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Arzachel

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description Arzachel Overview

Arzachel is a prominent lunar impact crater located in the south-central highlands of the Moon, with a diameter of roughly 96 kilometers. It features steep, terraced walls and a well-defined central peak that is offset from the crater's center. The crater belongs to the Nectarian period and is part of a trio of large craters alongside Alphonsus and Ptolemaeus, visible through modest telescopes.

help Arzachel FAQ

Where is Arzachel crater relative to Alphonsus?

Arzachel sits immediately south of Alphonsus in the Moon's central near-side highlands. Together with Ptolemaeus, the two craters form a north-to-south trio popular with lunar observers.

What telescope features can be seen inside Arzachel?

Under low-angle sunlight, observers can see terraced inner walls, a prominent off-center central peak, and a small crater on the floor. A rille system called Rimae Arzachel is also visible with suitable aperture and steady atmospheric conditions.

How large is Arzachel crater?

Arzachel is roughly 96 kilometers across, making it smaller than neighboring Alphonsus but more sharply defined. Its steep walls and terracing indicate substantial collapse after the original impact.

Who was Arzachel crater named after?

The name honors al-Zarqali, an 11th-century Andalusian astronomer known in Latin Europe as Arzachel. He produced influential astronomical tables and improved instruments used to model celestial motion.

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