Nathair Facula

Nathair Facula is a bright region on the surface of Mercury, located at 36° N, 295.5° W. It was named by the IAU in 2018.[1] Nathair is the Irish word for snake.

Oblique MESSENGER image of Nathair Facula

In the center of the region is an irregular depression with crisp topography, surrounded by a region of subdued features. It is interpreted to be the site of explosive volcanic eruptions.[2] Hollows have formed within the depression.[3] The facula is approximately 270 km wide, although the edges are diffuse.

Nathair Facula is located northeast of the prominent Rachmaninoff crater, west of Copland crater, and east of the smaller Neidr Facula.

Views
  • Approximate color image
    Approximate color image
  • Oblique view
    Oblique view
  • Closeup of center of Nathair Facula
    Closeup of center of Nathair Facula
  • Very high-resolution image of the northern rim, showing gullies and evidence of the formation of hollows
    Very high-resolution image of the northern rim, showing gullies and evidence of the formation of hollows

References
  1. "Nathair". Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. NASA. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  2. New Findings from MESSENGERS’s Low-Altitude Campaign, press conference, 16 March, 2015. Sean C. Solomon, David T. Blewett, Larry R. Nittler, Thomas R. Watters, and Nancy L. Chabot.
  3. Flute Music, published 16 March 2015. NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington
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