Moon Places #2: Lacus Somniorum
Lacus Somniorum
Description:
Lacus Somniorum, or the Lake of Dreams, is a small basaltic plain on the Moon's near side, measuring about 384 kilometers in diameter.
Formed from ancient lava flows that filled low-lying areas between larger maria, it connects to Mare Serenitatis to the south. The surface is irregular with rugged boundaries, dotted with small craters and ridges, reflecting its volcanic origins and subsequent meteorite impacts.
How I Got My Name:
"Lacus Somniorum" translates to "Lake of Dreams" in Latin, named by early astronomers following the tradition of designating dark lunar areas as bodies of water. This poetic nomenclature was part of the system established by Riccioli and Grimaldi in the 17th century.
Interesting Fact:
Connected to Mare Serenitatis, it features irregular boundaries and small craters. It showcases a kipuka, an island of older terrain surrounded by lava, providing evidence of the Imbrium basin's ejecta and the Moon's layered volcanic history, as seen in LRO images.
Location:
Centered at 38.0° N, 29.2° E, 384 km diameter.
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