Crater Within a Crater

The planets and moons of our solar system often show the scars of impacts that are millions of years old. Thanks to scientists, including those at Arizona State University, we can get amazing pictures of these craters on the moon using a special camera in orbit. So, let's take a look at some interesting craters on the moon.

The smaller Hawke Crater inside the larger Grotrian Crater.

This image shows the Hawke Crater—an impact that happened on the rim of a larger crater! The crater is named after Dr. B. Ray Hawke, who worked to better understand the rocky reality of our moon. The much bigger Grotrian Crater already existed when an object from space smashed into it, causing the Hawke crater. Now, the two craters sit together.

Side view of the Hawke & Grotrian Craters

Looking down at the side of the Hawke & Grotrian Craters

This image might play with your eyes a bit, but you are looking down diagonally at the side of the Hawke Crater, which is sitting within the larger Grotrian Crater.

Image of the Earth rise from the moon, taken by NASA.

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Crater Within a Crater

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Crater Within a Crater

Galleries

Be Part ofAsk An Earth andSpace Scientist

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Be Part of
Ask An Earth and
Space Scientist