IWLOP #040 – Rupes Altai
This incredible scarp is the continuous southwestern outer rim of the Nectaris Basin. Spectacular at low Sun, it varies from 3.5 - 4.0 km but tapers off and is more broken southward toward the crater Piccolomini and northward past crater Borda.
Location: 16-29 S30-21 E Origin: Tectonic Size: 480 km. Rukl: 57, 59, 46 Type: Scarp
Objects: Rupes Altai, Cyrillus, Catharina, Colombo, Santbech, Tacitus, Kant, Hypatia
Others Identified: Ibn Rushd, Mädler, Mons Penck, Pons, Polybius
Location: Home R1: Rupes Altai was first observed on May 28, 2020 during the waxing crescent phase when it was well-lit. It was again observed on March 21, 2021 during the 1st Quarter when observing Piccolomini (IWLOP #031 – Piccolomini). C1: Tacitus, Kant and Hypatia were located. Altai Scarp appeared continuous in the SE portion but appeared worn/non-existent as it continued N towards Tacitus, Kant and Hypatia. Note: Rupes Altai was first noticed because of the well-lit Altai Scarp; it wasn't in shadow. |