An Irregular Basin Marked by Spacecraft Impact

Feature Profile & Selenographic Data

Feature type

lacus

Coordinates

35.65° S · 43.58° W

Diameter

197.74 km

IAU approval

1976/01/01 00:00:00

LAC quadrangle

LAC-110 · Schickard

Geological Chronicle

Lacus Excellentiae, translated as the "Lake of Excellence," is an irregular lunar mare in the southern latitudes of the Moon, amidst rugged terrain to the south of the larger Mare Humorum. Extending across a diameter of 197.74 kilometers, the basin contains the small crater Clausius as its most prominent interior feature.

The name of this lunar lake is a relatively recent addition to lunar nomenclature, being officially approved in 1976 by the International Astronomical Union General Assembly. The feature lies within the Schickard quadrangle, designated as chart LAC-110.

On September 3, 2006, Lacus Excellentiae served as the impact site of the SMART-1 lunar orbiter. Astronomers observed the spacecraft's impact on the lunar surface to determine the properties of the ejected materials.

Chronology & Exploration

1. 1976 IAU Name Adoption

   The International Astronomical Union officially approves the name Lacus Excellentiae during its General Assembly.

2. 2006 SMART-1 Spacecraft Impact

   The SMART-1 lunar orbiter impacts the feature on September 3, 2006, allowing astronomers to determine the properties of ejected materials.

Scientific Sources & References

• IAU Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature — Official name, feature type, coordinates, dimensions, approval and name origin.
• Lacus Excellentiae — Wikipedia article on Lacus Excellentiae

Name Origin

"Lake of Excellence."