English: This photo was used in Figure 28-27 of the Apollo 17 Preliminary Science Report (SP-330, 1973), which has the following caption:

Part of Apollo 15 panoramic camera frame AS15-127 showing the elongate Messier Crater in Mare Fecunditatis.

The text of the report referring to this figure is a statement by the Apollo 17 commander (CDR) Gene Cernan while in orbit:

It has got a very sharply raised lip, and it has got some very dark and rough rim deposits. It has also a very obvious furrow, looks like it is elongated, generally to the east and west. I cannot tell, but because of the shape of it and because of those dark rim deposits, I am sure there must be a vent there somewhere, but it is too dark down in there. I cannot really see for sure whether there is one or not. But, if there is, I imagine it is pretty big. And I imagine the elongation was produced during the thrust of the initial dynamics, the formation by the impact. (CDR, rev 73)

Image data:

Revolution (Orbit): 63

Date: 1971-08-03

Spacecraft Altitude: 120.68 km

Sun Elevation: 71.0°