the intricate geography of the Moon
Selenography is the scientific study of the surface and physical features of the Moon, also referred to as selenodesy. As a subdiscipline within the field of planetary science, it shares fundamental similarities with geography and areography.
Historically, the primary focus of selenographists was the mapping and naming of lunar terrain, specifically identifying maria, craters, mountain ranges, and various other geological features. This extensive task of documentation was largely completed during the early space era, when high-resolution images of both the near and far sides of the Moon were obtained by orbiting spacecraft.
Despite these advancements, certain regions of the Moon remain poorly imaged, particularly those located near the poles. Furthermore, the precise locations of many features, such as specific crater depths, may still be uncertain by several kilometers. In contemporary scientific contexts, selenography is considered a subdiscipline of selenology, which is most commonly referred to simply as “Lunar science.”
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