Xiao Zhao (crater)

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Xiao Zhao
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MESSENGER image
Feature typeImpact crater
LocationEminescu quadrangle, Mercury
Coordinates10°35′N 236°10′W / 10.58°N 236.16°W / 10.58; -236.16
Diameter24 km (15 mi)
EponymXiao Zhao

Xiao Zhao crater is small in comparison with many other craters on Mercury. However, Xiao Zhao's long bright rays make it a readily visible feature. The fresh, bright rays, which were created by material ejected outward during the impact event that formed the crater, indicate that Xiao Zhao is a relatively young crater on Mercury's surface.[1]

Hollows are present within Xiao Zhao and on the ejecta blanket near the rim. A confirmed dark spot is present in Xiao Zhao.[2] This dark spot is associated with the hollows.

Xiao Zhao was named by the IAU in 2008 after the 12th-century Chinese painter Xiao Zhao.[3]

Xiao Zhao is located near Eastman crater.

Views

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  • High-resolution image from MESSENGER at a low sun angle
    High-resolution image from MESSENGER at a low sun angle
  • Oblique view at a high sun angle. The dark spot is clear below and to the right of the central peak.
    Oblique view at a high sun angle. The dark spot is clear below and to the right of the central peak.

References

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  1. ^ "Xiao Zhao's Rays Paint Mercury's Surface". Messenger.jhuapl.edu. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved 2013-02-22.
  2. ^ Zhiyong Xiao, Robert G. Strom, David T. Blewett, Paul K. Byrne, Sean C. Solomon, Scott L. Murchie, Ann L. Sprague, Deborah L. Domingue, Jörn Helbert, 2013. Dark spots on Mercury: A distinctive low-reflectance material and its relation to hollows. Journal of Geophysical Research Planets. doi.org/10.1002/jgre.20115
  3. ^ "Xiao Zhao". Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. NASA. Retrieved 18 January 2020.


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