[phoebe]

David (my husband) is a map librarian, and we just got back from a conference in Flagstaff where we got a tour of the USGS (US Geological Survey) offices there. One of the most fascinating talks (for me) was on how planetary features get named. I'm providing a link for the section of the website that specifically addresses the conventions for naming each feature type (like craters) on each planet or moon. For example, large craters on Mars (approximately 60 km and larger) are named after "Deceased scientists who have contributed to the study of Mars; writers and others who have contributed to the lore of Mars." Another example would be the Dorsa (ridges) on Venus are named after mythological sky goddesses.
If you want to navigate to other features of this site, just click on "home" in the upper right-hand corner.

http://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/append6.html

[MuskyHopeful]

That's cool stuff, Emily. What's amazing is the punishment planets take from collisions with asteroids, comets, etc. The size of the craters is astounding. Makes you wonder when our turn is coming again.

I wish the U.S. would get its space program in gear. We should be studying Martian craters from the planet's surface, and figuring out how to mine the asteroid belt instead of our wilderness areas. I believe man should look at the exploration of the solar system as our destiny.

But what do I know?

Kevin

I like muskies.

[Mezzaluna]

Very interesting, Phoebe. Ever since I sat with 600 other elementary school students in the school gym, watching John Glenn's flight on a 14" black and white television, I've been hooked on space.

But maps have also been a draw. I had the pleasure of going to the American Geographical Society map room at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee a few years ago to do some research for a book. It was difficult to stay focused on just the one map I was seeking! I felt like a kid in a candy store.