Impact crater

Langrenus

A conspicuous crater along the eastern edge of Mare Fecunditatis. The dark mare forms a helpful background for locating the brighter crater.

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Langrenus and surrounding lunar terrain in the LROC Wide Angle Camera mosaic
Langrenus · North up, east right. Open image ↗
NASA / GSFC / Arizona State University · LROC WAC mosaic via USGS. Regional map crop; lighting is fixed and does not follow the selected date.
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How to observe Langrenus

Search along the mare boundary for the rim and central peaks. Near the limb, expect an oval rather than a circular outline.

Finding the region

Look at 8.86° S, 61.04° E on the lunar disc. The chart marker identifies the catalogue centre. Start with a wide field and use the nearby formations below as landmarks.

Equipment & conditions

Start at low magnification to identify the rim. Move to a moderate power when the air is steady; low sunlight usually makes walls and floor relief easier to distinguish. A bright ray system can be more conspicuous near full Moon.

Lighting

For surface relief, try a time when the Sun is low over this region. To compare surface brightness and any bright rays, return under higher illumination. The atlas calculates the solar elevation at the formation’s centre for any selected date.

View Langrenus in the atlas

IAU / USGS Gazetteer

Official feature record

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Approved name
Langrenus
Feature classification
Crater, craters
Catalogue diameter
131.98 km
Centre latitude
8.86° S
Centre longitude
61.04° E
Name origin (Gazetteer)
Langren, Michel Florent van; Belgian selenographer, engineer (c. 1600-1675).

Coordinates are selenographic, with east-positive longitude. Dimensions are the Gazetteer’s catalogue values; for extended formations they do not represent a circular crater diameter. Data snapshot: 2026-09-16. Observing guidance above is separate from the official record.

Nearby formations

The four closest catalogue entries, measured from their centres.

LROC photograph of Mare FecunditatisSea / bay

Mare Fecunditatis

The Sea of Fertility occupies part of the southeastern near side. Its dark surface helps outline craters along the edge.

LROC photograph of PetaviusImpact crater

Petavius

A large crater near the southeastern limb with a prominent central mountain complex. Its position makes its appearance sensitive to viewing geometry.

LROC photograph of Mare CrisiumSea / bay

Mare Crisium

The Sea of Crises is a distinct dark plain near the eastern limb, separated from the main network of maria.

LROC photograph of Mare NectarisSea / bay

Mare Nectaris

The Sea of Nectar is a compact dark plain southeast of the main central maria. The adjoining highlands contain a striking chain of large craters.