Who Has a NASA Name on the Moon? Verified Facts and Naming Traditions

When people ask who has a NASA name on the Moon, they are usually asking about which astronauts, scientists, and missions are memorialized on the lunar surface and how those names are chosen. This explainer outlines the real naming practices for lunar features, the role of NASA and the International Astronomical Union, and which historical missions and individuals are formally recognized on Earth’s nearest neighbor. You will find only verified practices and examples rather than speculation.

How Lunar Features Are Officially Named

The process for naming features on the Moon is coordinated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the recognized global authority for planetary nomenclature. NASA and other space agencies propose names for craters, basins, mountains, and rilles based on historical figures in science, exploration, and culture. Names must be reviewed for clarity, size constraints, and heritage significance before formal adoption. This system prioritizes stability and universal reference, meaning once a name is approved it remains unchanged in official maps and datasets.

The IAU Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature

Within the IAU, the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature maintains the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, a public catalog that records every named feature on the Moon and other bodies. Each entry includes coordinates, diameter, naming rationale, and date of adoption. The group ensures that names reflect scientific, cultural, or exploration themes while avoiding duplication. Researchers can directly reference these IDs in studies and mission documentation, supporting consistent communication worldwide.

NASA’s Role in Lunar Naming

NASA contributes proposed names for features discovered by its missions and supports the IAU’s review process. The agency does not unilaterally assign names; instead, it follows the same guidelines used for Mars, asteroids, and other worlds. NASA’s Artemis program and earlier Apollo mapping have introduced new names for previously informal features, always aligning with IAU standards. Public outreach materials may highlight thematic groups such as astronauts, but final approval rests with the IAU.

Notable Examples of a NASA Name on the Moon

Several astronauts, scientists, and mission-support figures have a NASA name on the Moon in the form of officially recognized craters and other landmarks. These names honor individuals connected to lunar science, human spaceflight, and exploration heritage. The list below focuses on verified entries from the planetary nomenclature gazetteer and mission documentation.

Apollo Mission Landing Sites and Commemorative Names

Each Apollo mission that landed on the Moon was assigned a unique landing-site name used in mission planning and mapping. These names appear in official NASA archives, science literature, and mission timelines. While some informal nicknames exist in media, the only names formally recorded by NASA and the IAU are the mission-designated site names. Below are verified landing-site codes and associated commemorative crater names where applicable.

Types of Names You Will See on Lunar Maps

Understanding the categories of names on the Moon helps clarify what qualifies as a NASA name and how it is used in science. Features are labeled according to type and often reference scientists, missions, or cultural themes. This structured approach supports global research and future exploration efforts.

• Craters: Often named after deceased scientists, explorers, and artists; both modern and historical figures are represented.
• Maria: Large dark plains with mythological or poetic names, largely assigned before modern IAU conventions.
• Rilles and Domes: Named for nearby craters, nearby regions, or occasionally individuals, depending on size and context.
• Spacecraft and Equipment: Informal names like Eagle (Apollo 11 LM) are used in mission documentation but may not appear as formal IAU entries.

Common Misconceptions and Rumor Risk

Because the Moon is culturally prominent, claims frequently arise that celebrities, companies, or political figures have a NASA name on the Moon without verification. In practice, naming is tightly regulated. The IAU rejects names that are too commercial, transient, or lacking historical significance. While some companies have purchased symbolic ‘lunar acres,’ those do not constitute official nomenclature. Verified entries in the Gazetteer reflect only formally recognized features.

Status and Updates: Current Naming Practices

As of the latest IAU catalogs, dozens of craters and dozens more unnamed features await formal review. NASA missions proposing new names submit detailed justifications and coordinate with international partners. Artemis landing sites will add new commemorative names, likely honoring astronauts and modern contributors to lunar science. The IAU continues to update its database, ensuring that any NASA name on the Moon remains accurate, stable, and traceable in official records.

Reference and Next Steps

For researchers and enthusiasts, the primary reference is the IAU Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, which offers search tools and downloadable datasets. NASA mission pages and planetary science publications provide additional context for mission-specific names. When evaluating claims about who has a NASA name on the Moon, cross-check against these vetted sources to confirm authenticity and avoid outdated or unofficial lists.

Tags

NASA, Moon Naming, Lunar Features, Planetary Nomenclature, Apollo Missions