The
Eratosthenian period in the
lunar geologic timescale runs from 3,200 million years ago to 1,100 million years ago. It is named after the
crater Eratosthenes, whose formation marks the beginning of this period. The formation of the
crater Copernicus marks its end, and the beginning of the subsequent
Copernician Period. The massive basaltic volcanism of the
Imbrian period tapered off and ceased during this long span of lunar time. The youngest lunar lava flows identified from orbital images are tentatively placed near the end of this period.