The LUNAR COMPLEX DOME MONS Rümker

The lunar volcanic complex Mons Rümker (sometimes spelled "Rümker") is located in

northwestern part of Oceanus Procellarum, has a diameter of about 65 km and maximum altitude around 1.1 km above the surrounding surface, is the largest volcanic edifice known on the moon, a huge dome of volcanic origin, composed of a cohesive group domes, or a complex overlapping of smaller domes, most with a few low hills and steeper and therefore is presented as a discrete formation.

It is estimated that the estimated volume of lava to create Mons Rümker was about 1,800 cubic kilometers.

According to recent studies consists of a series of overlapping lava flows. Bishop Rümker is aligned with the plateau and Aristarch Marius Hills along the axis of Oceanus Procellarum. Several individual domes can be distinguished on the plateau.

Rümker dome is the one with the name of a crater. Rümker deceived selenógrafos, which in the 19th century thought it was a crater in ruins.

Lunar domes are gentle undulations between 3 and 20 km wide, and no more than 1 km height. They may be of various shapes and sizes, but the most common are of hemispherical shape with a low profile. Most have very low angle of inclination, and are the best evidence of volcanic activity on the moon. Many have a small central crater at the peak, which occurs after the magma flow with consequent collapse falling inside. Domes without a crater peak still are of volcanic origin, but seem to have had a central opening covered with lava.

The observation of lunar domes is a challenging activity that requires dedication and time coupled with good observing conditions. Most of the domes can not be observed when away from the terminator. As its distance from the terminator loses contrast and begins to mix with the local terrain and for all practical purposes the dome disappears from view. For the above reasons, most authors recommend that the observations of the summits should be held near the lunar terminator, where the solar altitude does not exceed 4-5 degrees. Other observers suggest 8 degrees of solar altitude as the minimum, but especially between 4-5 degrees of solar altitude, the smaller domes, low profile domes and cupolas larger surface details become clearly visible. Just a few domes that can withstand high solar altitudes without disappearing in their local areas.

Equipment and observation techniques.

Even a Petite refractor telescope of 3 "will show the largest domes on the moon, but for more serious work one refractor no less than 4" or reflector not less than 6 "is required. Another item that is almost indispensable is a good equatorial mount that can provide constant monitoring. Due to the fact that domes are difficult to observe objects, usually requiring the use of high power the telescope. This prevents the use of a driven telescope on hand for prolonged observations. With a good 8 and well-collimated "equatorial mounted on a sturdy can make observations and excellent records. Optical collimation should be emphasized to have a clear and good image it is essential to provide the viewer the ability to capture those elusive summit, especially when weather conditions are not perfect, what will happen most of the time. It is recommended whenever possible the use of high power. In good viewing conditions there is no reason why good optics can not be pushed to make its maximum. Increases in the range of 200 to 300X are desired, filters may also be used, but not a fundamental requirement .. It is also important to note that the effective observation of the dome can not be accomplished with too low moon near the horizon. A minimum altitude of 45 degrees from the horizon is usually necessary to reduce the atmospheric effects. A good seeing is tambémimportante although some of the largest domes can be observed with some turbulence.

Source: LPOD - Charles Wood

VTOL - Vaz Tolentino Lunar Observatory

THE LUNAR ALS DOME SECTION - Guido Santacana and Eric Douglass

American Lunar Society

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH, VOL. 11 - Bruce A. Campbell,

B. R. Hawke, and Donald B. Campbell

Research and adaptation: Avani Soares