Machaut (crater)
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Feature typeImpact crater
LocationBeethoven quadrangle, Mercury
Coordinates2°03′S 82°22′W / 2.05°S 82.37°W
Diameter104 km (65 mi)
 MESSENGER NAC image of Machaut | |
| Feature type | Impact crater |
|---|---|
| Location | Beethoven quadrangle, Mercury |
| Coordinates | 2°03′S 82°22′W / 2.05°S 82.37°W |
| Diameter | 104 km (65 mi) |
| Eponym | Guillaume de Machaut |
Machaut is a crater on Mercury.[1] Its name was adopted by the International Astronomical Union in 1976. Machaut is named for the French composer and poet Guillaume de Machaut, who lived from 1300 to 1377.[2] The crater was first imaged by Mariner 10 in 1974.[3]
Machaut is a volcanically modified crater. The floor was covered by volcanic deposits after the initial impact as shown by the partially submerged crater ("ghost crater") in the interior.[4]
Machaut is north of Snorri crater and west of Caruso and Boethius.
Machaut crater, from MESSENGER's second flyby in October 2008
Crater interior, showing a fresh crater and a ghost crater
