| Mons Gruithuisen Gamma | |
|---|---|
 Mons Gruithuisen Gamma (left) and Delta (right) Lunar Orbiter 4 image | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1500 m |
| Listing | Lunar mountains |
| Coordinates | 36°34′N40°43′W / 36.56°N 40.72°W /36.56; -40.72 |
| Geography | |
 | |
| Location | Near side of the Moon |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Lunar dome |
Mons Gruithuisen Gamma (γ) is alunar dome[1] that lies to the north of the craterGruithuisen at the western edge of theMare Imbrium.
Thismassif is shaped as a rounded dome in the surface, occupying a diameter of 20 km and climbing gently to a height of over 1500 meters.[2][3] At the crest is a small crater.
This formation appears foreshortened when viewed from theEarth, and it has been described by Antonin Rukl as resembling an "upturnedbathtub".[4]
To the east lies the similarMons Gruithuisen Delta (δ). Together they are often informally called the Gruithuisen domes. To the south of the Gruithuisen domes is a portion ofOceanus Procellarum that was namedSinus Viscositatis [it] by the IAU in December 2022.[5]
The Gruithuisen domes differ from typical mare domes in that they're more mountain-like in their proportions, with a higher albedo and a rougher surface texture. The lava they're composed of might be the key to why they're different. It's thought to have a higher silica content, making it thicker, slower moving and faster cooling, enabling it to pile up into these structures. Such silicic volcanism is rare on the Moon, and it's still unclear how it can occur there at all, as on Earth it requires the presence of water and plate tectonics - factors absent on the Moon.[6]This makes the region a compelling target for exploration.
Mons Gruithuisen Gamma was expected to be the landing site forPeregrine Mission One, which launched on January 8, 2024, on the maiden flight of theVulcan Centaur rocket, the mission failed due to a leaky valve, precluding any attempt at landing.
Firefly Aerospace is slated to land a lunar lander in the Gruithuisen Domes in 2028 as part of NASA'sCommercial Lunar Payload Services program.[7]