Vishniac (crater)
Vishniac is the larger crater of the Martian surface feature called the Giant's Footprint. It was named after Wolf V. Vishniac, a microbiologist who died on an expedition to Antarctica. Fittingly, the crater lies in the Antarctic of Mars.[1] The feature was originally observed by Mariner 7 in 1969. In 1999, the Mars Global Surveyor's Mars Orbiter Camera was able to provide more detailed pictures.[2] The crater measures approximately 80.47 kilometres (50 mi) in diameter. Its name was approved by the International Astronomical Union in 1976.[3]
 Giant's Footprint | |
| Planet | Mars |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 76.7°S 276.1°W |
| Quadrangle | Mare Australe quadrangle |
| Diameter | 80.47 km (50 mi) |
| Discoverer | Mariner 7 |
| Eponym | Wolf V. Vishniac |
References
- Sagan, Carl (1980). Cosmos. New York: Random House, Inc. p. 126. ISBN 0-394-50294-9.
- Malin Space Science Systems (2000). "Return to "Giant's Footprint" 3 Decades After Mariner 7 Flyby". Retrieved November 6, 2005.
- "Vishniac (crater)". Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. USGS Astrogeology Research Program.
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