Nureyev is a crater on Mercury. It has a diameter of 16 kilometers, and has a bright and extensive

ray system In planetary geology, a ray system comprises radial streaks of fine '' ejecta'' thrown out during the formation of an impact crater, looking somewhat like many thin spokes coming from the hub of a wheel. The rays may extend for lengths up to ...

. Its name was adopted by the

International Astronomical Union The International Astronomical Union (IAU; , UAI) is an international non-governmental organization (INGO) with the objective of advancing astronomy in all aspects, including promoting astronomical research, outreach, education, and developmen ...

(IAU) on April 24, 2012. Nureyev is named for the Soviet and British ballet dancer

Rudolf Nureyev Rudolf Khametovich Nureyev (17 March 19386 January 1993) was a Soviet-born ballet dancer and choreographer. Nureyev is widely regarded as the preeminent male ballet dancer of his generation as well as one of the greatest ballet dancers of all ...

. Nureyev is east of Amru Al-Qays crater, and both are located southeast of the

Caloris basin Caloris Planitia is a plain within a large impact basin on Mercury, informally named Caloris, about in diameter. It is one of the largest impact basins in the Solar System. "Calor" is Latin for "heat" and the basin is so-named because the Su ...

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File:Mariner 10 image 0000226.png, Mariner 10 image with Nureyev at center File:Nureyev crater EN0212936624M.jpg, Nureyev crater (center) at a low sun angle

References

Impact craters on Mercury {{Mercury-planet-stub