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 Annotated Sinus Iridum byLRO | |
| Coordinates | 45°01′N31°40′W / 45.01°N 31.67°W /45.01; -31.67 |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 249 km |
| Eponym | Bay of Rainbows |
Sinus Iridum/ˈsaɪnəsˈɪrɪdəm/ (Latinsinus īridum "Bay of Rainbows")[1] is a plain ofbasalticlava that forms a northwestern extension to theMare Imbrium on Earth'smoon. It is surrounded from the northeast to the southwest by theMontes Jura range. The protruding part of the range at the southwest end is namedPromontorium Heraclides, while that at the northeast end is calledPromontorium Laplace. This bay and the surrounding mountains is considered one of the most beautiful features on the Moon, and is a favorite among lunar observers.
Sinus Iridum is formed from the remains of a large impact crater, which was subsequently flooded with basaltic lava, inundating the "sea" wall. The bay itself does not contain any notable impact craters, but does include the satellite crater Heraclides E in the south, Laplace A along the eastern edge, and Bianchini G in the north. The surface is level, but is marked by a number ofwrinkle ridges (dorsa).
Sinus Iridum is one of the largest craters of Upper (Late)Imbrian age.[2]
Theselenographic coordinates of the bay's center are 45.01° N, 31.67° W, and the diameter is 249 km.[1] It was the planned landing site ofChang'e 3, China's 2013 lunar exploration mission, which instead landed nearby inMare Imbrium.
When 10 to 11 days afternew moon the Sinus Iridum is still in shadow, the Montes Jura can already be visible at thelunar terminator. This geometry is also calledGolden Handle.
By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater midpoint that is closest to Promontorium Heraclides.
| Heraclides | Latitude | Longitude | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 40.9° N | 34.2° W | 6 km |
| E | 42.9° N | 32.7° W | 4 km |
| F | 38.5° N | 33.7° W | 3 km |
The following satellite craters are associated with the Promontorium Laplace.
| Laplace | Latitude | Longitude | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 43.7° N | 26.8° W | 9 km |
| B | 51.3° N | 19.8° W | 5 km |
| D | 47.3° N | 25.5° W | 11 km |
| E | 50.3° N | 19.8° W | 6 km |
| F | 45.6° N | 19.8° W | 6 km |
| L | 51.7° N | 21.0° W | 7 km |
| M | 52.2° N | 19.9° W | 6 km |
