A complex peak rises near the center of Hale

Feature Profile & Selenographic Data

Feature type

crater

Coordinates

74.13° S · 91.71° E

Diameter

84.42 km

IAU approval

1964/01/01 00:00:00

LAC quadrangle

LAC-139 · Helmholtz

Geological Period

Late Imbrian

Geological Chronicle

Hale lies on the Moon’s southern limb, with over half the crater on the far side. From Earth it is viewed from the side, so much detail can be discerned only from orbit. Wexler is to the north, Schrödinger to the east on the far side, and Demonax to the southwest.

The crater dates to the Late Imbrian period. Its rim is well-defined and little worn by later impacts, though its perimeter is somewhat irregular and notched. The inner surface is multiply terraced, with some indications of slumping; the floor is flat and marked by only a few tiny craterlets.

Near the interior midpoint, a complex central peak formation stands beside an additional low rise to the north. Hale is named for American astronomer George E. Hale (1868–1938) and British inventor William Hale (1797–1870).

Chronology & Exploration

1. Late Imbrian Formation period

   Hale’s formation is dated to the Late Imbrian period of the lunar geologic timescale.

2. Undated Detailed viewing requires orbit

   Because of its position on the southern limb, much detail can be discerned only when the crater is viewed from orbit.

3. Undated Namesakes recorded

   The crater is named after George E. Hale, an American astronomer, and William Hale, a British inventor.

Scientific Sources & References

• IAU Gazetteer — Registry reference for identity, coordinates, diameter and name origins.
• Wikipedia: Hale (lunar crater) — Local source for the crater’s position, geology, morphology and namesakes.

Name Origin

George Ellery; American astronomer (1868-1938); William; British rocket scientist (1797-1870).