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Credit:
NASA,
Lunar Orbiter 4
Explanation:
Like a target ring bull's-eye, the
Mare Orientale is one of the most
striking large scale lunar features.
Located on
the Moon's extreme western edge,
this impact basin is unfortunately difficult to see
from an earthbound perspective.
It is over 3 billion years old,
about 600 miles across and was formed
by the impact of an asteroid sized object.
The collision caused ripples in the
lunar crust resulting in the three concentric
circular features visible in this 1967 photograph made by NASA's
Lunar Orbiter 4.
Molten lava from the Moon's interior
flooded the impact site through
the fractured crust creating a
mare.
Dark, smooth regions on the moon are called
mare (Latin for sea),
because early astronomers thought these areas might be oceans.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: Moon - mare - lunar orbiter
Publications with words: Moon - mare - lunar orbiter
See also: