Relevance: GS-1/GS-3 (Space, Geography) • Source: IAU; Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature
IAU Approves Seven New Indian Names for Geological Features on Mars
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved seven new Indian names for geological features on Mars, including Periyar, Bekal, Varkala, Thumba, Valiamala, and two features named after geologist M. S. Krishnan.
What is the IAU & How Naming Works?
IAU is the global authority for naming celestial bodies and planetary features.
Rules for Mars naming:
- Large craters (>50 km): named after scientists.
- Small craters: named after towns/villages (<1 lakh population).
- Proposals require scientific justification, coordinates, and images.
- Indian proposals came from scientists at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST).
Indian Names on Mars
| Feature Type | Name | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Crater (77 km) | Krishnan | Honors geologist M. S. Krishnan. |
| Plain (50 km) | Krishnan Plaus | Adjacent plain named after Krishnan. |
| Crater (9 km) | Varkala | Cliff composition resembles Martian minerals (jarosite). |
| Crater (13.5 km) | Valiamala | Home of IIST, major ISRO hub. |
| Crater | Thumba | Birthplace of ISRO; site of 1962 rocket centre. |
| Valley | Periyar | Named after Kerala’s longest river. |
| Crater (4.9 km) | Bekal | Named after historic Bekal Fort. |
Mars already has ~50 Indian-linked names.
Exam Hook – Prelims Question
Q. According to IAU naming conventions for Mars, large craters are generally named after:
(a) Towns with population <1 lakh
(b) Rivers and lakes
(c) Scientists and noted researchers
(d) Astronauts only
Correct Answer: (c)
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