Crater · Oceanus Procellarum boundary

Copernicus Crater

A prominent complex crater with terraced walls, central peaks and a bright ray system.

Feature typeCrater

RegionOceanus Procellarum boundary

Approximate scale93 km

Location9.6°N, 20.1°W

NASA Hubble image of Copernicus crater and surrounding terrain. Credit: NASA/JPL/STScI. View the NASA source and download information.

Copernicus CraterComplex impact crater · schematic locator aid

The schematic separates the landform concept from the spacecraft or telescope image above.

What you are looking at

Copernicus is about 93 km wide. Its walls have collapsed into broad terraces, and several central peaks rise from the floor. Bright ejecta rays and secondary-crater chains extend into surrounding mare and highland terrain.

How it formed and changed

The crater formed on the boundary of Mare Imbrium and Oceanus Procellarum terrain. The impact excavated material from depth, exposing bedrock in the central uplift and spreading ejecta across older surfaces.

What scientists learn here

Copernicus gives geologists a clear example of the transition from excavation to gravitational collapse in a large complex crater. High-resolution LRO observations show fractured bedrock, boulder tracks and sharp rim textures that help constrain impact processes and relative age.

How to find and observe Copernicus Crater

Copernicus is one of the best telescopic craters. Around first-quarter to waxing-gibbous phases, low sunlight produces dramatic terrace and central-peak shadows. Near full Moon, its ray system becomes more prominent while topographic relief appears flatter.

Nearby landmarks and exploration context

The crater lies south of Mare Imbrium. Eratosthenes is to the east, while the Carpathian Mountains and mare plains provide contrasting terrain nearby.

Why this feature matters

Its well-defined structure makes Copernicus an excellent telescopic target for studying complex impact craters.

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