The around and Draco, 18 planet. orbit sunlight the at its of of lies amount of part the plane pole particular in the any variations by to seasonal experienced 2.64° negligible energy mere are a there by so tilted Sun, is axis rotational Venus’ Period Rotation and Tilt Axial to mass its law, allowed 10 enabled third × has Kepler’s Venus 4.87 Using around at own. probes determined its space be of of orbits satellites the natural of no analysis has Venus Mercury, Like Gravity and Density Mass, jokingly to some leading important twin’. many dissimilar, ‘evil in more Earth’s although be the – as not planet it could to ‘sister’ planets refer or two ‘twin’ the area planet’s the respects our to Ocean. as equivalent Atlantic to terms, North referred the imaginable of easily area more the kilometres, in minus square or, Earth million – the 460 Earth of some the to of amounts that area 0.9 surface planet’s The axial Earth’s Earth’s. of known the rate between slow not difference planet’s km is the 43 diameters. the to equatorial diameters than owing and smaller slight polar far equatorial very is planet be difference and to equator, terrestrial the thought rotation; polar the a is diameter. it at Venus’ equatorial is but Earth’s across the precisely, between Venus of km that planets, difference than 12,104 smaller inner km The Measuring 650 System’s only rocks. is diameter Solar silicate Venus’ of the chiefly of composed four all Like Dimensions Physical hrdol yUau mn h ao lnt.Asdra a nVnslasts of Venus surface on the From day Sun. sidereal the around A period planets. viewed phenomenon orbital sidereal a when major its – – the than direction more retrograde among anticlockwise days an is Uranus 18.3 in rotation by turns planet’s only it The pole, shared north days. the 243.02 above every from cloud. axis by its obscured on completely always is –27.6 of magnitude apparent an 15 hto h at,mkn tteSlrSse’ eet otmsieobject. massive most seventh System’s Solar the it making Earth, the of that 81.5% h endniyo ihrMruy(.3g/cm (5.43 Mercury either of density mean the rvt ttepae’ qao s9 ecn hto h at’,adisescape its and Earth’s, the of that percent 90 is km/s. equator 10.46 is planet’s velocity the at gravity sacneuneo t iia ieadcoeest h at,Vnsi sometimes is Venus Earth, the to closeness and size similar its of consequence a As the of 0.857 is volume Venus’ kilometres, cubic billion 938 some Encompassing eu a h lws ieelrtto aeo n ftepaes unn once turning planets, the of any of rate rotation sidereal slowest the has Venus eu’mtra a naeaedniyo .0 g/cm 5.204 of density average an has material Venus’ 24 g(.7sxilo oe/,7 rlintns,amass a tones), trillion tones/4,870 sextillion (4.87 kg 3 rteErh(.2g/cm (5.52 Earth the or ) 3 lgtyls es than dense less slightly – 3 .Surface ). lw nrddtruhcutlfsue,fligtefor fmn fteimpact the of Lava many basins. of and floors craters the of filling form fissures, the the retain crustal to in through began impacts intruded they asteroidal flows consolidated countless and of thickened imprints crusts protoplanetary the As History Surface long surface. has Venus’ on it the impacting means, in by distributed similar waste being through laid fragments billion is or satellite the 4.6 System which forces, a Solar some tidal Moon, form inner by planet Earth’s apart once Mars-sized the torn did a disappeared, of of Venus since direct case impact If the no the ago. in from There’s with years found resulted rotation. collided as have protoplanet of to impact, smaller thought an direction a such planet’s when for system the the history evidence for to reversing planet’s account jolt drastically braking the huge to a in Venus, a fail that early suggested had interactions effects been place tidal undoubtedly tidal has took Venus, Sun-Venus It have rotation. of simple atmosphere retrograde case but planet’s dense the the rotation, can In its its rotation planets. on on other of Sun effect extent satellites rate the small any a by the Sun, planet’s to the as produced A and it, direction have between nebula. same interactions may the the solar gravitational solar it that in tidal the the show of are of because of System orbits out change Solar their momentum formed early and freshly angular the planets planet, initial of the young of dynamics a momenta the was angular of it planets) models when major Current other had the nebula. have all with to (along likely it that is and period rotation cores prograde faster planetary crusts. much and form melted. mantles to their protoplanets sank form the to elements of rose radioactive heavier material material the the as lighter and consequence place planet pressure a took internal the as chunks impacts, Differentiation within and asteroidal large elements, temperatures of accumulating of High result decay and a impacts. gas as countless about and through came dust matter formed. attracting solid the have orbits, of could of own satellite to formation own their enough its the massive within which and been from have globule material around to of solar within thought disk the a System is attracted of protoplanets Solar have these collapse inner of the the None dominate of protosun. to years grown Venus, million Mercury, had – 200 – metals Mars and silicates and of Earth largely composed protoplanets large Four Origins 246 and equator equator. Mercury’s Earth’s average on the around on point point – the a a km/hour equally At than 6.5 than an it). slower just slower (taking below times of considerably later disappearing velocity days a speed, and at 116.75 horizon walking rotates some the visible) surface east ever touching Venus’ were the first equator, Sun in between the sets time course, (takin and long of west horizon) (if, the the Sun in the over rise equator to the appear on would point a at Venus etrs lal iil ennso nitnepro fatria mat called impacts asteroidal of period intense an of remnants visible Clearly features. eu’cretso ergaertto eidi rmtclydfeett the to different dramatically is period rotation retrograde slow current Venus’ material available the all up swept System Solar inner the of protoplanets The or ohaeisl opeeyup completely itself heave to hours ¾ 4 g
Our Current 73 Knowledge of Venus 74 Our Current Knowledge of Venus sad ntePcfcOen hc,bcueo e lo oeetoe relatively a Hawaiian over the movement are floor examples sea Hot of best-known because spots. the which, of hot Ocean, one Pacific as – the lithosphere, known Earth in the the areas islands into on active intruding known volcanically and are and spots mantle the uplifts within volcanic deep producing arising material hot came of composition has and features. to crust structure crustal attempted size, continental different have similar its such scientists such have while planetary of km to decades, thick, planets 40 For two km and km. how 20 10 40 understand between of some thickness ranges is average plates, crust to an oceanic similar oceanic Earth’s material Earth’s, Earth’s the the basaltic-type as thick; up of size composed making same the crust, material about Venus’ be the rocky across. to ductile thought km hot, is 2,400 core a Its some core, crust. nickel-iron rocky molten a substantial and a mantle has Venus Earth, the Like Features Tectonic crustal of movement horizontal relative a produced strike-slip Venus’ major has of and blocks. rifting faulting Much crustal planet. where of continents, zones the terrestrial systems been ranges, in on has mountain found large there that activity to numerous that tectonic resemblance with say strong and to a displays not movement geology is crustal surface that of Venus, lack on anywhere a evidence in few aren’t just zones a behind leaving Earth, the examples. the on helped younger of features has the from side impact of crumpling ancient either sideways crustal most on shunted and the continents tectonics been floor obliterate the plate Atlantic has sedimentation, beneath the older Erosion, subducted renewal on everything Atlantic. and of found old; state ridges rocks years constant mid-ocean oldest a million the the in 180 example, is surface just For floor Earth’s are sea spreading. the similar-sized the of floor in two and percent sea difference – crust, five by Venus The Seventy oceanic and old. factors. overlying Earth several water years the by is million explained on 500 is found just – craters that planets is impact estimated surface of been Venus’ has numbers It the of features. means age on volcanic impact craters average by Venusian large resurfacing ancient the the of the of process all the most constant obliterated to A on has Mars. comparison identified been and in been on Mercury young have have Moon, very that the craters are number features impact the these 1,000 times – nearly four Earth around Although – Earth. by Venus the identified diverted or System, Venus either Solar on outer planets. the the seen outer from in giant be came originated the probably can with many impactors ago, interactions the but gravitational years of System, Some billion Solar Mars. 3.8 and inner about Mercury Moon, ended the which on bombardment’, ‘great the rdcn ohcmrsieadtniefaue nargoa cl.Sc features Such above, scale. crust regional the a convective of on the deformation features Venus, produces tensile spots On and hot drifting. compressive its both of at producing process mantle the the is in of which movement not of are youngest plateaux the continental features, elevated of chain a active. created volcanically still has spot, hot static lhuhsraigmdoenctp igs rnvrefatrsadsubduction and fractures transverse ridges, type mid-oceanic spreading Although seen be to remains rates bombardment high of period ancient this of trace no Yet eu osnthv natv,mbl cai-yecutlk h at,adits and Earth, the like crust oceanic-type mobile active, an have not does Venus plumes by exclusively almost driven are tectonics global Venus’ that appears It ok n ocncatvt rasotot h ufc,cetn ocne and volcanoes volcanic creating a as surface, further thickens the crust the onto time, Over out lava. of breaks surrounding quantities the large activity melts depositing intrusion volcanic hot produce Venus’ The crust and chasma. uplifted in a called the rocks plume valleys produce in huge convective Stresses spots and dome. a rifts or hot First, region faults, Venusian uplifted crust. large years, overlying a of creates the mantle millions in of characteristics of hundreds series of scales time Over Highlands and Terrae typical NASA. a terrain. tesserated of patch of Close-up major last the during flows lava by buried resurfacing. largely planetary small was a of just that phase representing crust visible ancient are of faulting that tesserae to sample larger surrounding those prone significantly surface, easily than a Venus’ more weaker underlie of and may proportion setting. originally rock terrain of was tesserated particular type Alternatively, areas different any deformation. a these and in of in up unit through crust made compression perhaps the crustal areas, crustal that oldest of possible the result is a represents It as and arisen Tesserated activity, chiefly across. km have tectonic 20 to than more thought of to is kilometres networks the terrain few smaller by a into of fractured from direction) ranging been percent particular blocks have one angular ten towards tesserated which trending covers Venus, crust (usually on of and faults terrain sections criss-crossing Venus, of hilly form of to altered consists unique tectonically terrain is most the The tile) in surface. mosaic planet’s run a or ‘tessera’, stresses. parallel crustal word in and deformation occur of which direction the of with many accordance in ridges, direction same wrinkle and faults include lta sbitu vrtehtspot. hot the over up built is plateau nte omo etncfauekona esrtdtran(rmteGreek the (from terrain tesserated as known feature tectonic of form Another
Our Current 75 Knowledge of Venus 76 Our Current Knowledge of Venus rcuig ti osbeta hsi eino etnctninadnwcrustal new and tension ridge. mid-ocean tectonic a of about region spreading and a floor ridges one ocean is folding, terrestrial than this complex to more that producing akin to from possible region, formation, coming up the is forces of in It crustal work heights fracturing. that at reaches evidence been that Africa). have of terrain of direction plenty size rough There’s the It comprises half km. equator. (around the Terra 7 kilometres of Aphrodite square south million lying of 15 it Much around of of most area Venus, an around has way the of one-third almost the the into crumpled on plate feature African NASA. the crustal similar plate. as by European a formed formed the which is of belt Africa, margin right mountain North southern in large At Mountains a forces. Atlas 319E), the compressional 69N, Earth, at northwest-southeast (centred under Montes folding Akna Venus’ left, At a produced of have plateau. mode Tibetan which the same as boundaries large the as plate twice share is converging Planum probably Planum Lakshmi are features uplift. Lakshmi mountainous features km. two folded Plateau both 11 The Tibetan – Earth’s to borders. the origin up of mountain – reminiscent its peaks is altitude the ranges and ranges, highest mountain these vast surrounding the Of its south. four reach north, and the a the by to Montes Montes to occupies edged Maxwell Danu Montes across, and Frejya is of west east, km the Planum the to 2,345 Lakshmi in Montes Lakshmi Montes Akna some Terra. Maxwell Australia. plain Ishtar namely of ranges, vast eastern mountain that a of to 339E), area portion equivalent an 69N, sizeable has kilometres, at plateau square highland (centred vast million Planum this continents, 8 west, to Earth’s around east the of from to km 5,600 size some comparable Measuring Regio. of Beta is called plateau which highland of smaller each a – plus Terra Lada and ocn ttecnr fBt ei,maue 2 ioersars tisbs and base its at across kilometres 226 measures shield Regio, large a Beta 281E), of (23N, centre Mons the Theia at rise. volcanic volcano Venusian a of examples cutting largest found be can part. canyons northern graben-type and continent’s deep terrain the of tesserated number across much a contains coronae; It large continents. several highland Venus’ of precipitous strTra(ete t7N 8)dmntstepae’ otenhemisphere. northern planet’s the dominates 28E) 70N, at Terra (centred Aphrodite Terra Ishtar Terra, Ishtar – areas highland extensive very three has Venus esrn oe289k ndaee,Bt ei 2N 8E soeo the of one is 283E) (25N, Regio Beta diameter, in least km the 2,869 is some and Measuring across km 8,600 around is 20E) 63S, at (centred Terra Lada stretches and long km 10,000 some is 105E) 6S, at (centred Terra Aphrodite 0ad10k og 0ad6 mi it n fe aeulfe margins uplifted have often and width in km Regio, 60 Beta and traversing 40 valleys between long, measure rift typically km of flows. graben km These lava 160 system 75 volcano. of the and the × field to of 40 50 radially extensive centre measuring run an which the caldera of by sizeable at many surrounded a lies is m; Mons volcano 4,500 Theia The than summit. more its of marks height a to rises Maxwell NASA. of of Montes. the edge edge and western Planum eastern Lakshmi The h lbldsrbto flresil ocne nVns NASA. Venus. on volcanoes shield large of distribution global The
Our Current 77 Knowledge of Venus 78 Our Current Knowledge of Venus ffr’ecrln h aii ca,wieteeaepoal rudfv ie as ridges. times mid-ocean five along around ‘ring found probably the be are to like many there volcanoes zones while how submarine subduction Ocean, active known above Pacific around many not the being has encircling these highly is surface fire’ of land is it of most Earth’s it Venus, the volcanoes, while comparison, on active of and In 1,500 place form, number active. shield currently takes total the 55,000 are small still far the volcanoes or By than volcanism diameter; large mark. that million more either in one probable assume the are km nearer them 1 be Venus of well than majority may on Distributed and bigger System. 100,000 fields exceeds are Solar volcanoes volcanic bases entire the large whose in volcanoes hundred planet several volcano-ridden most within the is Venus Vulcan Real the Venus, Regio Beta beyond extend graben these during tension of lowlands. under number surrounding put result A the was a crust cross Regio. as the and Beta formed as of were extension crustal they uplifting percent that the 10 suggests to Analysis 5 high. some m of 1,000 and 500 between ewe 0 n 0 mars n egt fbten30ad550m In m. 5,500 and 300 between across of km ranging 120 heights bases measures Loa, and with Mauna volcano, across volcanoes, shield largest km shield Earth’s large 700 the comparison, 150 and than 100 more between boasts surface Venus’ Volcanoes Shield h lbldsrbto fvlai etrso eu.NASA. Venus. on features volcanic of distribution global The sa os2S 2E4320015 25 30 40 × × 40 50 viscous, of evidence of 50 × deal domes 75 ‘pancake’ great rounded of small a of 2,000 type or however examples is many Vulcanian the is are 1,500 There terrestrial There like There example. flows. the lava Venus. for much of silicate-rich 3,000 on volcano, 2,000 eruptions fissures, Loa type ash-forming along Mauna explosive, Vesuvian Hawaii’s or of in evidence caldera place little 4,500 central take a that eruptions from 413 emanate that 217 276 300 above 325E Height 24S, 188E 9N, 226 359E 352E 22N, 22N, (km) Mons dia Ushas Base Mons Sapas 281E 23N, Mons Gula Mons Sif Location Mons Theia Name of site the marks NASA. triangle size. red in Each km Venus. 100 on over volcanoes volcano shield shield large a of distribution global The summit or vent central gentle a from their radiating that flows in lava counterparts radial global caldera. long, terrestrial the by their covered than resemble are they slopes higher Earth, km the on 3 found and 2 regions between be highland can are and number which plains disproportionate regions average. a unlike lowland upland instead, chaining, The in of volcanoes; Earth. evidence found large little scattered few the are very relatively volcanoes on is contain shield there found Venusian and m. volcanoes planet 8,000 the many of of height parts a most to across rises and base its at ihsmi et,fatndtp n te de,bitu yvsoslv and/or lava viscous by up built edges, steep and tops flattened vents, summit with oentbelrevlai hed nVenus on shields volcanic large notable Some euinvlaimdsly ue rpiesyeivligfudlv flows lava fluid involving style eruptive muted a displays volcanism Venusian those then flatter and broader generally are volcanoes shield Venus’ Although (metres) surroundings adr i (km) dia Caldera
Our Current 79 Knowledge of Venus 80 Our Current Knowledge of Venus ewe n n w reso antd agrta iia etrsfudon found features similar than larger magnitude of typically are orders Earth. domes the two ‘pancake’ these and deformation, tesserae, crustal one and and coronae between faulting around found in that rich as areas such with associated Usually deposits. ash across), km NASA. flow. 100 lava and of 20 patterns (flower-like) between ‘anemone’ (ranging with volcanoes volcanoes and shield fields small shield of small distribution global The a otn hntertretilcutrat opouea xlsv eruption explosive an higher produce far to a counterparts contain terrestrial must their lavas than erupting content that dictates gas pressure atmospheric high ueosfcoshv osrie xlsv euineutos h planet’s The eruptions. Venusian explosive constrained have factors Numerous ltee osadsteep NASA. and margins. tops their hence flattened lava, viscous highly by formed diameter. were in They km 62 base a has largest The 9E. 15N, located at Planitia, Tinatin in domes ‘pancake’ Volcanic esrn 0k in at NASA. 201E. located km 10S, feature and shield, 40 diameter unnamed measuring an Venusian ‘anemone’ a of example An those concentric in and/or seen edges be scalloped can debris, margins landslide Evidence resem- their of ridges. caldera, at radial its aprons fractures. of a collapsed have to number containing have which a (owing depression domes by domes surrounded smooth volcanic volcano a a dozen many and ‘tick’ of rim that of the raised consists a couple insect) to unusual as by tiny Another encircled which, a a known that volcano. flows of number, volcano, to the lava consist encircling blance Venusian vast narrow features streaks of this of bright these as form patterns Among Venus, appear flower-like to km. radar, by Peculiar mapping 40 surrounded shields. to vent ‘anemone’ central 30 as of known of 80 many are order Some flows; the plains. lava volcanoes. in the volcanic smaller of on of numbers and composed large elevations are cover undoubtedly lower plains flows the lowland these in States Venus’ United found of the be percent in can Helens most St regions; Mount off example top terrestrial the notable ripped A is bombs. 1980. eruption water volcanic in of throw the and type can rock water; which this ash, explosion surface of of an or quantities producing ground (between vast volcanic steam, with out magma to major contact rising heated Earth, into hot instantaneously the comes almost when uncommon On 1,170°C) place an and take crust. rock, 600 eruptions and high intruded phreatic the a mantle called in upon Venusian explosions and largely the magma rely within rising eruptions substance the explosive within terrestrial content Moreover, water surface. the at oto eu’etmtd1000 ocncsilsaesal ihbs diameters base with small, are shields volcanic 100,000+ estimated Venus’ highland of Most the within lie volcanoes smaller Venus’ of proportion small a Only
Our Current 81 Knowledge of Venus 82 Our Current Knowledge of Venus omdb h cino lwn aa n uefcal pern iedidup dried like appearing superficially and lava, flowing of action the by Formed Channels Lava flow of direction the the with accordance to in similar teardrops them. surfaces, islands like around basaltic streamlined rougher shaped well-defined pahoehoe-type ground, somewhat display elevated flows ductile have lava of highly Some to flows. of lava likely flows aa flows are Dark slow-moving lava reflectivity. flows radar smooth brighter of degree indicate lava; its to from deduced likely be most are may eruptions, years. flows of the many of of series many nature period a Like a Imbrium. for over Mare evidence source, Moon’s ample single the in there’s a of field at fields, sea roughly lava originating flow lava or basaltic basaltic large Idaho), largest the in Venus’ the of Monument of of area National and that the Moon the long times the to of km of 400 equal 1,250 One (Craters area is States shields. an 354E) United volcanic covers (56S, the flow to and Fluctus the wide proximity Mylitta of km fields, close the flow Most 500 into in lava width. feed found Venus’ and in 100 be of plains km between lowland largest can 300 the range some to of which borders but 50 of elevated some plains, the most average around fields, found and are flow length fields lava in km large 700 50 and than more has Venus lava Fields Flow of their Large types and three channels are lava long There ‘fluctus’), Venus. (called of fields depressions. surface flow volcanic the lava associated large of feature: much flow cover flows Lava Flows Lava (superimposed place took faulting by after through cut formed faults). Generally (being clearly the evidence faulting slopes. were upon show experienced cone’s others cones crust the the some while summits, before plains, on faults), their formed fractured visible at were on m. they usually seen clusters 1,700 that not groups always and small nearly are 200 in are flows between occurring vent of lava heights volcanic individual steep and original with but 23°C outline the and in of circular 12 mainly Remnants between are range cones that Venusian Venus. slopes across seen be can hyaeotnfudi rus ieterlnrcutrat,adlk lunar like shorter range being lengths and most Their kilometres, counterparts, width. hundred in several lunar shields. to km kilometres volcanic 1.5 their of to of tens like m few sides 500 a groups, the between between average in down they trickle found on rilles or sinuous found meander often fields which rilles are of flood sinuous most lava They identified, resemble been through closely have way channels Venus their lava on 200 Around channels Moon. lava the the beds, river nsm ae,sc scnb on ntetefa liso atr asm,the Lakshmi, eastern of plains flat the the in found be can as such cases, some In Moon, and Earth the on found those to similar cones, volcanic of examples Many neapeo Venusian a of example An cosadlctdat located NASA. 3E. 20S, and km across 30 measuring feature unnamed an volcano, ‘tick’ rud20m NASA. m. 200 of around heights to rise and wide km Planitia. 2 average cones Niobe These of plain fractured the on lies cones volcanic of field sizeable A
Our Current 83 Knowledge of Venus 84 Our Current Knowledge of Venus oad h tlnaPaii olns ept t ra egh–lne hnthe than entire longer the – in length northward channel lava great Regio lava Atla its Venus’ of longest Despite of west the lowlands. the longest to Planitia is surface the Atalanta the it is across the long path towards 161E) a km traces 37N, It 6,800 at System. at Solar (centred indeed, Vallis – Baltis channels km. 400 than n hr,poiigeiec httecanl omdoe netne period extended an over formed channels the that here seen evidence be can providing channels relict there, and braids and meanders, addition, In flows. 1.8 lava around existing precisely not of is extent width true uniform its so a flows, lava has by hidden channel known. are ends remarkable its of this Both – kilometres. River Nile Earth’s hr’ lnyo vdneta aacanl aepoue rso nopre- into erosion produced have channels lava that evidence of plenty There’s otenhemisphere. NASA. large southern Venus’ in a field flow volcanic Fluctus, Mylitta li.Vlai ersin r fe on nascainwt iuu rilles, sinuous with association in river flood found terrestrial broader a often a to are within resemblance segments depressions strong channel Volcanic abandoned a plain. and containing on terrain oxbows taking of lava by band Venusian channels, surrounded broader Some relict defined lava. clearly and of a outpouring braids within one run than to more appear from channels resulted and time of lava the NASA. direction. in flow tear-shaped point islands The Terra. Lada in area, Ammavaru channel the a outflow in lava islands Streamlined km (image NASA. across). 300 Regio image this approximately Atla in can of seen fissures be in of network criss-crossing a calderas, to addition anemone shields, channels, fields, lava flow lava features including volcanic Various omn lk’fo hc aysnosrle mnt.Irglri uln with outline in Irregular emanate. rilles sinuous many which from ‘lake’ a forming
Our Current 85 Knowledge of Venus 86 Our Current Knowledge of Venus aacanl atsVallis. NASA. Baltis channel, longest lava System’s of Solar section long the km 600 A NASA. Mons. Atira the of south through terrain cuts 2 wide and channel km long km lava 200 some sinuous A t lo issm ,0 m 2,000 some lies floor Its km. 260 × 175 measuring caldera elliptical (64N, an 335E), Patera Sacajawea square 260 of larger area much km an generally enclose 20 but Crater. that appearance some Ngorongoro walls in Tanzania, the inner similar than in are steep calderas Crater with Venusian deep, Ngorongoro best- kilometres. m the largest, 610 The is and Venus). Earth of across those on than caldera smaller much preserved pronounced are ejecta. a they of or (although blankets and examples features by rim ring surrounded raised not inner blocky are lack a calderas also of and they elevation, lack be surface central walls; easily their planet’s can internal to calderas the terraced owing Venusian in broad craters areas, highland depression impact in elongated from found or distinguished Often caldera. circular chamber’s a magma large volcanic rise, as the a known to of in ceased forming flurry collapse has and a a chamber producing roof magma with withdrawn, the associated and cases been prematurely many tension cooled In has crustal formation. this dyke producing Often and concentric dome, activity extension, rilles. crustal have a and folds, into fissures chambers into translated faults, magma it been has deforming intrusive which compression lithosphere, large and the where into instances risen numerous shows Venus Calderas Venus. on structures, identified been these has magma have of faulting, rising volcanism types of over nature Various features, faulting the features. by and eruptive tectono-volcanic differentiated stresses complex volcanic crustal produce recognizable activity, to tectonic clearly with to combined addition In Structures Tectono-Volcanic pooling lava of activity product as subsidence the surface are subsequent and/or surface erosion dwindled. with the vent, in volcanic a depressions above these edges, rounded eet t i.NASA. rim. its beneath adrsaeukono h onadMruy u hr r ayterrestrial many are there but Mercury, and Moon the on unknown are Calderas
Our Current 87 Knowledge of Venus 88 Our Current Knowledge of Venus cos iecrne hydslyarn ffut n igsaogwt ailfaults km radial 250 with along and ridges 50 and faults between mode of range ring same a that the are display structures sharing they arachnoids coronae, circular coronae, appearance, Like are of across. web-like Arachnoids counterpart spider smaller-scale origin. or a of spider be a to from considered name their Taking Arachnoids 0 longitudes between hemispheres eastern Chasma. and coronae Regio/Atla Hecate southern fewer the are Beta 180E. near there in and the uneven; found and is be around Chasmata groups to these notably groups Parga of clusters, distribution the global small the along However, in compression. area, crustal or Regio regional chains experienced Regio/Themis have in that occur areas in Many plains in features. Venus’ fault seen subsides, of further elevation parts often and central are walls the inner volcanoes cools, steep pancake intrusion with and caldera the a Once flows during producing completely coronae. lava appearance the to an activity; around brief make of and may too period features and volcanic short fault short-lived Small the and surface. relatively elevate uplifted is which the activity magma bury 250 of and volcanic 200 plumes surface, between upwelling of between average the them through range pattern of largeand Forming radial most outline across. although are a in diameter, km in elliptical with coronae km generally along 1,000 are landscape, and ridges, Coronae 100 flows. Venusian and lava faults radar-imaged and concentric faults the by of encircled calderas feature striking A Coronae osprt einto o rcnis oto h euinaahod come arachnoids Venusian and the designations, Somewhat of feature clusters. official Most large of arachnoids. four overlap for of an designation one there’s separate within known maps, no 250 lie the the them Of on rare. of less are confusingly them display 60 within arachnoids is intrusions around flows case, lava narrow It arachnoids, any and – features. In activity dykes volcanic pathways. radial represent of weakened evidence may the crustally features enclose along radial magma completely the of generally of many rings that their possible but ridges, and oeta 0 euincrneaekon n oto hmocp h higher the occupy them of most and known, are coronae Venusian 200 than More pnae volcanoes. of NASA. diameter, number ‘pancake’ a in displays km 150 164E), (59S, Corona Fotla ei t3S 7Eand 279E Themis 30S, in at lies Regio nova This which formation. of arachnoid diameter. features, of in these stages first that km the likely 200 represent is and known, It are 150 volcanism. 50 between than of are more evidence novae little most similar display and/or a arachnoids, faults Of They uplift. of to domoidal pattern a range about a arranged of size pattern consist ‘starburst’ a novae in centres’, arranged fracture dykes ‘stellate as known Also Novae NASA. Venus. on feature arachnoid typical A a officially is one while ‘paterae’ labeled are others mons. some Venusian label, ‘corona’ the under esrs20k across. NASA. km 250 measures
Our Current 89 Knowledge of Venus 90 Our Current Knowledge of Venus one yhl hntebg rgtlnrrydcae Copernicus. crater rayed Moon, lunar telescope, bright the small big, a on through the craters visible than youngest features craters half Its lunar impact Venus. of by majority on younger in vast detected the be visible than can younger Mars) Nothing clearly million are extent, features. 500 impact some so ancient to than really bombardment, (and younger any Mercury it trace great to of possible the most not is – of it surface that fresh – old geologically years a such has Venus Features Impact crustal through widens valley fault a as pit collapse craters, surface places chain in by impact or tension. formed grabens secondary along are resembling seen Superficially sometimes chains are extension. pits crustal or craters of small of chains These Chains Pit rudtesm iea h . ilo erodSduyipc rtri Ontario, in crater impact Sudbury feature. old across, impact in year km largest km billion 270 second 100 1.8 measures Earth’s the than Venus, the as Canada, on over larger size crater fashion craters same largest uniform Venusian the the but around nine 57E), random only (13N, a are Mead in diameter; distributed There are surface. – planet’s years the million 500 last the h ,0 rs euinipc rtr l fwihwr omdwithin formed were which of all – craters impact Venusian so or 1,000 The yia eiso ml rtrptcan on ln alsadgae nVns NASA. Venus. on graben and faults along found chains pit crater small of series typical A oain ftelreto eu’ipc rtr kyt ubrn ntels bv) AA/ NASA above). list the in numbering to (key craters impact Venus’ of Grego. largest the of Locations rtrCnr imtr(km) Diameter Centre Crater 7 ei 2,16 70 70 72 72 75 75 146E 52S, 76 220E 24N, 77 80 79 99E 27S, 84 156E 4S, 87 268E 17N, 6E 6S, 91 223E 61N, 92 229E 25N, 233E 94 43S, 25E Henie 26N, 93 27. Boleyn 289E 26. 98 34N Boulanger 25. 99E 56S, 98 Markham 24. Wheatley 23. 62E 127E 2S, Graham 36S, 22. Barsova 21. 145E 53E 23N, 32N, O’Keeffe 20. Lisa 230E Mona 68S, 19. Stowe 140E 18. 23N, Sanger 17. Addams 16. Joliot-Curie 15. Bonnevie 14. Greenaway 13. Potanina 12. Celeste Maria 11. Sayers 10. eu’lretipc craters impact largest Venus’ .Ccrn5N 4E100 105 107 109 104 141 149 143E 175 270 52N, 7E 289E 199E 66N, 10N, 23S, 40E 63N, 105E 78N, 322E 56S, 204E 30S, 57E 13N, Cochran 9. Bonheur Rosa 8. Cleopatra 7. Stanton 6. Baker 5. Klenova 4. Meitner 3. Isabella 2. Mead 1.
