Reiner Gamma (γ) is a geographical feature of the Moon known as a lunar swirl. It is one of the most visible lunar swirls from Earth, visible from most telescopes. It was originally thought to be a lunar highland, but scientists eventually realized that it cast no shadow on the moon.
Origin
The origin of Reiner Gammalike other lunar swirlsis not completely understood. It is associated with a localized magnetic field, but not with any particular irregularities in the surface. Similar features have been discovered in Mare Ingenii and Mare Marginis by orbiting spacecraft.
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Other references
- Ewen A. Whitaker, Mapping and Naming the Moon: A History of Lunar Cartography and Nomenclature, Cambridge University Press, 1999, .
External links
- Overexposed 35mm Nikon camera image of Reiner Gamma from Apollo 17: AS17-158-23895
- Lunar Orbiter 4 image showing Reiner Gamma in upper left: IV-157-H1