Friday, July 19, 2024

Reiner Gamma Lunar Swirl (all night)

Oceanus Procellarum is the large, dark mare region near the western (left- hand) limb of the moon. The Reiner Gamma Lunar Swirl is a small, high-albedo area located just inside the western edge of Procellarum, due north of the
dark crater Grimaldi and due west of the bright, rayed crater Kepler. It is best seen a night or two after the moon's full phase. The 18 mile or 30 km diameter crater Reiner is located east-southeast of Reiner Gamma. The swirl is composed of ancient lunar basalt that has not been darkened by weathering, likely due to protection from cosmic rays by a strong localized magnetic field - the swirl has one of the strongest magnetic anomalies on the moon! At high magnification, its complex, swirling shape can be discerned.

(Data courtesy of Starry Night)
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* Origin: CJ's Place, Orange City FL > cjsplace.thruhere.net (954:895/61)