Proctor is a large crater in the Noachis quadrangle of Mars. It was named in 1973 after Richard A. Proctor, a British astronomer (1837–1888).[1]
 Viking Orbiter 1 mosaic | |
| Planet | Mars |
|---|---|
| Region | Noachis Terra |
| Coordinates | 48°00′S 330°30′W / 48°S 330.5°W |
| Quadrangle | Noachis |
| Diameter | 172.56 km (107.22 mi) |
| Eponym | Richard A. Proctor |
Dune fields
editThe crater contains a 35 x 65 km dark dune field.[2][3] It was one of the first sand dune fields ever recognized on Mars based on Mariner 9 images.[4] The crater's dunes are being monitored by HiRISE to identify changes over time.[5]
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Topographical map showing location of Proctor crater and other nearby craters -
Another Viking image of the dunes in Proctor and in nearby craters -
Proctor crater transverse aeolian ridges and Dunes, as seen by HiRISE -
HiRISE image of the crater with transverse aeolian ridges surrounding a large dune -
The edge of a dark dune field on the floor of Proctor crater -
Dune field on floor of Proctor crater, as seen by CTX camera on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. -
Close-up of dunes on floor of Proctor crater, as seen by CTX camera on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. This is an enlargement of part of previous image.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature | Proctor". usgs.gov. International Astronomical Union. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ Fenton, L. K. (2005). "Seasonal Movement of Material on Dunes in Proctor Crater, Mars: Possible Present-Day Sand Saltation" (PDF). Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVI (2005).
- ^ Mary Chapman, ed. (2007). The Geology of Mars: Evidence from Earth-Based Analogs. Cambridge University Press. p. 250. ISBN 978-0-521-83292-2.
- ^ "Dune Activity in Proctor Crater". Mars Global Surveyor - Mars Orbiter Camera - MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-170. Malin Space Science Systems. 10 August 1999.
- ^ Bridges, Nathan (9 March 2009). "Sand Dunes and Ripples in Proctor Crater". HiRISE Operations Center.
External links
edit
Media related to Proctor (Martian crater) at Wikimedia Commons- Nemiroff, Robert; Bonnell, Jerry (February 26, 2002). "Sand Dunes on Mars". Astronomy Photo of the Day (APOD).
