Helmholtz (Martian crater)
 Topographical location of Helmholtz Crater | |
| Planet | Mars |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 45°48′S 21°18′W / 45.8°S 21.3°WCoordinates: 45°48′S 21°18′W / 45.8°S 21.3°W |
| Diameter | 111.5 km |
| Eponym | Hermann von Helmholtz |
Helmholtz Crater is an impact crater in the Argyre quadrangle on Mars at 45.8°S and 21.3°W and is 111.5 km in diameter. Helmholtz is located inside Noachis Terra just east of Argyre Planitia.[1] Its name was approved in 1973 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN), and it was named after German physicist Hermann von Helmholtz (1821–1894).[2]
Description
Nearby prominent craters are the slightly larger Lohse over a crater diameter to the east-northeast, Wirtz to the southwest and Arkhangelsky further north-northwest. Further southeast is a small valley known as Frento Vallis.
Unlike its adjacent prominent craters, it has no central peak. Gullies dominate parts of the crater rim and inside the crater has sand dunes.
Gallery
East side of Helmholtz, as seen by CTX camera (on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter)
Dunes and dust devil tracks in Helmholtz, as seen by CTX. (This is an enlargement of the previous image).
Topo map showing location of Helmholtz Crater and other nearby craters
See also
References
- ↑ Moore, P. et al. 1990. The Atlas of the Solar System. Cresent Books. NY
- ↑ "Helmholtz (Martian crater)". Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. USGS Astrogeology Research Program.