List of plains on the Moon

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Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use American English

File:Lunar mare and sinūs.jpg
NASA photo of the near side of the Moon with prominent lunar plains numbered. Blue labels indicate sinūs while red labels indicate maria as well as the sole oceanus, Oceanus Procellarum, which is numbered one. Other lunar plains, including lacūs and paludes, are not labeled.Template:Efn

The Moon has numerous named plains on its surface made of dark-appearing basaltic rocks. The plains are visibly prominent on the near side of the Moon because of their contrasting appearance from the surrounding lunar highlands, which are made up of anorthosite, an igneous rock containing significant concentrations of highly reflective plagioclase feldspar minerals. As with other topographical features on the Moon, the official nomenclature for lunar plains uses a Latin naming system. Due to their darker appearance, differing elevation from the highlands, and visual prominence, noted ancient Greek astronomers such as Plutarch believed the plains were water; subsequent astronomers such as Galileo Galilei and Michael van Langren built on this belief, using Latin words for water bodies in classifying them. The Latin classifications for lunar plains are oceanus (Template:Literal translation), mare (Template:Literal translation), lacus (Template:Literal translation), palus (Template:Literal translation), and sinus (Template:Literal translation). The largest plain is Oceanus Procellarum (Template:Translation), covering much of the western half of the Moon's near side and the only plain to be classified as an oceanus. Most other prominent plains on the near side are the lunar maria, while the Moon's lacūs, sinūs, and paludesTemplate:Efn are generally smaller and less visually prominent.

The classification of and other designations for lunar geographic features are determined by the International Astronomical Union (IAU)—the official international organization for the standardization of astronomy.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Geology

In its early stages of formation, the Moon's surface was largely molten, with its deep ocean of magma persisting for roughly tens of millions to hundreds of millions of years.[1] After the cooling of the magma at the end of this period, minerals began to crystallize and differentiate, with heavier minerals sinking into the Moon's inner layers while the lighter, highly-reflective mineral of plagioclase feldspar rose to the surface and fused with other light, mafic-type crystals to form anorthosite rocks. The anorthosite accumulated to become an early stage of the Moon's outer crust. This early outer crust later became heavily bombarded by immense numbers of meteoroids and other solar system debris around 4 billion years ago, with substantial parts of the surface being blasted out to create craters and large basins. Millions of years after these massive impact basins formed, lava from the interior flowed up to the surface through cracks in the crust and filled the basins. The lava cooled into the dark, volcanic rock basalt, creating the lunar plains of today.[2]

Currently, basaltic rock, which is also fine-grained and rich in iron, magnesium, and plagioclase feldspar, makes up most of the lunar plains' composition. As with the distribution of the lunar plains, basalt is also not uniformly distributed over the surface of the Moon, with approximately 26% of the Moon's near side and only 2% of its far side composed of basalt.[2]

Nomenclature

The modern system of Latin-based lunar nomenclature began in 1651, when Italian astronomer and Catholic priest Giovanni Battista Riccioli published Almagestum Novum, an encyclopedic work in which he and fellow Italian priest and scientist Francesco Maria Grimaldi created a detailed map of the lunar near side's surface. In the book, Riccioli introduced a system differentiating lunar topography into three categories, with dark plains comprising one category and given Latin labels for bodies of water together with poetic, abstract names. Riccioli's system was used significantly in Europe in the succeeding centuries and became the basis for the current global standard in 1935, when the IAU adopted much of Riccioli's names and conventions. Since the current IAU nomenclature rules were affirmed in 1973, new names for lunar plains have been restricted to Latin terms that describe weather and other abstract concepts. Currently, there are 5 lunar plains' names referring to sea features, 5 indicating sea attributes, and 5 expressing states of mind.

Of plains inscribed prior to 1973 by the IAU, there are four that carry non-abstract names: Mare Humboldtianum and Mare Smythii, named for German natural historian Alexander von Humboldt and British astronomer William Henry Smyth, respectively;[3][4] Mare Moscoviense, named for Muscovy, a historical predecessor of Russia;[5][6] and Sinus Lunicus, named for the Soviet space probe Luna 2 (Colloq.Tooltip Colloquially Lunik 2), which landed there in 1959.[7][8] Because Mare Humboldtianum and Mare Smythii were established before the final nomenclature, they were maintained and not required to follow the name conventions.[9] In the case of Mare Moscoviense, which was discovered by the Luna 3 and whose name was proposed by the Soviet Union, it was only accepted by the IAU with the justification that Moscow is a 'state of mind'.[10]

