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Clavius - Crater
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Clavius

description Clavius Overview

Clavius is a substantial impact crater located on the southern hemisphere of the Moon. It measures approximately 225 kilometers in diameter making it one of the largest features formed by impacts on the lunar surface. The crater’s interior displays a prominent series of smaller craters, a characteristic feature observed in large impact basins. Scientists study Clavius to understand processes related to giant impact events and the evolution of the Moon's geology.

It is relevant for researchers investigating planetary formation and the history of solar system bodies.

help Clavius FAQ

Where is the Clavius crater located on the Moon?

Clavius is a massive impact crater located in the rugged, heavily cratered southern highlands of the Moon. It is one of the largest craters on the near side of the Moon and is visible from Earth using binoculars. It sits just south of the prominent ray crater Tycho.

What is the curved line of craters inside Clavius?

Inside Clavius, there is a famous, distinctive arc of progressively smaller, overlapping impact craters. The largest of these is named Rutherford, followed by Clavius D, C, L, and K. This unique arrangement is often used by astronomers as a test of telescope resolution and seeing conditions.

Was Clavius crater featured in the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey?

Yes, Clavius crater is famously featured in Arthur C. Clarke and Stanley Kubrick's *2001: A Space Odyssey*. In the story, Clavius Base is a massive United States lunar outpost where scientists discover the alien Monolith. It was chosen as a location because of its massive size and flat floor.

How large is the Clavius crater?

Clavius has a massive diameter of about 225 kilometers (140 miles), making it the third largest crater on the Moon's near side. The crater walls rise nearly 4 kilometers above the surrounding terrain, and the floor is relatively flat. Its enormous scale allows several smaller craters to fit entirely inside its walls.

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