Craterra

Lunar Rille Structure

Rimae Menelaus

Rimae Menelaus is a structural rille trough extending across 87 kilometers in the Mare Serenitatis quadrangle.

Feature Profile & Selenographic Data

Feature type
rima
Coordinates
17.10° N · 17.77° E
Diameter
87 km
IAU approval
1978/01/01 00:00:00
LAC quadrangle
LAC-42 · Mare Serenitatis

Geological Chronicle

Rimae Menelaus is a lunar graben structure spanning 87 kilometers in length across the lunar basalt crust. Formed by structural faulting and crustal extension, the trench cuts through terrain within the Mare Serenitatis quadrangle (LAC-42).

Officially cataloged by the International Astronomical Union at selenographic coordinates 17.1047° latitude and 17.7724° longitude, the rille designation notes: Named from nearby crater.

Chronology & Exploration

  1. IAU Feature Named

    The International Astronomical Union officially catalogs Rimae Menelaus.

Scientific Sources & References

Name Origin

Named from nearby crater.

Interactive Lunar Surface

Explore Rimae Menelaus in 3D

Inspect lunar elevation data and the official selenographic position.