List

Template:Sronly
Name
(in Latin)Template:Efn 		Name
(English translation) 		DiameterTemplate:Efn YearTemplate:Efn [[Lunar quadrangles|QuadrTemplate:Shyangles]] Lunar coordinates Refs.
Mare Anguis Serpent Sea Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-44 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [11]
Mare Australe Southern Sea Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-116 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [12]
Mare Cognitum Sea that has become knownTemplate:Efn Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-76 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [13]
Mare Crisium Sea of Crises Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-44 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [14]
Mare Fecunditatis Sea of Fecundity Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-80 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [15]
Mare Frigoris Sea of Cold Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-12 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [16]
Mare Humboldtianum Sea of Humboldt Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-15 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [3]
Mare Humorum Sea of MoistureTemplate:Efn Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-93 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [17]
Mare Imbrium Sea of Showers Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-24 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [18]
Mare Ingenii Sea of Cleverness Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-119 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [19]
Mare Insularum Sea of Islands Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-57 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [20]
Mare Marginis Sea of the Edge Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-63 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [21]
Mare Moscoviense Sea of MuscovyTemplate:Efn Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-48 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [5]
Mare Nectaris Sea of Nectar Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-79 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [22]
Mare Nubium Sea of Clouds Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-94 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [23]
Mare Orientale Eastern sea Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-108 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [24]
Mare Serenitatis Sea of Serenity Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-42 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [25]
Mare Smythii Sea of Smyth Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-81 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [4]
Mare Spumans Foaming Sea Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-62 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [26]
Mare Tranquillitatis Sea of Tranquility Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-61 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [27]
Mare Undarum Sea of Waves Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-62 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [28]
Mare Vaporum Sea of Vapors Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-59 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [29]
Oceanus Procellarum Ocean of Storms Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-38 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [30]
Lacus Aestatis Lake of Summer Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-74 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [31]
Lacus Autumni Lake of Autumn Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-73 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [32]
Lacus Bonitatis Lake of Goodness Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-43 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [33]
Lacus Doloris Lake of Sorrow Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-41 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [34]
Lacus Excellentiae Lake of Excellence Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-110 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [35]
Lacus Felicitatis Lake of Happiness Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-41 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [36]
Lacus Gaudii Lake of Joy Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-42 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [37]
Lacus Hiemalis Wintry LakeTemplate:Efn Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-60 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [38]
Lacus Lenitatis Lake of Softness Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-60 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [39]
Lacus Luxuriae Lake of Luxury Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-50 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [40]
Lacus Mortis Lake of Death Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-26 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [41]
Lacus Oblivionis Lake of Forgetfulness Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-105 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [42]
Lacus Odii Lake of Hatred Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-41 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [43]
Lacus Perseverantiae Lake of Perseverance Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-62 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [44]
Lacus Solitudinis Lake of Solitude Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-100 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [45]
Lacus Somniorum Lake of Dreams Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-26 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [46]
Lacus Spei Lake of Hope Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-28 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [47]
Lacus Temporis Lake of Time Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-27 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [48]
Lacus Tenebrarum Lake of Darkness Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-144 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [49]
Lacus Timoris Lake of Fear Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-111 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [50]
Lacus Veris Lake of Spring Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-91 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [51]
Palus Epidemiarum Marsh of Epidemics Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-94 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [52]
Palus Putredinis Marsh of Decay Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-41 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [53]
Palus Somni Marsh of Sleep Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-61 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [54]
Sinus Aestuum Seething Bay Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-59 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [55]
Sinus Amoris Bay of Love Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-43 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [56]
Sinus Asperitatis Bay of Roughness Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-78 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [57]
Sinus Concordiae Bay of Harmony Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-61 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [58]
Sinus Fidei Bay of Trust Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-41 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [59]
Sinus Honoris Bay of Honor Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-60 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [60]
Sinus Iridum Bay of Rainbows Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-24 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [61]
Sinus Lunicus Lunik Bay Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-25 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [7]
Sinus Medii Bay of the center Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-59 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [62]
Sinus Roris Bay of Dew Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-10 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [63]
Sinus Successus Bay of Success Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-62 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [64]
Sinus Viscositatis Bay of Stickiness Script error: No such module "convert". Template:Dts LAC-23 Script error: No such module "Coordinates". [65]

Clickable map

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See also

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Notes

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References

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ a b Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  4. ↑ a b Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  5. ↑ a b Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ a b Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  12. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  13. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  14. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  15. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  16. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  17. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  18. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  19. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  20. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  21. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  22. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  23. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  24. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  25. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  26. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  27. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  28. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  29. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  30. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  31. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  32. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  33. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  34. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  35. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  36. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  37. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  38. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  39. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  40. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  41. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  42. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  43. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  44. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  45. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  46. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  47. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  48. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  49. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  50. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  51. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  52. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  53. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  54. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  55. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  56. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  57. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  58. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  59. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  60. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  61. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  62. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  63. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  64. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
  65. ↑ Template:Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature

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External links

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