Menrva (crater)

Menrva

Cassini view of a portion of Menrva, taken on February 15, 2005
Feature type Crater
Coordinates 20°06′N 87°12′W / 20.1°N 87.2°W / 20.1; -87.2Coordinates: 20°06′N 87°12′W / 20.1°N 87.2°W / 20.1; -87.2
Diameter 392 km [1]
Eponym Menrva

Menrva is the largest crater on Titan, with a diameter of 392 kilometers.[1] The crater is a heavily eroded double ringed impact basin, similar to the impact related features of Mars and Mercury.[2] This is evident by Menrva's distinct lack of a central peak, indicating modification of the crater's surface since formation.[3] It has been estimated that Menrva is approximately 2.8 kilometers deep.

A network of channels known as Elivagar Flumina flow away from the crest of the crater into a catchment basin.[4]

The feature is named after the goddess of wisdom in Etruscan mythology, Menrva.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Menrva". Gazetter of Planetary Nomenclature. USGS, NASA, IAU. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  2. Wood, Charles A. (August 28, 2009). "Impact craters on Titan" (PDF). Icarus. 206. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  3. Bond, Peter (March 12, 2012). Exploring the Solar System. John Wiley and Sons. ISBN 978-1-4051-3499-6. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
  4. Gilliam, A.E.; Jurdy, D.M. "TITAN'S IMPACT CRATERS AND ASSOCIATED FLUVIAL FEATURES: EVIDENCE FOR A SUBSURFACE OCEAN?" (PDF). Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Northwestern University. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
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