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.

This is a roughly circular crater that has undergone a moderate amount of impact erosion, but is still relatively intact.

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.

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.