Mechnikov is an impact crater on the far side of the Moon. It is located just to the northeast of the much larger walled plain Galois, being separated by a stretch of irregular terrain about 20–30 km in width.
On the lunar geologic timescale, Mechnikov is a crater of Nectarian age. It is a roughly circular crater that has undergone a moderate amount of impact erosion, but is still relatively intact. Attached to the exterior along the northeast are the satellite craters Mechnikov C and Mechnikov D. There is a small crater in the western part of Mechnikov's interior floor.
A small crater along the northeast rim of Galois has a small ray system. Ray material from this crater crosses the interior of Mechnikov in a series of streaks that are radial to the impact, producing a fan-like appearance.
Satellite craters By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater midpoint that is closest to Mechnikov.
Mechnikov LatitudeLongitudeDiameterC9.9° S148.0° W35 kmD10.2° S147.2° W53 kmF11.3° S145.0° W30 kmG11.8° S146.6° W17 kmU10.6° S150.9° W30 kmZ9.3° S149.2° W21 km
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