&sq=&lang=&file=File:Poisson_crater_4096_h1.jpg) Lunar Orbiter 4 image | |
| Coordinates | 30°24′S 10°36′E / 30.4°S 10.6°E |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 42 km |
| Depth | 2.0 km |
| Colongitude | 350° at sunrise |
| Eponym | Siméon Denis Poisson |
Poisson is a lunar impact crater that is located in the southern highlands of the Moon's near side. It was named after French mathematician Siméon Denis Poisson.[1] It lies to the east of the crater Aliacensis and northwest of Gemma Frisius. To the northwest of Poisson is Apianus.
This heavily eroded crater shares a common floor with the satellite crater Poisson T to the west-southwest, and the two craters have more or less merged into a single formation with a narrower neck in between. The rim of Poisson is heavily eroded, and is overlain by several craters. Poisson U is intruding into the southern rim at the junction of Poisson and Poisson T. A low-walled formation is joined to the northern rim at the opposite side of the neck from Poisson U.
The interior floor of Poisson and Poisson T has been resurfaced by basaltic lava, leaving a level surface within the inner walls. A pair of old, worn craters lies along the inner wall in the southeast part of the crater.
- ^ "Poisson (crater)". Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. USGS Astrogeology Research Program.