Mons Gruithuisen Gamma | |
---|---|
Highest point | |
Elevation | 1500 m |
Listing | Lunar mountains |
Coordinates | 36°34′N 40°43′W / 36.56°N 40.72°W |
Geography | |
Location | Near side of the Moon |
Geology | |
Mountain type | Lunar dome |
Mons Gruithuisen Gamma (γ) is a lunar dome[1] that lies to the north of the crater Gruithuisen at the western edge of the Mare Imbrium.
This massif is shaped as a rounded dome in the surface, occupying a diameter of 20 km and climbing gently to a height of over 1500 meters.[2][3] At the crest is a small crater.
This formation appears foreshortened when viewed from the Earth, and it has been described by Antonin Rukl as resembling an "upturned bathtub".[4]
To the east lies the similar Mons Gruithuisen Delta (δ). Together they are often informally called the Gruithuisen domes. To the south of the Gruithuisen domes is a portion of Oceanus Procellarum that was named Sinus Viscositatis by the IAU in December 2022.[5]
Mons Gruithuisen Gamma was expected to be the landing site for Peregrine Mission One, which launched on January 8, 2024, on the maiden flight of the Vulcan Centaur rocket, the mission failed due to a leaky valve, precluding any attempt at landing.