Moon Places #5: Fra Mauro
Description:
Fra Mauro is a rugged highland region on the Moon's near side, formed from ejecta thrown out by the massive impact that created the Imbrium Basin about 3.9 billion years ago.
Covering an area with rolling hills and craters, it consists of breccias and anorthositic rocks, representing ancient crustal material. The terrain is heavily cratered and textured, providing a window into the Moon's early bombardment history.
Its geological significance made it the target for Apollo 14, where astronauts collected samples that helped date the Imbrium impact.
How I Got My Name:
Named after Fra Mauro, a 15th-century Italian monk and renowned mapmaker, following the tradition of honoring scientists and cartographers in lunar nomenclature established by the International Astronomical Union.
Interesting Fact:
Apollo 14 landed here in 1971; astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell collected 42 kg of samples, revealing the region's ancient impact history. Shepard famously hit golf balls on the Moon, and the mission provided data on the Imbrium basin's age.
Location:
Centered at 6.0° S, 17.0° W.
