Proctor (Martian crater)
Crater on Mars
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Proctor is a large crater in the Noachis quadrangle of Mars. It was named in 1973 after Richard A. Proctor, a British astronomer (1837–1888).[1]
Viking Orbiter 1 mosaic | |
| Planet | Mars |
|---|---|
| Region | Noachis Terra |
| Coordinates | 48°S 330.5°W |
| Quadrangle | Noachis |
| Diameter | 172.56 km (107.22 mi) |
| Eponym | Richard A. Proctor |
Dune fields
The crater contains a 35 x 65 km dark dune field.[2][3] It was one of the first sand dune fields ever recognized on Mars based on Mariner 9 images.[4] The crater's dunes are being monitored by HiRISE to identify changes over time.[5]
Topographical map showing location of Proctor crater and other nearby craters
Another Viking image of the dunes in Proctor and in nearby craters
Proctor crater transverse aeolian ridges and Dunes, as seen by HiRISE
HiRISE image of the crater with transverse aeolian ridges surrounding a large dune
The edge of a dark dune field on the floor of Proctor crater
Dune field on floor of Proctor crater, as seen by CTX camera on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Close-up of dunes on floor of Proctor crater, as seen by CTX camera on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. This is an enlargement of part of previous image.
