What caused this

[supernova1965 (Warren)]

I have seen this feature in some of my pictures of the moon. I found this closeup online and was wondering what caused this was it a like a Meteorite just Grazing along the ground?

[Robh (Rob)]

I don't think the trail would have been caused by an incoming body that struck the Moon almost tangentially. Any object approaching the moon would be drawn inwards by its gravitational field resulting in a more angled impact. I think it is more likely the tangential dispersal of material from the direct impact of an asteroid. Similar to an explosion where materials are dispersed in random directions.

Regards, Rob

[Coen]

Starting Resource for Moon:
http://the-moon.wikispaces.com/Introduction

Goto:
http://the-moon.wikispaces.com/Rukl+Index+Map
Find the map that corresponds to where your image is and see if there is some information available for that feature.

[SkyViking (Rolf)]

It's Vallis Alpes, sort of the Moon's Grand Canyon: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?...ldid=261812646

[ngcles]

Hi Warren & Rolf & All,

Without wanting to admit that I actually observe the moon ...

Yep, Rolf hit the nail on the head. It is the lunar Valles Apennines (Alpine Valley) that bisects the Montes Apennines surrounding the northeastern region of Mare Ibrium, not far from the craters Plato and Archimedes.

The valley is quite narrow and connects Mare Ibrium to Mare Frigoris. It is pretty easy to see in small/medium sized 'scopes best viewed around first and last quarter. Flowing along the centre of the valley is a thin, meandering lunar rille (in this case a graben rille). Depending on the angle of illumination (easier to see when the Sun is shining across it at an oblique angle creating stronger shadows) it is quite visible in 6-8" 'scopes (from memory).


Best,

Les D

[supernova1965 (Warren)]

Thanks everyone for the info. Is it caused by lava or is it from moon quakes. Its just that it looks a little like water features and I am pretty sure that there has never been that much water on the moon. I wont tell anyone that you have even seen the moon Les your secret is safe with us.