Moon Places #14: Aristillus Crater

Description: Aristillus Crater is a prominent impact crater on the Moon's near side, measuring 55 kilometers in diameter, with a central peak and an extensive ray system of bright ejecta. Formed during the Copernican period, about 1 billion years ago, it features terraced walls and a floor with small hills. Located in Mare Imbrium, it forms a trio with nearby craters Autolycus and Archimedes, offering insights into recent impact processes and ejecta distribution on the lunar surface.

How I Got My Name: Named after Aristillus, an ancient Greek astronomer who created an early star catalog, honoring historical figures in astronomy.

Interesting Fact: Forms a trio with Autolycus and Archimedes; about 55 km diameter. Its bright ray system extends hundreds of kilometers, making it visible from Earth, and LRO images show detailed central peaks and melt pools, aiding study of complex crater formation.

Location: 33.9° N, 1.2° E.