Tests for Randomness in the Distribution of Lunar Craters

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Abstract
Two methods are used to avoid mixing different number-densities of craters in adjacent lunar regions before testing for randomness of the craters, since heterogeneity of number-densities in a given sample can confuse evaluation of the results. One method is to draw data from relatively small regions of a given type of terrain and allow for the obliterating effect of overlapping craters. To this end, analyses have been conducted on new data presented in the Boston University Catalog of Lunar Craters and on data transmitted back by Ranger 9. Another method is to select only the most recent craters for analysis. This has been done in the present paper by assuming that the brightest craters are the youngest. Both analyses show that the craters cluster to a degree that exceeds that expected on the impact hypothesis. It is concluded that a significant proportion of the craters are of internal origin. In the case of the craters within Ptolemaeus, the proportion of endogenic craters is at least 38%.

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