A closer look of lunar craters by telescope (HD Video)

On the southeast quadrant of the Moon are interesting features, although it is not a strong cratered area compared with its south pole. The area that makethe subject of this article, is the south-west of Mare Nectaris. Here we find three large craters grouped, about the same size. They are Theophilus (100 km), Cyrillus (98 km) and Catharina (100 km).

Theophilus, shows rays with a lower albedo. In ideal conditions, some of its rays are still visible over Sinus Asperitatis.

Cyrillus crater in the center of the three, is older than Theophilus, which overlaps the eastern wall of Cyrillus, and is much eroded. Notice Cyrillus's two twin central peaks, the degraded walls, and that Theophilus enters into it. Note also the secondary crater Cyrillus A (17 km) on the west wall. Note Mons Penck, nearby crater Ibn Rushd (33 km) and Kant (32 km) north-west, and a third small central peak in the crater Cyrillus .

Catharina is the oldest of the three craters with five small craters in it. Probably dates from pre-Imbrian era because elongated craters on the north-eastare aligned to Mare Imbrium . Note the large crater Catharina P (46 km), within it. Two elongated craters Catharina B (24 km) and G (17 km), are located on the northeast wall. Moon phase at the time was ideal to observe features not seen well in other conditions.

Zollner (46 km). Zöllner crater's edge is irregularly oval in north-south direction. The wall is not high and is worn, such as the distorted depression attached to the southern edge. Floor still retains a narrow central peak. In this video, the crater is almost submerged in shadow. Just the eastern inside wall is illuminated by the sun.



Video: Victor Lupu
Optics: CelestronC8 "-Newtonian telescope, plossl20mm, 2x Barlow
Mount: CG5 (EQ5)
Device: Sony CX-130
Video mode: Full HD progressive 1920x1080
Filter: no
Date: 27/04/2012
Location: Baia Mare, Romania
Processing and editing: Sony Vegas 10

                  Date: 20/07/2011

Posted in: Craters-Catharina,Craters-Theophilus and Cyrillus,Videos of the Moon