Most large impact craters do not have a central peak, yet have sharp rims bordered by asymmetrical radar bright ejecta blankets, have multiple rims, are surrounded and partially filled by subsequent lava which creates a reduced apparent depth, have dark crater floors, and buries some ejecta. By analyzing Magellan images, Cleopatra patera's was found to be distorted in shape in that its noncircular inner ring is off center, but also that the outflow channel of lava moves from within the crater and reaches the top of the crater rim. The interiors are radar dark and smooth in comparison to the surrounding plains.
Most large impact craters lack a central peak, yet have sharp rims bordered by asymmetrical radar bright ejecta blankets, possess multiple rims, are surrounded and partially filled by subsequent lava flows which create a reduced apparent depth, have dark crater floors, and bury some ejecta. By analyzing Magellan images, Cleopatra patera's was found to be distorted in shape with its noncircular inner ring off-center, but also that the outflow channel of lava moves from within the crater and reaches the top of the crater rim. The interiors are radar dark and smooth compared to the surrounding plains.