Categories: Offbeat

‘Lal’, ‘Mursan’ and ‘Hilsa’ Craters In Mars Named After Indian Physicist And Towns Of Bihar, UP

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has honored India’s contribution to science and cultural heritage. The IAU has recently named the three newly discovered craters on Mars located within the Tharsis volcanic region.

These craters received their official designations following recommendations from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India, marking a dual tribute to scientific achievement and cultural significance.

Lal Crater

The largest crater, spanning approximately 65 kilometers in diameter, was named “Lal Crater” in memory of Professor Devendra Lal. Professor Lal, who led PRL from 1972 to 1983, made significant contributions to cosmic ray physics and space research, leaving a lasting impact on the scientific community.

Mursan & Hilsa

Adjacent to Lal Crater are two smaller craters: “Mursan Crater” and “Hilsa Crater.” Mursan Crater derives its name from the town of Mursan in Uttar Pradesh, India, while Hilsa Crater is named after the town of Hilsa in Bihar, India. These names honor the cultural and historical importance of these locations, underscoring the rich tapestry that informs our exploration of space.

The discovery of these craters was made possible by SHARAD (Mars SHAllow RADar sounder), an advanced subsurface sounding radar aboard NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). SHARAD enables scientists to probe beneath Mars’ surface, revealing details about its geological composition and history.

In the case of Lal Crater, SHARAD identified substantial sedimentary deposits, providing compelling evidence of past water flow on Mars’ surface. This discovery significantly enhances our understanding of Mars’ climate history and potential for sustaining life, shedding light on the planet’s evolution over billions of years.

Also Read: Jupiter’s Turbulent Storms Echo Earth’s Seas: Unveiling The Cosmic Connection

Swastika Sruti

Recent Posts

Who is Sriram Krishnan? Donald Trump Adds Another Indian-Origin In His Cabinet

Sriram Krishnan has held leadership roles in product teams at major tech companies, including Microsoft,…

11 mins ago

Watch: 100-Kg Python Found Near Girls Hostel At Assam University

A massive 100-kg Burmese python, weighing 17 feet, was rescued from Assam University’s Girls Hostel…

16 mins ago

National Farmers’ Day: Why Is Kisan Diwas Observed on Birth Anniversary of Former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh?

Every year on December 23, India celebrates National Farmers’ Day, or Kisan Diwas, to honor…

17 mins ago

Abhijeet Bhattacharya Stirs Controversy After Saying Gandhi Was Pakistan’s Father Of The Nation

Over the years, Abhijeet lent his voice to a wide range of Bollywood stars, including…

31 mins ago

National Farmers’ Day 2024: History Of Kisan Diwas, Significance And More

Kisan Diwas, celebrated on December 23, stands as a tribute to the nation’s farmers and…

35 mins ago

Will Donald Trump Handover His Presidency To Elon Musk? President-Elect Retorts, ‘Not Happening’

Elon Musk, known for his significant political contributions, donated $238.5 million to Trump’s presidential campaign—the…

57 mins ago