In a historic move, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has added seven new geographical references to Mars, with notable landmarks from the Indian state of Kerala included in the Red Planet’s geological map. The new features share names with Kerala’s largest river, its biggest fort, a famous beach, and two towns that hold significance for India’s space journey.
The IAU confirmed these additions on November 24, marking the result of a proposal made by the Indian Lunar and Planetary Mapping Committee to the global astronomy organization. Among the Martian features is a crater named after MS Krishnan, an eminent Indian geologist who played a crucial role in India’s space program. The crater lies at 10.8 degrees North and 273.9 degrees East on Mars.
This development represents a significant milestone for Kerala and India alike, showcasing the global recognition of their cultural and scientific achievements. The named Martian landmarks are expected to foster further interest in space exploration and inspire future generations of scientists and explorers.
As researchers continue to study Mars, these newly-named features will provide valuable insights into the Red Planet’s geological history. For now, these Kerala landmarks stand as a testament to the enduring connection between our world and Mars, bridging the vast distance between them on the latest blogs discussing space exploration.
