 "‘Lal’, ‘Mursan’ & ‘Hilsa’: Three Mars craters named after Indian physicist Devendra Lal, towns in UP, Bihar")
Recently, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) named three newly discovered craters on Mars, situated within the Tharsis volcanic region, after a prominent figure in India’s science community and Indian locations.
These craters were officially designated based on recommendations from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India, marking a significant tribute to both scientific achievement and cultural heritage.
The largest of these craters, spanning approximately 65 kilometres in diameter, has been named “Lal Crater” in honour of Professor Devendra Lal. Professor Lal, who served as the director of PRL from 1972 to 1983, made substantial contributions to the fields of cosmic ray physics and space research.
His leadership and pioneering work have left an indelible mark on the scientific community, particularly in advancing our understanding of cosmic rays and their impact on planetary environments.
Adjacent to Lal Crater are two smaller craters: “Mursan Crater” and “Hilsa Crater.” Mursan Crater takes its name from the town of Mursan in Uttar Pradesh, India, while Hilsa Crater is named after the town of Hilsa in Bihar, India.
Both towns hold cultural and historical significance in the region, and naming these craters after them serves as a nod to the rich cultural tapestry that informs our exploration and understanding of space.
The discovery of these craters was facilitated by SHARAD (Mars SHAllow RADar sounder), a cutting-edge subsurface sounding radar mounted on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO).
This technology allows scientists to probe beneath Mars’ surface, revealing details about its geological composition and history.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIn the case of Lal Crater, SHARAD identified substantial sedimentary deposits, providing compelling evidence that water once flowed across the Martian surface. This discovery contributes significantly to our knowledge of Mars’s past climate and potential for habitability, offering insights into the planet’s evolution over billions of years.
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