To celebrate his 77th orbit around the Sun on 14 June 2023, a group of former US President Donald J. Trump’s supporters honored him with the designation of a crater on the Moon.
The crater, previously designated as Airy A, is located at -17.04 degrees latitude and 7.66 degrees longitude on Luna, and measures about 12.53 kilometers in diameter.
Trump Crater is part of the Airy group of craters, named for George Biddell Airy (1801-1892), the seventh British Astronomer Royal. The Airy crater group includes a main crater measuring 39 kilometers in diameter, and nineteen smaller satellite craters measuring from .85 to 38 kilometers, on the wide peninsula between Mare Nubium and Mare Nectaris.
Born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, Donald J. Trump was the fourth of five children in the family of Frederick C. and Mary MacLeod Trump. His father was a successful real estate developer, and it was in this bustling, competitive environment that Trump cut his teeth.
He attended the New York Military Academy, and later graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics, giving him a solid foundation for the business world.
For Trump, real estate was the name of the game. Joining his father’s company, he quickly began making waves in the industry. One of his earliest and most significant achievements was the transformation of the Commodore Hotel into the Grand Hyatt.
His vision of grandeur and luxury extended to other successful projects, including the construction of the famous Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York City. His influence on the Manhattan skyline cannot be understated.
Donald Trump’s charisma and vibrant personality were not just confined to boardrooms and construction sites. From 2004 to 2015, he hosted the reality TV show, “The Apprentice.” His signature phrase – “You’re fired!” – became a part of pop culture lexicon.
The show was a huge hit and brought Trump into living rooms across America, giving people a glimpse of his decision-making style and assertive demeanor.
In 2016, Trump took a leap from business and entertainment into the world of politics.
Running as a Republican candidate, he won the Presidential Election, becoming the 45th president of the United States. His term was marked by a focus on domestic manufacturing, renegotiation of international trade deals, tax reforms, and an unorthodox style of communication largely facilitated through social media platforms.
After his presidency, Trump returned to his business roots, becoming once again involved in various ventures, seamlessly transitioning between real estate, television, and politics.
Trump Crater Information
Eponym: Donald John Trump
IAU Designation: Airy A
Location: Airy Highlands
Latitude: -17.657°
Longitude: 7.657°
Diameter: 12.526 kilometers
Designation Date: 14 June 2023
Crater Catalog No. S006482N00090R12385Y2010S