Are lunar craters only formed by impact?

[Raktajino]

Is it possible that there are at least some moon craters that are not formed by high velocity impact but rather by say volcanic activity? Yes, I know the moon is inactive NOW, and has been for yonks, but what about before then?:confused:

Rod

[Radar]

G'day Rod,

There are many craters on the moon formed by volcanic lava flows that are long since dead.

http://www.pimlicosoftware.com/sinus-iridium.jpg

It is beleived that the core of the moon is now dormant and cool. Most of the smooth planes you see on the moon, and the remnants of lava lakes. Those lakes probably formed when something smashed into the moon, cracked the surface, and then the lava came flowing out.

http://www.lpod.org/?p=1351

The shot below is good because it shows what people beleive to be a crack in the moons crust.

http://zebu.uoregon.edu/~soper/ImMoon/hadley.gif

There are lava domes (dormant volcanoes) that are easily visible on the moon, all you'll need is a moon map.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Ray

[Raktajino]

"There are many craters on the moon formed by volcanic lava flows that are long since dead."
Thanks Ray, I knew that. BUT are there any CRATERS actually formed by once active volcanoes - not just lava flows?

Rod

[Radar]

Sorry for the late reply Rod. Hmm, actual volcano craters? I've never heard of one to be honest. It would make a great photo target if there were.

Ray

[Tenacious Del]

judging by those lava plains, you would think there is one or two volcanic craters up there somewhere.

[stevec]

Is it possible that there are at least some moon craters that are not formed by high velocity impact but rather by say volcanic activity? Yes, I know the moon is inactive NOW, and has been for yonks, but what about before then?:confused:

Rod

The dark haloed craters on the floor of Alphonsus are volcanic in origin I believe but I'm not an expert in the field.

Cheers

Steve

[Tenacious Del]

so is the core of the moon cold?

[Raktajino]

It looks like there are a small number of volcanic craters on the moon. Check this out:
http://www.mikeoates.org/mas/members/domes/

Rod

[Raktajino]

I've since done a little research on this. Australian Sky and Space published my letter to them in the latest edition, Oct 2008, page 12. It is about this very topic.

Rod

[Radar]

I've since done a little research on this. Australian Sky and Space published my letter to them in the latest edition, Oct 2008, page 12. It is about this very topic.

Rod

I haven't seen the mag this month Rod. Did they do an article on this topic?

Ray

[Raktajino]

Radar, no article, just my letter - but it would make an interesting article.

Rod