Messier Craters in Stereo . ... Credit Copyright: Apollo 11 , NASA ; Stereo Image by Patrick Vantuyne Explanation: Many bright nebulae and star clusters in planet Earth's sky are associated with the name of astronomer Charles Messier , from his famous 18th century catalog. His name is also given to these two large and remarkable craters on the Moon. ... The shallow impact also resulted in two bright rays of material extending along the surface to the right, beyond the picture. ...