Lunar crater -Palisa

Isn't it amazing what one can see on the Moon? Last night, 31st march, I looked at a crater called Palisa. According to Antonin Rukl's atlas of the Moon. This 33 km crater is named after Johann Palisa -who is a discoverer of 127 asteroids!! Did this guy ever sleep?? He lived from 1848 to 1925 and lived in Austria. I have never heard of him in my life. Some guys are historically fascinating. It is great their names are on the Moon.

Aubrey.

Indeed - a very prolific asteroid discoverer (visual) - and some very important discoveries they were.

Of main interest is his discovery of 719 Albert which was then promptly lost for 89 years until it was recovered in 2000.

As well as a lunar crater named after him, asteroid 914 Palisana bears his name.

This is a nice write-up from Herbert Raab (of Astrometrica fame): www.astrometrica.at/Papers/Palisa.pdf

Thank so much, Dave, for the article. Imagine getting to use a 27" refractor -mine is a paltry 6", and I am thrilled to bits with it. I only came across the crater named Palisa by observing Rupes Recta (the Straight Wall) first and working my way northwards.

Aubrey.