Firmicus (crater)

Firmicus is a lunar impact crater that lies in the eastern part of the Moon's near side,^[4] so that from Earth it appears oval in shape due to foreshortening. It is, however, very nearly circular. The crater is located to the west of the Mare Undarum, and northeast of the similar-sized crater Apollonius. To the north of Firmicus are the craters van Albada and Auzout. Attached to its northwest rim is the Lacus Perseverantiae, a miniature lunar mare.

Coordinates7.3°N 63.4°E / 7.3; 63.4

Diameter56.81^[1] km

Depth2.14^[2] km

Colongitude297° at sunrise

Quick facts Coordinates, Diameter ...

Firmicus

The Firmicus crater as seen from the Apollo 17 CSM
Coordinates	7.3°N 63.4°E / 7.3; 63.4
Diameter	56.81[1] km
Depth	2.14[2] km
Colongitude	297° at sunrise
Formation	Nectarian[3]
Eponym	Julius Firmicus Maternus

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This crater dates to around the time the Crisium basin formed, during the Nectarian period on the lunar geologic timescale.^[3] The most notable aspect of Firmicus is the dark, flat floor. It has a similar albedo to the surface of Mare Crisium to the north, making it stand out somewhat from its surroundings. The floor has suffered no significant impacts since it was created, although there are undoubtedly many minor impacts across its surface. The outer rim of Firmicus has undergone some erosion, particularly along the northern rim where it is overlain by a pair of small craterlets.

This formation is named after 4th century Roman astrologer Julius Firmicus Maternus. Its designation was formally adopted by the IAU in 1935.^[1]