PDA

View Full Version here: : Why so far south?


bkm2304
04-08-2012, 09:06 PM
Hi All,

This is a collection of southerly craters named after explorers and scientists. Demonax is an interesting name that is the exception in this group, however. He was a Cynic philosopher in Athens about 70-170AD. Only one book about him, by a contemporary,Lucian, is the source of any information on him. He was by Lucian's account, much loved, very good at conciliating between people, and died by starving himself at about 100 years of age! Just why he gets a start near the south pole of the moon requires a little more investigatin' 'n sleuthin'. Demonax was accepted by the IAU as a crater name in 1935, but why put him here?:shrug::confused2:

Help with this little mystery would be greatly appreciated!

22" F4.5 Newtonian, Imaging Source DMK 21AU04 camera at prime focus. Stack of approx. 800ish frames from original AVI of 2,500ish. Seeing = OK.

Richard

silv
05-08-2012, 06:01 AM
Herr Johann F. Julius Schmidt (1825 - 1884), a known smart-ass amongst his neighbors ;) , named the crater.
Why? Just to use an obscure name, I guess.

Sorry, google doesn't know more.

bkm2304
05-08-2012, 10:23 AM
Ah! Thanks, Silv. I had a look at Schmidt's names - he's got a diverse collection there. Thanks for helping!:thumbsup:

richard