Inside Theophilus

Here is an image I took of Theophilus Crater

The rim of Theophilus crater has a wide, terraced inner surface that shows indications of landslips. It is 14,000 feet deep with massive walls and has broken into a second formation, Cyrillus. It was created during the Eratosthenian period, from 3.2 to 1.1 billion years ago. It has an imposing central mountain, 1,400 meters high, with four summits.



The floor of the crater is relatively flat, and it has a large, triple-peaked central crater that climbs to a height of about 2 kilometers above the floor. The western peak is designated Psi (ψ), the eastern Phi (φ), and the northern peak is Alpha (α) Theophilus. The western slopes of this ridge are wider and more irregular, whereas the peaks descend more sharply to the floor on the northern and western faces.

The Apollo 16 mission collected several pieces of basalt that are believed to be ejecta from the formation of the Theophilus crater

More info here en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theophilus_%28crater%29

That is one of the best images I have see of Theophilus.
The triplet is very difficult to sketch , so so much detail.
I have tried it several times, its a lot of work.
Theophilus , Cyrillus and Catharina are a real treat in the eyepiece.

Great shot

Deirdre Kelleghan
Irish Astronomical Society

Thanks Deirdre for your kind words

Lovely image Carl.

Theophilus and it's pals Cyrillus and Catharina are my favourite group of craters.

Michael.