Racah is a
lunar impact crater
An impact crater is a circular depression in the surface of a solid astronomical object formed by the hypervelocity impact of a smaller object. In contrast to volcanic craters, which result from explosion or internal collapse, impact crater ...
on the
far side of the moon. It lies almost due south of the larger crater
Daedalus
In Greek mythology, Daedalus (, ; Greek: Δαίδαλος; Latin: ''Daedalus''; Etruscan: ''Taitale'') was a skillful architect and craftsman, seen as a symbol of wisdom, knowledge and power. He is the father of Icarus, the uncle of Perdix, ...
, and lies across lunar longitude 180°W, i.e. the longitude that is diametrically opposite to the Earth. To the west-southwest of Racah is the crater
Aitken, and to the southeast lies
De Vries
De Vries is one of the most common Dutch surnames. It indicates a geographical origin: "Vriesland" is an old spelling of the Dutch province of Friesland ( Frisia). Hence, "de Vries" means "the Frisian". The name has been modified to "DeVries", ...
.
The rim of this crater is eroded and is not quite circular, having a prominent outward bulge along the west-northwest side. The edge is somewhat damaged along the southern rim, but no significant craters lie along the side. The interior floor is uneven in places with some small impacts.
This feature is named after the Israeli physicist
Giulio Racah
Giulio (Yoel) Racah ( he, ג'וליו (יואל) רקח; February 9, 1909 – August 28, 1965) was an Italian–Israeli physicist and mathematician. He was Acting President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem from 1961 to 1962.
The crater ...
.
Satellite craters
By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater midpoint that is closest to Racah.
References
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
{{refend
External links
Link to Racah Crater on Google Moon
Impact craters on the Moon