Annotated map of Charon, with all IAU-approved names for features as of 2025, with some unofficial surface features in bold and italics
The geological features of Charon, the largest moon of Pluto, are being mapped by scientists using data from the New Horizons spacecraft. The team has given provisional names to the most prominent.
As of April2020[update], only some of the names have been officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union, which has agreed that names for features on Charon should come from the following:[1][2]
Destinations and milestones of fictional space and other exploration.
Fictional and mythological vessels of space and other exploration.
Fictional and mythological voyagers, travellers and explorers.
Authors and artists associated with space exploration, especially Pluto and the Kuiper Belt.
Some features discovered by the New Horizons mission have been given provisional names based on various science fiction and fantasy franchises, including Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, Alien, Firefly, and Macross.[3] These names remain unofficial until accepted by the IAU.
On 11 April 2018, the IAU announced that several of the feature names had been officially recognized.[4] As of December 2025, this list contains 55 geological features, 14 of which are official.[citation needed]
Chasmata
A chasma (plural chasmata) is a deep, elongated, steep-sided depression. Charonian chasmata are named after vessels in fiction. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team. Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.[5][6]
Mythological ghost ship that travels the seas around the small island of Chiloé Island, off the coast of Chile, collecting the dead, who then live aboard it forever
Photo of Charon centered on Ripley Crater. Nostromo Chasma crosses Ripley vertically. Vader is the dark crater at 12:00, Organa Crater is at 9:00, Skywalker Crater at 8:00, Gallifrey Macula and Tardis Chasma at 4:00.
Craters on Charon are named after characters associated with science fiction and fantasy. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team. Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.[5][6]
A dorsum (plural dorsa) is a ridge. Charon's only dorsum is named after an author. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team. Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.[6]
A macula (plural maculae) is a dark spot. Charonian maculae are named after fictional destinations. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team. Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.[5]
A mons (plural montes) is a mountain. Montes on Charon are named after authors and artists. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team. Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.[6]
A planitia (plural planitiae) is a large plain. Charon's only planitia is named after a fictional destination. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team. Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.[5]
A terra (plural terrae) is an extensive landmass or highland. Charon's only terra is named after a fictional destination. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team. Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.[5]
A vallis (plural valles) is valley. Charon's only vallis is named after a vessel in fiction. The following is a list of official and unofficial names chosen by the New Horizons team. Names that have been officially approved are labeled as such.[5]
↑“Sadko Crater” was originally the name of a crater right to the northeast of Beowolf crater before this crater received its official name. As of December 2025, that crater remains unnamed.
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