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.

Menrva
Cassini view of a portion of Menrva, taken on February 15, 2005
Feature typeImpact crater
Coordinates20°06′N 87°12′W / 20.1°N 87.2°W / 20.1; -87.2
Diameter392 km [1]
EponymMenrva

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

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  1. ^ a b c "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 (1): 334–344. Bibcode:2010Icar..206..334W. doi:10.1016/j.icarus.2009.08.021. 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.