Our Current 91 Knowledge of Venus 92 Our Current Knowledge of Venus ertesrae n hshg eoiymtra sluce tel bv h surface impact the of above focus steeply launched the is to material close velocity was high this that and material surface, comprises the near ejected the be on to accumulates material rock first melted of layer central substantial a produce floor. a effects crater’s and rebound new craters, outwards decompresses, larger blasted crust excavated is in the of fragments, As uplift plume rock site. a larger instantaneously impact as and almost the uplifted rock from and are vaporized deformed of rocks is up surrounding crater made material, the the of degrees and ultra-hot edge million impactor The several An vaporized. the of outwards. temperature as a and formed with downwards is material pushed molten expanding is compressed is of is which material bubble tremendous impactor heat the surrounding and meteoroid’s generate beneath waves the crust a shock crust The into and of crust. converted Venusian surrounding product is the velocity) the (the into its imparted energy of into square kinetic to slice the their enough and and penetrating mass as big temperatures ground of impactors and Those the capable pressures surface. been to planet’s have it the asteroids make strike to small atmosphere and Venus’ meteoroids sizeable Only Mechanism Impact The atmosphere the in up descent. superheated burn iron its will any during diameter that vaporize in but estimated or m is all fragment be 30 It prevents and around can surface. atmosphere than the This thick on smaller States. of impacting substantially meteoroid United from sort the Venus’ meteoroids same in that largest the Arizona fact the of in across, the Crater km by ‘Meteor’ 1.5 explained Barringer about than the larger as all size are craters impact smallest h xaae aeili itiue rudtecae na jcabakt The blanket. ejecta an in crater the around distributed is material excavated The the System; Solar the in planet other any than craters small fewer has Venus oissuhadsoutheast. NASA. and south flow-lobes its to extensive displays Isabella two across) km largest crater, (175 second impact Venus’ hc a nildfndinrrn f7 mdaee n w discontinuous two and diameter km 70 of ring Klenova, and inner is basin Mercury ill-defined impact Moon, multi-ringed an Venusian the has a billion on of 3.8 which ended example found which largest bombardment be The great ago. the to years during basins formed which impact of Earth. most multi-ringed Mars, the vast on found the those these of match Venus; closely on ranges identified size been their have and craters types impact crater of types morphological Seven Types Crater Craters Impact Venusian of Classification the 1991. being flows in gases, examples Pinatubo pyroclastic hot recent Mount side best resemble of Philippines’ the one mixture the They of of a on one impact. eruption eruptions, of downhill the terrestrial result violent following flowing the from immediately rapidly arising are crater material they the lobe; clastic type of flow this and a Venus, ejecta to as Unique impact-melted peculiar known material. a is of show radar- feature finger bright which extended of in of or distributed many tongue is craters, elongated ejecta impact broad Venusian around Much patterns Mercury. ‘splotch’ on reflective deepest or Moon the rim. the and crater’s progressively on crater, the With the over to lobbed dissipates. be closer impact barely ever the may distributed bedrock of is material excavated ejecta deeper energy progresses, the overall impact velocities the the slower As but crater. excavated, the from is furthest deposited be to ut-igdcae basins. crater Multi-ringed found forms ejecta radial the unlike quite are craters Venusian of patterns Ejecta eu hw oipc etrso h cl n age and scale the of features impact no shows Venus m.NASA. km). 105E/141 (78N, Klenova basin impact Multi-ringed
Our Current 93 Knowledge of Venus 94 Our Current Knowledge of Venus smd po eiso ml rut crssmlrt hs eni aissuch basins in seen impact secondary those and to ring ejecta similar outer feature. radial scarps the The Caloris; fill arcuate surround Mercury’s rings. small plains and features outer Orientale of lava its Moon’s series Smooth between the a region across. as of the km up of 141 made parts and is and km portion 105 central of its structures ring concentric oa(6,337E/49km). NASA. (26S, Dani- lova crater peak Central km). 25E/79 NASA. (26N, Mona Lisa crater Double-ring fti aeoyaetecaesMn ia(9k) hs lo ssot and smooth is floor whose km), (79 Lisa Mona examples Notable craters category. the this into are Most fall description. category across some km of this 40 ring of than inner larger an craters and Venus’ rim of outer well-defined a have features obern craters. Double-ring yial ipaigarn pcn ai f21 hs impact these 2:1, of ratio spacing ring a displaying Typically nunmdirregular NASA. km). 335E/15 (21S, unnamed crater An NASA. floor. tureless struc- flooded, with crater a km), 355E/63 (60S, Alcott
Our Current 95 Knowledge of Venus 96 Our Current Knowledge of Venus ojie lseso rtr omdb h mato oyta rk pa it as up broke almost that other the body near a impacting of fragment impact each the actually atmosphere, are by Venusian features the formed irregular entered craters these of cases, clusters many radar-bright In conjoined flattish floors. radar-bright rough, rough, have with Many category. walls. this terraced by into surrounded fall floors Venus mountains. central on prominent craters to mounds low from ranging description, and some rough of relatively is contrast by floor whose km), radar-bright. (107 Stanton and radar-dark, aeams opeeyfamne nasnl,lwattd i ls eoehitting before blast air that low-altitude meteoroids or single, large one a by in found produced fragmented be are completely can features almost which These have depressions. inside or radar-dark), craters consist (often Splotches more area plains. Venusian irregular-shaped the an on locations of numerous in seen are ‘splotches’ simultaneously. Splotches. craters. Irregular floors structureless with Craters craters. peak Central euirtp fipc etr htpaeaysinit aetermed have scientists planetary that feature impact of type peculiar A ayo eu’salipc rtr aeirglroutlines irregular have craters impact small Venus’ of Many rudoetido eu’caeshv eta elevations central have craters Venus’ of one-third Around ayo h mle sb1 mdiameter) km (sub-15 smaller the of Many . 4E3 m.NASA. km). 349E/30 (55N, splotch unnamed An SSVnscae aaae hs ai ttsmyb eie as: the defined to be According formation. may activity. states or basic tectonic floor these and/or crater’s database, faulting the crater with of Venus along USGS parts post-impact embaying ramparts, of flows outer states lava different its with their by volcanism, classified by further modification be may craters addition, In Modification Crater the Post-impact towards a descent (originally its objects during of or space number in a up of broken impact has surface). simultaneous that impactor the craters single chained by or closely-spaced formed conjoined, Overlapping, are System. Solar the in be body may ejecta. craters of of these halo splotch; portion lighter larger the a a within surviving across by craters Any small surrounded splotch. in produce well-defined impacting deposited to but dense impact is irregular a fragments the which by producing fragments followed surface, surface, meteoroidal the the small across of ripple cloud waves Shock surface. the ylava. by oeaeyembayed. Moderately embayed. Slightly Pristine. craters. Multiple rtradeet ytmta a enesnilyuatrdsneits since unaltered essentially been has that system ejecta and crater A xmlso hstp fcae r ob on neeyimpacted every on found be to are crater of type this of Examples rtrwoeeet a ensihl mae ylava. by embayed slightly been has ejecta whose crater A rtrwoeeet ytmhsbe oeaeyembayed moderately been has system ejecta whose crater A rtr(6,32/ 6 multiple NASA. × km). 352E/9 (16N, unnamed crater An
Our Current 97 Knowledge of Venus 98 Our Current Knowledge of Venus rsiecae tat(1,2E6 m.NASA. km). 20E/69 (31S, Stuart crater Pristine eza(N 0E1 m.NASA. km). 301E/15 (4N, Ketzia evl mae crater. NASA. embayed heavily a km), 280E/14 (28N, Raisa fracturing. heavy displays also lava. by embayed heavily been moderately a NASA. crater. embayed km), 286E/13 (47S, Bernadette evl mae n fractured. and embayed Heavily embayed. Heavily rtrwoerm jcaad(nmn ae)forhave floor cases) many (in and ejecta rim, whose crater A rtrhaiyebydb aafoswhich flows lava by embayed heavily crater A
99 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 100 Our Current Knowledge of Venus obecae eos 4N 2/8k) eyhaiyebydcae.NASA. crater. embayed heavily very a km), 52E/38 (40N, Heloise crater Double aaatra(8,28/6k) NASA. km). 268E/26 (18N, Baranamtarra m,ahaiyfractured heavily NASA. crater. 25E/43 a km), (24N, Tubman recent relatively Venus’ in faulting. place compressional that taken show has clearly they movement but crustal past. known, geological of are few degree Very some formation. their following forces fractures. by affected rim. and flows. wall lava by embayed heavily been have rim and NASA. km). 268E/75 (17N, Wheatley jcamantled. Ejecta fracture. Compressed disrupted. Greatly fractured. Heavily fractured. Slightly fractured. and embayed heavily Very rtrmnldb jcafo one matfauenearby. feature impact younger from ejecta by mantled crater A rtrwoefor al n i r oeta 0percent 50 than more are rim and wall, floor, whose crater A rtrwt rcuigafcigls hnhl fisfloor, its of half than less affecting fracturing with crater A rtrta a endsutdaddgae ytectonic by degraded and disrupted been has that crater A rtrta a xeine lgtfatrn through fracturing slight experienced has that crater A rtrwt rcue i hs ejecta whose rim fractured a with crater A
101 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 102 Our Current Knowledge of Venus etnclymdfe rtrBlh(0,23/0k) NASA. km). 283E/40 (30N, Balch crater modified Tectonically armr 5S 9E5 m.NASA. km). 196E/57 (52S, Barrymore yNS’ ine Venus taken Pioneer NASA’s by image atmospheric this in ultraviolet evident is banding Venus’ (Co dioxide Carbon composition. the different Not of entirely that Earth. than an the atmosphere of substantial of more is that and it than denser Earth, a thicker have times planet the thousand does a only almost is atmosphere Venus’ Atmosphere Venus’ impact larger and younger the from ejecta by NASA. mantled west. its crater to a Isabella km), crater 206E/14 (30S, Alimat rie n17.NASA. 1979. in Orbiter opnn,mkn psm 64preto h euinamshr (compared atmosphere Venusian the of percent 96.4 some up making component, 2 stemain the is )
103 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 104 Our Current Knowledge of Venus ihtmeaue oeta 0° otrta tnadkthnoe tits at oven kitchen standard a than hotter 200°C than more temperatures With Atmosphere the Through certain oxidize to hydrogen recycled were the atoms sunlight; oxygen surface. Venus’ the in the in water and on radiation the space the minerals of ultraviolet into by Most off by years. Venus drifted absorbed million down on atoms 600 was evaporation broken as oceanic and little was of as evaporated atmosphere process in place surface entire taken continued the planet’s have that temperature might the thought atmospheric is on It increasing water atmosphere. with the evaporation tandem increasing all greenhouse of in cycle until effective A oceans an Water further. yet is the atmosphere. Earth, up oceans, the heat from the to Venus’ in atmosphere of stored of the be causing evaporation that gas, to the than vapour from greater water arising was of vapour, amount temperature greater atmospheric closer a Being Venus’ enabling water. of Sun, oceans the planet-wide with to by Earth, the and resembled down have life. may planet Venus human the cooling sustaining by of far centuries atmosphere. the capable few the in a world modifying might within biologically inviting planet achieved the be an ‘terraforming’ might into of This transformed means decades by for be However, that future dramatically. speculated changes been hot energy of has thick output it the Sun’s the light; until of – days years 121 and night point of out. a temperatures days though evens 121 even in atmosphere sides, experiences variation night extreme equator little and its the There’s day glass to on planet’s 500°C. Venus a the around on between with of away temperatures temperature analogy surface run surface the has a As accurate) (although producing entirely effect surface. limit, and not greenhouse planet’s is dioxide trapped. the greenhouse the carbon is as garden heat since by the known radiation; radiation absorbed process, infrared infrared is to This mainly percent opaque and are penetrates two emits constituents but ground it atmospheric tops clouds, other up the cloud the heats to by Venusian surface absorbed it the is the makes it upon of sunlight most falling of atmosphere; sunlight the into of deeper percent 35 About Effect Greenhouse Runaway Co percent 0.03 just of presence atmospheric terrestrial a to eprtr n rsuei h otErhlk nteetr oa System. Solar atmospheric entire of the range in the Earth-like surface, most altitude. planet’s the the with is above decreases pressure km extremely pressure and 55–65 an are temperature some and of environment is Temperature height baking atmosphere km/hour. a stifling, At 7 Venus’ found this than that of in less times portion winds sluggish, hundred lowest a Surface the to environment. surface, up inhospitable of Earth’s pressure the atmospheric at an and setting highest topeecmrssntoe a cmae o7 ecn N percent 78 to (compared gas nitrogen comprises atmosphere ro,wtrvpu,cro ooie eim en r rsn nvr small very in present are – neon, helium, dioxide, monoxide, amounts. sulphur carbon – vapour, atmosphere water Venus’ argon, of constituents remaining The atmosphere). o i eu eeo uhlta odtos al ntepae’ history, planet’s the in Early conditions? lethal such develop Venus did How billion several for naturally change to unlikely are conditions surface hellish Such 2 .34preto Venus’ of percent 3.4 ). 2 nteEarth’s the in antcbudre hne ihslratvt;tebudr a rpt an to drop can boundary ionospheric Venus’ the of activity; profile solar the with Instead, Earth. as changes particles the trapped or boundaries of around strong magnetic belts found possess radiation as doesn’t those any it like as there Mercury; such are nothing or nor Earth is magnetotail, the clearly-defined magnetosphere of a magnetosphere opposite induced intrinsic the Venus’ the on as planet Sun. complex the the behind trails to that side wake of magnetic age a young with magnetosphere, relatively – existence the the its of as of because strong years seen billion core’s as surface. first be planet’s field the the the cannot magnetic during and magnetism perhaps intrinsic fluid) fossil – an conducting history although its had convection (a in upon have core early consequent once Earth’s iron effect may outer dynamo Venus a magnetic ductile rotation. be bipole by the global might produced Earth’s within The be factors core. currents to its major of its thought state Two – is the field Earth. and field magnetic axis internally-generated the its strong on maximum a of rotation of a slow that lack has planet’s Earth’s 1/100,000th the field the for mere magnetic responsible resemble a intrinsic closely of planet’s to the strength thought surprisingly is rather structure interior, internal Venus’ though Even Field Magnetic complex more are dynamics to atmospheric difficult thought. km. planet’s remains previously the the 70 currently than of that vortex and models particular suggesting 59 in this for, of predicted of account height are unusual nature a jet-streams dual an at planet’s the 2006 observed the atmosphere, In the by was regions. produced pole in polar vortices south pattern planet’s While Venus’ type the over over ‘V’ vortex patterns hurricane-like a double revealed cloud producing also the have frequently Observations in equator visually. days, vortices planet observed the the four be at around can around clouds Fastest that Venus’ of clouds km/hour. drive period 400 winds high and a the 300 in poles, surface between the from the of blows toward jet-stream slower prevent velocities speed and high at also a east they levels top to appearance; cloud west At brilliant visually. and seen being albedo ever from electricity high static its of planet amounts the dust. huge a and of ash from discharge volcanic gases and of of generation particles quantities wind-borne the great among areas to of these more due over input detected a be flashes active Lightning may lies volcanoes. an Venusian which is large very beyond there of number side, that night indicating the ten, of on km 90 a around and is of side this heights haze. reach Above day sulphuric which surface. diffuse the of the tops on the above km clouds, km acid 65 20–50 sulphuric around of sulphuric layer between a thicker forms of far atmosphere, altitude planet’s a the in at water haze of amounts tiny the and dioxide liuea o s20k uigproso ihslractivity. solar high of periods during km 250 as low as altitude eu’inshr oshwvritrc ihteslrwn opoueaweak a produce to wind solar the with interact however does ionosphere Venus’ giving them, on falls that sunlight the of percent 60 some reflect clouds Venus’ factor a by vary to found been have dioxide sulphur atmospheric of Quantities sulphur between combination chemical the of result a as produced acid, Sulphuric
105 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 106 Our Current Knowledge of Venus etmte–euvln otepesr xeine tadpho mbnahthe beneath km 1 of depth a at a experienced to pressure the converted deep. to metres were equivalent three – water just centimetre averaging atmospheric layer liquid Venus’ a if up 1/650th make water, just would of it of mass ocean total stocks planet-wide a Earth’s With vapour. the Moscow water as atmospheric of of same form the the takes about water – kilometres three day. of mid-winter’s visibility illumination overcast a surface an with on midday lux Venus’ 5,000 However, just Earth. is of the because as illuminated night, solar brilliantly traps and which day effect level, greenhouse runaway high temper- a a – and night energy. at atmosphere the of dense maintained during planet’s tens dramatically and the fall atmosphere, several sustained its not – by are does moderated lead temperature atures is basin. result, Venus and Caloris a of Mercury’s zinc surface as in the and tin, midday on temperatures at melt of experienced to range that The enough than searing a hotter – reach Kelvin Kelvin can degrees Venus 773 energy on solar Temperatures of than Mercury. the hotter maximum on somewhat of point generally percent further is subsolar 25 kilometres surface hottest just Venus’ the million this, receives 50 Despite Venus Mercury. than area by more for received area is and Sun Mercury, the than from distance average Venus’ Conditions Surface idsrascnb eno h e ieo ueosfaue fhg eifon relief high of features numerous of side Radar-bright lee erosion. the on producing forming seen to plains. surface, high be Venusian addition the atmosphere’s can in across the streaks transported dunes winds, wind slowly like the be features slow to However depositional particles km/hour. speeds soil average 3.6 enables with and density sluggish, are 1 surface between the of across blowing Winds surface. ocean’s fVnshda at-ieamshr hnissraewudb rudtieas twice around be would surface its then atmosphere Earth-like an had Venus If h topei rsuea eu’sraei tgeig9 gprsquare per kg 90 staggering a is surface Venus’ at pressure atmospheric planet’s The the of all water; liquid or ice water host to hot too far is surface Venus’ peei nue ysolar activity. by magneto- induced is sphere weak Venus’ ersn lsiiainbsdo oorpi perne u otfaue in features below most listed but features appearance, the of topographic Most on Mars. has based or planet classification Mercury The a than activity. represent craters product tectonic the impact and/or are fewer movement which far of crustal most localized features, topographic volcanism, of of range wide a displays Venus Venus’ Nomenclature mark Venusian to used is Planitia, Sedna in other Ariadne (0°E). to crater, meridian direction prime small meridian. planet’s opposite a to prime the an of opposite from in centre direction eastwards rotates a The measured Venus in is Since value longitude rotation. in planets, axial increasing measured be body’s meridian, should prime that body arbitrary System Solar an a from on longitude that determines Convention Coordinates Venusian a Montes, Clerk James Maxwell feminine physicist of Victorian-era given the exception been of the has honour Maxwell. deity with in It named female – massif air. a features mountain the after giant surface in evening named its suspended planet the for lantern only in white nomenclature of the brilliantly beautiful goddess that shines a Roman fitting frequently like ancient is planet appearing the the skies, from morning eye name or unaided its the takes With Venus love. that surprising not It’s Venus of Survey A NASA. crater. Messier Moon’s like the crater, impact an from deposit a ejecta of asymmetric an resembles side superficially It volcano. lee Venusian wind- small lies the long dust on of km streak blown 35 A n ru hr h aemd foii a ulndabove). outlined (as origin of mode same the share group any
