Al-Akhtal (crater)

Al-Akhtal
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MESSENGER WAC image of Al-Akhtal
Feature typeImpact crater
LocationShakespeare quadrangle, Mercury
Coordinates59°23′N 99°43′W / 59.38°N 99.71°W / 59.38; -99.71
Diameter94.3 km (58.6 mi)
EponymAkhtal

Al-Akhtal is a crater on Mercury. Its name was adopted by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1985. Al-Akhtal is named for the Arab poet Akhtal, who lived from 640 to 710 C.E.[1] The crater was first imaged by Mariner 10 in 1974.[2]

To the southeast of Al-Akhtal is Sholem Aleichem crater. To the northwest is Botticelli.

Mariner 10 image 149, from the first flyby on 25 March 1974, showing Botticelli in upper left and Al-Akhtal in upper right

References

  1. ^ "Al-Akhtal". Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. NASA. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  2. ^ Davies, M. E.; Dwornik, S. E.; Gault, D. E.; Strom, R. G. (1978). Atlas of Mercury. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. pp. 1–128. ISBN 978-1-114-27448-8. Special Publication SP-423.


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