August 16, 2004

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Megadome


LPOD-2004-08-16.jpeg

LPOD-2004-08-16b.jpeg

Image Credit: Carol Lakomiak


Megadome

Is Rumker the Moon's biggest dome? How about the Aristarchus Plateau? What about the Gardner Megadome, a structure I named in The Modern Moon, and shown in the overview image above (circled on mouseover)? In fact, are any of these landforms domes, other than in a strict topographic sense? The Gardner Megadome is very rough textured and about 70 km wide and 300-400 meter above the nearby edge of Mare Tranquillitatis. Its summit seems to hold an irregular depression with what looks to be a channel running down slope to the south. Is this a giant pit crater on a giant dome? Unfortunately, most available orbital and telescopic photos don't clarify the interpretation. High resolution, low sun images are needed - will someone get them this lunation?

Chuck Wood

Technical Details:
Meade 8" LX-10 SCT at 226x, Nikon CP4300 single image

Related Links:
Lunar Orbiter IV View

Yesterday's LPOD: Flammarion x2

Tomorrow's LPOD: Rima Weird



Author & Editor:
Charles A. Wood


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