107 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 108 Our Current Knowledge of Venus yeEapeSz k)Centre (km) Size Example dunes. of system A system). (valley Type valley A mountain(s). or hill(s) rounded Isolated landmass(es). Extensive appearance. mosaic-like a with (valles) reflectivity. terrain Vallis Scarp(s). radar fractured distinct Polygonally of area(s) Undae defined clearly Large, (tholi) plain(s). Tholus high or Plateau(x) (terrae) Terra edges. scalloped (tesserae) with Tessera crater(s) plain(s). complex dark). Low or (rupes) range). or Irregular Rupes (mountain bright mountain (radar A valleys. marking (regions) intersecting elongated Regio of An complex A (plana) structure. Planum pancake-like flat, A (planitiae) impact. Planitia by caused terrain. surface Flow (paterae) depression(s). the Patera shallow in Elongated cavity circular (montes) A Mons (lineae) Linea knoll. Ridge(s). A Labyrinthus (fluctus) Fluctus (fossae) Fossa surface. the feature(s). in Ovoid depression Farra steep-sided rounded, A (dorsa) Dorsum depression. steep-sided Crater elongated chain(s). An Crater (coronae) feature(s). Corona Radial feature(s). Arcuate Colles (chasmata) Chasma (catenae) Catena Caldera (astra) Astrum (arcus) Arcus 6 ei itaRgo8051N 22E 11N, 339E 8,015 69N, 316E 1.2N, 335E 325E 64N, 22N, 2,345 311E 55S, 1,000 233 7,520 105E 78N, Regio Eistla 3,200 Planum Lakshmi 141 Planitia Guinevere Patera Sacajawea Mons Var Linea Morrigan Regio 16. Klenova Planum 15. Planitia 14. Patera 13. basin impact Multi-ringed 12. Mons 11. Linea 10. 2 alsBli als6803N 161E 37N, 61E 355E 9N, 30N, 6,800 225 300 105E 6S, 22E 270E 44S, 33N, 10,000 Vallis 2,000 Baltis 4,200 Undae Ningal Tholus Toci Terra Tesserae Aphrodite Sudenitsa Rupes Vaidilute Vallis 22. Undae 21. Tholus 20. Tesserae 19. Terra 18. Rupes 17. oentbeeape fVns oorpi features topographic Venus’ of examples notable Some .Ipc rtrMa 7 3,57E 13N, 11E 270 30S, 351E 67E 9S, 38S, 342E 28N, 159E 42N, 230 100 1,300 135E 116E 35S, 1,800 46N, 3,345 2,600 Labyrinthus 1,059 Radunitsa 255E Fossae 20S, Karra-mahte Fluctus Mead Vut-Ami Farra Seoritsu Dorsa Vedma 11,000 Corona Artemis Colles Akkruva Labyrinthus Chasmata 9. Parga crater Impact 8. Fossae 7. Fluctus 6. Farra 5. Dorsa 4. Corona 3. Colles 2. Chasmata 1. einbyn h otesenbreso strTra eea igscosits cross ridges west, its Several To Terra. plain. the Ishtar across km of which, of borders largest the northeastern surface, the beyond vertically-restrained more region but larger the and north far are Terra the of features plateau in these highland km) Counterbalancing imposing the 28E/5610 region. – the regions of continental large portion two southern central the in called patch highland ato h einfr560k ewe ogtds30ad8E thsa area an has It 80E. and 300 longitudes between km 5,610 for region the Terra. of Ishtar part of edge northern the in indent pronounced a underscoring terrain wrinkled Planitia huge the of east just meridian prime Venusian the on Centred 60E) to (300 Region Ishtar-Alpha-Lada The One: Region Earth-sized with almost read reader fascinating, this the is on it, text themselves accompany losing the that of images danger Astroge- Providing world. the little features. and in at Survey’s be maps topographic will these Nomenclature Venus’ to Geological of reference Planetary occasional survey US of the of the Gazetteer from website Program derived http://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/index.html Research been ology have dimension(s). main this or features degree; diameter nearest feature’s the the to by point, accompanied central often feature’s is the information of diversions parentheses) of (in each number to longitude a references the Initial in are necessary. are of there a where feature flow and regions in particular the nature, adjoining surveyed with help general overlaps are to a some features order of and In are reference west. rules main in through these reference the north, narrative, of to from points close trend main clockwise or the general inside as Features features topographic text. larger the the using trend, Kawelu- east the and 180E) Region 300E). to Ishtar-Alpha-Lada to (60 the (180 Region into Region hemispheres are Niobe-Aphrodite-Artemis Atla-Helen southern divided areas the and These is 60E), northern to sections. Venus both (300 longitudinal of cover wide surface which 120° area entire in equal the of of regions survey three topographic following The Triptych Venusian A faon ilo qaeklmte,euvln oteae fAsrla unlike Australia; of area the to equivalent kilometres, square million 8 around of 5E100k) uho h eta oto hsae scvrdb atsweeping vast by covered is area this portion notably central the plains, of much km), 355E/1,060 oh lnta( Planitia Louhi strTra atcnietlhgln ein pal costenorthern the across sprawls region, highland continental vast a Terra, Ishtar course general the showing map tour a is map named line quadrant of each Accompanying dimensions the and coordinates feature named names, Feature to west south, to north general a in surveyed is regions three these of Each 6S 0/,1 m ntefrsouth. far the in km) 20E/8,615 (63S, 4S 4E280k)i h ot.Na h qao i ace fhilly, of patches lie equator the Near south. the in km) 348E/2,820 (47S, en Planitia Sedna 1,11/,4 m cuismc ftefrnrho the of north far the of much occupies km) 121E/2,440 81N, lh Regio Alpha odface bold ea Dorsa Tezan itaRegio Eistla 4N 4E350k)i h ot and north the in km) 341E/3,570 (43N, ngrck Planitia Snegurochka n nms ae r olwdb h aiueand latitude the by followed are cases most in and 2S E187k)rssarpl rmteplains the from abruptly rises km) 0E/1,897 (26S, 8N 7)srthsfrmr hn1,000 than more for stretches 47E) (81N, 1N 2/,1 m;teioae rough isolated the km); 22E/8,015 (11N, 8N 2E275k)forms km) 328E/2,775 (87N, egoCorona Heng-o strTerra Ishtar Lavinia (70N, Lada (2N,
109 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 110 Our Current Knowledge of Venus rgtlv lw,hsafa-ae lnae adr esrn 0×5 km, 50 radar- × radial 90 large measuring numerous caldera of elongated source flat-based the a Patera, has m. Colette 4,000 flows, – and east. lava plateau 2,500 bright the the coronal between the from to and of rise west height km) the calderas to a shape, with km) reaches in 323E/149 domes (66N, oval and volcanic is east, large It to Plateau. Two Tibetan west Earth’s from the widest to resemblance hilly superficial extensive though the of up made is section of eastern terrain the tesserated meridian; prime Venusian plateau massif the mountain mountain-encircled giant large the three the by comprising is varied, component Planum very western Lakshmi topographically Its is sections. Terra distinct Ishtar however, Australia, on e flna igswihwr osbyfre ycutlrfigand rifting crustal by be formed can partic- possibly flanks scarps, were eastern and which Patera’s graben ridges Sacajawea faults, linear × On of of 120 volcanism. west. system set measuring the a a caldera in found by elongated packed an surrounded densely with is ularly feature which type corona-type its km of a 215 feature is largest the Venus, Patera, on Sacajawea fractures. concentric by surrounded asm lnm atpaeubree yhg onan,basastrong a bears mountains, high by bordered plateau vast a Planum, Lakshmi 6N 3E24 m;tecnrlcmoeti rsddover presided is component central the km); 339E/2345 (69N, otn Tessera Fortuna awl Montes Maxwell 7N 5/,0 km). 45E/2,801 (70N, 6N E77k)wihstraddles which km) 3E/797 (65N, aaae Patera Sacajawea rm30t 0 east 60° to longitude. One, 300 Region from main in the regions showing Chart 6N 335E/233 (64N, oet Patera Colette ito ocnrcpteno rcuig niaigta hsi neapeof example an is northeast-southwest this the runs that only Haumea indicating is Towards there fracturing, formation. Venus; of on corona pattern features early-stage concentric fracture an radial of volcanic hint named crustal a largest of the result of a one in as formed ridges was scarp the To range edge. the step-like of that southwestern compression. appearance curving evidence plateau’s provides striated huge the km) 318E/830 the defines the clearly northwest, into which the km) blends 324E/788 range (58N, the into west, merging foothills their Planum, wall km northeastern 40 Cleopatra’s some in centre ring Tessera. breach into of inner Fortuna flowed a northwest has darker-floored is lava the smoother, interest which rim to a through considerable offset main sunk Of floor; Its is diameter. dark ‘hummingbird’. ring in more radar the main are a to the with there ‘eye’ inside outline, east crater prominent in The the a Tessera. polygonal flanks Fortuna to forms is western of km) while level Its the apart. 7E/105 Planum, to is km (66N, descends Lakshmi 7 range it and to The as 2 gradients ranges. inclined between gentle mountain ridges steeply of parallel Earth’s very of lowlands of produced series are the many have a to as above of thought manner up m is made same 10,000 compression the than Crustal highest in more southwest. the Maxwell, beak rise its contains narrow which range to its of The Planitia with Patera. Sedna some hummingbird Sacajawea Venus, a towards on of west peaks the head mountain to vast the this off like above, tapering something from Seen shaped Terra. of is Ishtar shelf’ range of ‘continental portion hilly central the the dominates than higher m 3,000 Tessera some and south its ag of range Planitia. NASA/Magellan. Sacajawea ot fFruaTseacnb found be can Tessera Fortuna of South Montes Danu omn 7 mln odrt h ot fLkhiPau h mountain the Planum Lakshmi of north the to border long km 579 a Forming 7N 1E30k)t t ot.Es fLkhiPau,MxelMontes Maxwell Planum, Lakshmi of East north. its to km) 318E/380 (76N, ryaMontes Freyja 5N 3E88k)creaogtesuhr deo Lakshmi of edge southern the along curve km) 334E/808 (59N, 7N 3E ie rud100maoetepaeuto plateau the above m 1,000 around rises 334E) (74N, nktVallis Anuket ltoTessera Clotho amaCorona Haumea 6N E30k)a h deof edge the at km) 8E/350 (67N, 5N 3E29k) Further km). 335E/289 (56N, kaMontes Akna 5N 2/7 km), 22E/375 (54N, et Rupes Vesta Itzpapalotl Cleopatra (69N,
111 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 112 Our Current Knowledge of Venus oriented hr sapeeiec htteefaue eepoue nmr hnone than more in produced with were along features deformation, east. these their crustal that of evidence phase ample is there m,poet otwrsfo otn esr.Liasfraini possibly is formation Laima’s Tessera. Fortuna from southwards projects km), ra padetnino str containing Ishtar, of extension upland broad A irnFossae Sigrun 5N 8/7 m.Lk ayfaue nVenus, on features many Like km). 18E/970 (51N, awl ots NASA/Magellan. Montes. Maxwell ur Dorsa Aušra am Tessera Laima 4N 5/5 m to km) 25E/859 (49N, rtrCepta NASA/ Magellan. Cleopatra. Crater 5N 49E/971 (55N, kaMne.NASA/Magellan. Montes. Akna et ue.NASA/Magellan. Rupes. Vesta
113 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 114 Our Current Knowledge of Venus otwsenpr ftergo.O h e etrswti h li itself, plain the within features few the Of region. are the crustal noteworthy most of casing part periphery its northwestern at downcurrents fracturing. and with formation plume, ridge buckling, mantle upwelling an of that to linked NASA/Magellan. material. ridge of quantity collapsed a onto has floor Wanda, whose 18 crater the Akna km showing of Montes view Close-up ei.Teae otisanme fcrne including coronae, of number a contains area The Regio. to are which including inside features, Planitia, Eistla Sedna volcanic of of of km), parts border cluster eastern westerly a the found most slight marks be the a area into by hilly runs south A separated Regio. extends are which which Planitia of feature Sedna compressional atop of portions rise, lowlying north-south most two The km). km), 321E/300 h arybad mohlwadpan fSdaPaii we costhe across sweep Planitia Sedna of plains lowland smooth bland, fairly The en’ otenbre smre ytenrhetr xeso fEistla of extension northwestern the by marked is border southern Sedna’s ahtCorona Ba’het ehn Patera Bethune eaPlanitia Leda 4N E15k)and km) 0E/145 (48N, ew Corona Beiwe 4N 5/,9 m,wihlkl eeoe through developed likely which km), 65E/2,890 (44N, 4N 2E9 m and km) 321E/94 (47N, 5N 0E60km), 307E/600 (53N, oieDorsa Zorile nthCorona Onatah snnCorona Ashnan ah Patera Sachs 4N 3E101k) a km), 338E/1,041 (40N, ioe Corona Xilonen 4N E28km). 6E/298 (49N, eet Corona Renenti 5N 357E/300 (50N, 4N 334E/65 (49N, (51N, i otersuh– south their to lie and km) 356E/300 km), 344E/170 (26N, nova km), 326E/200 (33N, m.Sfrsst egto ,0 n stpe ya5 0k adr,terim the caldera, caldera radar-dark km with double covered 40 are a × volcanoes has both 50 flows. of high, lava flanks a steep m by The 3,000 km. topped 30 Gula, × is calderas. 40 and measuring nested m smaller 2,000 contains of which height of a to rises Sif km). iuae iwo uaMn rmtesuhet NASA/Magellan. southwest. the from Mons Gula of view Simulated dmKv Corona Idem-Kuva i os( Mons Sif ueiaCorona Tutelina ec Corona Mesca uaMn.NASA/Magellan. Mons. Gula 2,32/0 m and km) 352E/300 22N, 2N 5E20k) w iebevolcanoes sizeable Two km). 358E/230 (25N, 2N 4E10km), 348E/180 (29N, 2N 4E10km), 343E/190 (27N, uaMn ( Mons Gula isb Corona Nissaba uadiCorona Purandhi 2,359E/276 22N, (26N,
115 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 116 Our Current Knowledge of Venus ot n at ihasre fnrhetsuhatoine etrssc as such Regio. features oriented northwest-southeast Dorsa with of crater interest series impact These a spectacular Tesserae with the Kruchina east, by indented and is north half eastern Lisa hiller its while Corona Beyla 2N 4/,0 m,wihi odrdi h atb esrtdtrana the at terrain tesserated by east the in bordered is of which margins km), 24E/3,900 (29N, and north an the and to craters trending impact northwest. one small the sets, to of corona. fracture trending number largest two other a second the of are Venus’ system there Corona, delta-shaped ring Heng-o intricate faulted diameter 1,060 Heng-o’s lava vast Inside substantial the of and number km) a by mountain, surrounded volcanic and large high Adjoining cone. m another flows. central 1,600 is the km), northwest from 309E/1,000 fields emantes the flow which four to height; of in Var m youngest 1,700 the and its 700 them, 1,500, than surround of cones nature main three hillier has mountain, a With equator. the into touch blends to Guinevere Planitia neighbour, Sedna of reaches et hr hr r ueoscrne nldn h arachnoid the including coronae, numerous are Corona there where west, atr unvr otistefatrdrn of ring fractured the contains Guinevere Eastern Planitia Guinevere eodSda otnigeswrsfo h eiin lies meridian, the from eastwards continuing Sedna, Beyond 2N 5/9k) esrtdadrde eri odr eehnat the to Bereghinya borders terrain ridged and Tesserated km). 25E/79 (26N, 1N 1/,0 m,ardeadvle ytmo h etr deo Bell of edge western the on system valley and ridge a km), 31E/1,300 (16N, 9,36/2 km). 316E/220 (9N, elRegio Bell 2N 6/0 m cuistesot eteo Bereghinya, of centre smooth the occupies km) 16E/400 (27N, 3N 7/,0 m and km) 27E/1,000 (36N, elaDorsa Bezlea 2N 2E750k)sep nfo eodtewestern the beyond from in sweeps km) 325E/7,520 (22N, 3N 1/,7 m n ntesuhb itaRegio. Eistla by south the in and km) 51E/1,778 (33N, a Mons Var niePlanitia Undine 3N 7/0 m n h hefty the and km) 37E/807 (30N, 1,36/,0 m,Vns ietvolcanic widest Venus’ km), 316E/1,000 (1N, eaDorsa Hera etnCorona Benten 1N 0E280k)t its to km) 303E/2,800 (13N, egoCrn.NASA/ Magellan. Corona. Heng-o tnaMons Atanua 3N 0/1 km). 30E/813 (36N, eehnaPlanitia Bereghinya 1N 340E/310 (16N, Madderakka Metelitsa Mona (10N, hc stevlai lwfedof field flow coronae volcanic high Several the m high. is 2,000 m the which them 1,000 among and notable diameter east, in Mons further Mons. km lie Gula 65 mountains is of volcanic these and flanks of the largest nearby, from the domes eastwards across; pancake extends of system, cluster valley A rift a km) 3E/600 NASA/ Magellan. Dorsa. Metelitsa h otenpr fBl,asbtnilvlai iefaue eea ag paterae large several In features being faulting. rise volcano because largest and volcanic large uplifts deformation substantial the crustal a volcanic coronae, Bell, to Venusian and of due other part rifting among northern prominent the many display not unlike does is it Bell plains. low oteserwih ftevlai as otenBl etrsacleto of collection a features Bell due Southern deformation mass. novae Corona crustal volcanic the Pavlova by the including coronae, produced of nova-type deep, weight large metres sheer hundred the several to ‘moat’ a by nearby Like surroundings. h atr ato itaRgodsly osdrbevariety. considerable displays Regio Eistla of part eastern The elRgocnit ftomutiosvlai ihad eaae ysmooth by separated highlands volcanic mountainous two of consists Regio Bell 9,2E35k)and km) 29E/325 (9N, ee Mons Tepev 1N 9/7 m and km) 39E/370 (14N, y Mons Nyx 2N 4/0 m ie osm ,0 bv its above m 5,000 some to rises km) 44E/301 (29N, zlrosMons Dzalarhons eett Corona Nefertiti ehbtFluctus Nekhebet amnaFarra Carmenta 3N 9/7 m,Tpvi lsl encircled closely is Tepev km), 49E/875 (30N, sn Corona Isong iii Corona Didilia 1,3E10k) otees of east the to km), 34E/120 (1N, 3N 8/7 m.Hr the Here km). 48E/371 (36N, 0,3E40km). 35E/400 (0N, 1N E,maue 8 km 180 measures 8E), (12N, 1N 9/4 m and km) 49E/540 (12N, 1N 8/2 km), 38E/320 (19N, urLinea Guor (20N, Kali
117 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 118 Our Current Knowledge of Venus rtro h iesoso t eta ig iharmsm 0 macross; km 200 some high. rim m creating a 1,000 cavity, with scarp the a enlarged ring, wall, have central ring inner as fault sharply-defined its began outer a of probably an around Mead dimensions landslides basin. the subsequent multi-ringed of a crater crater, a impact largest Venus’ km), aaoaaCorona Calakomana qao o ,0 m namely km, 3,500 for equator ot fEsl ei ieo vnysae ao ooa nesoe the underscores coronae major evenly-spaced of line a Regio Eistla of South 7,4E55k) oteres lies east their To km). 44E/575 (7N, unYnCorona Kuan-Yin 4,1E30km), 10E/310 (4S, edcae.NASA/ crater. Magellan. Mead NASA/ Magellan. Farra. Carmenta Mead hui Corona Thouris 1N 57E/270 (13N, 1S 0/2k)i rmnn aa etr fnrhr amn,a impact an Tahmina, northern of feature radar prominent a ridges. is wrinkle low km) numerous 50E/32 with along (15S, corona, and volcano small odd to km) 15E/2,700 through km), m ntenrhi ,0 ih lne yrda aafosadhsardrdark radar includes a has volcanoes and and of km) flows cluster lava a radial Dione, km), by of 304E/182 flanked south high, the m To 2,000 surface. caldera. is undulating north the its in westward- above km) of rise coma volcanoes extensive several an amid flows ejecta of mantle ejecta. swept bright a with crater ysvrllrelna,including lineae, large several by NASA/ Mons. Magellan. Ushas from planitiae, of patchwork a of up made are nova corona the conjoined the and km) 33E/330 km), 13E/190 (7S, Linea in Regio Dione aii lnta atpant h otes fDoeRgo scrossed is Regio, Dione of southeast the to plain vast a Planitia, Lavinia regions equatorial southern Venus’ 60E, and 300 of longitudes the Between 4S 4E150km), 345E/1,500 (42S, niiMons Innini auaaCorona Nabuzana aye Planitia Kanykey ety Mons Nepthys 3S 2E230k)srthsars h otws fteregion; the of southwest the across stretches km) 328E/2,300 (32S, amn Planitia Tahmina yeeCorona Cybele 3S 2E39km). 329E/339 (35S, 9,4E55km). 47E/525 (9S, nip Linea Antiope 3S 1E30km), 318E/350 (33S, 1S 5E210k)and km) 350E/2,100 (10S, orgnLinea Morrigan 2S 0/,0 m.Teefaue oti the contain features These km). 80E/3,000 (23S, 8,2E50km), 21E/500 (8S, uyci Corona Mukylchin 4S 5E80km), 350E/850 (40S, ak Planitia Navka 5S 311E/3,200), (55S, ahrMons Hathor sa Mons Ushas hruhsCorona Thermuthis 1S 6/2 m and km) 46E/525 (13S, iai Planitia Tinatin entMons Tefnut opdaLinea Molpadia 8,318E/2,100 (8S, 2S 325E/413 (24S, 3S 325E/333 (39S, Bathsheba Hippolyta (15S, (39S, (8S,
119 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 120 Our Current Knowledge of Venus hntecutwscupe oehr hcee n eomddrn process a during deformed formed and downwelling. have thickened mantle may It spot together, Regio plains. cold crumpled Alpha lava of was smooth as the surrounding crust such – the highlands the above kilometres plateau when m tesserated square 2,000 that million to thought 1,000 3.25 is some some – of India terrain of quadrilateral size tesserated roughly of a comprises plateau Regio Alpha bumpy Instead, flows; Regio. lava Alpha and with shields associated domes, as such Corona features Eve Alpha volcanic as few such relatively highlands plateau contain rises, Regio fields. volcanic flow major Venus’ lava Unlike meridian. largest prime through Venus’ of faulting one strike-slip is Lavinia of of crust. examples border the southeastern clear of some movement with horizontal km), 337E/2,400 (61S, 4S 5E160km), 355E/1,600 (48S, lh ei,acmat eldfndmuti lta tade h Venusian the straddles plateau mountain well-defined compact, a Regio, Alpha 3S 6E30k)i h otws steol ao ocncfeature volcanic major only the is southwest the in km) 360E/330 (32S, eadnLinea Penardun yit Fluctis Mylitta 5S 4E95k)and km) 344E/975 (54S, 5S 5E120k)o the on km) 354E/1,250 (56S, ei rmtesouth. the NASA/Magellan. from Alpha of Regio view Simulated lh ei.NASA/ Regio. Magellan. Alpha aaphaLinea Kalaipahoa li hs otenbre ie oecmasnmru ooa n h fault the and coronae numerous encompass of to Lada system rises of edges valley border edge lies eastern northern northwestern and east whose the northern its plain indents the to itself around and Planum valley Corona Terra, Astkhik from Seia rift Planum. lavas of Astkhik a with north of is the filled Chasma from deep, stretches Hanghepiwi east. m the Terra. to 1,000 km) Lada 20E/2,000 and of 500 continent between southern far the lcu.Tecnietshgetaesaet efudi ag oe oet the to lobe domed large a in by and dominated found km) and meridian, be 0° graben to the faults, are on coronae, areas southwest highest numerous continent’s featuring The radius, fluctus. planetary mean the above valley large the plus km), km), 3E/215 metres. m h atr ato aaTrarsstwrstelrerf alysse of system valley rift large the towards rises below). Region Terra Artemis Lada of Chasma part Xaratanga From eastern region. the polar km) south the towards Lada containing rise volcanic a by m cuytelwpan otenrho hsrs.Tosot lis– plains smooth Two rise. this of north the to Planitia plains low the occupy km) eiso ooa ot fApaRgo nldn h nova the including Regio, Alpha of south coronae of series A aaTrai nulnsrgo oe860k cosadaeaig2km 2 averaging and across km 8,600 some region uplands an is Terra Lada ihnh Corona Eithinoha 7S 5/,0 m and km) 25E/1,200 (73S, ol Corona Boala afn Corona Tamfana ri Chasma Artio 5S 0/,0 m–sedsrpini h Niobe-Aphrodite- the in description see – km 70E/1,300 (54S, utaptalCrn.NASA/Magellan. Corona. Quetzalpetlatl 7S 5E20k) at fwihrahhihso 4,000 of heights reach which of parts km), 359E/220 (70S, ageiiChasma Hanghepiwi adlt Rupes Vaidilute ouh Planitia Fonueha 5S E50k)and km) 8E/500 (57S, ki-egiCorona Okhin-Tengri 3S 9/5 km). 39E/450 (36S, 3S E40k)and km) 6E/400 (36S, uaoPlanitia Mugazo 4S 2/,0 m,alrefutscarp, fault large a km), 22E/2,000 (44S, utaptalCorona Quetzalpetlatl keBrhnCorona Ekhe-Burkhan 4S 8/,0 m,a undulating an km), 48E/3,000 (44S, 4S 8/,0 m xedtowards extend km) 18E/1,100 (49S, 6S 0/,0 m separated – km) 60E/1,500 (69S, 7S 0/0 m ait from radiate km) 40E/400 (71S, tgnCorona Otygen eaCorona Seia ski Planum Astkhik ap Corona Carpo 6S 357E/780 (68S, 5S 31E/400 (57S, 3,153E/225 (3S, 5S 40E/600 (50S, Aibarchin (45S, (38S,
