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Wargentin

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description Wargentin Overview

Wargentin is a lunar impact crater located in the southwest section of the Moon's near side, named after the 18th-century Swedish astronomer Pehr Wilhelm Wargentin. It is highly unusual among lunar formations because it is completely filled to its rim by solidified basaltic lava. This geological process has transformed the crater floor into a raised, level circular plateau rather than a typical basin. It belongs to the Nectarian geological period, dating its formation to between 3.9 and 3.85 billion years ago.

help Wargentin FAQ

Why does the lunar crater Wargentin look like a raised plateau?

Wargentin is highly unusual because it is completely filled to its rim by solidified basaltic lava. Instead of forming a traditional bowl shape, the hardened lava makes the interior completely flat, resembling a raised circular plateau.

Where is the Wargentin crater located on the moon?

Wargentin is located in the southwest quadrant of the visible side of the Moon. It sits just to the east of the immense Schickard crater, another large lava-flooded feature.

Can you see the Wargentin crater from Earth?

Yes, Wargentin is visible from Earth using a moderately powerful telescope, though it requires the right lighting conditions. It is best viewed when the Moon is in its waning or waxing phases, casting long shadows that highlight its flat, elevated rim.

Are there other craters on the Moon similar to Wargentin?

While there are many lava-flooded craters on the Moon, Wargentin is unique because the lava filled it right to the very top of its rim. This makes it one of the best-preserved and most distinct examples of a completely filled lunar crater in the solar system.

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