Seeing Double at Capuanus

Image Credit: Wes Higgins (left) and K.C. Pau (right)

Seeing Double at Capuanus

Here are two images of the 60 km wide crater Capuanus in Palus Epidemiarum. Although they differ in scale, resolution and lighting, both are valuable in increasing understanding of this piece of the lunar surface. KC’s low Sun view reveals the three or four known but difficult to image domes that formed when mare lava erupted onto the floor of Capuanus. Wes’ high resolution image provides a new level of documentation of the subsequent modification of the floor by impact cratering and delicate ray draping. Comparing the two images shows that the domes are almost completely undetectable at high Sun, but that for the two largest domes very, very subtle rises are hinted at, possibly with summit craters. A rectification, rescaling and co-alignment of the two images is absolutely necessary, however, to test this speculative matching. And comparisons with other images too!