Similarities Between Lunar and High-Velocity Craters.

Craters formed by firing pellets into targets at velocities of from 1 to 3 km/sec exhibit many of the characteristics observed in lunar craters The mechanism of crater formation is very similar whether the target is (1) a low-strength wax, (2) plaster of Paris, or (3) a metallic substance The following similarities between lunar and high-velocity craters have been noted: (1) the over-all shape in many cases is very similar; (2) the material in the crater lip and in the raised portions of the surface around the crater is approximately equal to the volume of the crater; (3) systems of rays extending from the center of the crater have been observed under both conditions; (4) a wrinkled appearance has been observed around metallic craters which was caused by slippage of crystal planes and resembles very closely the surface surrounding some lunar craters; (5) it is possible to form impact craters with central peaks very similar to those observed in craters on the moon.