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Schickard

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description Schickard Overview

Schickard is a large, heavily eroded impact crater of the Pre-Nectarian period located in the southwestern region of the Moon's near side. The crater features a vast diameter of roughly 206 kilometers and is classified as a walled plain. Its floor is notable for having been flooded by dark basaltic lava, creating a distinct color contrast with the lighter-hued ejecta and central peak material left on the surface. The crater is named after Wilhelm Schickard, a German astronomer and mathematician.

help Schickard FAQ

Where is the Schickard crater located?

Schickard is a vast, walled plain located in the southwest sector of the Moon's near side. It sits near the southwestern limb, bordered by notable smaller craters like Nasireddin and Lehmann. Because of its massive size, it is one of the easiest lunar features to spot in this region.

How big is the lunar crater Schickard?

Schickard is a massive lunar feature boasting a diameter of approximately 206 kilometers (128 miles). Due to its vast, flat expanse, it is classified by astronomers as a walled plain rather than a standard impact crater. Its walls rise significantly above the dark, flat interior.

Why does the Schickard crater have two different colors on its floor?

The dark, basaltic floor of Schickard is flooded with ancient lava, but it features distinct, lighter-hued material in its southwestern half. This lighter, curved swath is an accumulation of high-albedo ejecta blasted out by the impact that formed the nearby Tycho crater. The contrast creates a striking visual dichotomy.

Can you see the Schickard crater from Earth?

Yes, because of its enormous 206-kilometer diameter, Schickard is easily visible from Earth using a moderately powered amateur telescope. It is best viewed when the southwestern limb of the Moon is illuminated by a favorable libration or high sun angle. During a full moon, its dark floor stands out starkly against the bright lunar highlands.

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