HERODOTUS

23.2N by 49.7W

LUNAR TRANSIENT PHENOMENA HISTORY

DAVID O. DARLING

"Sitting on the plateau, alongside Aristarchus, is the slightly smaller and much shallower crater Herodotus. Both craters in effect at least approximately define the southernmost boundary of the Aristarchus plateau. The difference between the two craters could hardly be greater. Herodotus is obviously an ancient crater whose floor has been lava-flooded. Superficially the floor looks smooth but some crater pits, are revealed by large-aperture telescopes used under good conditions. Space probe images show the floor of Herodotus to be covered in tiny craters and fissures. Observing the Moon the modern astronomer's guide by Gerald North.

Apollo 15 Metric Camera

Photograph shown below was taken using my 12.5 F 5 Newtonian reflector, with 12.5mm eyepiece and 2x Barlow. Using digital still camera DSC-P71 mounted for eyepiece projection. The photograph was taken on April 3. 2004 at 1:20 U.T.

This formation is located in close proximity to the crater Aristarchus, Cobra Head, and Schroter's Valley, together making this small area of the Moon the most active in lunar transient phenomena. When having conversation with Winifred S. Cameron she told me about an observer who reported the crater Herodotus to be glowing bright enough to be seen with the naked eye. To see how the crater changes under different lighting conditions see drawings of Aristarchus, Herodotus, & Schroter's Valley.