A Close of Vallis Alpes (Lunar 19)

[astroavani]

Vallis Alpes (latin for"Alpine Valley") is a lunar valley feature that bisects the Montes Alpes range. It extends 166 km from the Mare Imbrium basin, trending east-northeast to the edge of the Mare Frigoris. The valley is narrow at both ends and widens to a maximum width of about 10 km along the middle stretch. The selenographic coordinates of this feature are 48.5°N 3.2°E.

The valley floor is a flat, lava-flooded surface that is bisected by a slender, cleft-like rille. (This cleft is a challenging target for telescope observation from the Earth.) The sides of the valley rise from the floor to the surrounding highland terrain, a blocky, irregular surface. The southern face of the valley is straighter than the northern side, which is slightly bowed and uneven. The more rugged edges of the valley lie at the narrow west-southwest end that cuts through the mountain range. Most likely this valley is a graben that was subsequently flooded with magma from Mare Imbrium and Mare Frigoris.[1]

This valley was discovered in 1727 by Francesco Bianchini.

[baggywrinkle]

It is a lovely subject to image, the play of light throughout the Lunar cycle just reveals so many details.

[laudropb]

Very nice image of a favourite of mine.

[The Admiral]

Cracking shot Astroavani, as ever. The rille is nicely delineated.

Ian

[Ruud]

Awesome!

[Pig]

Mind blowing detail

[johnfosteruk]

very nice, I love that you've captured the rille, despite pointing out that it's difficult to capture

[John]

Superb image

On nights of good seeing, I can just make out sections of the rille visually with my 12" dobsonian. I need to use around 300x magnification to see this though.

 

[astroavani]

I thank all those who commented and enjoyed my work, this is a great incentive to always give the best of me.

[mikeskor]

Really super images.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Great image of a lovely object

[Tyson M]

Incredible details. Looks like I'm in orbit. 

[LukeSkywatcher]

Excellent stuff, as always. One quick question:

At the top right corner just below your name, there are 2 straight lines meeting at 90 degree angle. Any idea what this is?. Nature doesnt make a habit of creating straight lines or even fewer straight lines that meet at 90 degree angle.

[barkis]

Terrific close up of a fantastic lunar area Avani.
Not only the splendid detailed Image itself, but the supplied Information is of educational value too.
Congratulations on delivering a great piece of work.
Long may the Moon be the great target it is for the Astrophotographer.

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