7 New Lunar Features with Chinese Names

Learn the meaning behind the Chinese names on the Moon

On August 6, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) gave names inspired by Chinese history, culture, and geography to seven new lunar features on the far side of the moon, where the Chang’e 6 mission landed earlier this summer. This brings the total number of lunar features with Chinese-inspired names to 42. With the approach of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a Chinese holiday where the full moon plays an important ceremonial role, let’s explore the meaning behind these names.