Hirayama (crater)

lunar crater data
latitude=6.1
N_or_S=S
longitude=93.5
E_or_W=E
diameter=132 km
depth="Unknown"
colong=268
eponym=Kiyotsugu Hirayama
Shin Hirayama

Hirayama is a large lunar crater that is located on the far side of the Moon, just beyond the eastern limb. This region of the surface is sometimes brought into view of the Earth due to libration, and at such times this crater can be seen when it is illuminated by sunlight. However it is best viewed from orbit. This crater is located along the southeastern edge of the Mare Smythii, to the northeast of Brunner crater. To the northeast of Hirayama is Wyld crater.

This is a worn and eroded crater with multiple impacts overlapping the outer rim and the interior floor. 'Hirayama K' has broken across the rim to the southeast and 'Hirayama C' cross the northeastern rim. Along the southwestern outer edge is 'Hirayama Q'. The small 'Hirayama T' is located along the western inner wall, and attached to its eastern edge is 'Hirayama S'. The crater 'Hirayama Y' is adjacent to the northern inner walls of Hirayama and covers a significant part of the northern interior floor. Several smaller craters lie within the floor, including 'Hirayama N' in the south. The floor otherwise forms a relatively level surface within the inner wall.

atellite craters

By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater mid-point that is closest to Hirayama crater.

References