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Dawes (Martian crater)

Coordinates: 9°12′S 38°00′E / 9.2°S 38°E / -9.2; 38[1]
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Dawes Crater
Location of Dawes Crater.
PlanetMars
RegionSinus Sabaeus quadrangle
Coordinates9°12′S 38°00′E / 9.2°S 38°E / -9.2; 38[1]
QuadrangleSinus Sabaeus
Diameter191 km
EponymWilliam Rutter Dawes

Dawes Crater is located in the Sinus Sabaeus quadrangle of Mars, at 9.2 S and 38 E.[1] It is about 191 km (119 mi) in diameter, and was named after William R. Dawes, a British astronomer (1799–1868)[1] who was ahead of his time in believing that Mars only had a thin atmosphere. Dawes presumed that the atmosphere of Mars was thin because surface markings on the planet could easily be seen.[2]

Description

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Impact craters generally have a rim with ejecta around them, in contrast volcanic craters usually do not have a rim or ejecta deposits. As craters get larger (greater than 10 km in diameter) they usually have a central peak.[3] The peak is caused by a rebound of the crater floor following the impact.[4] Sometimes craters expose layers that were buried. Rocks from deep underground are tossed onto the surface. Hence, craters can show us what lies deep under the surface.

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Dawes". Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. USGS Astrogeology Research Program.
  2. ^ Glasstone, S. (1968). The Book of Mars. Washington D.C.: NASA..
  3. ^ "Stones, Wind, and Ice: A Guide to Martian Impact Craters".
  4. ^ Hugh H. Kieffer (1992). Mars. University of Arizona Press. ISBN 978-0-8165-1257-7. Retrieved 7 March 2011.