search
Get Started
search
Ptolemaeus - Crater
zoom_in Click to enlarge

Ptolemaeus

description Ptolemaeus Overview

Ptolemaeus is a massive, ancient lunar impact crater, notable for its 164-kilometer diameter and its characteristically flat, lava-flooded interior floor.

insights Why this score

Ptolemaeus ranks #36 of 165 in the Crater ranking, behind Popigai, ahead of Upheaval Dome.

help Ptolemaeus FAQ

Why is the interior of the Ptolemaeus crater so flat?

The massive interior floor is characteristically flat because it was completely flooded by ancient basaltic lava. This left a smooth, dark surface with very few smaller impact craters compared to other lunar highlands.

How big is the Ptolemaeus crater?

Ptolemaeus is an immense lunar impact crater with a diameter of approximately 164 kilometers. Its sheer size makes it easily visible from Earth using binoculars.

Where on the Moon is Ptolemaeus located?

It is located in the central region of the Moon's near side, just south of the lunar equator. It sits right next to the similarly massive craters Alphonsus and Arzachel.

Who is the Ptolemaeus crater named after?

It is named after Claudius Ptolemy, the Greco-Roman astronomer and mathematician from the 2nd century AD. The naming convention reflects its historical importance in early lunar mapping.

Reviews & Comments

Write a Review

rate_review

Be the first to review

Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.

Save to your list

Save your favorites and follow how their scores change over time.

Save favorites
Get updates
Compare scores

Already have an account? Sign in

Compare Items

See how they stack up against each other

Comparing
VS
Select 1 more item to compare