Gibbs (crater)
The outer rim of Gibbs is not quite circular, and an outward bulge to the north gives it an onion-like profile. The southeastern wall is slightly straightened and there is a low break in the rim at the southern and northern ends. In other respects, however, the rim is only slightly eroded. The interior floor is nearly level in the southwestern half, with irregular ridges to the northeast. There is a small craterlet to the northwest of the midpoint.
A recent small impact along the northeastern rim, Mirzakhani, has produced a small ray system that forms a skirt of higher albedo material across this part of the rim. Faint traces from these rays cover the interior floor of Gibbs.
The area around the Mirzakhani impact is characterised by an extremely high rockfall density by lunar standards.
The crater was named after Josiah W. Gibbs by the IAU in 1964.
Satellite craters
By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater midpoint that is closest to Gibbs.
| Gibbs | Latitude | Longitude | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| D | 13.1° S | 85.9° E | 13 km |
See also
- 2937 Gibbs, asteroid
References
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