The Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature provides detailed information about planetary names approved by the International Astronomical Union. Find out more about the history of planetary nomenclature, how names are approved, how to propose a name, and more by exploring the pages from the navigation menu. Explore approved planetary names on each planet by clicking on the icons above.

Nomenclature News

  • Names Approved for Pluto: Gibson and Giclas

    The IAU Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature has approved the names Gibson and Giclas for two craters on Pluto.

    • New
    • Pluto

  • Names Approved for Selam

    The IAU Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature has approved the names Piękna Lobus and Lẹwa Lobus for the two lobes of Selam, and the surface feature name Uwoduhi Dorsum for a dorsum.

    • Selam

  • Names Approved for Dinkinesh

    The IAU Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature has approved the names Totoka Saxum, Fab Dorsum, Bella Dorsum, Sumak Fossa, and Indah Fossa for five features on Dinkinesh.

    • Dinkinesh

  • Names Approved for Triton: Yara, Xuuch, and Unga

    The IAU Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature has approved the names Yara, Xuuch, and Unga for three features on Triton.

    • Triton

  • Names Approved for Mercury: Codesido, Wu Shujuan, El Husseini, Freire, Asawa, Halim, Bilokur, and Le Guin

    The IAU Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature has approved the names Codesido, Wu Shujuan, El Husseini, Freire, Asawa, Halim, Bilokur, and Le Guin for eight craters on Mercury. For more information, please see the H-3, H-5, H-7, and H-15 nomenclature maps in the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature.

    • Mercury

  • Names Approved for Mars: Melosh and Jhelum Vallis

    The IAU Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature has approved the names Melosh and Jhelum Vallis for two features on Mars. For more information, please see the MC-11 nomenclature map in the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature.

    • Mars