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Bruce Murray Space Image Library

First Formally Named Surface Features on Asteroid Bennu

First Formally Named Surface Features on Asteroid Bennu
First Formally Named Surface Features on Asteroid Bennu On 6 March 2020, the International Astronomical Union announced the first 12 official names for surface features on asteroid Bennu. This flat-projection mosaic indicates their locations. Tlanuwa Regio is a broad region covered by large boulders. Benben, Roc, Simurgh, Huginn, Muninn, Ocypete, Strix, Amihan, Pouakai, Aetos, and Gargoyl Saxa are all boulders. Features on Bennu are named after birds and bird-like creatures in mythology and the places associated with them. NASA / Goddard / University of Arizona

Read NASA's press release about this map for more information on the origins of the names.