A Worn Far-Side Crater with an Anorthositic Norite Central Peak

Feature Profile & Selenographic Data

Feature type

crater

Coordinates

25.13° N, 105.24° W

Diameter

87.62 km

IAU approval

1970/01/01 00:00:00

LAC quadrangle

LAC-54 · Robertson

Geological Chronicle

Berkner is a lunar impact crater on the far side of the Moon, just past the western limb, with a diameter of 87.62 km. It is attached to the east-southeast rim of the crater Parenago. The crater Robertson lies to the south, and Helberg is situated to the southeast.

The outer rim of Berkner has been worn and eroded, particularly along the northwest half where a small crater overlays the outer rim. Its most intact section sits to the southeast, while smaller impacts have notched the remainder and material overlays the southwest rim.

Spectra of the central peak fit an anorthositic norite mineralogy that originated from an estimated depth of 8.6 to 13.6 km. Before the International Astronomical Union formally named the crater in 1970 for American geophysicist Lloyd Viel Berkner, it was called Crater 176.

Chronology & Exploration

1. Before 1970 Designated Crater 176

   Prior to formal nomenclature, the lunar feature was designated Crater 176.

2. 1970 Named by the IAU

   The International Astronomical Union officially names the crater after American geophysicist Lloyd Viel Berkner.

3. Modern Era Central Peak Spectra Analyzed

   Spectra of the central peak fit an anorthositic norite mineralogy originating from a depth of 8.6 to 13.6 km.

Scientific Sources & References

• IAU Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature — Official coordinates, 87.62 km diameter, and namesake attribution.
• Wikipedia (en) — Location, rim erosion, central peak mineralogy and depth, and Crater 176 designation.

Name Origin

Lloyd Viel; American geophysicist (1905-1967).