Lunar Probe
Crater · Oceanus Procellarum

Aristarchus Crater

A very bright young crater on the Aristarchus Plateau, near volcanic features including Vallis Schröteri.

Feature typeCrater
RegionOceanus Procellarum
Approximate scale40 km
Location23.7°N, 47.4°W
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter oblique view of Aristarchus crater showing terraced walls and central peaks
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter oblique view of Aristarchus crater showing terraced walls and central peaks. Credit: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University. View the NASA source and download information.
Aristarchus CraterYoung complex impact crater · schematic locator aid
The schematic separates the landform concept from the spacecraft or telescope image above.

What you are looking at

Aristarchus is about 40 km wide but is exceptionally bright. It has steep terraced walls, a central peak and high-albedo ejecta that stand out strongly against the darker volcanic terrain of Oceanus Procellarum.

How it formed and changed

The crater sits on the geologically diverse Aristarchus Plateau near volcanic deposits, rilles and pyroclastic materials. The proximity of a young impact crater and major volcanic landforms makes the region scientifically rich.

What scientists learn here

Orbital spectroscopy and imaging help separate impact-excavated material from surrounding volcanic units. The plateau also contains evidence of explosive volcanism and is frequently used to study compositional diversity on the near side.

How to find and observe Aristarchus Crater

Aristarchus remains bright under many illumination conditions and can appear almost luminous through a telescope. Observe the region at lower Sun angles to trace nearby Vallis Schröteri as well as the crater itself.

Nearby landmarks and exploration context

Vallis Schröteri, the Moon's largest prominent sinuous rille, lies nearby on the Aristarchus Plateau. Herodotus crater and broad Oceanus Procellarum plains provide useful landmarks.

Why this feature matters

The region combines impact geology with evidence of ancient volcanism and is visually striking through telescopes.

Check lunar phaseCompare dates and illumination before observing.Plan an observing sessionUse phase-based target suggestions and keep the terrain in context.