121 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 122 Our Current Knowledge of Venus aPtr;R ue;T esr;C hsa oFsa sFuts aFra oCle;M Colles; Co Farra; Fa Fluctus; Fs Fossa; Fo Chasma; Ca Tessera; Ta Rupes; Rs Patera; Chart: Pa on features Features of to locations Key the text. showing the Region, Ishtar-Alpha-Lada in the described (300-60E), One Region of Map 1.Mdeak ooa 1.Bne ooa 1.ByaCrn;C7 eett Corona; Nefertiti Corona; C10. C17. Idem-Kuva Corona; Corona; C13. Beyla Mesca C16. Heng-o Corona; C9. Corona; C1. Nissaba Benten Corona; Regio; C15. C12. Renenti Corona; R Corona; Madderakka C8. Vallis; Tutelina C14. Corona; Corona; V C11. Ashnan Onatah Terra; C5. Corona; Corona; C7. T Purandhi Xilonen Corona; Dorsa; C4. Corona; D Ba’het Beiwe Corona; C6. C3. Corona; C Haumea Planitia; C2. P Corona; Planum; Pm Mons; oe300mbnahtema ufc ee.Aaat lntai ieyt be to north likely its to is belts Planitia ridge Atalanta compressional level. basin producing diameter surface downwelling, east. km and mantle mean 450 of a the place comprising beneath 165E) a m 64N, at 3,000 (located some area deepest of its lowlands km), smooth deep by the to dominated descends of and terrain are hills km) heights the 130E/471 by eastern (64N, defined Tethus’ is edge km). southern 120E/2,000 its eastern of while terrain Terra, tesserated the Ishtar comprises border southwestern Louhi’s region. polar vast the of edge eastern magnificent the ose rtr:1Cepta .Mn ia .Ma;4 Bathsheba PateraCa1. Sigrun 4. Mead; RupesFo1. Sachs 3. Vaidilute Pa4. Lisa; Rs2. Mona Patera; Rupes; 2. Vesta Bethune Tesserae; 1.Cleopatra; Rs1. Tessera; Craters: Kruchina Pa3. Chasma; Tefnut Fossae; Ta5. Fortuna Patera; Artio M14. Tessera; Ca2. Ta1. Sacajawea M10. Chasma; Laima Mons; Mons; Pa2. Mons; Hanghepiwi Ta4. Innini Ushas Patera; Kali Tessera; M17. Colette M13. M9. Clotho Mons; Pa1. Ta3. Mons; Mons; Hathor Tessera; Atanua Montes; Nyx M16. Itzpapalotl M8. Akna M12. Mons; Ta2. Mons; M4. Nepthys Mons; Var Montes; M15. Tepev M7. Danu Mons; M11. Mons; M3. Gula Mons; Montes; M6. Dzalarhons Astkhik Freyja Pm2. Mons; Planum; M2. Sif Lakshmi Montes; Pm1. M5. Vallis; Maxwell Anuket L7. V1. M1. Dorsa; Linea; Planum; Ishtar Au Metelitsa T1. D2. Penardun D6. Fluctis; Dorsa; Dorsa; L6. Mylitta Tezan Bezlea Linea; Morrigan D5. Fs2. D1. L2. Fluctus; Terra; Molpadia Nekhebet Lada Linea; L5. T2. Fs1. Guor Linea; Terra; Farra; L1. Carmenta Antiope Regio; Fa1. R1. Dione P12. L4. Linea; R4. Planitia; Linea; Kalaipahoa Planitia; Regio; Mugazo P8. Hippolyta Bell Tinatin P15. Planitia; R3. L3. Planitia; P11. Regio; Linea; Undine Aibarchin Alpha Planitia; P14. R2. P7. Kanykey Regio; Planitia; Planitia; Eistla P10. Fonueha P4. P13. Guinevere Planitia; Planitia; Planitia; Louhi Navka P6. Tahmina P3. P9. Planitia; Planitia; C33. Planitia; Leda Lavinia Corona; Corona; Bereghinya P2. Okhin-Tengri P5. Planitia; C36. Quetzalpetlatl Planitia; Sedna Corona; C32. Snegurochka P1. Otygen Corona; Corona; C35. Calakomana Carpo Ekhe-Burkhan Corona; Seia C29. C37. Eithinoha C21. C31. Corona; C34. Eve Corona; Corona; Corona; C28. Boala Tamfana Corona; Isong Nabuzana C30. C20. C27. Thermuthis Corona; Corona; C25. Corona; Corona; Mukylchin Cybele C24. C26. Pavlova Corona; Corona; Thouris C23. C19. Corona; Kuan-Yin C22. Corona; Corona; Didilia C18. less and smoother are these way general their wind including in region, chasmata km), and sub-equatorial major southern Several south, planitiae the counterparts. of the across northern collection in their A than above). position wrinkly One, for Region is vie (see noteworthy Regio also particularly Alpha to coronae; appearance and and dorsa plains tesserae, broad of of two Tessera continent collection as sub-equatorial a summarized sprawling by be vast, might the Venus Terra of by region separated this regions glance, first At 180E) to (60 Region Artemis Niobe-Aphrodite- The Two: Region h olnsof lowlands The ulaChasma Quilla 6,15/000k) otenrhle acwr fpaiieseparated planitiae of patchwork a lies north the To km). 105E/10,000 (6S, 4N 7/,2 m nioae ato esrtdulnso iia size similar of uplands tesserated of raft isolated an km) 77E/2,329 (43N, rei Chasma Artemis oh Planitia Louhi 2S 2E93km), 127E/973 (24S, rei Corona Artemis ahr Corona Earhart 4S 3E307k)wihcre rudthe around curves which km) 139E/3,087 (41S, 8N 2E240k)srthars h north the across stretch km) 121E/2,440 (81N, 3S 3E260km). 135E/2,600 (35S, ˇ s in Chasma Diana r a 7N 3E44k) ute atthe east Further km). 136E/414 (70N, ¯ os;D.Zrl os;D.Hr Dorsa; Hera D4. Dorsa; Zorile D3. Dorsa; tlnaPlanitia Atalanta uoChasma Juno 1S 5E98k)and km) 155E/938 (15S, ihigl Corona Nightingale ehsRegio Tethus 4N 166E/2,050 (46N, 3S 111E/915 (31S, Aphrodite Tellus (66N,
123 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 124 Our Current Knowledge of Venus ftseae eri,Tlu ersnsa rao atedwwlig crustal embayment downwelling, and relaxation mantle crustal paterae, of areas by Two area lavas. other followed volcanic most an faulting, by Like represents thrust Desert. and Tellus Sahara compression the terrain, of tesserated that of to equivalent kilometres, square border. eastern crater Ananke’s double-ringed on 100 The some lies together. of km) comfortably gap 143E/100 irregular fit (52N, an would rifting, by breadth, crustal separated of in sections, evidence km southern these clear and displays border northern Ananke terrain its west. since tesserated the of in km) patches 137E/1,060 Several (53N, flows. radial from of plains, set rises latter broader the a from Regio; by Tethus of south the Corona around Fakahotu terrain hilly the up make km) east 180° to Two, longitude. 60 Region from main in the regions showing Chart od iet ,0 bv h ensraelvl otenprso elsas rise also Tellus of mountainous parts of Southern series level. surface a mean where the margins, above m eastern 3,000 its to rise along folds highest is Tellus length. is margin aapan loe itzn,ocpe h pc ewe elsadtesmaller the and Tellus between space the lowland occupies a north, zone, of further plateau rift Yet fractured Tellus. flooded of a north the plain, in lava found be can km) 79E/116 (39N, ur Planitia Audra elsTseai oyoa lta iha rao oeta million 4 than more of area an with plateau polygonal a is Tessera Tellus een Chasma Medeina el Tessera Dekla 6N 2/,6 m and km) 92E/1,860 (60N, 5N 0E20k) er-hpdsto rcue surrounded fractures of set heart-shaped a km), 106E/290 (59N, eiTessera Meni 5N 2/,6 m ntews to west the in km) 72E/1,363 (57N, 4N 9) tagtvle o uho t 0 km 600 its of much for valley straight a 89E), (46N, pa Patera Apgar 4N 8/5 m.Byn els northeastern Tellus’ Beyond km). 78E/454 (48N, il-au Planitia Tilli-Hanum 4N 4/2 m and km) 84E/126 (43N, 5N 120E/2,300 (54N, nneTessera Ananke lo Patera Eliot Cochran h atr n otenegso h lta.Tevalley The jumbled plateau. a the of across edges height southern in and decreasing of eastern gradually plains the m, the 2,000 towards than terrain more of heights to Ananke rifted NASA/Magellan. Tessera. the of Part Regio. Tethus NASA/Magellan. impact in diameter crater km a 108E) 40 (70N, Fayette La tade h i-otenlttds ueosnrhetsuhattrending northwest-southeast from Numerous Niobe, latitudes. cross mid-northern features Tessera. the Tellus of straddles west the to Planitia away Leda slope km. km), 744 69E/906 some (32N, for heights southwestern and Tellus’ through curves 78E) ib Planitia Niobe ktmrPlanitia Akhtamar 2N 1E508k) n fVns otetnieplains, extensive most Venus’ of one km), 112E/5,008 (21N, 2N 5/,0 m,sprtdby separated km), 65E/2,700 (27N, krv Colles Akkruva oaaPlanitia Lowana 4N 1E109k)i h north the in km) 116E/1,059 (46N, 4N 8/,0 m hc skirts which km) 98E/2,700 (43N, otae Chasma Kottravey adz-v Dorsa Mardezh-Ava (31N,
125 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 126 Our Current Knowledge of Venus to ring. double NASA. a with crater impact sizeable a Cochran, ae ytmo rnl igs hs os xedars otenLlorona northern namely across coronae, extend large dorsa several These of ridges. vicinity the wrinkle to of system named and from ridges, trending km), north-south of number adjoining and Niobe of reaches southern Corona the Allatu occupies coronae small Planitia of of tip cluster northern the A to km) 109E/653 (40N, eta lrn noeo h es aa-elcieaeso h lnt otersouth their To planet. the including on coronae, areas radar-reflective several least are the of one in Llorona central km), 145E/93 km). 200 km), Corona Omeciuatl lse fipc craters impact of cluster A both Tessera, Gegute of East n Dorsa Uni em Dorsa Vedma atoa Corona Cauteovan ehl Dorsa Nephele 8,17/,0 m,including km), 107E/1,600 (8N, elm Planitia Vellamo Callirhoe 3N 1E80k) e frde htconnects that ridges of set a km), 114E/800 (34N, 1N 1E15km), 114E/125 (16N, 1N 1E15km). 119E/175 (17N, 4N 5E335k) h atrbigVns otextensive most Venus’ being latter the km), 159E/3,345 (42N, 4N 3E197km), 139E/1,937 (40N, 2N 4E3 km), 141E/34 (21N, 3N 4E53k)and km) 143E/553 (32N, 4N 4E215k)t t ot r rnldb a by wrinkled are north its to km) 149E/2,155 (45N, ai Celeste Maria bni Corona Abundia lrn Planitia Llorona hmy Corona Bhumiya hsn Corona Dhisana eueTessera Gegute Bourke-White 2N 4E9 km), 140E/98 (23N, rg Dorsa Frigg ih Tesserae Likho 1N 2E20k)and km) 125E/250 (19N, on Corona Boann 1N 4E260k)adthe and km) 145E/2,600 (18N, e-v Corona Ved-Ava 1N 1E10k)and km) 118E/100 (15N, 2N 4/4k)lein lie km) 148/34 (21N, 1N 2E160km). 121E/1,600 (17N, 1N 1E10km), 112E/100 (15N, 5N 5E86km) 151E/896 (51N, 4N 134E/1,200 (40N, Greenaway 2N 137E/300 (27N, uu Tessera Kutue 3N 143E/ (33N, Sogolon Kubebe (23N, Corona Corona Ituana Corona anuCorona Saunau eta pitdmntdby dominated uplift central of and plains km) northwestern 181E/355 the into southwards sprawls Planitia which Rusalka km) 154E/750 (16N, uak lntai oligpanbree ntenrhby north the in bordered plain lowlying a is Planitia Rusalka 1N 3E15k) hl atr lrn ot h mrsiearachnoid impressive the hosts Llorona eastern while km), 133E/125 (16N, 0,11/0 km), 171E/200 (0N, 2N 5E20k)adisascae aaflow lava associated its and km) 154E/220 (20N, 1,13/2 6 m and km) 160 × 173E/220 (1S, 1N 7E365km). 170E/3,655 (10N, teaTessera Athena elsTsea NASA/Magellan. Tessera. Tellus iml Corona Nirmali aahuMons Lamashtu 3N 7E180k) uak a southern a has Rusalka km). 175E/1,800 (35N, ii Corona Eigin 6,12/0k)adtearachnoids the and km) 172E/60 (6S, 3,13/6 km), 173E/260 (3N, 5,15/0 m.Two km). 175E/200 (5S, esr.NASA/Magellan. Tellus Tessera. northeastern of Part eei Tesserae Nemesis ruieFluctus Praurime Hannahannas (40N,
127 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 128 Our Current Knowledge of Venus iet ,0 bv eaieydpesdcnrlae hc isa ensurface mean at lies which area which central Topographically, margins depressed elevated relatively Terra. with a doughnut, Aphrodite above m ring continent 3,000 a western to like Venusian rise a somewhat forming shaped giant region, is this the Manatum of part of equatorial western extension far the occupies tesserae, and km) dorsa, oriented north-south them long among Large many by Corona. crossed Eigin are of Planitia south Rusalka and eastern north of the tracts to plains the to down spread km) 178E/530 xesv aaflows, lava extensive aau Tessera Manatum ountaDorsa Poludnitsa ayntaDorsa Zaryanitsa rips Fluctus Argimpasa 4,6E380k) h eodlreto eu’named Venus’ of largest second the km), 64E/3,800 (4S, 5,10/,0 km). 180E/1,500 (5N, eueTsea NASA/Magellan. Tessera. Gegute 0,10/,0 km), 170E/1,100 (0N, 0,16/5 m and km) 176E/950 (0N, ayn Dorsa Yalyane oee Fluctus Dotetem 7,177E/1,200 (7N, (6S, matcrater impact Corona H’uraru fractures. scarp of bundle over a presided by is east-west while crossed Manatum south, interior, and Central smooth east heights. north, lithospheric western the its to in by forms due highest plateau and subsidence broadest triangular or is a downwelling at is mantle Manatum by cooling. formed possibly level, lw,i uruddb eakbylrerdrlgteet oawihbrushes which coma ejecta radar-light large remarkably a by surrounded is flows, aau’ de r lal eie ntenrhb h hr ,0 high m 2,000 sharp the by north the in defined clearly are edges Manatum’s edniCorona Verdandi etaRupes Hestia matcaesMraClse reaa n alro.NASA/Magellan. Callirhoe. and Greenaway Celeste, Maria craters Impact Adivar 9,6E10k)wt t aitn e ffatrs n h young the and fractures, of set radiating its with km) 68E/150 (9N, 6,7E58k) eodle nunmdpancontaining plain unnamed an lies Beyond km). 71E/588 (6N, 6,6E10k) eldfndcrua etr ihadark a with feature circular well-defined a km), 65E/180 (6S, 9,7E3 m hc,i diint e flbt ejecta lobate of set a to addition in which, km) 76E/30 (9N, Magellan. NASA/ Corona. Cauteovan
129 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 130 Our Current Knowledge of Venus aesz steUie tts oto vai ae pb esrtdhighland tesserated a by up taken is Ovda of Most States. United the as size same Terra. the cross dorsa including prominent north, long, Several further plains. yet radar-dark plain the across westwards aly.Nrhetr vai odrdb h weigprle igscomprising Ovda ridges parallel in and sweeping ridges features the oriented Montes by north-south tectonic bordered Nayunuwi of many is collection Ovda a While averaging Northwestern into south, and valleys. twisted wide. shelf’ north are the km portions ‘continental from central compression 150 its a crustal and indicating by east-west, high trend surrounded generally m high, 2,000 m some 5,000 averaging plateau onayt h otes,sprtn aau rmtelremutiosarea mountainous large the crustal from by Manatum up separating of opened southeast, been the have to may boundary wall feature, rift northern Another whose rifting. feature a km), 75E/450 Dorsa Unelanuhi iha rao rud1 ilo qaeklmte,Od ei saotthe about is Regio Ovda kilometres, square million 10 around of area an With h atr odro aau sdfndb h i of rim the by defined is Manatum of border eastern The vaRegio Ovda 3,8E520k) h eta padcmoeto Aphrodite of component upland central the km), 86E/5,280 (3S, 1N 7/,0 km). 87E/2,600 (12N, 2,8E90k) ag omdb etnccompression, tectonic by formed range a km), 83E/900 (2N, aeaVallis Tawera ekce Dorsa Lemkechen 1S 8/0 m om n8 mwide km 80 an forms km) 68E/500 (12S, 1N 9/,0 m and km) 69E/2,000 (19N, ooaadPraurime Ituana NASA/Magellan. and Fluctus. arachnoid Corona The ats Corona Kaltash (1N, a ocmrsinlfatrsaddracnomn oOd’ atr outline. eastern Ovda’s to conforming gives terrain dorsa tesserated and overtly east, fractures the compressional In activity. to tectonic way major recent of lack the lnta hr h lnae igso nlnh os eeal u aallto craters impact parallel undeformed run Several as km. such generally 100 area, of around Dorsa the of in edge Unelanuhi distance a of the at ridges coastline at Ovda’s elongated plains the where the Planitia, into 10,000 some south of winding area them an across Planitia of meander Tahmina most valleys The kilometres, channels. the square lava lie of set which extensive of flanks southern width. in km 50 averaging Chasma of Kokomikeis south curve which h esrtdhihso otesenOd ug otwrstwrsSogolon towards northwards bulge Ovda northeastern of heights tesserated The the on km), 89E/100 (10S, corona unnamed large a contains Ovda Southern ls po h aapan fRslaPaii.NASA/Magellan. Planitia. Rusalka of plains lava the of up Close 2S 0/,0 km). 80E/3,000 (23S, eBeauvoir de 0,8E100k) mohfordlv loe itvalley rift flooded lava smooth-floored a km), 85E/1,000 (0N, aod Corona Habonde 2,9E5 m niaetegetaeo vaand Ovda of age great the indicate km) 96E/53 (2N, oSe Valles Shen Lo 3,8E15k) otersuhlies south their To km). 82E/125 (3N, 1S 5) h lntsmost planet’s the 95E), (15S, adcp fManatum tesserated NASA/Magellan. Tessera. of heavily landscape the fractured of Close-up
131 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 132 Our Current Knowledge of Venus prdt er,ms fi yn ot fteeutr thsa rao around of the area with an comparable has Regio, It Ovda equator. of that the half of around south kilometres, lying square it million 5 of most Terra, Aphrodite km). 112E/1,200 of plains Regio. smooth Ovda – of valleys edge of The rift Chasma eastern centre Ralk-umgu large the floors. long marked two at dark Ovda, km 108E) a radar southern (7S, 450 towards In valleys smooth, area, another extends and with area and this fractures both ridges, the 106E) in radiating 104E), in (3N, found (2S, topography wide be wide trending km to north-south km 40 are 65 and valleys averaging long flooded and km lava 360 unnamed one sizable notably of number A odn u otcoi oeet n rsa tessoiiaigi underlying in originating stresses and crustal fracturing and of movements history which tectonic complicated upon to a area due displays elevated folding Thetis areas, wider 4,000 highland the northern of tesserated from but order planet, the the level, of of portion surface Tessera substantial are a mean heights covers rests above interior Thetis Thetis’ m of 5,000 Most to Europe. western of size htsRegio Thetis 6,17/,0 m osuhr rei ooa ieohrVenusian other Like Corona. Artemis southern to km) 127E/2,600 (6N, dvrcae a eakbecm-ieeet.NASA/Magellan. ejecta. coma-like remarkable a has crater Adivar 1S 3E281k)frsteesenuln opnn of component upland eastern the forms km) 130E/2,801 (11S, ua Planum Turan 1S 0E80k)–tedt h at h atrsprtsthe separates latter the east; the to trend – km) 106E/840 (15S, 1S 1E80k)and km) 117E/800 (13S, unaChasma Kuanja 1S 0E80k)and km) 100E/890 (12S, iilc Planum Viriplaca edniCrn in NASA/Magellan. Tessera. Corona Manatum central Verdandi Haasttse-baad (20S, ooa rei,b a h igs ooa omto nVnswt diameter a with Venus on formation coronal Artemis biggest giant the the and far Thetis southern by between Artemis, found be Corona. can terrain smooth surrounding of rafts the in faults northeast. west-east the to southeast, northeast-southwest features with that the fashion, evidence Chasma in clockwise some Vir-ava faults a is in there strike-slip rotation terrain, trending undergone of has pattern area general the the In movements. mantle NASA/Magellan. edge. northern its from southward looking Regio, Ovda of view 3D simulated A f260k,i iclrfauewoeesenadsuhr odri clearly is border southern and eastern whose feature circular a is km, 2,600 of nadto oTrnPau n iilc lns ueoslrewell-defined large numerous Planus, Viriplaca and Planum Turan to addition In 1S 2E170k)i h ot fTei,adcompressional and Thetis, of south the in km) 124E/1,700 (17S, uauCrn.NASA/Magellan. Corona. Huraru
133 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 134 Our Current Knowledge of Venus etit uoCam n nte etrssuht eonAtmsCam in Chasma Artemis rejoin to south ventures another south. and continues the Chasma component one Juno edge; into western Artemis’ of west near end branches out northern Chasma forking the Corona, Artemis and Artemis north, Chasma the Quilla In zigzagging deep. the Chasma m with 2,000 3,000 link and than to wide more off km valley peripheral 140 near-continuous long, a km Chasma, Artemis by outlined Valles. Shen Lo NASA/Magellan. The seRgo n,aoe.Anme fcerctgae aly n itfaue are features including rift area, Planum and this Lakshmi valleys graben in Terra’s clear-cut found Ishtar of to be number nature to A similar above). One, a Region of (see km) 140E/950 (15S, plateau aly.Mr hn90k og in hsaetnses otenova the to east extends Chasma Diana long, km 900 than More valleys. and Chasma h egt fesenTei arwadetn ot fasot unnamed smooth a of north extend and narrow Thetis eastern of heights The 3S 3E100k) rtmri hsawnsars h eteof centre the across winds Chasma Britomartis km). 130E/1,000 (33S, aiChasma Dali 1S 6E207k) omn ope ewr of network complex a forming km), 167E/2,077 (18S, ee-m Vallis Veden-Ema 1S 4E30k) Diana km), 141E/300 (15S, Britomartis Miralaidji amn’ otenpan a efudtenro ot-ot ti of strip north-south narrow the Along Regio. found Ovda be and can Tessera plains Manatum southern both Tahmina’s underlying above), (see One Region Corona Agraulos Corona towards Corona Žemina Atahensik from northeast Corona Atahensik Corona oigt h otwsenpr fti ein amn lntaetnsfrom extends Planitia Tahmina region, this of part southwestern the to Moving 1S 6E30k) hl aiCam on h rmnn valley-outlined prominent the joins Chasma Dali while km), 164E/300 (14S, rei ooa eu’bgetcrn.NASA/Magellan. corona. biggest Venus’ Corona, Artemis 1S 8E50k)(e einTre eo)adsuhto south and below) Three, Region (see km) 186E/530 (12S, 2S 6E10km). 166E/170 (28S, 1S 7E70k) e oede,poietvlesstretch valleys prominent deep, more Yet km). 170E/700 (19S, iilc lnm NASA/Magellan. Planum. Viriplaca ihCorona Sith 1S 7E30k)and km) 177E/350 (10S, iWang- Xi
