Two New Craters on Mars Named After Towns in UP and Bihar

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The Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), a unit of the Department of Space, has recently announced a significant honor for Indian geography through celestial nomenclature. 

Three craters on Mars, discovered by PRL scientists in 2021, have been officially named by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in June 2024. 

Among them are two craters named after towns in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, namely Mursan and Hilsa, respectively.

The largest of these craters, spanning approximately 65 kilometers in diameter, has been named "Lal" crater after the distinguished Indian geophysicist and former director of PRL, Prof. Devendra Lal. 

He led the institution from 1972 to 1983, contributing significantly to cosmic ray physics and planetary science.

Adjacent to the Lal crater are the newly named Mursan and Hilsa craters, each measuring around 10 kilometers in width. 

Mursan crater is situated on the eastern rim of the Lal crater, while Hilsa crater is located on the western side. 

These names pay homage to the towns in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, reflecting India's cultural and geographical diversity now immortalized on the Martian landscape.

The Tharsis volcanic region on Mars, where these craters are located, is renowned for its vast volcanic plateaus and towering volcanoes. 

This region, positioned near the Martian equator in the western hemisphere, is a focal point for planetary researchers due to its geological and geophysical significance.

Anil Bhardwaj, the director of the Ahmedabad-based research laboratory, expressed gratitude upon the IAU's approval of these names. 

The decision underscores not only the scientific achievements of the PRL but also highlights India's growing role and contribution to planetary exploration and space research globally.

The naming of these craters serves more than just symbolic purposes; it provides a tangible connection between terrestrial geography and extraterrestrial exploration. 

It also marks a pivotal moment in India's space endeavors, emphasizing the country's expanding footprint in planetary science and its commitment to advancing our understanding of the solar system's history and evolution.

Furthermore, the discovery and naming of these craters offer valuable insights into Mars' geological past. 

According to statements from the PRL, the craters provide evidence of episodic infilling processes, indicating periods when Mars was potentially wetter and capable of sustaining liquid water on its surface. 

This finding adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the hypothesis that Mars once had a more hospitable environment conducive to the presence of liquid water and possibly even life.

In conclusion, the recognition of Mursan and Hilsa craters on Mars represents a significant achievement for Indian science and a testament to the collaborative efforts of planetary scientists worldwide. 

As exploration missions to Mars continue to unfold, these names will stand as enduring symbols of India's contributions to space exploration and its rich cultural heritage reflected in the cosmos above.

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