Geological Chronicle
Snellius is an impact crater located near the southeast limb of the Moon, spanning 85.98 kilometers in diameter. Its rim is heavily worn and eroded, with overlapping craterlets, while the interior floor is somewhat irregular and uneven.
The western rim of the crater marks the start of Vallis Snellius, extending nearly 500 kilometers to the northwest toward the edge of Mare Nectaris. The origin of the valley is most likely associated with the formation of the lunar mare. To the northeast lies the large crater Petavius, while Stevinus sits to the south and Snellius A displays a notable ray system to the northwest.
The crater is named after Dutch astronomer, mathematician, and physicist Willebrord Snellius.