An open passage beside Dellinger

Feature Profile & Selenographic Data

Feature type

crater

Coordinates

6.87° S · 140.70° E

Diameter

82.04 km

IAU approval

1970/01/01 00:00:00

LAC quadrangle

LAC-84 · Dellinger

Geological Chronicle

Dellinger lies on the Moon’s far side, attached to the southern rim of Pannekoek. Marconi lies to the southeast and Chauvenet to the southwest. The crater measures 82.04 km in diameter.

Its outer rim is significantly eroded in places, including an outward protrusion along the southern rim, with particularly significant erosion along the northern half. The Dellinger B formation crosses the rims of Dellinger and Pannekoek, creating an open passage between them. A pair of small craters marks the northwestern part of Dellinger’s floor.

The crater is named for American physicist John Howard Dellinger. Before formal naming, it was known as Crater 293; the International Astronomical Union adopted the designation in 1970.

Chronology & Exploration

1. Undated Rim and floor described

   The rim is eroded in places, and a pair of small craters lies in the northwestern part of the interior floor.

2. Before 1970 Former designation

   Before naming, Dellinger was known as Crater 293.

3. 1970 Designation adopted

   The IAU formally adopted the crater’s designation.

Scientific Sources & References

• International Astronomical Union Gazetteer — Registry record for the crater’s identity, coordinates, diameter and name origin.
• Wikipedia: Dellinger (crater) — Local source for the crater’s location, morphology and naming history.

Name Origin

John Howard; American physicist (1886-1962).