Moon Places #4: Palus Putredinis
Description:
Palus Putredinis, the Marsh of Decay, is a small basaltic plain resembling a marsh, situated near the Apollo 15 landing site in the eastern part of Mare Imbrium. Spanning about 161 kilometers, it was formed by lava flows that filled depressions in the lunar surface billions of years ago.
The area features wrinkle ridges and rilles, indicative of tectonic compression and volcanic activity. Its dark, smooth terrain contrasts with surrounding highlands, offering valuable insights into the Moon's volcanic history and surface evolution through impact and lava layering.
How I Got My Name:
"Palus Putredinis" is Latin for "Marsh of Decay," part of the thematic naming for smaller, marsh-like basaltic areas by early astronomers. This convention extended the 'sea' metaphor to smaller features observed through telescopes.
Interesting Fact:
Located near the Apollo 15 landing site in 1971, features wrinkle ridges and is associated with volcanic history. Astronauts explored nearby Hadley Rille, collecting samples that revealed layered basalts, helping to date the Imbrium basin impact and understand lunar volcanism.
Location:
Centered at 26.5° N, 0.4° E, 161 km diameter.
