[1] In this location the crater is viewed nearly from the side by observers on Earth, and visibility can be significantly affected by libration effects.

The crater lies among the rugged features of the Montes Rook, the inner ring of mountains that surround the Mare Orientale impact basin.

Beyond the rim lies rugged terrain to the north and west, while the ground becomes less jumbled to the southeast beyond the edge of the mountain foothills.

This formation should not be mistaken for the similarly named crater Petit, a small feature on the eastern half of the Moon's near side.

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