Parenago (crater)

Parenago is a super old crater on the Moon, way over on the side we can't see from Earth! It's like a giant, worn-out bowl that a huge rock from space smashed into a long, long time ago. This crater is so big, it's hard to imagine! It's not alone either, there are other smaller craters hanging out nearby, like little friends attached to its edges.

Even though Parenago is old and a bit bumpy, its floor is mostly flat and smooth, like a big, dusty playground. There are a few tiny little craters inside, like little puddles on the floor. Sometimes, other smaller craters bump right up against its sides, like they're trying to join the party! It's a very quiet place because there's no air on the Moon.

Parenago was made when a giant space rock, like a super-fast asteroid, zoomed through space and WHAM! it hit the Moon. This crash was so powerful it blasted out a huge amount of moon dust and rock, creating this big, round hole. It's like when you drop a big ball in sand and it makes a dent. This happened millions and millions of years ago!

Before scientists gave it the name Parenago, this crater had a secret number for a name: Crater 173! Imagine having a number instead of a name! It wasn't until 1970 that it got its official name. This helps scientists all over the world talk about the same spot on the Moon without getting confused.