Lunar Plain
Named to commemorate the site of the first soft landing on the Moon by Luna 9 in 1966, Planitia Descensus remains the only officially named plain on the Moon.
Planitia Descensus was named to commemorate the site of the first soft landing on the Moon by Luna 9 on 3 February 1966. It is located at latitude 7.1°N and longitude 64.4°W.
Planitia Descensus is the only officially named plain on the Moon. The Working Group of Commission 17 of the IAU confirmed the name of the site in 1970.
Luna 9 completes the first soft landing on the Moon on 3 February 1966.
The Working Group of Commission 17 of the IAU confirmed the name of the site in 1970.
Luna 9 landing site ("plain of descent").
Interactive Lunar Surface
Inspect lunar elevation data and the official selenographic position.