135 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 136 Our Current Knowledge of Venus uTessera mu view Artemis NASA/Magellan. Chasma. 3D southeastern of simulated A ecnsit arysot ai hs otwsenpr otisacutrof cluster a km), contains 86E/300 part (47S, southwestern whose notably basin coronae, smooth sizeable fairly cone a volcanic into the descends surrounding by the provided below is deeply area the sunk of floor highspot a of topographical has lone which A of plains. each km), 86E/175 (27S, km), 72E/275 (25S, 5/0 m.An lntassuhetr odri akdb ra elevated broad nova a the by including marked features, of is group border mixed southwestern containing region Planitia’s Aino km). 85E/200 6/0 m,suc ftelv lw of flows lava the of source km), 76E/500 Chasma and km) 79E/550 Aino, of parts blanket 6S 0/,0 m.Ipc rtr hwu elo h aa-akplains dotted radar-dark all craters, the impact on even-spaced well roughly up of set show remarkable craters A Impact Mugazo. of km). 60E/1,500 (69S, donn amn lntat t south, its to Planitia Tahmina Adjoining aaag hsa itvle ytmsm ,0 mln,and long, km 1,300 some system valley rift a Chasma, Xaratanga uaiiMons Kunapipi 5S 0/0 m u ln h oteneg of edge northern the along run km) 70E/800 (57S, 3S 2/,0 m n h elfre coronae well-formed the and km) 62E/1,300 (30S, un-uu Corona Dunne-Musun 3S 6/2 m hc ie o300metres. 3,000 to rises which km) 86E/220 (34S, alec Corona Cailleach rmiiCorona Aramaiti icraDorsa Zimcerla htnCorona Khotun 4S 8/2 m and km) 88E/125 (48S, 4S 4/5 km), 74E/850 (48S, 2S 2/5 m and km) 82E/350 (26S, lhv Fluctus Ilaheva 6S 5/3 km). 85E/630 (60S, 4S 2/0 km), 82E/200 (47S, ioPlanitia Aino 4S 4/0 m which km) 84E/900 (43S, thni Corona. and NASA/Magellan. Chasma Atahensik Dali suaeDorsa Oshumare 4S 5/,8 km) 95E/4,985 (41S, ahCorona Makh agMieCorona Iang-Mdiye oi Corona Copia hgtuCorona Ohogetsu ihir Corona Nishtigri uaoPlanitia Mugazo Geyaguga (49S, (59S, (43S, 1/3km). 71E/13 km), 60E/24 6S 2E60k) while km), 125E/600 (60S, km), tt h perneo emi iuarm ig otees fLaimdota of east the to ridge A simulacrum. mermaid by a occupied of appearance is is the note to particular Of it southeast. and crater northeast impact the the to planitiae neighbouring its with namely here, found be to is zone latitude same the along h oehtbadepneof expanse bland somewhat The Berggolts Sartika rtr as,Brgls aueadRn.NASA/Magellan. Rand. and Danute Berggolts, Marsh, Craters un Dorsa Sunna Addams 6S 3/0km), 53E/30 (64S, 6S 7/9km), 67E/19 (64S, 5S 9/7k) hs smerceet lne lends blanket ejecta asymmetric whose km), 99E/87 (56S, amki Corona Latmikaik 5S 3E50k)adsltby split and km) 134E/500 (53S, amoaPlanitia Laimdota Danute Lucia 6S 2E50k)and km) 123E/500 (64S, 6S 8/6k)and km) 68E/16 (62S, 6S 7/2km), 57E/12 (64S, 5S 1E180k)merges km) 117E/1,800 (58S, hgtuCrn in NASA/Magellan. Planitia. and Tahmina Corona southern Corona Ohogetsu Aramaiti Marsh elroChasma Tellervo 6S 47E/48 (64S, Rand Jitka Deohako (62S, (64S,
137 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 138 Our Current Knowledge of Venus otwr oad h pole. the towards southward includes km), which region, this of section southeastern km). 135E/850 (61S, oal mn them among notable Corona et ial,tepan of plains of the landscape Finally, striated the west. by and north the Corona Regio Dsonkwa Planitia e rmnn oorpia etrsaet efudi h eann far remaining the in found be to are features topographical prominent Few dascae n t soitdeet lne nLidt lnta NASA/Magellan. Planitia. Laimdota in blanket ejecta associated its and crater Addams mpnaPlanitia Imapinua 5S 6E40k) rse by crossed km), 164E/400 (53S, 6S 1E30k)rs oissuh ueosfutslei h area, the in lie fluctus Numerous south. its to rise km) 118E/300 (68S, 5S 9E210.A pita h ucino hs he lisforms plains three these of junction the at uplift An 195E/2,100). (53S, 5S 6E150k) il rapeie vrby over presided area hilly a km), 167E/1,500 (53S, rbn Fluctus Arubani 6S 4E210k)adtewsenrahsof reaches western the and km) 142E/2,100 (60S, snw ei.NASA/Magellan. Regio. Dsonkwa laMrhnPlanitia Alma-Merghen 5S 3E60k)and km) 132E/620 (55S, otaTesserae Nortia eaColles Mena hbkPlanitia Zhibek 7S 0E150k)extend km) 100E/1,500 (76S, 5S 6E80k)i the in km) 160E/850 (53S, 4S 6E60k)in km) 160E/650 (49S, abb Fluctus Nambubi 4S 157E/2,000 (40S, Nsomeka Tonatzin ooa 1.EgnCrn;C9 edniCrn;C0 ’rr ooa 2.Kaltash C21. Corona; H’uraru C20. Corona; Boann Verdandi C9. C19. Corona; Corona; Saunau Eigin Omeciuatl C17. Artemis Corona; C18. Nirmali C1. C8. C16. Corona; Corona; Regio; Hannahannas Corona; Kubebe C15. C13. R Corona; Corona; Ituana Bhumiya Abundia Dhisana C14. Vallis; C12. Corona; C5. Corona; M C7. V Ved-Ava Corona; C11. Colles; Corona; Terra; Corona; Fakahotu Cauteovan Co C10. T C4. Corona; Farra; Allatu Corona; Dorsa; Fa Earhart C6. D Fluctus; C3. Corona; Fs Corona; Corona; C Fossa; Nightingale Fo Planitia; C2. Chasma; P Corona; Ca Planum; Tessera; Pm Ta Mons; Rupes; Rs Patera; Chart: Pa of on locations Features the to showing text. Key Region, the Niobe-Aphrodite-Artemis in the described (60-180E), features Two Region of Map ihCrn;C6 galsCrn;C7 ihir ooa 2.Aaat ooa C29. Corona; Corona; Cailleach Aramaiti C32. C25. Corona; C28. Corona; Iang-Mdiye Corona; C31. Atahensik Nishtigri Corona; C24. Khotun C27. C30. Corona; Corona; Corona; Agraulos Miralaidji Ohogetsu C26. C23. Corona; Corona; Sith Habonde C22. Corona;
139 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 140 Our Current Knowledge of Venus rs imr lnta n ftems rnldaeso h niepae.The planet. entire the km), on include areas which features wrinkled dorsa km), these most of among system the prominent trending of north-south most one a Planitia, of Vinmara extension northern cross far a is by Dorsa bordered is km) south. the in km) Corona Cerridwen and km) 208E/152 (66N, – coronae of clusters two Chasma Devana hsa a3 eauaCam;C1.Tlev hsa s.Hsi ue;V.Tawera V1. Dali Rupes; Ca12. Hestia Chasma; Rs1. Chasma; Britomartis Tellervo Ca11. Ca14. Chasma; Chasma; Geyaguga Vir-ava Chasma; Ca13. Ca10. Kuanja Chasma; Ca5. Ca8. Chasma; Chasma; Chasma; Tesserae; Artemis Kokomikeis Ralk-umgu Nortia Ca7. Ca4. Ca9. Chasma; Chasma; Ta13. Kottravey Diana Tessera; Ca6. Ca3. Manatum Chasma; Chasma; Gegute Wang-mu Medeina Ta10. Quilla Ta6. Xi Ca2. Tessera; Chasma; Tessera; Ta12. Athena Juno Kutue Ta9. Tessera; Ca1. Tesserae; Ta5. Haasttse-baad Nemesis Tessera; Ta11. Ta8. Meni Tessera; Tesserae; Ta2. Ta4. Tessera; Likho Tellus Tessera; Ta7. Ta1. Ananke Tessera; Terra; Aphrodite Nayunuwi Dsonkwa Ta3. T1. R4. M2. Tessera; Regio; Colles; Thetis Mena Mons; Dekla R3. Co2. Regio; Colles; Lamashtu Ovda Planitia; Akkruva R2. M1. Imapinua Co1. Regio; Regio; Tethus P17. Planitia; R1. Mons; Planitia; Alma-Merghen Kunapipi Zhibek M3. P19. Montes; P16. Planitia; Planitia; Nsomeka Planitia; Laimdota Aino P18. P15. P13. Planitia; Planitia; Tahmina Planitia; P12. Llorona Mugazo P9. Planitia; Tilli-Hanum P14. Planitia; Rusalka P4. Sogolon P11. P8. Planitia; Latmikaik Planitia; Planitia; Vellamo Niobe Audra P10. P7. C36. Planitia; P3. Planitia; Viriplaca Akhtamar Planitia; Pm2. Corona; P6. Atalanta Planum; Planitia; Lowana Dunne-Musun P2. Turan P5. Planitia; Pm1. C35. Corona; Louhi Tonatzin P1. Corona; C38. Planum; Copia Corona; Deohako C34. C37. Corona; Corona; Makh C33. through above), Two, Region also (see Chasma Chasma Dali Zewana from chasma, of network To huge from smoother. – considerably regiones to are of across above) series One, a Region south, see the (also Planitia Guinevere of eastern while terrain, km), tesserated 247E/3,910 of areas small link that of ridges assortment an Planitia comprising northwest, Ganiki one in the as planitiae Of of described regiones. patchwork mountain-punctuated best chasma-rifted, is and Venus planitiae dorsa-wrinkled of region third This 300E) to (180 Region Kawelu-Atla-Helen The Three: Region .Aia;7 eBavi;8 ik;9 Addams 9. Bourke-White; Jitka; Fluctus; 5. 8. Callirhoe; Fs6. Beauvoir; Praurime 4. Fluctus; de Greenaway; Fs1. Arubani 7. 3. Fs5. Celeste; Adivar; Dorsa; Maria Fluctus; 6. 2. Ilaheva Sunna Cochran; Fs4. 1. D12. Fluctus; Fluctus; Dotetem Nambubi Dorsa; Fs3. Oshumare D1. Fluctus; Argimpasa Dorsa; Patera; D11. Unelanuhi Fs2. Zaryanitsa Eliot D9. Dorsa; D5. Dorsa; Pa2. Lemkechen Dorsa; Zimcerla D8. Patera; Vedma Dorsa; D10. D4. Poludnitsa Apgar D7. Dorsa; Pa1. Dorsa; Frigg Yalyane Vallis; D3. D6. Dorsa; Dorsa; Veden-Ema Nephele V3. D2. Valles; Dorsa; Mardezh-Ava Shen Lo V2. Vallis; h mohfrnrhr oln li of plain lowland northern far smooth The adoo Dorsa Pandrosos am Dorsa Lauma eaRegio Beta 4N 0E510k)aetems evl rnld ihlong with wrinkled, heavily most the are km) 202E/5,160 (40N, iuePlanitia Libuše 9,22/0 m and km) 212E/900 (9N, 1N 8E460km). 285E/4,600 (16N, 5N 0E27k)and km) 202E/217 (50N, 6N 9E157km), 190E/1,517 (65N, entaDorsa Dennitsa 2N 8E289k)i h at–aelne oehrb a by together linked are – east the in km) 283E/2,869 (25N, 5N 0E124k) adoo os tece between stretches Dorsa Pandrosos km). 208E/1,254 (58N, uauaCorona Muzamuza znh Corona Nzingha 6N 9E120k)adtefrwsenreaches western far the and km) 290E/1,200 (60N, imr Planitia Vinmara taRegio Atla 8N 0E82k)t h et Dennitsa west. the to km) 206E/872 (86N, eaeChasma Hecate ngrck Planitia Snegurochka 6N 0E10k)i h ot and north the in km) 206E/140 (69N, hontiDorsa Ahsonnutli 6N 0E13km), 205E/163 (66N, etro Corona Neyterkob ueogDorsa Lukelong 9,20/,0 m ntewest the in km) 200E/3,200 (9N, 5N 0E165k)and km) 208E/1,635 (54N, 1N 5E315k)to km) 254E/3,145 (18N, aeuPlanitia Kawelu 4N 197E/1,708 (48N, 7N 179E/1,566 (73N, 8N 328E/2,775 (87N, 5N 205E/211 (50N, ast Corona Cassatt (33N, 9E4 m tnsotpoietyo aa-akpanfatrdb numerous by crater fractured plain impact radar-dark a the faults. on Mnemosyne, linear prominently out eastern stands km) In 292E/40 km). 264E/448 (63N, into blends km), Metis eastern 282E/360 of parts hillier but Regio lower The out. stand km) rmwhich from ei Regio Metis hr hwn h anaesi einTre rm10t 0 atlongitude. east 300 to 180 from Three, Region in areas main the showing Chart 6N 8E85k) nae otiigtenova the containing area an km), 280E/875 (66N, hloMons Thallo 7N 5E79k)rsst h ot fSeuohaPlanitia, Snegurochka of south the to rises km) 252E/729 (71N, otiu Corona Coatlicue 7N 3E26k)and km) 234E/216 (76N, 6N 7E19k)and km) 273E/199 (63N, eptMons Renpet eoi Corona Feronia aaed Corona Rananeida 7N 236E/138 (76N, Duncan Mnemosyne (68N, (68N,
141 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 142 Our Current Knowledge of Venus ogadaeaig10k nbedh otesuh h reua ace of patches Kawelu irregular of the reaches northwestern south, smooth km the the 1,090 to Planitia. To adjacent some line breadth. 245E) northwest-southeast in (66N, a valley km rift Tesserae 120 flooded Virilis averaging straight and unnamed an long of edge the kpt Dorsa Okipeta oaFrnaCrn a et n h rtrDna.NASA/Magellan. Duncan. crater the and left) (at Corona Feronia Nova 5N 4E72k)aesapydfndi h otws,making southwest, the in defined sharply are km) 240E/782 (56N, adoo os nVnaaPaii.NASA/Magellan. Planitia. Vinmara in Dorsa Pandrosos 6N 4E120k)o ei’suhr odrrn along runs border southern Metis’ on km) 240E/1,200 (68N, m ntenrh near north, the in km) of cliffs linear the with along Ganiki, and of patches km) tesserated 181E/355 The Regio. (40N, Ulfrun to across km) 149E/2,155 valley. rift flooded unnamed large a of edge northern the along run NASA/Magellan. Dorsa Okipeta 2N 2E60k)and km) 224E/620 (28N, from fossae, numerous by separated ridges of series aiiPaii,ahaiywike ra tece from stretches area, wrinkled heavily a Planitia, Ganiki lrnRgoa h atr odro aiirssi ag ot-ot trending north-south large a in rises Ganiki of border eastern the at Regio Ulfrun awpmn Mons Sakwap-mana iaCorona Zisa aehvTesserae Lahevhev onxRupes Fornax 1N 2E80k) lrnfrsasr of sort a forms Ulfrun km). 221E/850 (12N, 3N 2E50k) to km), 220E/500 (35N, 2N 8E130k)srn pin up spring km) 189E/1,300 (29N, eln Fossae Bellona 3N 0E79km). 201E/729 (30N, elm Planitia Vellamo nirglrcae in crater Planitia. Kawelu southern irregular an km), 253E/11 (46N, Terhi eei Tesserae Nemesis 3N 222E/855 (38N, e Fossae Fea (45N,
143 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 144 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 3N 8E27k)adsuhad notenihorn pad of Chasma uplands Devana neighbouring huge the the into by southwards longitudinally and into split km) northwards cutting is 282E/217 km, 4,600 (32N, and height some a for m to north-south rises extends 4,000 volcanoes, which largest than feature Venus’ more of central one radar-bright of Mons, its Theia by km). 281E/226 dominated (23N, Regio, Beta lies terrain, and upwelling mantle by extends Hecate caused km). spreading. system 264E/600 boundary (25N, ridge nova tectonic and of the valley indications between with rift tension, long crustal km 3,145 a terrain tesserated oriented Tessera west-east Onne hilly the into by transition marked Kawelu’s is of above). south its One, to Region Regio (see Asteria Planitia Guinevere western with Mons notably mounds, to volcanic Regio large Atla several in Chasma in Zewana Chasma – Hecate and systems west chasmata its huge two between junction ig hc rde h esrtdtranof is terrain Regio tesserated Beta Eastern the and Mons. bridges Polik-mana which of ridge east Chasma by Hecate adjoined of extension an and km) 271E/1,300 (19N, Regio rmtesot liso aeuPaii,nrhato lrnRgo arise Regio, Ulfrun of northeast Planitia, Kawelu of plains smooth the From donn sei ei n otnigissseso hsaaadtesserated and chasmata of systems its continuing and Regio Asteria Adjoining ueis Tesserae Sudenitsa eoy Tesserae Nedolya 3N 3E30k)and km) 239E/320 (33N, 6,23/,5 m.WsenBt ei locontains also Regio Beta Western km). 283E/2,852 (6S, ydaRegio Hyndla 3N 6E120k) otenAtrai etb eaeChasma, Hecate by rent is Asteria Southern km). 261E/1,200 (39N, aag Corona Taranga 5,24/,0 km). 294E/1,200 (5N, 3N 7E420k)adtenrhsuhoriented north-south the and km) 270E/4,200 (33N, eaeCam.NASA/Magellan. Chasma. Hecate 2N 9E230k) arwnrhsuhupland north-south narrow a km), 295E/2,300 (23N, aoaChasma Latona sei Regio Asteria tr Mons Atira 1N 5E55k)and km) 252E/525 (17N, emtMons Sekmet 2N28/3 m,telte being latter the km), 268E/530 (26N 2N 6E111k)t t east. its to km) 268E/1,131 (22N, 5N 6E12k)o h border the on km) 268E/152 (52N, ik Tessera Zirka 4N 4E25km), 241E/285 (45N, 3N 0E40km) 300E/450 (33N, oi-aaMons Polik-mana vrn Chasma Žverine hi Mons Theia haMons Rhea Phoebe Venilia Yuki- at ot ftelte a efudavreyo etrs including features, of variety a km). 600 found be can coronae latter the Fluctus of South and east. northeast corona the the from Chasma of flanks eastern Chasma brushed mapa been has which ejecta flows light of lava corona larger and features much westwards. also fractures a Rusalka amid bright lobes of radar flow plain bright of eastern its starburst The above landscape. striking m Schuurman Sapas radar-dark 1,500 a above). a to of Two, against rises Region centre set across, see the (also km at Planitia 25 Rusalka lies caldera eastern a in with surroundings hilly volcano isolated an Mons, km), Maat of from region North to elevated an Regio. cleaves km) Atla 194E/615 of (15N, extension mean elevated above of southern heights m the jumbled the 8,000 above are m some south Mons its 1,700 being to to Immediately summit level. rises surface its equator, Venusian the terrain, large straddling of chasmata. mountainous number volcano extensive surrounding a giant and containing a deep area km), uplifted several 195E/395 major by a through is cut it volcanoes, – Regio Beta to similarities its dominates Mons, Theia the by crowned Regio, Beta of highland NASA/Magellan. surroundings. volcanic huge The eea hsaacneg ntevcnt fOz os namely Mons, Ozza of vicinity the in converge chasmata Several many has Atla region. this of part western the in equator the spans Regio Atla ooi Montes Nokomis 2,15/0 m hc i nahaiyrfe nae oeaoga along zone unnamed rifted heavily a in lie which km) 195E/500 (2S, 6,26/7 m,nova km), 206E/970 (6S, ouiPatera Jotuni 5,11/9k) nipc rtrimdaeysrone yradar- by surrounded immediately crater impact an km), 191E/29 (5S, 1N 0E110k)fo h ot,wihct hog the through cuts which north, the from km) 206E/1,100 (13N, 2N 8E46k) otewest, the To km). 189E/486 (20N, 7,24/0×14k)and km) 104 × 214E/80 (7S, aa-snMons Nahas-tsan ihd Chasma Kicheda ddw Corona Oduduwa 1N 0E50k) Zewana km), 205E/500 (14N, zaMons Ozza 3,23/,0 m rmthe from km) 213E/1,500 (3S, 1S 1E10k)adthe and km) 212E/150 (11S, aa Corona Maram aa Mons Sapas 5,21/0 km) 201E/507 (5N, atMons Maat ai Chasma Ganis 9,188E/217 (9N, 8,222E/ (8S, Ongwuti Tkashi- Ningyo (1N, von
145 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 146 Our Current Knowledge of Venus oorpi hr fAl ei ete nMa os NASA/Magellan. Mons. Maat on centred Regio Atla of chart Topographic optrgnrtd3 iwo atMn.NASA/Magellan. Mons. Maat of view 3D Computer-generated Hinemoa. ei ntefres to east far volcanoes the isolated the in lie Regio east the adjacent Tessera Chimon-mana To the with Hinemoa. Mons along northeastern Tuulikki out in stands km) outline, 266E/110 distorted a region. with this of part equatorial h olnsof lowlands The 1N 7E50k)and km) 275E/520 (10N, ieo Planitia Hinemoa 3,20/,0 m om uvn wtefo Phoebe from swathe curving a forms km) 270E/1,500 (3S, rteeMons Uretsete rr Corona Aruru 5,25/,0 m xedars h central the across extend km) 265E/3,700 (5N, ohqezlMons Xochiquetzal 1S 6E50k)i southeastern in km) 261E/500 (12S, 9,22/5 m,avlai uplift volcanic a km), 262E/450 (9N, iwo aa Mons. Sapas of view 3D Computer-generated aa os NASA/ Mons. Magellan. Sapas NASA/Magellan. aaTholus Lama 4,20/0km). 270E/80 (4N, (8N,
147 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 148 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 0 km). 300 km), nova km), yszal ooa,icuigtehatsae nova shaped heart the including coronae, sizeable by ooaa oe left. lower Hinemoa NASA/Magellan. at Atete in Corona including Planitia, cluster southern Coronal uho eta n otwsenHnmai lgtyeeae n occupied and elevated slightly is Hinemoa southwestern and central of Much tt Corona Atete hrn Corona Dhorani rr ooa n fHnmaPaii’ ocncfaue.NASA. features. volcanic Planitia’s Hinemoa of one Corona, Aruru 1S 4E60k)and km) 244E/600 (16S, 8,23/0 km), 243E/200 (8S, ujtk Corona Ludjatako ri Corona Erkir aieCorona Javine 1S 234E/275 (16S, 6,251E/450 (6S, 1S 251E/ (13S, dn Mons. Idunn htrssmr hn300maoetesronigpaeu ag valley large A plateau. surrounding the above m 3,000 than system, more rises that Planitia. Wawalag including of ridges, of edge of southern number and the a km) on by uplift crossed is volcanic It a crater is impact kilometres, younger square the from ejecta by overlain is Cohn flow southeastern the while lwlbsetnigt h ot n otes fIael,tesuhr flow southern the Isabella, of arachnoid southeast the and of flanks south the the large engulfing to Two partially Wawalag. extending central in lobes prominently out flow stands crater, impact largest second of ridges trending north-south the by wrinkled and and Regio Atla southern between stretching tefetnssuhtwrsVns ot oe oisnrhletosalwrinkled small two lie north its To pole. south Venus’ regiones, towards south extends itself and Dorsa Nuvakchin include into which above) Two, Region m;Ihu smr lvtdta eig,adbat t w iebevolcano, sizeable own its boasts and Neringa, than elevated Mons more Awenhai is Ishkus km); mrRgo noa-hpdhgln lta iha rao rud850,000 around of area an with plateau highland oval-shaped an Regio, Imdr afadznwikerde xedars atr smk lnta(e also (see Planitia Nsomeka eastern across extend ridges wrinkle dozen a Half western of tracts Large dn Mons Idunn ioaDorsa Sirona 3S 0E1 km). 208E/18 (33S, lp Chasma Olapa sksRegio Ishkus rvDorsa Arev 6S 4E10km). 248E/100 (60S, 4S 1E20k)Id’ ihs etr ihasummit a with feature highest Imdr’s km) 215E/250 (47S, 4S 9E70km). 194E/700 (44S, dn osadOaaCam.NASA/Magellan. Chasma. Olapa and Mons Idunn 5S 1E40k)i h ot,wihsitteflanks the skirt which south, the in km) 216E/420 (52S, 6S 4E100k)and km) 245E/1,000 (61S, 4S 0E60k)etnsnrhatfo h lnsof flanks the from northeast extends km) 209E/650 (42S, utd Planitia Nuptadi aaa Planitia Wawalag oaiDorsa Rokapi Isabella mrRegio Imdr 7S 5E120k) h ags of largest the km), 250E/1,200 (73S, 3S 1E260k) ag plain large a km), 217E/2,600 (30S, uaci Dorsa Nuvakchin otCorona Nott dt Dorsa Aditi 3S 0E15k) h planet’s the km), 204E/175 (30S, eig Regio Neringa 5S 2E220k) Nuptadi km). 222E/2,200 (55S, 4S 1E161k) are km), 212E/1,611 (43S, 3S 8E120km) 189E/1,200 (30S, 3S 0E10km) 202E/150 (32S, 5S 212E/2,200 (53S, 6S 288E/1,100 (65S,
149 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 150 Our Current Knowledge of Venus uho h eta otenpr fti ein eea ooa i otdaround dotted lie coronae Several region. from this of area, part the southern central the of much NASA/Magellan. Planitia. Nuptadi northern flooded in 230E/98 crater polygonal a (68S, km) Sayers padrgo itdb eiso hsaaadbligwt ueoslarge numerous with bulging and chasmata of series a by rifted region upland downwelling. mantle of region a including in appeared ridges, that north-south and of km) number 239E/1,500 a by traversed Corona ial,i h otes lies southeast the in Finally, Planitia Helen h rnldpan fIhu ei a et n eig ei.NASA/Magellan. Regio. Neringa and left) (at Regio Ishkus of plains wrinkled The 5S 5E20k)i h ot.Telwadbsni etr ee is Helen western in basin lowland The south. the in km) 250E/200 (58S, auv Coronae Oanuava 5S 6E430k) eu’tidlretpaii,tksup takes planitia, largest third Venus’ km), 264E/4,360 (52S, atas Dorsa Kastiatsi hmsRegio Themis 3S 5E35k)i h ot to north the in km) 256E/375 (33S, 5S 4E120k) opesoa features compressional km), 245E/1,200 (53S, 3S 8E181k) nextensive an km), 284E/1,811 (37S, iinvtDorsa Tinianavyt Naotsete (51S, 1.LdaaoCrn;C9 otCrn;C0 auv ooa;C1 ateeCorona; Naotsete C21. Corona; Zisa Coronae; Atete Oanuava C17. C9. C20. Aruru Corona; Corona; Erkir Corona; C13. Nott C16. C19. Corona; Rananeida Corona; Corona; Maram Ludjatako Dhorani C18. C8. C12. C15. Corona; Corona; Corona; Javine Oduduwa Muzamuza Neyterkob C14. Coatlicue C11. C1. Corona; C5. Corona; Regio; C7. Corona; Taranga R Cerridwen C10. Corona; Vallis; C4. Corona; V Feronia Corona; Terra; M Nzingha T C6. Colles; C3. Co Dorsa; Corona; Farra; Corona; D Fa Corona; Cassatt Fluctus; C C2. Fs Planitia; Fossa; Corona; Fo P Chasma; Planum; Ca Pm Tessera; of Mons; Ta locations RupesA©; Rs the Patera; chart: Pa showing on Region, features to Kawelu-Atla-Helen text. Key the the in (180-300E), described Three features Region of Map 2 aiiPaii;P.Kwl lnta 4 iuePaii;P.SeuohaPaii;P6. Planitia; Snegurochka P5. Planitia; Libuše P4. Planitia; Vinmara Planitia; P1. Kawelu Tholus; P3. Lama Th1. Planitia; Corona; Ganiki Shiwanokia P2. Corona; C27. Ukemochi C25. Corona; Corona; Shulamite Semiramus C24. C26. Corona; Lilwani C23. Corona; Hervor C22.
