Venus: The Divine Nomenclature of a Planetary Landscape
The surface of Venus is a complex tapestry of volcanic plains, towering hills, and mysterious oval structures. To organize this alien geography, astronomers have adopted a unique naming convention: almost every feature on the planet is named after women and goddesses from various cultures and mythologies across the globe.
The Logic of Venusian Naming
The naming of Venusian features is not random; it is categorized by the geological nature of the landform. By identifying the type of feature, one can often deduce the category of the deity or heroine it is named after.
Highlands and Hills
Small hills or knobs, known as Colles, are named after sea goddesses. An example is Urutonga Colles, named for the sea goddess and mother of Tāwhaki, a deity associated with the Ngāi Tahu iwi.
Similarly, Tholi—which are small, dome-like hills—are named after miscellaneous goddesses. Examples include Apakura Tholus, the goddess of justice, and Mahuea Tholus, named for the fire goddess (typically spelled Mahuika).
Plains and Valleys
The low plains of Venus, called Planitiae, are named after mythological heroines. Hinemoa Planitia is named for the heroine who famously swam across Lake Rotorua to reach her lover, Tutanekai.
Valles, or valleys, follow a specific length-based rule. If a valley is longer than 400 km, it is named after the word for the planet Venus in various world languages, such as Tawera Vallis (a Māori name for the planet). Valleys shorter than 400 km are named after river goddesses.
Unique Geological Formations
Venus features Coronae, which are oval-shaped structures of uncertain origin. These are named after earth and fertility goddesses. Examples include Pani Corona, a fertility goddess, and Whatitiri Corona, the ancestral goddess of thunder (also known as Whaitiri).
Other notable features include Paoro Tholi, named for the goddess of echoes who, in the lore of the Ngāti Hau iwi, gave voice to the first woman, Mārikoriko.
Key Facts
- Gender Theme: All features on Venus are named after women or goddesses.
- Valles Rule: Valleys over 400 km are named after the word for Venus in different languages; those under 400 km are named after river goddesses.
- Coronae: These oval features are dedicated to fertility and earth goddesses.
- Small Craters: Craters with diameters under 20 km are named using common female first names.
| Feature Type | Description | Naming Source |
|---|---|---|
| Colles | Small hills/knobs | Sea goddesses |
| Coronae | Oval features | Fertility and earth goddesses |
| Planitiae | Low plains | Mythological heroines |
| Tholi | Dome-like hills | Miscellaneous goddesses |
| Valles | Valleys | Planet names (>400km) or river goddesses (<400km) |
| Craters (<20km) | Impact sites | Common female first names |
Small Craters and Personal Names
While large-scale features honor deities and legends, the smaller craters of Venus—those with diameters less than 20 km—are named after common female first names. This brings a human element to the planetary map.
Examples include the Karo crater and the Puhioia crater. Another is the Ngaio crater, named after a first name, such as that of the theatre director and writer Dame Ngaio Marsh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are features on Venus named after women?
It is the established international naming convention for the planet, ensuring that all geographical features are associated with women, goddesses, or female heroines.
How is a valley (Vallis) named on Venus?
The name depends on length: valleys longer than 400 km are named after the word for Venus in various languages, while those shorter than 400 km are named after river goddesses.
What are Coronae on Venus?
Coronae are oval-shaped geological features of uncertain origin, and they are named after earth and fertility goddesses.
Who is Hinemoa Planitia named after?
It is named after the heroine Hinemoa, who swam across Lake Rotorua to be with her lover, Tutanekai.
What determines the name of a crater on Venus?
If a crater has a diameter of less than 20 km, it is given a common female first name.