Kirch is a small lunar impact crater in the eastern part of the Mare Imbrium, a large lunar mare in the northwest quadrant of the Moon. It was named after German astronomer Gottfried Kirch.[1] This is a relatively solitary formation with the nearest comparable crater being Piazzi Smyth to the northeast. Notable features in the vicinity are the Montes Spitzbergen mountains to the south and the solitary peak Mons Piton to the east-northeast. Kirch is circular and bowl-shaped, with a dark interior having the same albedo as the surrounding terrain.

Kirch
Coordinates39°12′N 5°36′W / 39.2°N 5.6°W / 39.2; -5.6
Diameter11 km
Depth1.8 km
Colongitude6° at sunrise
EponymGottfried Kirch
Oblique view from Apollo 15

Satellite craters

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By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater midpoint that is closest to Kirch.

Kirch Latitude Longitude Diameter
E 36.5° N 6.9° W 3 km
F 38.0° N 6.0° W 4 km
G 37.4° N 8.1° W 3 km
H 39.0° N 7.0° W 3 km
K 39.2° N 4.0° W 3 km
M 39.5° N 9.9° W 3 km

References

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  1. ^ "Kirch (crater)". Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. USGS Astrogeology Research Program.