151 Our Current Knowledge of Venus 152 Our Current Knowledge of Venus notably Themis, eastern far in terrain rough the Mons from Tefnut out peek volcanoes isolated vrn hsapC5 aoaCam;C6 ai hsa a.Tah-aaChasma; Tkashi-mapa Ca4. Ca7. Chasma; Chasma; Devana Ganis Ca3. R6. Ca6. R11. Chasma; Regio; Chasma; Regio; Hecate Asteria Neringa Latona R10. Ca2. R5. Ca5. Regio; R1. Chasma; Regio; Chasma;p Ishkus Fossae; Zewana Mnemosyne zverine R9. Regio; Fea Ca1. R4. Imdr Fo2. Regio; Regio; R8. Fossae; Metis Themis Regio; Hyndla Bellona R3. R7. Fo1. Regio; Regio; Rupes; Beta Phoebe Fornax R2. Ningyo Yuki-Onne Fs1. Rs1. Regio; Ta5. Tessera; Patera; Atla Chimon-mana Tesserae; Arev Jotuni Ta8. Sudenitsa Tesserae; Pa1. D10. Nedolya Ta4. Fluctus; Dorsa; Ta7. Tesserae; Tesserae; Tessera; Virilis Nuvakchin Zirka Lahevhev Ta1. D9. Ta6. Dorsa; Ta3. Tessera; Kastiatsi Dorsa; Tesserae; D13. Sirona Dorsa; Nemesis Tinianavyt D8. Ta2. D12. Dorsa; Dorsa; Rokapi Aditi D11. D7. Dorsa; Dorsa; Dennitsa D1. La Okipeta Planitia; D3. D6. Helen Dorsa; P9. Lukelong Planitia; Nuptadi D2. P8. Dorsa; Planitia; Wawalag P7. Planitia; Hinemoa novae neighbouring the namely uplifts, coronal Corona loftiest Venus’ of two and km) 293E/375 and of km) south extending Themis, northwestern in through uplifts. coronal wna os .Dna;2 o cura;3 sbla .Cohn 4. Isabella; M20. 3. Mons; Schuurman; Idunn von M19. 2. Mons; Mons; Duncan; Ongwuti Uretsete Nahas-tsan 1. M18. M11. M15. Mons; Mons; Mons; Mons; Awenhai Xochiquetzal Sapas Maat M17. M14. M10. Mons; Montes; Mons; Tuulikki Nokomis Rhea M16. M13. M9. Mons; Mons; Ozza Mons; Atira M12. M6. Theia Mons; Mons; M8. Venilia M2. M5. Mons; Mons; Mons; Polik-mana Thallo Sekmet M1. M7. M4. Mons; Chasmata; Sakwap-mana Parga M3. Ca10. Mons; Chasma; Renpet Olapa Ca9. Chasma; Kicheda Ca8. ˇ 3S 8E25k)and km) 284E/275 (39S, iwn Corona Lilwani 3S 0E12k)and km) 304E/182 (39S, ag Chasmata Parga kmciCorona Ukemochi 3S 7E50k) costo across km), 272E/500 (30S, u ¯ 2S 5E1,0 m eu’lnetcam)cuts chasma) longest Venus’ km, 255E/11,000 (20S, aDra 4 hontiDra 5 adoo Dorsa; Pandrosos D5. Dorsa; Ahsonnutli D4. Dorsa; ma hwnkaCorona Shiwanokia 3S 9E30k) otenTei boasts Themis Southern km). 296E/300 (39S, aaaiMons Faravari evrCorona Hervor 4S 8E50k) Several km). 280E/500 (42S, 4S 0E50km). 309E/500 (44S, eiau Corona Semiramus 2S 269E/250 (26S, Shulamite (37S, Section 2 Observing Mercury and Venus Section 2 Observing Mercury and Venus otfe eel n entbte.Fnly ichlsmiti elh eiaand retina healthy germ, a wheat maintain almonds, helps hazelnuts, zinc oil, Finally, butter. and peanut seed and sunflower cereals substance oil, fortified a germ E, Vitamin wheat cataracts by of in inhibited an development found is being The (AMD) cells. degeneration and macular of radiation, good age-related oxidisation ultraviolet and maintain natural against the help eyes inhibits and the it vision protect antioxidant helps night beta-carotene C aid of Vitamin substances sources vision. These good are carotenoids. that many broccoli and and carrots like safely ones is dark-coloured one when nights. a session cold observing for on the warm dangerous after home. feel prove until Alcohol can at avoided consumer eyepiece. body indoors be the the to the make from ought to loss alcohol may proximity heat So, it extra in though the remain and while, best to short vessels, observer’s made blood the be the despite and cannot dilates when, consumed, eye alcohol compromised of the totally amount efforts, is the efficiency to observer’s proportion direct the in in than Venus monoxide readily and more carbon Mercury cells the blood since red day, in per haemoglobin itself. the smoked them oxygen to reaches pack attaches that per smoke oxygen percent cigarette the content 10 oxygen of blood around reduces all smoking by nearly worryingly, rather use vessels; blood eyes the through Our health. general smoker’s unsus- some result. as come a checkups, may as eye problems) non-visual light annual (including to have conditions to medical treatable folk but mature pected for advisable always It’s Care Eye these treat to visual of important enjoyment it’s your maximise and to optical order important observation. observer, in most astronomical care visual the with is instruments any little ‘eyes’ precious called to binoculars belonging of pair equipment powerful but small A Vision Venus and Mercury Observing for Equipment 4 Chapter a lyapr npeetn M.Zn sfudi ha em ufoe seeds, sunflower germ, wheat in found is Zinc AMD. preventing in part a play can od eeiilt elh iinaeavreyo risadvgtbe,especially vegetables, and fruits of variety a are vision healthy to beneficial Foods on seen be can detail much how decreases observing while alcohol Drinking the alone let observation, astronomical to detrimental is tobacco Smoking
155 Observing Mercury and Venus 156 Observing Mercury and Venus ilo ev el nteotcnre h ri uoaial lp h mg the image the one flips than automatically image. more brain the through The processes brain and nerve. the up optic are of way which the sensitive right centre impulses in light electrical processing cells of into image nerve millions light million the contains the to convert retina that directly The that cones retina sent eyeball. jelly the and the onto rods clear This projected of called a it. is cells part behind image humour, upside-down back lens vitreous an the crystalline with and inside clear rigidity, filled a its a chamber through eyeball through opening a the transparent rays on an gives across and light A through light pupil, focuses humour, focuses across. the cornea aqueous lens called cm the the iris called fluid, 4 the eye transparent in around the with of measuring filled front chamber organs the spherical at membrane are eyes Our be Anatomy ever looks Ocular can observation Mercury that visual and one for shell nor artillery useless sight, pretty exploding is centre a an eye very Not like right flash. the of looks My pyrotechnic improved. at summer misshaped Venus view. distortion a the – visual of like in own of field experiment its patch eye’s had foolish on permanent right and a that my suffered filter since permanent of have Alas, Ever inadequate focused see. 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193 Recording Mercury and Venus 194 Recording Mercury and Venus 02Jl 15. July 2012 03Otbr7. October 2013 2. December 2012 aun(a .) on rsetMo n eu mg–.)frhreast. further –4.2) (mag Venus and Moon crescent young 11 0.6), Moon. on (mag crescent Followed Saturn waning west. the further of 0.7) approach (mag close Saturn a and by –4.0) December (mag cluster. Venus star with Hyades line the amid Moon crescent waning the and –2.1) onn N&Shm.Vns(a 45 rue ihJptr(mag Jupiter with grouped –4.5) (mag Venus hem). S & (N Morning vnn Shmfvue) ecr mg00 erGE near GEE, near 0.0) (mag Mercury favoured). hem (S Evening onn N&Shm.Mruy(a 03 erGW in GEW, near –0.3) (mag Mercury hem). S & (N Morning 00Ags 3(iwfo ot Australia). South from (view 13 August 2010 09Otbr8(iwfo UK). from (view 8 October 2009 04Ags 19. August 2014 25. November 2013 fJptr(a 18,staanttebcgon ftesa lse Praesepe. cluster star the of background the against set –1.8), (mag Jupiter of challenging. 4.5), (mag Encke Comet and onn Nhmfvue) eu mg–.)wti n degree one within –3.9) (mag Venus favoured). hem (N Morning onn Nhm.Mruy(a 07 erStr mg0.6) (mag Saturn near –0.7) (mag Mercury hem). (N Morning 01My7(iwfo ot Australia). South from (view 7 May 2011 02Arl3(iwfo h UK). the from (view 3 April 2012
195 Recording Mercury and Venus 196 Recording Mercury and Venus 05Jnay14. January 2015 06Fbur 6. February 2016 7. January 2016 16. October 2015 20. February 2015 ls oVns(a 40 n h aigcecn Moon. crescent waning the and –4.0) (mag Venus to close Moon crescent waning the –1.8) and (mag 0.5) Jupiter (mag 24). and Saturn October 1.8) on (mag closest Mars being –4.4), trio (mag (the west Venus further of grouping Moon. close crescent a waxing the near and 1.3) (mag Mars of –3.9). (mag Venus from onn N&Shm.Coegopn fVns(a –4.0), (mag Venus of grouping Close hem). S & (N Morning vnn ( Evening onn Nhmfvue) ecr mg–.)a E,with GEW, at –0.6) (mag Mercury favoured). hem (N Morning onn Nhmfvue) ecr mg–.)na GEW, near –0.1) (mag Mercury favoured). hem (N Morning vnn Nhmfvue) eu mg–.)wti degree a within –4.0) (mag Venus favoured). hem (N Evening 02Jl 5(iwfo ot Australia). South from (view 15 July 2012 05Fbur 0(iwfo h UK). the from (view 20 February 2015 e) ecr mg–.)a E ut1away 1 just GEE at –0.6) (mag Mercury hem). S & N 07Spebr12. September 2017 12. January 2017 ls oMr mg18,wt eu mg–.)frhrws.O etme 17 September On west. further –3.9) (mag Venus with 1.8), east. (mag further Mars lies to 1.0) close (mag Mars while 7.9), (mag Neptune of degree vnn ( Evening onn Nhmfvue) ecr mg–.)na GEW, near –0.2) (mag Mercury favoured). hem (N Morning 05Otbr1 ve rmteUK). the from (view 16 October 2015 06Jnay7(iwfo h UK). the from (view 7 January 2016 e) eu mg–.)a E swti afa half within is GEE at –4.4) (mag Venus hem). S & N
197 Recording Mercury and Venus 198 Recording Mercury and Venus 08Dcme 22. December 2018 15. March 2018 23. November 2017 09Otbr29. October 2019 18. June 2019 12. April 2019 31. January 2019 asadMruyaejs 9aciue pr,wt h aigcecn Moon crescent waning the with apart, arcminutes Venus. 19 approaching just are Mercury and Mars 39 ut4 pr.Tesedrwxn rsetMo ldsb nMrh19. March on by glides Moon crescent waxing slender east. The the apart. to 4° further just Moon –3.9) crescent young the with 0.5), (mag Saturn from eu mg–.)adteyugcecn on ihJptr(a 19 located –1.9) (mag Jupiter east. with Moon, the crescent to young further the and –3.9) other. (mag each Venus of arcminutes 14 within approach (1.8) Mars and apart. 5° than less are (mag –3.9) Saturn (mag and west the to east. –1.9) the (mag to Jupiter 0.6) Moon, west. crescent further waning lies nearby –4.6) (mag Venus apart. 1° than less –1.8) vnn ufvual rmfrNhmshr)Mruy(a 0.2) (mag Mercury hemisphere) N far from (unfavourable Evening onn Nhmfvue) ecr mg04 tGWadVenus and GEW at 0.4) (mag Mercury favoured). hem (N Morning vnn Nhmfvue) ecr mg–.)adVns(mag Venus and –0.3) (mag Mercury favoured). hem (N Evening onn Shmfvue) eu mg–.)i iewt the with line in –4.3) (mag Venus favoured). hem (S Morning vnn Shmfvue) ruigo ecr mg0.3), (mag Mercury of Grouping favoured). hem (S Evening onn ( Morning vnn Shmfvue) ecr mg–.)a E,5° GEE, at –0.3) (mag Mercury favoured). hem (S Evening 09Jnay3 ve rmSuhAustralia). South from (view 31 January 2019 e) ecr mg–.)adJptr(mag Jupiter and –0.4) (mag Mercury hem). S & N e otenhemisphere Southern – hem hemisphere S Northern – hem west N elongation Greatest – east GEW elongation Greatest – GEE yJmeCooper. Jamie by Image 3 2005. September of skies the very African in South a approach close make and Jupiter star) (upper Venus 29 2006. on November by Cooper Jamie imaged Mercury,
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205 Recording Mercury and Venus 206 Recording Mercury and Venus hl akraescrepn ihVns olrhgln ltaxadmountain and plateaux the highland with cooler Venus’ correspond elevation, ranges. with low to correspond of appears regions areas that hotter darker detail with while – correspond areas side Brighter dark detail topography. the subtle planet’s seconds, within several bright glimpsed happens lasting the the be image it While an may in period. – in this Sun phase overexposed during the is crescent diameter crescent with apparent narrow illuminated conjunction largest a unilluminated its inferior is attains Venus’ following Venus of planet and that glow the to IR prior when sheer the months obtained their of few with be images chip to best CCD are the the hemisphere overwhelm that planet follows the It of brightness. portion illuminated of the variations imaged. of temperature be of the to environment allowing amount near-surface glow, considerable and hot wavelengths surface A red planet’s near-infrared this lead. the to recording melt tuned of surface Cameras to capable whose space. are enough planet into hot escapes hot intensely radiation are an thermal increasing atmosphere is an Venus by lower explored imagers. and being CCD investigation amateur of of line number a is – observatory professional overall best Filters the prism. having latter glass the UV a U-Filter, best Kodak Planetarium profile. than the the Baader transmission deliver include rather the Å specification and type 3900 this filter and offering mirror W18A Å filters a 3200 available between be Commercially of results. to transmission needs maximum a it with used is diagonal Riaigi oee etitdt h ih-ieo eu eas h lu tops cloud the because Venus of night-side the to restricted however is imaging IR well-equipped the of domain exclusive the once – Venus of imaging (IR) Infrared h adrPaeaimUFle nacssbl euincoddetail. cloud Venusian subtle enhances U-Filter Planetarium Baader The per satn iclrsloet httkssvrlhust rni costhe across transit it to that hours so several Sun, takes and that Earth silhouette the to circular between however, distance occasions, tiny exactly some rare a pass pass On as to conjunction. to inferior appears happens appear at planet will Sun inferior planet the of an the south occasions or most north glare. the On gradually twilight the Sun. phase in the its lost and Sun, Sun. is the it the until towards from crescent, westwards, elongation large move greatest a to its to small until diminishing begins at a diminishes as then phase dichotomy), its planet planet (called Sun, the The the phase reveal of half will east glare. telescope reaches further Sun’s moves a it planet becomes time, the the soon this by As and At view disc. Sun sky. gibbous from the evening of hidden the east Earth), in edges the visible planet from the be conjunction seen can superior (as Following which orbit diameter, their of apparent side their elongation in each changes during telescope. phases to small Sun. a the of addition through from sequence in followed far a very Sun, stray undergo the to Venus lie from appears both planet and orbits neither Mercury their and because Both Earth, planets the ‘inferior’ of the that as within known are Venus and Mercury Phases the transit Venus and Mercury accurate when with occasions below). astronomers those (see amateur on Sun events experienced such from most renders apart glare the Sun’s equipment, regularly but the solar also but all Sun, approaches are planets to the The there lunar-planetary to unobservable planets. time approaches close close the to make of time ‘ecliptic’), to occultations from appear name lunar close that and lies the so ‘appulses’) plane 5°, (hence (called orbital some follow eclipses Moon’s by to the lunar it appear Even to and all ecliptic. inclined have they the ecliptic, planets of Earth, the major degrees the to the few of all a that Since within with ecliptic. paths coinciding the background the as roughly against known planes path is a orbital trace path to this appears Sun – the constellations year the of course the During Venus and Mercury to Common Phenomena Mercury Observing 6 Chapter oa disc. solar neircnucini ece hnMruyo eu assbtenteEarth the between passes Venus or Mercury when reached is conjunction Inferior far the on directly lie they when conjunction superior at are Venus or Mercury
207 Observing Mercury 208 Observing Mercury ece hntepae sa t raeteogto eto h u.A h planet the As Sun. the of west elongation greatest post- planet’s its is the at the Dichotomy is by, decreases. reveal planet goes slowly the time diameter Telescopes when As apparent reached its phase. skies. and crescent broadens large pre-dawn gradually a phase the as planet in conjunction inferior visible becomes eventually oprsnbtenteobt fMruy eu n h at,sldlnsrpeetthe represent lines Grego. solid Peter Earth, days). (88 the orbit Mercury and one Venus in planet Mercury, each of by traveled orbits distance the between Comparison olwn neircnucintepae oe otews fteSnand Sun the of west the to moves planet the conjunction inferior Following ac 92 ee Grego. Peter 8 1992. on March observation an dichotomy, from near Mercury rxmt oteSn eu ss rgtta aydyieoclain a easily can occultations daytime planet’s many the that to bright time owing so observe of than is to Venus smaller period difficult Sun. considerably more short the are usually to a occultations proximity is and take edge Unlike diameter Venus, the they telescope. apparent of at that Mercury’s and a occulted. reappear through diameters, be and observed appreciable to disappear when have which instantaneously planets light nearly stars, of Moon sources the point of as appear them occultations and they planetary occulting stars mutual them, occult events, of occasionally rare front also are to rarer. in Venus occultations time even and directly from stellar Mercury move that bright planets, Interestingly, follows sky to planets; major while. it of appear other and a side the area will either band, for all the Moon 5° near-ecliptic with of ecliptic, the this along band the to time a Venus, in restricted and to exclusively paths Mercury 5° lies have Both disk about ecliptic. lunar by the the by inclined of hidden is being to orbit prone Moon’s the Since Venus Mercury and of Occultations Lunar glare Sun’s the in lost gibbous is a it becomes until it diameter, conjunction. more, apparent superior once in east approaching smaller the ever towards growing moving Sun, phase, the to closer draws eosre hog binoculars. through observed be h onhsn prcal topee n h tr r odsatthat distant so are stars the and atmosphere, appreciable no has Moon The ria hnmn fteifro lnt.PtrGrego. Peter planets. inferior the of phenomena Orbital
209 Observing Mercury 210 Observing Mercury svsbei h r-ansis ne uhcrusacsteiaiayline imaginary best their attain the sunset also at hemisphere circumstances horizon southern the the such it with in angle when Observers Under greatest respectively. its elongations sunrise skies. makes and western Mercury is pre-dawn these and autumnal Sun planet America, the the during connecting the North in or of when twilight, visible much elongations, evening is northern and the eastern From sunrise. in Europe springtime or visible UK, during sunset the at occur as horizon circumstances the such above regions possible temperate as high is in as elongation it placed each that during weeks means few conjunction a circumstances. for inferior favourable sky eye most and unaided dark the the superior with astronomically between visible an only angular curves usually rapid against it Mercury’s Mercury as Additionally, view motion elongations. background, favourable to advantage sky during able the dark background have truly occasionally observers a hemisphere being against Southern set of elongations. planet furthest and the its China observe at States, to even United able to the never Canada, proximity are Europe, its Japan UK, by the like extent locations elongations, some mid-northern western to and hampered eastern taking is its planets, between Earth the of flit the all Sun. one to from the of being so visibility briefest or as its the months reputation and are of a apparitions couple has Its a Mercury just planets. view, elusive of most point the observational an From Apparitions h ah fteErhadMruydrn al 06 hwn yia aorbeeastern favourable typical a showing 2016, early during Mercury and Grego. Peter Earth elongation. the of paths The ecr sbs bevdwe ti tisgets lnainfo h u and Sun the from elongation greatest its at is it when observed best is Mercury in observers Sun, the from far very stray to appears never Mercury Because hl eua iouaswntrva ecr’ hs,te rvd en by means a provide they phase, Mercury’s reveal won’t binoculars regular While Observations Binocular colour subtle the low but planet’s the hue, by scintillate. pinkish and produced to or effect altitude appear another rosy altitude. it is low a binoculars) makes having through planet’s often noticeable as The currents (most described air –1.4. often by between is magnitude path – Mercury at light half its star a within brightest and distortion hour sky’s an beyond. the about and Sirius, twilight for astronomical view – through to time twilight, possible of civil is period in of it start longer view eastern be the a observers favourable from can most for hemisphere fading it Mercury’s planet southern before At and the for twilight. hour rising, elongations civil an its western of of than end and hour the more at an pick for skies half to aid brightening within possible optical eye is without unaided it During followed the hemisphere horizon. with the northern to near Mercury up the of extinguished for up in is clarity sky below light apparitions twilight the 6° its morning darkening and as of a favourable fading horizon altitude in eventually the visible an until remain of hour reaches can an flatness Sun planet after the the the hour on atmosphere, when an the Depending twilight half horizon. civil around western of eye the start unaided the the at with why sunset, noticeable wonder see. becomes to observers first difficult Mercury Mercury was first-time planet many the that sky, imagined twilight minus-magnitude ever Once dark a had sky. as a they transparent steadily in fairly a shining a low within circumstances, and observed light observer favourable horizon is the such sunset it provided or under and if elongations sunrise seen eye favourable clear unaided most reasonably the the a of with date has see the to of so difficult or not week all at is Mercury Views a Eye against Naked time of period greater a enabling for greatest, sky its the at in is background. sunset higher sky or observed darker sunrise with be at angle Sun to the shallowest the the Mercury elongations, and its same when Mercury those makes horizon during between observers Mercury sunset angle hemisphere and or a southern For Sun sunrise and horizon. the the the aphelion) connecting above coincide in near line showing elongations located greatest is poorest imaginary the observers planet’s it of for best the (when the Unfortunately with beyond, 28° perihelion). or regions of near temperate (when maximum northern 18° a of between minimum vary the which favours Sun in elongation western hemisphere. the southern favour March will the a March in autumnal in while observer elongation and observer, eastern elongations an hemisphere eastern that northern follows springtime it own – their elongations western during Mercury of views taiyhl aro iouaswl ieyso ls lntr ojntosand eye. conjunctions unaided planetary the close before show time nicely some will skies binoculars twilight of pair in steadily-held located A be can planet the which tisbihet ecr hnsa rudmgiue–.,sihl ane than fainter slightly –1.3, magnitude around at shines Mercury brightest, its At latitudes, mid-northern in elongations evening (springtime) favourable At the from elongations greatest produces eccentricity orbital marked Mercury’s
211 Observing Mercury 212 Observing Mercury hnteSni nfl iw vnwe o onteSni rgteog to enough bright directed is inadvertently Sun is the light equipment. down optical its any low locate if through when to damage eyes even attempts eye the made view; into irreversible – be full and warning never in must permanent of Sun is cause word the Sun near A sky the the stars. when sweeping the by binoculars and through Moon Mercury the with appulses northern evening, observers, hemisphere mid-northern Grego. for Peter spring. elongation hemisphere eastern favourable A oreseneogto o i-otenhmshr bevr,eeig otenhemisphere northern Grego. evening, Peter observers, hemisphere autumn. mid-northern for elongation eastern poor A odeseneogto o otenhmshr bevr,suhr pigeeig Peter evening. spring southern observers, hemisphere southern for elongation eastern good A a displays it weeks few next the of course the During skies. predawn the into arcseconds 12 out its and face. 10 and rare between Sun’s Sun those of the silhouette the across on a transits to as except during discerned closer diameter unobservable be draws can completely hemisphere it it when and Earth-facing as occasions unilluminated, Mercury’s skies conjunction twilight completely arcseconds evening inferior is of the At couple a in conjunction. planet by lost inferior The size diameter. is in in it growing arcseconds slowly until 8.2 crescent, and a 6.7 becomes between a subsequently of is diameter it disk when apparent two west or elongation week greatest a following apparent phase. magnitude or its gibbous brightest decreases east wide Earth its elongation the reaches greatest from Mercury before distance arcseconds. grows. its evening 5.1 as the diameter and in and angular Sun 4.7 decreases, the phase from between away its varies pulls skies, Mercury diameter as Earth conjunction, apparent the superior from its distance Following its occasions on depending these magnification. and – on high observation fairly amateur a regular for at Sun used telescope small a phases of even sequence through during a weeks displays viewed five Mercury when planet, around inner of an maximum Being a apparitions. for favourable telescopically observed be can Mercury Telescope the Appearance Through its and Phases Mercury’s Grego. olwn neircnucintepae oe otews fteSn venturing Sun, the of west the to moves planet the conjunction inferior Following an with phase illuminated half a reached has Mercury east, elongation greatest At the to close too far – disk illuminated fully a is Mercury conjunction superior At
213 Observing Mercury 214 Observing Mercury ecr’ emntr(h iiinbtentepae’ luiae n unillumi- along and illuminated craters planet’s discerned the have between division astronomers) (the professional terminator haze. them Mercury’s by of reduced is (some brightness observers its when eye evening unaided the the with in seen down when low Moon quarter or is first daylight, shading own during terminator our on highland planet’s visible the When brighter that the dichotomy, to subtle. maria, similar while more around far elongation dark Moon; is greatest shading of the at overall patchwork viewed Mercury’s on splotches, defined ejecta than broad clearly and Mercury distinct, areas on a albedo pronounced has regional less However, Moon excellent Moon. much the under Moon. of Mercury are planet’s the view of eye variations of the view unaided that the between telescopic with good to division conditions a light seeing similar (the compared Mercury’s also have terminator Sun. is observers the the Some hemispheres) of to to lowest unilluminated albedo closeness limb the and overall planet’s bright – the illuminated the its to 0.1 of equivalent is from because planets, reflects) curve, Mercury’s offset major it but alone. System’s sunlight Moon Solar observations of the the visual amount all from the of of albedo surface measurement Mercury’s (a of albedo nature true the diameter gibbous. apparent to its As increases Sun, elongation). phase eastern the its and greatest towards further at back yet as phase drawing diminishes half-illuminated diameters eastwards, a apparent moves being of planet Mercury range the same elongation later, Greatest the fortnight diameter. a presenting (with apparent and around sunrise in place before arcseconds takes hour 10 west an around than crescent more rising narrow is Sun, it a the when of observable phase. west becomes gibbous 15° first to around Mercury illuminated elongations half western through favourable crescent, During from sequence phase ‘waxing’ rMruyscsscnapa oehtbutdo ue ntn,det the to regions. due polar tone, the in in both) terminator muted the (or or near other blunted regions or cratered somewhat heavily one appear of Sometimes exceptional can presence by shading. under cusps to terminator eluded Mercury’s made is of or be Mercury degree only airless Moon-like of may nature the observations rough topographically such the While features circumstances, topographic shadows. causes illumination cast of angle to low the where hemispheres) nated ogbfr t ufc a eniae pcoe uhhdbe eue about deduced been had much close, up imaged been had surface its before Long sn ag ntuet ne h otfvual odtos e sharp-eyed few a conditions, favourable most the under instruments large Using ecr’ hss Grego. phases. Mercury’s eteo h rseti h uk oiuoCipoi hl h rgtrae eryi Pieria. is nearby area brighter the the near while area Criophori, dark Solitudo The MCT. dusky mm the 127 is a using crescent 2002 the May of 3 on centre author the by observed Mercury, example. for Mars, on found those as such displays disk markings Mecurian obvious the planet of eye, the way untrained when the the terminator To in Mercury’s elongation. little greatest along its shading around discern is to sufficient is 100× with compared Grego. Moon conditions. the seeing excellent of under view Mercury eye of unaided view actual telescopic an a between comparison tonal Estimated h ot oa upwsntdt esihl rgtrta h ot.PtrGrego. Peter south. the than brighter slightly be to noted was cusp polar north The ne odosrigcniin,a10m eecp tamgiiainof magnification a at telescope mm 100 a conditions, observing good Under
