Firmicus (crater)

Firmicus is a lunar impact crater that lies in the eastern part of the Moon's near side, so that from Earth it appears oval in shape due to foreshortening.

Attached to its northwest rim is the Lacus Perseverantiae, a miniature lunar mare.

The crater is named after 4th century Roman astrologer Julius Firmicus Maternus.

It has a similar albedo to the surface of Mare Crisium to the north, making it stand out somewhat from its surroundings.

By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater midpoint that is closest to Firmicus.

Firmicus crater and its satellite craters taken from Earth in 2012 at the University of Hertfordshire's Bayfordbury Observatory with the telescopes Meade LX200 14" and Lumenera Skynyx 2-1
Oblique view from Apollo 10 , with Firmicus in the background and Mare Undarum in the foreground
Oblique view of Firmicus facing south from Apollo 17