Rimae Atlas
The crater, Atlas, location of the rimae | |
| Feature type | Rilles |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlas, The Moon |
| Coordinates | 46°49′N 44°25′E / 46.82°N 44.42°E[1] |
| Length | 60 km (37 mi) |
| Diameter | 46.8 km (29.1 mi) |
| Naming | 1964 |
| Eponym | Atlas, in Greek mythology |
Rimae Atlas are rilles on the crater of Atlas, on the Moon.[2][3] The naming of the rilles were derived from the Atlas crater that was named after Atlas, the eponymous Titan in Greek mythology.[4] The name "Rimae Atlas" was officially approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1964.[1]
Geology and characteristics
The rilles are located at 46°49′N 44°25′E / 46.82°N 44.42°E, has a diameter of 46.8 kilometres (29.1 mi),[1] is 60 kilometres (37 mi) long,[5] and is separated into eight parts.
| Atlas | Coordinates | Diameter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| km | mi | ||
| A | 45°18′N 49°36′E / 45.3°N 49.6°E | 22 | 14 |
| D | 50°24′N 49°36′E / 50.4°N 49.6°E | 25 | 16 |
| E | 48°36′N 42°30′E / 48.6°N 42.5°E | 58 | 36 |
| G | 50°42′N 46°30′E / 50.7°N 46.5°E | 23 | 14 |
| L | 51°18′N 48°36′E / 51.3°N 48.6°E | 6 | 3.7 |
| P | 49°36′N 52°42′E / 49.6°N 52.7°E | 27 | 17 |
| W | 44°24′N 44°12′E / 44.4°N 44.2°E | 4 | 2.5 |
| X | 45°06′N 45°00′E / 45.1°N 45°E | 5 | 3.1 |
Exploration
Rimae Atlas was supposed to be the landing place of the Hakuto-R Mission 1 by ispace, that launched on 11 December 2022. Separating from the rocket 47 minutes later at a distance approximately 970 kilometres (600 mi) from Earth,[6] it crashed on 16:40 UTC (00:40 JST) on 25 April 2023.[6]
References
- ^ a b c "Rimae Atlas". Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. USGS Astrogeology Research Program. Retrieved 2 January 2026. (Center Latitude: 46.82°, Center Longitude: 44.42°; Planetographic, +East)
- ^ "Rimae Atlas – The Moon". the-moon.us. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
- ^ "Atlas – The Moon". the-moon.us. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
- ^ Arthur, D. W. G.; anor. (1963–1966). "The System of Lunar Craters, Quadrants I, II, III, IV". Communications of the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory. 2, 3, 5 (30, 40, 50, 70).
- ^ "Rimae (rille systems)". British Astronomical Association. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
- ^ a b "Status Update on ispace HAKUTO-R Mission 1 Lunar Lander". ispace. Retrieved 11 December 2025.