215 Observing Mercury 216 Observing Mercury ecr,osre yteato n3Arl19 sn 0 mrfatr h ot cusp south The refractor. Aphrodites. mm Solitudo is 100 north the a in using area dark 1991 The Grego. north. April Peter the 3 than defined on strongly author more appeared the by observed Mercury, rao h oe emntri oiuoMri,wietebihe ratwrstelm is limb the towards area dark brighter The the reflector. while mm Martis, 150 Solitudo a using is Grego. 1991 terminator Peter September lower Phaethontias. 8 the on on author area the by observed Mercury, ibi nteApollonia the Grego. Peter in region. is limb featuretowardsthenorthern dusky The Martis. is Solitudo south the in area dark while the Admetei, Solitudo is terminator northern the on area dark The Grego. Peter 2007 May usinga200mmSCT×250. 17 on author nMruyaemr ute hyaepaneog o h A ohv sanctioned have to IAU the for enough plain the are markings while they the basins, subtle, Although more marial regions. are example, highland lava-filled Mercury crated for smooth on heavily Moon, generally large, bear the are they with areas On inspection correspond brighter the topography. casual areas with known on dark planet’s correspond yet the the surface, markings to Mercury’s These resemblance of little face. albedo tracts discerning large illuminated in of planet’s reflectivity difficulty the little on have shadings usually observers experienced along However, area dark the is Admetei Solitudo 1998. Grego. March Peter 12 terminator. on northern author the the by observed Mercury, ecr,osre ythe by observed Mercury,
217 Observing Mercury 218 Observing Mercury en atb oorpi etrs nest siae r aeo cl f0 features of albedo Mercurian scale a on made are shadows estimates even Intensity the or features. along markings topographic visible albedo by be represent cast may may any being that irregularities in draw irregularities these Lightly apparent – eraser. an Brighter terminator any using necessary. by and if and/or faint only shading lines be exaggerate dotted terminator to and by added. graphite likely outlined then be the is is may on shading areas detail easy visible; be any be so to and indistinct, unlikely in, and are drawn features first defined is sharply phase Bold, south. planet’s and the The Aurora in Mercury. of Trismegisti depict regions Hermae Solitudo bright and extensive Cyllene the north, composed includes the is run west, and in tracts the 90° Apollonia shadings to and brighter subtle 270 Neptuni from Solitudo more Several half, of of other east south. planet’s the large The the to and Phaethontias. Gallia of in equatorial north, Pleias number including the Martis areas, in a these Solitudo Neptuni between are and Solitudo there and Atlantis hemispheres, Phoenicis Solitudo Solitudo southern notably and patches, northern dark both in amateur west, the which to nomenclature albedo refer. associated may and observer map albedo official an 3 oiuoIvs0,0 akabd feature. albedo Dark feature. Albedo feature. albedo feature. Dusky albedo Dark 0W 0N, 107W 0N, feature. albedo feature. Dusky region. albedo albedo Dark bright 115W Large 25N, 180W 10S, feature. albedo feature. feature. Dusky albedo albedo Dusky Bright feature. Albedo 230W 210W 0N, feature. 35S, albedo Bright feature. feature. 45W albedo albedo 45S, Dusky Bright Lycaonis Solitudo tract. 290W 24. albedo 290W 15S, Bright 25N, Iovis 270W Solitudo 0N, 23. 90W Horarum 55N, Solitudo 130W 22. 25N, Trismegisti Hermae 335W Solitudo 10S, 310W 21. 5N, Helii Solitudo 20. 167W 0N, Criophori Solitudo 19. Atlantis Solitudo 18. Aphrodites Solitudo 17. Alarum Solitudo 16. Admetei Solitudo 15. Argiphontae Sinus 14. Gallia Pleias 13. Pieria 12. Phaethontias 11. Pentas 10. 0 rcea0,3WDsyabd feature. albedo Dusky 36W 0N, feature. albedo Dark feature. albedo dark region. Large albedo feature. Dusky albedo Dark feature. albedo Dark 143W 45S, 225W 25N, 225W 41S, 100W 35S, 155W 15S, Tricrena 30. Promethei Solitudo 29. Phoenicis Solitudo 28. Neptuni Solitudo 27. Martis Solitudo 26. Maiae Solitudo 25. .Lgra4N 2WBih leotract. albedo Bright feature. albedo Bright region. albedo chart). Bright on 225W (not 45N, feature Albedo tract. albedo Dusky chart). region. on 355W albedo (not 45S, Dusky feature Albedo region. albedo 270W Bright 41S, 170W 40N, 0W region. 75N, albedo bright 135W Extensive 45N 0W 73S, 90W 45N, 315W 45N, Liguria 9. Hesperis 8. Heliocaminus 7. Cyllene 6. Caduceata 5. Borea 4. Australia 3. Aurora 2. Apollonia 1. hnmkn eclsece,a5 mcrua epaei omnyue to used commonly is template circular mm 50 a sketches, pencil making When 270° to 90 longitudes From sides. distinct two of planet a is Mercury Visually, a fMruybsdo fiilIUcat hwn oto h ae leofeatures albedo named the of most showing chart, Grego. IAU above). list official feature on as key based (numbering Mercury of Map
219 Observing Mercury 220 Observing Mercury itr(rte 1 3,2 n 9o qiaet,rsetvl)wl nac the enhance will red respectively) deep equivalents, or or red 29 red, and light 25 orange, 23a, an 21, conditions, (Wratten twilight their filter and brighter craters in impact shadings. observing dark (like prominent features most brilliant the most 5 the and ejecta) represents bright 0 where 5, to it but craters, impact the bright of plains. and maria-type topography basins dark the be large no about will numerous Mercurian are As clues be there of spaceprobes. that few to area by certain likely us detail seem The are give does in there Kuiper. markings imaged – albedo is be is side the to (east) incognita basin comparison, remains (stars) right known that the craters the planet largest by to impact the seen The half crater bright planet. the impact and the is furthest incognita of (circles) the map basins while topographic impact Caloris, a large with with compared Mercury, superimposed, of map Albedo 7 8ad8ao qiaet,rsetvl)efciea rnigottedarker the out (Wratten bringing filters at blue effective least light respectively) is and equivalents, condi- but green good or image under 80a violet, shadings. instrument brightest and large found quality the a 68 have the on offers 47, used observers improve filter best Some and is orange red tions. sky the deep these, background the while Of the effective, seeing. and the planet of the between contrast oorflesaecpbeo iulyehnigfaue nMruy When Mercury. on features enhancing visually of capable are filters Colour aeo December 9 Grego. Peter 2006. on Observation made drawing Mercury. of finished a observational of example An atr 00Ar819.2° 24.2° 20.2° 17.2° 27.3° 8 Apr 2010 23.2° 27 Jan 20.2° 2010 18 Dec 2009 26.3° 19.2° 6 Oct Sun 2009 from 24 Distance Aug 2009 13 Jun 2009 Eastern 26 Apr 2009 Western 13 Feb 2009 Eastern 4 Jan 2009 Western Eastern Western Date Eastern Western Eastern Elongation 2009–2019 Mercury of Elongations ( Continued )
221 Observing Mercury 222 Observing Mercury lnain fMruy20–09( 2009–2019 Mercury of Elongations atr 05Sp427.3° 22.2° 21.2° 26.3° 18.2° 4 Sep 2015 18.2° 24 Jun 26.3° 2015 7 May 2015 20.2° 24 Feb 2015 22.2° 14 Jan 2015 27.3° 1 Nov 18.2° 2014 Eastern 21 Sep 2014 Western 19.2° 25.3° 12 Jul 2014 Eastern 25 May 2014 19.2° Western 14 Mar 24.2° 2014 Eastern 31 Jan 2014 Western 27.3° 18 Nov 18.2° 2013 Eastern 9 Oct 2013 20.2° Western 30 Jul 24.2° 2013 Eastern 12 Jun 2013 Western 25.3° 18.2° 31 Mar 2013 Eastern 16 Feb 2013 Western 27.3° 4 18.2° Dec 2012 Eastern 26 Oct 2012 Western 21.2° 16 Aug 2012 22.2° Eastern 1 Jul 18.2° 2012 Western 18 26.3° Apr 2012 Eastern 5 Mar 2012 26.3° Western 23 Dec 18.2° 2011 Eastern 14 Nov 23.2° 2011 Western 21.2° 3 Sep 2011 Eastern 20 Jul 2011 Western 17.2° 7 27.3° May 2011 Eastern 23 Mar 2011 Sun Western from Distance 25.3° 9 Jan 2011 Eastern 1 Dec 2010 Western 19 Sep 2010 Eastern 7 Aug 2010 Western 26 May 2010 Eastern Western Eastern Date Western Eastern Western Elongation atr 08Mr1 18.2° 22.2° 22.2° 17.2° 27.3° 15 Mar 2018 19.2° 25.3° 1 Jan 2018 24 Nov 2017 24.2° 12 Sep 20.2° 2017 30 Jul 2017 17.2° 17 May 27.3° 2017 Eastern 1 Apr 24.2° 2017 Western 19 Jan 19.2° 2017 Eastern 11 Dec 25.3° 2016 Western 28 Sep 19.2° 2016 Eastern 16 Aug 2016 Western 18.2° 5 Jun 2016 Eastern 18 Apr 2016 Western 7 Feb 2016 Eastern 29 Dec 2015 Western 16 Oct 2015 Eastern Western Eastern Western Eastern Western Continued ) ( Continued ) eecp qipdwt ulaetr oa itro ypoetn h mg onto image the a requires projecting safely by it or viewing filter and solar however, eye, aperture is, naked is full protected It a disc a transits. with its with November equipped seen while telescope be during diameter, to it viewed apparent small transits, in when too May arcseconds far across during 12 arcseconds Earth some 10 and the disc 13, transits just to black 7, May closer of a intervals considerably November. as at is and appears recur Mercury transits May Since November of while years. years, months the 33 33 during the and cause 13 place during Earth every took the only recur Sun and Mercury happen Mercury the of of to joining transits circumstances transits line orbital fourteen combined the than The so across fewer Century. conjunction. ecliptic, 20th inferior directly No the at moves Earth. of Sun Mercury the the plane of the and when south to place or 7° north take about the Transits to around by far is inclined passes – is usually conjunctions orbit Mercury inferior its between However, interval days. the 116 – period synodic Mercury’s Mercury of Transits made are observations the – if period even view year time, to three of observer or period elongations. dedicated longer favourable two a during a a allowing only over over out, planet throughout it works entire Sun cancel the only the dynamics towards effect orbital was turned stroboscope Mercury eventually, face that The same deduce the elonga- orbit. wrongly keeping favourable to its presented rotation, successive past captured be the of a in will number the observers in a observer caused of during effect an view This longitude effect, biased tions. same and stroboscope somewhat the in picking the a much year to as with with of restricted Known presented time observers surface. are the this, and elongations planet’s of Earth best Because the the observed. on choosing is location sunrise, planet before observer’s elonga- or the best the sunset the which after on sky – depends the favourable in this are highest Mercury and appears planet of the elongations when all occur not tions noted, have we As Effect Stroboscope The heddwiecard. white shielded a etr 09Nv2 20.2° 24.2° 19.2° 25.3° 27.3° 28 Nov 18.2° 2019 20 Oct 2019 21.2° 9 23.2° Aug 2019 23 Jun 2019 18.2° 11 26.3° Apr 2019 27 Feb 2019 Sun Western from 27.3° Distance 15 Dec 2018 Eastern 6 Nov 2018 Western 26 Aug 2018 Eastern 12 Jul 2018 Western 29 Apr 2018 Eastern Western Eastern Date Western Eastern Western Elongation ( 2009–2019 Mercury of Elongations Continued )
223 Observing Mercury 224 Observing Mercury oiuoCriophori Solitudo E Pentas D Aphrodites Solitudo C Admetei Solitudo B Martis Solitudo A 2017. and can effect 2010 stroboscope Key: ( between The column) elongations. hemisphere clarity. successive (left for in northern east shown seen the elongations are be from favourable hemisphere clearly unilluminated most viewed the the as within of column) Features each (right at west Mercury and of aspect the Showing oiuoNeptuni Solitudo F iuecniudo etpage) next on continued Figure lntsmvmn gis h u’ ik rniso ecr a atfo few a highly from last heavy, can Mercury a the of by has transits traced fascinating disk, chord which the Sun’s the of the Venus, of size against none the of movement on so planet’s Depending transit instrument’s of, visible. the are speak a Such atmosphere, and to refractive during contact. seeing atmosphere second atmospheric observable planet no of after the has phenomena combination limb where Mercury a Sun’s effect, optics. by the drop’ own caused limb. Sun to ‘black is solar the attached a effect the upon remain claimed an approaches fully to have it enter appears observers which to some briefly at minutes past, angle two the the as In on little depending as contact), take (second can Mercury contact), iue fragaigtasta h u’ ib omr hnfu hours. four than more to limb) Sun’s the at transit grazing a (for minutes rmisfrtapaac satn netto nteSnslm atrfirst (after limb Sun’s the on indentation tiny a as appearance first its From ( Continued )
225 Observing Mercury 226 Observing Mercury uuetast fMercury of / transits NASA Future light. H-alpha in observatory SOHO NASA’s by imaged Mercury SOHO. of transit 2003 The 02Nv1 85 4h2 m 26 h 04 m 29 h 05 m 30 h 07 Duration 08:58 mid-transit) (UT, 15:20 Time 14:57 13 Nov 2032 11 Nov 2019 09 May 2016 Date h rni fMruyo a 03 bevdb ee Grego. Peter by observed 2003, May 7 of Mercury of transit The 04Ar71:8MruyoclsJupiter occults Mercury Jupiter occults Mercury Mars occults Mercury Neptune occults Mercury Event Zuben-el-genubi occults Mercury 10:48 13:43 01:30 11:56 Time 07:20 7 Apr 2094 27 Oct 2088 11 Aug 2079 15 Jul 2067 10 Nov 2052 Mercury involving occultations Date planetary and November stellar 14 Century on 21st place Bright take these – 2019 to 2014. period June by the 26 occultations stars in and lunar bright visible two 2012 are of Only rare. planet occultations very the with although of observe along to Moon, fascinating the are Mercury, by Mercury of Occultations Occultations
227 Observing Mercury ra ibu hs slreeog odsentruhasaltlsoe say telescope, small its evening a conjunction; through the superior discern in at to low when enough eye than large unaided is larger phase the barely diameter apparent gibbous with arcseconds, its time broad 10 visible this At around become –3.8. magnitude is around to at shining Sun skies, twilight the phase of crescent east narrow a is observer observe it experienced to when the conjunction possible superior for inferior below). not at possible around (see is closer often planet the it is far view it while is to conjunction average so, Sun superior the conjunction; the near that inferior Venus and mean at Venus behind effects than between Perspective directly conjunction conjunction. distance moves superior angular occasionally at practical apparent planet for itself glare the Sun’s Sun the indeed to the disk close and too illuminated far fully observation, is a it as amateur but appears conjunction, diameter, It in arcseconds distant. superior 9.7 kilometres some million at 525 some beginning and orbit Earth) ending and the more. elongation from once western entire conjunction seen conjunction, an superior makes inferior with (as it elongation, Sun as eastern Venus through the examine let’s of apparitions, lap typical Venus’ describe To Apparitions steady, a show not with may shines it horizon Venus the near object. low turbulence. aerial fairly it atmospheric is nearby to imagine it due relatively when whom scintillation even a of and of hue, some white lights non-astronomers, morning brilliant is or of the stars) evening attention be the the of the in to from presence capable attracts (apart dazzling is and often alone Venus’ it Sun scene. skies light that a the its bright illuminate when by so to is enabled shadows only Venus dazzling discernable surpassed meteors) a clearly brilliance bright with casting brilliant occasional a star a (and With and as Moon planet –4.6. appears the other regularly of every it since magnitude star’ outshining curiosity, maximum ‘wandering with ‘star’, a sky evening as the or Known at morning Sun. up the looked from first planet humans major second the is Venus Star Evening and Morning Brilliant Venus Observing 7 Chapter 0m erco,a anfcto f×0.Tepae otne omove to continues planet The ×100. of magnification a at refractor, mm 60 a ihntomnh fe ueircnucintepae a de sufficiently edged has planet the conjunction superior after months two Within its of side far the on Earth, the from furthest is Venus conjunction superior At
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231 Observing Venus 232 Observing Venus otst eunt ueircnucinoc oedrn hc iethe time its during average which conjunctions smaller superior during becoming between days. gradually Periods more 584 Sun. phase, once the gibbous towards a conjunction eastwards journey into superior out to broadens planet return to months eu’obt hwn h lntspae n paetdaee t cl) Grego. scale). (to diameter apparent and phases planet’s the showing orbit, Venus’ (b) (a) h hsso eu.PtrGrego. Peter Venus. of phases The n eu uigfrhoigttlslrelpe r sfollows: as are streamers Mercury eclipses pearly viewing solar the of for total in circumstances some forthcoming embedded The during visible; be atmosphere. Venus strange outer to easily and Sun’s the Sun become the In the corona, planets Moon. to the the enough and of by near stars perhaps hidden minutes brighter are completely a 7 the them than is nature, more totality disk in never solar sights sadly of – the awesome darkness moments – most brief seconds sufficient the few a 40 of of For and one when Sun. view too, the of to Mercury, eclipse is (and total day Venus the seeing during of brightness) means failsafe usually Eye One Unaided the with Views Daytime 09Jl0 3E . 2W –3.9 12ºW, –4.0 34ºW, –3.9 23ºW, –4.0 –4.0 32ºW, 34ºE, –4.1 42ºE, –4.0 40ºW, 1.3 23ºE, 3.4 10ºE, –0.7 12ºW, –0.4 18ºW, 2.9 9ºE, –0.8 15ºE, 02 Jul –1.2 2019 9ºE, 21 Aug 2017 09 Mar 2016 & 20 Mar location 2015 13 Nov Mercury 2012 11 Jul 2010 22 Jul 2009 eclipse of Date etr 09Jn647.5° 45.5° 45.5° 47.5° 46.5° 45.5° 6 Jan 2019 46.5° 17 47.5° Aug 2018 3 Jun 2017 45.5° 12 Jan 2017 46.5° 47.5° 26 Oct 2015 6 Jun 2015 46.5° 45.5° 22 Mar 2014 1 Western Nov 47.5° Sun 2013 from Distance Eastern 15 Aug 2012 27 Western Mar 2012 Eastern 8 Jan 2011 20 Western Aug 2010 Eastern 5 Jun 2009 14 Western Jan 2009 Eastern Western Eastern Date Western Eastern Western Eastern Elongation 2019 to 2009 Venus of Elongations 04Jn1 5°N Transit Sun from 6°S Distance 8°N 11 Jan 2014 6 Jun 2012 29 Oct 2010 28 Mar 2009 2019 Date to 2009 Venus of conjunctions Inferior 08Ot2 6°S 8°N 8°S 26 Oct 2018 25 Mar 2017 15 Aug 2015 magnitude eu oain& location magnitude Venus
233 Observing Venus 234 Observing Venus itnefcsfrasotwie h bevrscacso idn h lntare planet the finding their of retain the chances will helpful to eyes observer’s the gaze One the since one’s while, challenge. located; turn short be a quickly to a increased. of then thought for is and something faint focus Venus horizon be which a distance far in can locate the sky to sky of scan attempting area bright first that to a means is in which technique light focus, of to which pinprick upon distance far planetarium basic most and the Venus worth. even its of where prove is location will this approximate computer Naturally, Sun; your the mountain. and the the for a knowing sky program or from as made the roof distance such in be angular a feature high to landscape its of is distant ought from edge Venus a hidden attempt when the by be time the as obscured a must such is choose Sun object, Sun alternatively, the the local building; eye, convenient a naked a of the side using chance best with by that the daylight view world have in the direct To of contrails. Venus parts aircraft locating in with or of smothered smog skies to their prone find rather are regularly themselves that present locations circumstances urban such in infrequently Unfortunately, with eye. line unaided tree. in the a kept with is of Venus branch that the objects so as foreground view such by the object, obscured adjusting as reference and Sun long is a building, as the it for nearby keeping sky, it a by sight transparent as view in such in a it Venus given keep keep elongations, to to favourable continue possible and During dawn sunrise. before after it possible find to is aid optical on taiyhl,mutdpi flrehg anfcto iouas such binoculars, magnification its the high and large to Venus of approaches of pair close views mounted and angle steadily-held, appulses A wide planetary Moon. in close taking observing stars, for surrounding instruments great are Binoculars Observations Binocular eu a elctdfo cac nacer aefe k uigfl daylight full during sky haze-free clear, a in scratch from located be can Venus without daylight full in Venus viewing of method easiest the aside, eclipses Total hl aiga ln rao k,teee aen eeec beti the in object reference no have eyes the sky, of area bland a at gazing While ad’wdh wyfrom Sun. the away widths outstretched hands’ fully greatest two than more At is Venus elongations hands. using the estimated the be can in sky distances Angular eti ye feeic a rdc nenlrfetosadgotn.Another ghosting. and reflections internal and produce aberration, may chromatic eyepiece by of caused may fringes, vague types refractors coloured any certain much Budget by alone effects. so surrounded some let special producing Venus eye phase, unwanted, of show capable wholly the planet’s is though the glare dazzle spectacular, Venus’ perceive present. can pretty to be Venus might difficult that of be detail atmospheric initially brilliance can sheer it the that telescope, a Through Observation Telescopic 2007. June 30 Grego. on ulars binoc- seen power as high through apart, 1° and Saturn, Venus of appulse The to given near a sweeping at just Moon by the locate to to relation easier in it making is Moon. appulse, Venus the enables daytime where a almanac exactly few during astronomical lunar out a time in or Every find within program to coming horizon. found often observer computer the be Venus, to A above of usually span distance. is can stepping hand’s diameters’ it a which celestial lunar when within object best passes difficulty Moon the an reduce any the of Moon, will month, without One the sky haze find. is daytime atmospheric to Venus the and harder finding Pollution it for horizon. make stones the objects and distant on and brightness of blue, clearly and Venus’ day briefest clear seen the retina are the in skies be sensitive Venus the view; eye’s when can find made to the direct best Attempts are damaging in permanently. binoculars of using eyesight and observer’s capable an nearby is ruining is sunlight and magnified Sun phase to the crescent exposures planet’s when the diameter. binoculars revealing apparent of through in capable arcseconds about 40 just than is larger 70s, is × it 15 when of pair a as natdefc aldirdain iil hog vntebs pis causes optics, produced best be can the Irradiation brightness. even differing through greatly of visible areas irradiation, between blurring called effect unwanted ne ocrusacssol tepsb aet iulysepfrVenus for sweep visually to made be attempts should circumstances no Under
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239 Observing Venus 240 Observing Venus nw aus es cuaeo l,tedaigmd tteeeic a be may eyepiece the at made alone. with eye drawing phases the various the with estimated showing all, phase graphics of the pre-drawn or accurate measured of phase Least observed set planet’s values. a the known with Alternatively, phase. compared the be derive can to figure former the by (a) (b) fVnst eaccurately Grego. Peter be determined. angle to Venus phase of the and phase enables home-made micrometer on author’s reticle this the as such illuminated eyepiece An nte hnmnn hstm n ieyt eilsr,i h niahnlight, anti-ashen the is appears illusory, Venus atmosphere. of be hemisphere Venusian unilluminated to the the likely observations within daylight actual one during flashes the where time include lightning this cause to the its phenomenon, surface, phenomenon to within Another hot as curious bar theories This Venus’ than occulting recent view. of rather but from an glow explain, real, Venus using to of is difficult observed part proven it been sunlit has that the has remove doubt it to little since eyepiece rather There’s illusion, mottled glow. and optical illumination patchy homogenous an sometimes faint time. an is night illumination a being astronomical the during display than light, observed ashen and to the phase observed crescent as a Known been at is occasionally planet the has when side dark Venus’ Light of Ashen layer The thicker a through directed is pronounced view of more scattering our are the where scattering by atmosphere. Johann edge, caused of Venus’ observer is planet’s effects It planetary the the Century. and terminator; nearer 19th lunar early Venus’ the the along anomaly in after sunlight it phase effect’ noted This ‘Schroeter who predicted. the Schroeter than as elongations, later western known at occurs is date; predicted with sometimes sometimes the is coincide dichotomy than dichotomy earlier Sun observed always the days of some not east occur the does to to observed (half-phase) lies Venus dichotomy When observations. of actual date predicted Venus’ Effect Schroeter The Anomalies Venusian akrta h akrudsky. background the than darker mgso eu aetruhU n Rflesb aeTlro a 2007. May 5 on Tyler Dave by filters IR and UV through made Venus of images oprsnbtenavsa bevto aei nertdlgtb ee rg n CCD and Grego Peter by light integrated in made observation visual a between Comparison
241 Observing Venus 242 Observing Venus eodn Venus Recording of both – itself activity. limb atmospheric been the Venusian along also to projections attributable have to be may extensions addition which in cusp time, sometimes bright to is time Anomalous cusp from cusp. southern observed northern the dichotomy, the at than – blunter curvatures different cusp south have and north to the Sometimes appear the cusps. along the of projections blunting producing or darkening curvature, visually. or terminator terminator’s apparent produce the can less in terminator unevenness the frequently at distinct is features terminator a bright images, the and/or dark along many of shading combination in the a apparent However, of so nature gradation, dense the its photographic chip, than have and CCD range areas dynamic a greater dusky even far or where a emulsion has terminator eye the Venus’ Since along underexposed. been irregularities show often Images Venus. Anomalies crescent a Contour of side night the illuminating faintly light ashen Grego. the Peter of view exaggerated An cl usfo o5 en xrml rlin etrs h eea oeof tone general the 2 features, brilliant shadings. extremely dark being unusually 0 simple 5 5, and a disk to on estimates the intensity 0 recorded The be from sketch. can runs observational limit shaded features scale the the cloud at accompany and the to subtle drawing of very line estimates usually Intensity are features visibility. the within of since variation difficult tonal features, often the cloud is of It planet’s impression blank. the exaggerated circular somewhat diameter a mm producing 50 avoid a to on made are Venus of Drawings eaie r oal naeadsol ee eue.Seilslrelpeeye magni- eclipse no and solar glass Special no used. having despite be ‘glasses’ never eclipse should called sometimes and – unsafe keen shades with totally a those are using by by negatives seen sunlight be direct so can from is it shielded that safely it filter. – are area, solar eyes across proper apparent the arc Sun’s that of provided the minute eyesight, one of around one-thousandth – just large covers Venus Although Views Eye Unaided Protected Grego. Peter filter. SCT solar glass mm aperture full author and 200 a the through by Venus, observed of transit 2004 The pair next The 2012. June 2125. for 6 transit and sunset on a 2117 at place view in takes progress to occur it in opportunity will and still more transits Century, was of one 21st the transit is on during There the Asia. already Venus Australia. while of of was and rose, most Venus events Japan Sun and America, in astronomical the India South June observers as observed Europe, of 8 disc widely UK, much on Sun’s the most and place the America from the took North entirety of Venus eastern its one of From in was telescopically be transit viewable telescope observed to last history, the been proved The in since having it 1639. place first and in taken the back 2004, have Century, way 121.5, them 17th disk England 8, of Sun’s early from every the seven place the take transit Only in the Venus to years. invented of when observed 105.5 Transits Earth; be silhouette. and can the circular 8 Venus black and line perfectly Sun a in the as precisely between are moves bodies Venus three conjunction inferior At Venus of Transits yn rpris–hv hc ae fauiie ya opeetms fthe of most prevent to Mylar aluminised of layer thick a have – properties fying eua usae,wle’ lse n adihdlyr fphotograph of layers sandwiched and glasses welder’s sunshades, Regular
