The boulders in the Featured Image all curve to the northeast, carving dark paths across the fresh rays from a small 525-m diameter crater (located on the lunar farside, northeast of Van Gent U, 17.233°N, 157.367°E). The boulders originated from the impact crater itself, being ejected during the impact event with a velocity radial to the crater rim. As the boulders bounced and rolled along the surface they lost speed (kinetic energy) and slowed, creating gently curving paths until they came to a stop. The curved paths are likely caused by the preexisting slope of the topography, which is slightly downward sloping to the northeast (~10°). The linear striations of the fresh ejecta define the radial direction away from the crater and provide a beautiful contrast for the curved boulder paths. Overall, the fresh material was ejected at higher velocities than the boulders so it is not influenced by the topography and remains on a trajectory radial to the crater.
Explore the entire fresh crater with the LROC NAC!
Related Images:
Weaving Boulder Trails on the Moon
Published by Sarah Braden on 25 June 2013