Crater (disambiguation) facts for kids
A crater is a bowl-shaped hole or depression found on the surface of a planet, moon, or other celestial body. These holes are often formed by impacts from space rocks like meteoroids. On Earth, craters can also be created by volcanoes. The word "crater" can also refer to a group of stars in the night sky, known as a constellation.
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What is a Crater?
A crater is a round, bowl-shaped depression. It can be small, like a tiny dent, or very large, stretching for many kilometers. Craters are common features across the Solar System. They tell us a lot about the history of planets and moons.
How are Impact Craters Formed?
Most craters you see on the Moon or other planets are impact craters. They are made when a space rock, like an asteroid or comet, crashes into a planet's surface. This collision happens at very high speeds, causing a huge explosion.
The Impact Process
When a space rock hits, it creates a shockwave that blasts away material. This material is thrown outwards, forming a raised rim around the central hole. Sometimes, a central peak can form in the middle of larger craters, like a small mountain. The size of the crater depends on the size and speed of the incoming object.
Where Can We Find Craters?
Craters are everywhere in space!
Craters on the Moon
The Moon is covered in millions of craters. Because the Moon has almost no atmosphere, there's no wind or water to wear them away. This means craters on the Moon can last for billions of years. Looking at the Moon through a telescope shows its heavily cratered surface.
Craters on Earth
Earth also has impact craters, but they are harder to spot. Our planet has weather, plants, and plate tectonics, which slowly erase these features over time. Erosion by wind and water, and geological activity like volcanoes, can fill in or destroy craters. One famous example is the Barringer Crater in Arizona, USA.
Volcanic Craters
Not all craters are from impacts. Volcanic craters are formed when a volcano erupts. The top of the volcano can collapse inwards after an eruption, creating a bowl-shaped depression called a caldera. These are often found at the summit of volcanoes.
Crater (Constellation)
Besides holes in the ground, "Crater" is also the name of a constellation. A constellation is a group of stars that form a recognizable pattern in the night sky. People have imagined shapes and stories in these star patterns for thousands of years.
The Cup in the Sky
The constellation Crater represents a cup or goblet. It is a small and faint constellation, so it can be a bit tricky to find. It is located in the southern sky. The brightest star in Crater is called Delta Crateris.
Finding Crater
Crater is often seen near other constellations like Hydra (the sea serpent) and Corvus (the crow). It is best viewed in the spring months in the Northern Hemisphere. Imagine a small, simple cup shape made of stars.
See also
In Spanish: Cráter para niños
