description Kepler Overview
Kepler is a 32-kilometer-wide lunar impact crater in the Oceanus Procellarum, named after German astronomer Johannes Kepler. It is notable for its prominent ray system that extends across the surrounding mare, making it easily identifiable through telescopes. The crater formed in the Copernican period and has a depth of about 2.5 kilometers.
help Kepler FAQ
Where is Kepler crater on the Moon?
Kepler lies in Oceanus Procellarum on the Moon's near side, west of Copernicus. Its bright rays make it easy to locate around first quarter or under a nearly full Moon.
Why does Kepler have such bright rays?
The rays are streaks of relatively fresh material thrown outward during the impact that formed the crater. They cross the darker basalt of Oceanus Procellarum, producing strong contrast in sunlight.
How large is the lunar crater Kepler?
Kepler is about 32 kilometers in diameter and has a sharply defined rim. It is much smaller than the roughly 93-kilometer Copernicus crater but has a conspicuous ray system of its own.
Who is Kepler crater named after?
It honors Johannes Kepler, the German astronomer who formulated the three laws of planetary motion. His Astronomia Nova, published in 1609, described the first two of those laws.
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