What does selenographic mean?
Selenographic is a technical adjective relating to the study and mapping of the Moon. It is used in astronomy and planetary science for describing lunar maps, charts, coordinates, images, and geographical features, much as "geographic" is used for the Earth. A selenographic map represents the positions and relationships of craters, mountains, plains, and other formations on the lunar surface. The word is uncommon in general writing but useful when precision is needed to distinguish lunar cartography from astronomy more broadly. Its meaning is narrower than the general adjective "lunar," which can describe anything associated with the Moon, including its gravity, phases, orbit, or exploration. Selenographic is therefore most appropriate for material that specifically concerns lunar geography or its representation on maps and images.
adjectiveRelating to selenography, the science of studying and mapping the Moon's surface. It may also describe features, measurements, or images associated with lunar geography.
- Relating to the study, mapping, or cartography of the Moon.
"The mission produced a detailed selenographic map of the lunar south pole."
"Researchers compared the selenographic features of the two candidate landing sites."
"The atlas includes a selenographic chart of the lunar far side."
A selenographic map is to the Moon what a geographic map is to Earth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does selenographic come from?
The word was formed within a scientific vocabulary combining Greek selēnē, meaning "Moon," with the Greek element graph-, associated with writing, drawing, or describing. It developed alongside the New Latin term selenographia and its English borrowing selenography, the study or mapping of the lunar surface. Its meaning follows that of selenography, while the suffix -ic forms the corresponding technical adjective.
Related word forms
How selenographic is actually used
A rare, formal technical term used chiefly in astronomy, lunar science, and cartography. The spelling "selenographical" is also established.
Easily confused with selenographic
Selenography is the science of studying and mapping the Moon, whereas selenographic is the adjective describing features, products, or activities connected with that science.