Copernicus and Eratosthenes

Filed under pretty pictures, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Moon

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These two craters -- Copernicus, left, and Eratosthenes, right -- give their names to two of the Moon's geologic periods. The Copernican period is the most recent one; Copernican-age craters have visible rays. The Eratosthenian period is older than the Copernican; its craters do not have visible rays.

NASA / GSFC / ASU

A spot in this region (white arrow) was once considered a possible site for a future human base.