An international organization has named a crater on the moon after a former scientist described as a “fearless advocate for lunar exploration.”
The International Astronomical Union–Planetary Nomenclature Committee approved the name for a 13.2-kilometer-diameter impact crater on the moon in honor and remembrance of , a lunar researcher at the 糖心Vlog官方 from 1978 to 2015.
Befitting Hawke’s research interests and name, the crater positioned at 66.6oS, 128.7oE, just north of the Schr?dinger basin is a young “rayed crater” (i.e., one with bright radial streaks of material thrown out during the formation of the crater). It contains deposits of impact melt, which formed due to the extreme heat associated with the impact event that formed the crater.
Hawke’s lunar geology interests included impact craters and volcanic deposits. He was a pioneer in advocating the use of the resources associated with pyroclastic (products of volcanic explosions) deposits by future inhabitants of the moon.
His scientific studies involved active collaborations with colleagues in Hawaiʻi and around the world, and their success was due to his generosity. He shared his ideas and knowledge and gave his time to help others.
In addition to his outstanding research career, Hawke was the founding director of the (PRPDC) at 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补 from 1984 until his death on January 24, 2015.
Said current PRPDC Director , “Due to B. Ray’s commitment to planetary research, 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补 has established one of the finest archives of planetary images dating back to the Apollo lunar missions and the early exploration of Mars, which will be a resource for younger scientists for years to come.”
Hawke also served tirelessly as the associate director for outreach for the within the 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补 from its inception in 1991.
For more information, see the United States Geological Survey Planetary Nomenclature , download the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera/Wide Angle Camera of Hawke crater, and see the .
—By Marcie Grabowski