243 Observing Venus 244 Observing Venus h eu rni f6Jn 2012 June 6 of Transit Venus The separates contact). last minutes makes at several also it (and of limbs before photospheric period time and A chromospheric some the limb. H-alpha at prominences) contact chromospheric diffuse first as light. Sun’s the such white the against in with features silhouetted contact seen distinct seen being more be contact (or may first glow Venus the to discern Sun, prior to the able time be Approaching considerable may normal light a in H-alpha disk visible in Sun transit Venusian the the of viewing body observers (the light) photosphere white the above Since lies visible. is chromosphere chromosphere the hot Sun’s the frequencies, alpha) (hydrogen H-alpha In H-alpha in View The aluminised safe a visually onto a disk solar with the filtration filter. of aperture rapidly glass projection up whole or eyepiece observe heat Mylar and careful to will card, ways – they white safe telescope – fit two shielded a used only that through be are Filters Sun to There blindness. never consequences. the no disastrous must not burn with telescope Under if quickly shatter, a damage, will and Sun. of through Sun eye the eyepiece Sun the permanent the the of of cause over observe energy views and to magnified safe intense filter them it the but a through – reflecting as brief eyepiece worn by for telescope be eyes the used shades the these be reaching should can from circumstances shades radiation These ultraviolet and away. heat light, Sun’s eswietetasti tl npors.Fruaeytels tgso h rni will transit the of stages Sun last the the America Fortunately North progress. of in begins, most still transit From is the Pacific. from transit the when Hawaii, the over overhead while is sets sets directly list, Sun almost wish the before not is ends if Sun and list, the northwestern dream location from and observers’ exotic observable Australia most which eastern be on Japan, High will Asia, Zealand. contact, northeastern New Pacific, last western 2004. to the of first America, that North to from circumstances event, opposite almost entire under The place take will transit next The AAsTAEstlieiae eu’20 rni nHapalgt NASA. light. H-alpha in transit 2004 Venus’ imaged satellite TRACE NASA’s rmteeg fteSn–hnetenm bakdo’ h hnmnni not is phenomenon The suspended drop’. ink ‘black black name of the drop hence a – like Sun appear the of Venus ‘black edge making the the the edge, gives from Sun’s phenomenon as the The following known Venus’ to contact. from extending in last limb darkness phenomenon second of uncertainty ligament Venus of lingering some A a point moment of of producing impression ingress. visual the transits, the limb previous of on contact; following in timings Sun first reported the individual been of the that often minutes moment of has 18 drop’ precise edge within the the Sun is touches the contact onto second enters of fully it hour, limb. Grego. following Peter around arc Venus’ showing refractive 2004, the the of during transit of mid-ingress observation Author’s observers many for transit. indeed, the – of see highlight to visual fascinating memorable is edge most light the the around of represents extending bow the it light tiny around of This bent arc Venus. be narrow of to a producing sunlight limb, causes the following atmosphere planet’s on dense depending Venus’ vary within will Refraction location. Sun geographical rotating the observer’s point of the northern orientation and its observation the day, of of the north, orientation time during the true west Since to side. to astronomical respect hand east an left with from right. of the swings eyepiece the on slowly east the while on Sun bottom, from top the is the at projected at east is image is and north an north giving image On telescope, vertically, right. the flipped at of is full remains image bottom adequate east the the the an eyepiece at on diagonal with a is or telescope With eyepiece north astronomical telescope filter, the an solar translated through the Through aperture be viewed around to image. as needs eastward projected Sun figure disk, This the Sun’s in 40.7°. of Sun’s (measured at orientation the located angle the be position of edge into will Sun’s of point contact the terms first northern on Venus’ In the limb) point entrance. the from its to make starting by attention to is degrees pay due contact to is first needs Venus of observer moment where the transit. the easy; the Observing means Time). of (Universal no view UT a 22:09 denied Spain, around be of (including at will much Europe America and western South Portugal of of Sadly, most most Australia. and Asia, eastern Africa central and western above Africa rises eastern UK), Sun the the as visible be notclefc ahrta eloe asdb ihrpo eigconditions, seeing poor of either combination a by or skills, caused observing one, poor or real focus a inaccurate optics, than telescope rather poor effect optical an eas eu smvn ta nua eoiyo rudfu rmntsper arcminutes four around of velocity angular an at moving is Venus Because observed. be can phenomenon unusual an disc, Sun’s the onto edges Venus As occurs Sun) the of edge the touches Venus of edge leading the (when contact First
245 Observing Venus 246 Observing Venus n h rni nsfrveesi ht ih.Hapaveeswl eal to able be will and viewers contact H-alpha H-alpha fourth light. through white afterwards, beyond. in minutes possibly several viewers disappears for silhouette for Venus Venusian ends the follow the exits transit of planet traces the the last when after and the moment seen when very that disk, Sun’s the be as photospheric at can manner the Sun’s happens sunlight same contact refracted touches the Fourth of in contact. limb arc caused first another edge, preceding straight Sun, preceding a the Venus’ planet’s than around leaves apparent rather the traced planet line, the the curved when sky, As a edge. occurs the be western to traverses contact appear it will Third Because as Sun disk. one. the gradually solar across the changes Venus entered Sun of it track the after hours of six orientation than the more little effect. a drop long, black arcminutes a of hint the no during with contact contact, second second clean at perfectly Venus a of show images transit resolution 2004 high best The factors. these nteosre’ egahclcto,btti mut on oeta couple a most. than at more later) no or to earlier amounts (either this difference but minutes’ location, of geographic observer’s the on eu ece h te ieo h u,atrtaesn oa hr oe25 some chord solar a traversing after Sun, the of side other the reaches Venus hs eal s ecnrcdt.Teata ie ilvr lgtydepending slightly vary will times actual The data. geocentric use details These t otc 44:7290.1° 292.7° 38.2° 40.7° angle Position 04:49:27 04:31:31 01:29:28 22:27:26 22:09:29 (UT) Time contact 4th contact 3rd Mid-transit contact 2nd contact 1st Contact eal ftetasto ue2012 June 6 of transit the of Details orhcontact. 4. Fourth contact. Third 3. transit. Mid- M. 6 contact. Second 2. Venus, contact. First 1. of 2012. June transit The novsbih 1tCnuyselradpaeayoclain novn Venus: list involving following occultations The planetary events. and rare stellar extremely Century are 21st Venus bright by involves stars bright of Occultations Occultations Stellar 05Nv2 24 eu cut Jupiter occults Venus Sagittarii Rho-1 occults Venus Regulus occults Venus Event Sagittarii Pi occults Venus 12:45 19:24 22:00 Time 15:19 22 Nov 2065 23 Feb 2046 1 Oct 2044 17 Feb 2035 Date
247 Observing Venus drs:RylAtooia oit,Brigo os,Pcail,Lno,W1J London, Piccadilly, House, Burlington Society, Astronomical Royal Address: http://www.ras.org.uk Website: (RAS) Society Astronomical Royal The Richard Dr by directed of is level Section advanced Venus an and with Mercury McKim. amateurs Its at expertise. aimed and association knowledge astronomical based UK Kingdom. A United 0DU, Burlington W1J Association, London, Astronomical Piccadilly, British House, The Secretary, Assistant The Address: http://www.britastro.org Website: (BAA) Association Astronomical British The Michael quarterly by directed hosts Section SPA Planetary The thriving year. a per has magazine, SPA Hezzlewood. Circulars quarterly The aimed News the is meetings. six It include London UK. Publications and the levels. in Astronomy, all society Popular astronomical of largest astronomers the amateur is at SPA the 1953, in Founded United 5DU, [email protected] Email: NG12 Nottingham, Keyworth, Fairway, 36 Kingdom. Secretary, The Address: http://www.popastro.com Website: (SPA) Astronomy Popular for Society The Societies Books Worthwhile of Bibliography and Resources Internet Useful Groups, Societies, B,Uie Kingdom. United 0BQ,
249 Useful Internet Resources 250 Useful Internet Resources http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/targetFamily/Mercury Photojournal Planetary NASA’s http://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/vgrid.html Venus of Maps Detailed – USGS http://www.geoastro.de/skymap/MercuryVenus/venus.html Calculator Venus http://www.geoastro.de/skymap/MercuryVenus/mercury.html Calculator Mercury Resources Internet infor- very a with sections, observing website. planetary its active of version has English UAI mative the Italy, in Based http://www.uai.it/sez_lun/english.htm Website: (UAI) Italiani Astrofili Unione and Section programs. Mercury observing a planetary both active has numerous States, with United Section, the Venus in a based association, large This http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/alpo Website non- to Planetary open (ALPO) and Observers is Lunar RAS of Association the of Fellowship infor- planets. occasional the features about Geophysics, professionals. and & articles astronomy Astronomy sciences. for mative planetary magazine, body and professional bimonthly physics, leading solar-terrestrial Its UK’s and the solar is geophysics, RAS astrophysics, the 1820, in Founded http://ftp.uniovi.es/solar/eng/homepage.htm System Solar the of Views http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/targetFamily/Venus ud otehsoyadwrig fteinrotplanet. innermost the of workings and history the to guide A Sprague L. Anne Springer-Praxis and Publisher: Strom G. Robert By Planet Iron The Mercury: Exploring Venus. on processes volcanic the of explanations Includes Gregg K.P. Tracey Springer-Praxis and Publisher: Lopes M.C. Rosaly By Solar Volcanoes the System’s Exploring Worlds: Volcanic Venusian the on conditions the of understanding our surface. advance helped Russia How Springer-Praxis Publisher: Harvey Brian By Prospects and Legacy Development, History, Exploration: Planetary Russian Batson M. Raymond and Greeley Ronald System By Solar the of Atlas NASA Compact The Venus. and Mercury observing on sections contains guide, observational An 978-0540088270 ISBN-13: 0540088277 ISBN-10: Collins Publisher: Grego Peter By Guide Observer’s System Solar Books ealdrfrnewr otiigcat fMruyadVenus. and Mercury of charts containing work reference detailed A 978-0521806336 ISBN-13: 052180633X ISBN-10: Cambridge Publisher:
251 Useful Internet Resources iou 0 57–58 50, Eitoku, 40 33–34, Dvorák, 60–61 19, Dostoevskij, 33 29, 41 Donne-Molière, 37–38, 22, 19, Rupes, Discovery 63–64 Dickens, 26 basin, Juana Derzhavin-Sor 26 Derzhavin, 52 Delacroix, 50 43, 20, Degas, 41 38, 20, Copley, 54 Chü-I, 49 43, Ch’ol, Chong 41 38, 20, Chekhov, 66 Meng-Fu, Chao 51 Cézanne, 50 64–65 48, Cervantes, 42, 22, 19, Planitia, Caloris 48 22, 18–19, Montes, 54 Caloris 50, 46, 42, basin, Caloris 50 45, 42, 22, Planitia, Budh 40 33, Brunelleschi, 44 Basin, Brahms-Zola 42 25–26, 22, Planitia, Borealis 25–26 lava, Borealis 41 39, Boccaccio, 49 43, Bjornson, 66 64–65, Bernini, 65–66 Belinskij, 57–58 19, Basho, 50–51 Bartók, 58–59 53, Barma, 41 34–35, Balagtas, 41 36–37, 34, 22, Vallis, Arecibo 27 22, Dorsum, Antoniadi 47–48 Al-Qays, Amru 31 Al-Hamadhani, 50 44, Baba, Ahmad 41 37, Rupes, Adventure 29 Nuwas, Abu Index Feature Mercury qin,3,41 36, Equiano, vd 9 41 39, Ovid, 50 45, 42, Planitia, Odin 41 36, Neumann, 41 35, Murasaki, 32 29, Molière, 41 36, Mofolo, 41 36, Rupes, Mirni 58–59 57, 50, Milton, 52 20, Michelangelo, 41 38, 20, Pinto, Mendes 52 22, Twain, 50 Mark 45, 21, 19, 16, Mansur, 49 43, Mansart, 40 33, Hsun, Lu 54 Liszt, 61 K’ai, Liang 66 63, 39, Leopardi, 41 38, Kurosawa, 41 37, Khansa, 59 Kalidasa, 66 Ictinus, 34 basin, Ibsen-Petrarch 40 33, 22, Kal, Hun 41 35, 19, Homer, 40 34, Hitomaro, 41 38, Hesiod, 61–62 Rupes, Hero 50 43, Rupes, Heemskerck 35 29, 22, Vallis, Haystack 52 Hawthorne, 59 Hauptmann, 46 Harunobu, 52 Kan, Han 56 41 Goya, 35, 22, 19, Vallis, Goldstone 62 Rupes, Gjöa 61 Gainsborough,
Mercury 253 Feature Index 254 Mercury Feature Index ulvn 8 41 38, Sullivan, 50 44–45, 42, Planitia, Suisei 50 44–45, Strindberg, 41 38, Sotatsu, 26 Juana, Sor 56 Sophocles, 218 feature), (albedo 218 Phoenicis 21, Solitudo feature), (albedo Trismegisti Hermae 50 Solitudo 45–46, 43, 42, Planitia, Sobkou 41 36, Simonides, 41 38, 35, Vallis, Simeiz 30 20, Aleichem, Sholem 53 52–53 50, Shelley, 45, 42, 24, 19, Shakespeare, 66 Scopas, 41 38, 50 Schubert, 45, 22, 19, Dorsum, Schiaparelli 61 Sarmiento, 33 28–29, Rupes, Maria Santa 67 50, Basin, Sadi-Scopas 56 Rublev, 65 50, Riemenschneider, 41 37, Rameau, 38–39 20, Pushkin, 49 42–43, Purcell, 54 Chü-I, Po 51 Philoxenus, 41 36–37, 17, Petrarch, icneBraBsn 0 3 0 61 60, 53, 50, Basin, Vincente-Barma 26 22, Rupes, Victoria 66 64, 50 Gogh, 48, Van 45, 21, 19, Eyck, Van 49 42, Dijck, Van 51 20, Valmiki, 57–58 Isa, Ustad 26 Yüan, Tung 59 52 50, Chan, 48, Ts’ao 42, 22, 18, Planitia, Tir 57 50, Basin, Tir 56 50–51, Theophanes, 29 Tansen, 58 Takayoshi, ehe ue,4,50 45, Rupes, Zeehaen 55 Zeami, 41 37, Rupes, Zarya 58 Yakovlev, 64–65 63, Wagner, 41 37, 34, 22, Rupes, Vostok aaoaaCrn,118 Corona, Calakomana 136 Corona, Cailleach 140 134, Chasma, Britomartis 140 126, Bourke-White, 126 Corona, Boann 126 Corona, Bhumiya 123 114, 144–145 Patera, 140, Bethune 88, 76–77, 5, Regio, Beta 137 Berggolts, 116 Planitia, Bereghinya 116 Corona, Benten 114 Corona, Beiwe 108 86, 84, Vallis, Baltis 149 Mons, Awenhai 112 Dorsa, Aušra 124 149 Planitia, 144–145, Audra 140, 88, 84–85, Regio, Atla 144 86, Mons, Atira 127 Tessera, Athena 123 84, Planitia, Atalanta 135 Corona, Atahensik 121 Planum, Astkhik 114 Corona, Ashnan 147–148 Corona, Aruru 140 138, Fluctus, Arubani 123 121, Chasma, Artio 132–133 123, 108, Corona, Artemis 140 134, 123, Chasma, Artemis 140 128, Fluctus, Argimpasa 136 Corona, Aramaiti 123 108, 76, Terra, Aphrodite 140 124, Patera, Apgar 111 Vallis, 123 Anuket 120–121, 109, 5, Regio, Alpha 138 Planitia, Alma-Merghen 113–114 111, 76, Montes, Akna 125 108, Colles, Akkruva 125 Planitia, Akhtamar 140 136, Planitia, Aino 121 Planitia, Aibarchin 135 Corona, Agraulos 149 Dorsa, Aditi 138 Addams, 126 Corona, Abundia index Feature Venus alro,16 140 126, Callirhoe, opnn f 3,132 130, of, component ieo lnta 4–4,152 147–148, Planitia, Hinemoa 151 Corona, Hervor 150 Planitia, Helen 144 140, 88, Chasma, Hecate 111 Corona, Haumea 127 Corona, Hannahannas 121 Chasma, Hanghepiwi 131 Corona, Habonde 132 Tessera, Haasttse-baad 117 Linea, 144 Guor 140, 116, 108, Planitia, Guinevere 126 Tessera, Gegute 143 140, Planitia, Ganiki 140 126, Dorsa, Frigg 111 Montes, Freyja 111–112 110, Tessera, Fortuna 143 Rupes, Fornax 121 Planitia, Fonueha 124 Corona, Fakahotu 120 Corona, Eve 148 Corona, Erkir 140 124, Patera, Eliot 121 Corona, Ekhe-Burkhan 121 Corona, Eithinoha 127 Corona, Eigin 123 Corona, Earhart 117 Mons, Dzalarhons 136 Corona, Dunne-Musun 138 Regio, Dsonkwa 140 128, Fluctus, Dotetem 119 Regio, Dione 126 Corona, Dhisana 124 Tessera, Dekla 137 Danute, 111 76, Montes, Danu 140 134–135, Chasma, Dali 119 Corona, Cybele 141 Corona, Coatlicue 139 126, Corona, Cauteovan 117–118 Farra, Carmenta
255 Venus Feature Index 256 Venus Feature Index uauaCrn,140 Corona, Muzamuza 119 Corona, Mukylchin 136 121, Planitia, Mugazo 123 116, 94–95, Lisa, Mona 141 Regio, Metis 115 Corona, Mesca 124 Tessera, Meni 140 124, Chasma, Medeina 110–112 107, 76–77, Montes, Maxwell 137 Marsh, 140 126, Celeste, Maria 135 131–132, Tessera, Manatum 116 Corona, Madderakka 145–146 Mons, Maat 148 Corona, Ludjatako 125 Planitia, Lowana 123 109, Planitia, Louhi 140 131, Valles, Shen Lo 126 Planitia, Llorona 126 Tesserae, Likho 140 Planitia, Libuše 140 130, Dorsa, Lemkechen 125 114, Planitia, Leda 140 Dorsa, Lauma 137 Corona, Latmikaik 147 Tholus, Lama 127 Mons, 123 Lamashtu 110–111, 108, 76–77, Planum, Lakshmi 137–138 Planitia, Laimdota 123 112, Tessera, Laima 143 Tesserae, 121 Lahevhev 109, 85, 76, Terra, Lada 126 Tessera, Kutue 136 Mons, Kunapipi 140 132, Chasma, Kuanja 140 125, Chasma, Kottravey 140 131, Chasma, Kokomikeis 136 Corona, Khotun 142–144 Planitia, Kawelu 140 Region, Kawelu-Atla-Helen 130 Corona, Kaltash 120 Linea, Kalaipahoa 134 123, Chasma, Juno 148 Corona, Javine 111 Tessera, 134 Itzpapalotl 123, 109–110, 76, Terra, Ishtar 149–150 Regio, Ishkus 152 149, 103, 91–92, Isabella, 149 Regio, Imdr 138 Planitia, Imapinua 136 Corona, Iang-Mdiye eett ooa 117 Corona, Nefertiti 130 Montes, Nayunuwi 145 Mons, Nahas-tsan 119 Corona, Nabuzana 120 82, Fluctus, Mylitta ki-egiCrn,121 Corona, Okhin-Tengri 136 Corona, Ohogetsu 145 Corona, Oduduwa 150 Coronae, Oanuava 149 Dorsa, Nuvakchin 149–150 Planitia, Nuptadi 149 138, Planitia, Nsomeka 138 Tesserae, Nortia 145 Montes, Nokomis 115 Corona, Nissaba 136 Corona, Nishtigri 127 Corona, Nirmali 125 83, Planitia, Niobe 123 Corona, Nightingale 149–150 Regio, Neringa 140 126, Dorsa, Nephele 117 Fluctus, Nekhebet afn ooa 121 Corona, Tamfana 135–136 131, 119, Planitia, Tahmina 140 137, Dorsa, Sunna 144 108, Tesserae, Sudenitsa 140 109, Planitia, Snegurochka 135 Corona, Sith 123 112, Fossae, Sigrun 115 79, Mons, Sif 151 Corona, Shulamite 151 Corona, Shiwanokia 152 Corona, Semiramus 144 Mons, Sekmet 121 116 Corona, 114, Seia 111, 109, 107, Planitia, Sedna 137 Sartika, 147 145, 79, Mons, Sapas 123 114, Patera, 123 Sachs 110–111, 108, 87, Patera, Sacajawea 145 127–128, Planitia, Rusalka 149 Dorsa, Rokapi 337 41, Rupes, Resolution 141 Mons, Renpet 114 Corona, Renenti 140 132, Ralk-umgu, 134 123, Chasma, Quilla 121 Corona, Quetzalpetlatl 115 Corona, Purandhi 140 127, Fluctus, Praurime 62 53, Rupes, Pourquoi-Pas 140 128, Dorsa, Poludnitsa 120 Linea, Penardun 152 108, 88, Chasmata, Parga 145 Mons, Ozza 140 135, 132–133, Regio, Ovda 140 136, Dorsa, Oshumare 144 Tessera, Onne 145 Mons, Ongwuti 149 Chasma, Olapa ee-m als 3,140 134, Vallis, Veden-Ema 126 Corona, Ved-Ava 123 121, 108, Rupes, Vaidilute 147 Mons, Uretsete 140 131, 130, Dorsa, Unelanuhi 116 Planitia, Undine 147 Mons, Tuulikki 115 Corona, Tutelina 132 Planum, Turan 150 Dorsa, Tinianavyt 124 Planitia, Tilli-Hanum 132 Regio, Thetis 119 Corona, Thermuthis 141 Mons, Thallo 123 Regio, Tethus 117 Mons, Tepev 127 113–125, Tessera, Tellus 140 137, Chasma, Tellervo 140 130, Vallis, Tawera oieDra 114 Dorsa, Zorile 140 136, Dorsa, Zimcerla 138 Planitia, Zhibek 140 128, Dorsa, Zaryanitsa 140 128, Dorsa, Yalyane 147 Mons, Xochiquetzal 114 Corona, Xilonen 136 121, Chasma, Xaratanga 149 Planitia, Wawalag 133 Planus, Viriplaca 142 Tesserae, Virilis 140 133, Chasma, Vir-ava 142 140, Planitia, Vinmara 140 126, Planitia, Vellamo 140 126, 108, Dorsa, Vedma
257 Venus Feature Index adrs 87 Calderas, 93 90, 74, 60, 23, Bombardment, 157 spot, Blind 245–246 225, effect, drop’ ‘Black 235 158–159, Binoculars, 3 observatory, Berlin 92 Crater, ‘Meteor’ 203–204 Barringer 200, 170, 165, lens, Barlow 168 TurboFilm, Baader 206 U-Filter, Planetarium Baader 157 Vision, Averted 203 (AVI), Interleave Video Audio Astronomical 167 of, aberrations optical Astigmatism, 18 13, 2, Belt, 73 Asteroid 22, 16, 13, impacts, Asteroidal 241 light, Ashen 88 Arachnoids, 182 Scale, Antoniadi 234 229–230, distances, Angular 81 shields, ‘Anemone’ 181, 177, 172–173, 166, 162, astronomers, Amateur 173 mounts, Altazimuth 11 Pictoris, Alpha 155 (AMD), degeneration macular Age-related Afocal 5 planet-wide, rainfall, Acid 166 objectives, Achromatic index Subject aionaIsiueo ehooy 4 Technology, of Institute California lntr mgs 189 images, planetary 189 photography, aehay 18 heavy, late 23 of, history 172 viewers, 161 prism, roof 161 prism, porro 245 162, telescope, 189 societies, 191 183, 180, 179, program, 183 programs, PC Pocket 173 170, 160, 155, observation, 204 software, editing image 164 finderscopes, 181 cybersketcher, 158 binoculars, 0,207 201, at’ lblbpl antcfed 105 field, magnetic bipole global Earth’s 73 equator, Earth’s 95 66, 28, craters, Double-ring 241–242 Digital 237, 230, 214, 207–208, Dichotomy, 236 circles, Declination 120 75, Crustal 73–74, 54, 48, 35, 27, 25, 18, 13–16, Crust, 230 229, 214, 213, Crescent, 168 plate, Corrector 156 Cornea, 13 Crust, and Mantle Core, 188 drawings, Copied 242 anomalies, Contour 130 111, shelf, Continental 175 mounts, Computerised 27 ridge, Compressional 157 235 features, 171, Cloud 166–167, 164, 159, aberration, Chromatic 166 Chromacorr, 72 Draconis, Chi 167 eyepiece, Cheshire 201 (CCD), Device Coupled Charge 96 craters, peak Central 172 axioms, Celestron Celestial 203 pen, marker CD 177 imaging, CCD 18 formation, Cayley 168 telescopes, Catadioptric 167 reflectors, Cassegrain 201 168, Camcorders, 60 48, features, topographic Caloris-related hs,18 6,19 2–3,25 241 235, 229–230, 179, 166, 158, phase, 196 194, 192, waning, Moon, 174 poles, 173–174 159, objects, mgn,201 imaging, 180 drawing, 144 90, 87, 59, 36, tension, 132 87, 75, 18, stresses, 130 124, 110, 74, rifting, 117 23, 130 deformation, 111, 75, 63, 37, compression, 73 protoplanetary, 241 Venus,
259 Subject index 260 Subject index mgn n bevtoa rwn,177 drawing, observational and Imaging 104 14–15, 12, Helium, 99 crater, embayed Heavily 79 volcano, Loa Mauna Hawaii’s 244 in, view H-alpha, 181 (GMT), Time Mean Greenwich 106 104, effect, Greenhouse 13 Jupiter, of disruption Gravitational 5 antenna, Goldstone 5 Richard, Goldstein, 4 topography, Global 37 compression, crustal Global 174–175 mounts, equatorial 109 German 25, Nomenclature, Planetary of Gazetteer 3 Johann, Galle, 2 Galileo, Galilean 157 156, Fovea, 82 ‘Fluctus’, 124 zone, rift Flooded 158 Floaters, 164 Finderscopes, 200 types, Film 171–172 170, 164–165, Eyepieces, 170 158, 156, Eyeball, 81 80, eruptions, Explosive Equatorial Elongation 203 focusers, 93 Electric craters, Venusian of patterns 9 Ejecta Relativity, of 223 Theory 209, General 207, Einstein’s 71, 13, 9, 233 3, during, Ecliptic, Venus and Mercury locating Eclipses, Earth-based 15 Belts, Allen Van Earth’s 110 76, plateau, Tibetan Earth’s 172 104, 74, surface, Earth’s nest siae cl,187 scale, estimates Intensity 104 radiation, Infrared 207 planets, ‘Inferior’ conjunction Inferior 6 spectrometer, Imaging eu,21 243 231, Venus, 223 Mercury, 164 telescopes, 159 binoculars, 244 200, 190, projection, 200 165, Plössl, 200 Orthoscopic, 161 lenses, 203 telescope, 174 mounts, 233 Venus, of 221–222 Mercury, of 233 221–222, distance, date 5 research, radar 20 best, images, eere,Ubi,3 Urbain, Leverrier, 3 Edmond, Lescarbault, 131 82–85, channels, Lava 158 surgery, eye Laser 192 opportunities, photo scale Large 2 Objects, Belt Kuiper 72 10, law, third Kepler’s 4 antenna, Goldstone Laboratory’s Propulsion 6 Jet (JAXA), Agency Exploration Aerospace Japan 96 craters, Irregular 235 Irradiation, 2–3 217 planet, 21, Intra-Mercurial 2, (IAU), Union Astronomical International 54 Caloris, of Interior oouas 158 Monoculars, 171 eyepieces, Monocentric 1 gods, the of Messenger Mercury 150 Mercurian 129, 123, 120, downwelling, Mantle 18–19 Period, Mansurian 168–169, (MCT), telescope Maksutov-Cassegrain 15 6, Magnetosphere, 87 chamber, Magma 87–88 81, 16, Magma, 207 approaches, Lunar-planetary 209 occultations, Lunar 184 (LCD), display crystal Liquid 187 drawing, Line 141 faults, Linear rniso,223 of, transits 25 features, topographical 223 period, synodic 177 4, surface, 21 of, maps pre-Mariner 4 ice, polar 213 appearance, its and phases 9 point, perihelion 2 ellipse, orbital 9 orbit, 227 of, 10 occultations of, gravity and density mass, 220 of, map 202 image, 23 gravity, 23 of, chart geological 73 equator, 183 data, 34 15, crust, 14–15 atmosphere, 220 of, map Albedo 11 year, 20 nomenclature, 15 magnetism, 61 circle’, ‘antarctic 8,202 180, eprtrs 11 temperatures, 16 of, history aa reflective Radar 12 rotation, Proto-Sun’s 12–13 disk, Protoplanetary 200 photography, focus Prime 19 16–17, Period, Pre-Tolstojan 97 modification, crater Post-impact 235 haze, atmospheric and Pollution 13 Planetesimals, Planetary 2 Mystery’, of ‘Planet 90 chains, Pit 182–183 scale, Pickering 183 180, (PDA), Assistant Digital Personal 179 technique, sketching Pencil 78 74, 22, Ocean, Pacific 71 9, velocity, Orbital 161 configurations, Optical 159 collimation, Optical pr glasses, Opera 13 Cloud, Oort 156 anatomy, Ocular 247 227, 209, 158, Occultations, 242 188, 180–181, drawings, Observational 239 astronomy, 200 Observational 163–165, 161, 159, lenses, Objective 89 Novae, Newtonian 3 of, discovery Neptune, 165 telescopes, ‘Naval’ 125–127, 120, 119, 116–117, 111–112, 26–30, NASA, 17 (Mercury), basins impact Multi-ring 93 18–19, 16, basins, Multi-ring 97 craters, Multiple 82 Monument, National Moon 52 Rheita, Vallis Moon’s 207 plane, orbital Moon’s 82 Imbrium, Mare Moon’s slth atrs 93 patterns, ‘splotch’ 5 areas, 167 studies, 201 snapshot, 180 sketching, 96 74, 4, scientists, 10 satellites, 121 radius, 200 magnification, high photographs, 200 photographers, 182–183 158, observers, 180 178, 174, 170, observations, 204–205 201, 173, 158, image, 183–184 programs, astronomy eecp,172 telescope, 174 167–168, 163, reflectors, 9 physics, 168 mirror, 4 184–185 messenger, 180–181, simulator, system solar JPL 2,129–138 128, see aienbinoculars Galilean nvra ie(T,11 245 181, (UT), Time Universal (UV) Ultraviolet 180 (UMPC), PC Mobile Ultra 13 star, T-Tauri 180 programs, commercial Trialware 16–18 Period, Tolstojan 81 volcano, ‘Tick’ 12–13 reactions, Thermonuclear 131, 124, 120, 116, 110, 75–76, terrain, Tesserated 81 eruptions, explosive Terrestrial 172 Radians, Tele-Vue 188 sketch, Telescopic 169 resolution, Telescopic 157 21, 4, observers, Telescopic 208 162, 2, Telescopes, 87 structures, Tectono-volcanic Tectonic 71 period, Synodic 73 interactions, tidal Sun-Venus 90 impact, Sudbury 74 zones, Subduction 223–224 effect, Stroboscope 89 centres’, fracture ‘Stellate 247 occultations, Stellar 96 Splotches, 169 167, 164, aberration, 105 Spherical 15, 13, 6, 92, winds, 86, Solar 84, 78, 71–73, 20, 18, 9–13, 1–5, System, Solar 73 13, nebula, Solar SLR 78 volcanoes, Shield 184 180, Shareware, 241 Effect, Schroeter 174 168, (SCT), telescope Schmidt-Cassegrain 158 Saccades, 5 Howard, Rumsey, 142–144 78 136, fire, 132, of 131, Ring 121, 117, 77, valley, Rift 239 155–158, Retina, 172 166, 163–164, Refractors, 167 Reflectors, 177 techniques, Recording 4–5 telescope, Radio 73 15, 13, decay, Radioactive 64 grooving, Radial ons 173 mounts, 2 the, of application 132 movements, 130 74, features, 131 144 107, boundary, 97, 87, 75, 74, activity, 191 conventional, photography, 191 168, cameras, 166 care, aeegh,17 178 157, wavelengths, 157 to, sensitivity visual 157 sensitivity, 205 imaging, 4,144 140, 214 178, 162, 107, 104, 97,
261 Subject index 262 Subject index Venusian 5–6 Express, Venus Venus 5 Orbiter, Pioneer-Venus US Survey’s Geological US adrs 87 calderas, 245 96, 92, atmosphere, 241 anomalies, 205 of, imaging infrared and ultraviolet 243 of, 244 transits 2012, June 6 of transit 109 of, survey topographic 235 of, observation telescopic 109 106, 82, of, 243 surface of, views eye unaided protected 72 diameters, equatorial and polar 72 of, dimensions physical 189 photograph, 236 of, observations nocturnal 144 volcanoes, largest – 72 Mons of, gravity and density 236 mass, telescope, through daytime in locating 71 of, knowledge 238 of, observations visual independent 234 elongations, greatest 233 242 of, of, eye drawings unaided the with views daytime 237 patterns, cloud 234 of, 72 observations of, binocular period rotation and tilt axial 103 atmosphere, 241 anomalies, 97 database, crater Venus 25 Programme, Research Astrogeology itr f 73 of, history iulatooia bevto,155 observation, astronomical Visual ui ivni 2 Giovanni, Zupi, Zoom 180 PocketPC, Mobile Windows 202–204 Webcams, 110 107, 214 97, sequence, 89, phase 87, ‘Waxing’ 78, 35, 25, 18, Volcanism, Volcanic 172 Superwides, Lanthanum Vixen 158 Vitrectomy, 175 observation, planetary Visual ocn,8,15 107 105, 81, volcano, 79 volcanism, 76 rise, volcanic 71 days, solar 78 volcanoes, shield 106 96, plains, 107 nomenclature, 81 crust, and mantle 84–85 channels, lava 88 radar-imaged, landscape, 74 features, impact 93 of, classification craters, impact 80 eruptions, 88 crust, 131–132 corona, 107 coordinates, 206 200, 157, detail, cloud ypee,170 eyepieces, 158 binoculars, 147 145, 117, 74, uplift, 82 depressions, 105 of, particles wind-borne ash, 87–88 75, 18, 5, activity,