Description:
Copernicus Crater on Mars is a 300 km diameter impact structure in the southern highlands, with a central peak ring and terraced walls. Dating to the Amazonian period, it's relatively young, with bright rays of ejecta extending far, overlying older terrain. The floor has dark dunes and possible ice deposits, studied for recent geological activity.
How I Got My Name:
Named after Nicolaus Copernicus, the Polish astronomer who proposed the heliocentric model.
Interesting Fact:
One of Mars' youngest large craters at about 800 million years; its ray system is similar to lunar Copernicus, and THEMIS images show thermal anomalies suggesting subsurface heat or ice.
Location:
Centered at 48.8° S, 168.8° W, 300 km diameter.
