This is a list of named geological features on Pluto, identified by scientists working with data from the New Horizons spacecraft. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially approved the first 14 names on 8 August 2017 (announced 7 September 2017),[1] with additional names following in each subsequent year, but many of the names listed on this page are still informal.[2] The IAU has determined that names will be chosen from the following themes:[3][4]
A cavus is a hollow or steep-sided depression. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3][5]
A collis is a low hill. Plutonian colles are named after spacecraft that operated in Earth orbit. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3]
Plutonian craters are named after scientists and other people associated with the study of Pluto. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3]
A dorsum is a ridge. Plutonian dorsa are named after underworlds in mythology. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3]
A Fluctus is a terrain covered by outflow of liquid. Plutonian fluctūs are named after travellers to the underworld. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3][5]
A fossa is a ditch-like feature. Plutonian fossae are named after figures associated with underworld myths. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3]
A lacus is a small plain, derived from the word lake. The following is a list of names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3][5]
A linea is an elongated marking. Plutonian lineae are named after space probes.
A macula is a dark spot. Plutonian maculae are named after underworld creatures from fiction and mythology. The following is a list of names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3] Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.
A mons is a mountain. Plutonian montes (mountain ranges) are named after explorers and adventurers. The following is a list of names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3] Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.
A palus (literally swamp) is a small plain. Paludes on Pluto are named after historic explorers. The following is a list of names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3][5] Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.
A planum is a plateau or high plain. One (Sputnik Planum) was initially identified on Pluto; but it has since been recognized to be a planitia.
A planitia is a low plain, distinct from plana as they are located on lower terrain. The following is a list of names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3] Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.
A regio is a region geographically distinct from its surroundings. Plutonian regiones are named after underworld spirits in fiction and mythology, or after scientists associated with the study of Pluto. The following is a list of names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3] Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.
A rupes is an escarpment. Plutonian rupēs are named after explorers. The following is a list of names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3] Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.
A terra is an extensive landmass. Plutonian terrae are named after space probes. The following is a list of names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3] Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.
A vallis is a valley. Plutonian valles are named after historic explorers. The following is a list of names chosen by the New Horizons team.[3][5] Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.
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