Apollo 16 image
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Coordinates | 7°36′S 34°54′E / 7.6°S 34.9°ECoordinates: 7°36′S 34°54′E / 7.6°S 34.9°E |
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Diameter | 49 km |
Depth | 3,5 km |
Colongitude | 325° at sunrise |
Eponym | Martianus Capella |
Capella is a lunar crater 49 km (30 mi) in diameter that lies to the north of the Mare Nectaris, in a rugged region with many small impact craters. It intrudes slightly into the eastern rim of the crater Isidorus, a feature only slightly smaller in diameter.
The wall of Capella is low but relatively thick and irregular, with a large promontory intruding on the south-eastern side. The crater is crossed by a deep rift, the Vallis Capella, which passes directly through Capella from the north rim through the southeast side of the wall, and extends out both sides for a combined distance of 110 kilometers. This feature was formed by a chain of craters. In the middle of the crater is a wide, round peak with a craterlet at the top. The western side of the crater is dotted with impact debris, forming clusters of small hills.
The crater was named for Marcianus Capella, a writer of Late Antiquity.
By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater midpoint that is closest to Capella.