Kerala Names on Mars: Celebrating India's Scientific Heritage

Introduction

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has officially approved seven names linked to Kerala for newly identified geological features on Mars. These names feature rivers, towns, and landmarks from Kerala, as well as a feature named after the distinguished Indian geologist M.S. Krishnan. This recognition underscores India’s growing presence in planetary science and ensures that familiar names from Kerala are now found on the Martian surface, approximately 225 million kilometers away.

What Has Been Named?

The new Martian features bear names inspired by Kerala’s geography, culture, and scientific legacy:

• Periyar Vallis: Named after the Periyar River, “Vallis” denotes a valley-like channel on Mars, typically formed by ancient liquid flow.
• Varkala: Based on the coastal town renowned for its cliffs and beaches, now commemorated as a feature on the Martian surface.
• Bekal: Inspired by the Bekal Fort region of northern Kerala, symbolizing the area’s historical and cultural heritage.
• Valiamala: Named after the site of ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, reflecting India’s technological contributions.
• Thumba: Associated with the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station, globally recognized for India’s early space experiments.
• Krishnan Crater: A 77 km-wide crater named in honor of M.S. Krishnan, a pioneering Indian geologist and former Director of the Geological Survey of India.
• Krishnan Palus: A plain area located southeast of the Krishnan crater, also named to honor M.S. Krishnan’s contributions.

How Naming Works

The IAU regulates the naming of planetary features to maintain uniformity and scientific accuracy. The process includes:

• Large craters (≥ 50 km) are named after distinguished scientists who have made significant contributions.
• Smaller craters are typically named after towns with populations under one lakh.
• Suggestions are submitted via a global “Call for Proposals.”
• Each proposal must include maps, coordinates, images, geological interpretations, and cultural or scientific significance.
• Final selections are made by IAU committees after thorough evaluation.

Indian scientists, especially those from IISc and ISRO-linked research centers, submitted and refined these proposals, leading to the approval of the Kerala-linked names.

Why This Matters

• This highlights India’s growing contributions to planetary science.
• It places Kerala’s cultural and scientific identity on the global space map.
• Encourages public engagement with Mars missions and planetary geology.
• Recognizes historical sites like Thumba and Valiamala for their importance in India’s space program.

SYNOPSIS

The IAU has approved seven Kerala-linked names for newly mapped Martian features—Periyar Vallis, Varkala, Bekal, Valiamala, Thumba, and two features honoring geologist M.S. Krishnan. Larger craters are named after eminent scientists, while smaller features derive names from towns and heritage locations. These proposals, led by Indian scientists, underscore India’s influence in planetary research and celebrate Kerala’s scientific legacy through official Martian nomenclature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why are Kerala names appearing on Mars?
Answer: The IAU approved these names based on proposals from Indian scientists, connecting Kerala’s scientific heritage—such as Thumba and Valiamala—with Martian geological features.

Q2. Who was M.S. Krishnan?
Answer: M.S. Krishnan was a distinguished Indian geologist and former Director of the Geological Survey of India. A major crater and an adjacent plain on Mars now bear his name.

Q3. What is Periyar Vallis?
Answer: Periyar Vallis is a valley-like channel on Mars named after the Periyar River, suggesting evidence of ancient water flow on the planet.

Q4. How many Martian features have Indian names?
Answer: Approximately 50 features on Mars currently carry names linked to India, showcasing its contribution to planetary science.

Q5. Do countries “claim” these features by naming them?
Answer: No, naming planetary features does not imply territorial claims. The process is purely scientific, ensuring clarity for researchers worldwide.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What organization approved the naming of Kerala-linked features on Mars?
A) NASA
B) IAU
C) ISRO
D) ESA
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Who was M.S. Krishnan?
A) An astronaut
B) A geologist
C) A physicist
D) An engineer
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is the significance of Periyar Vallis?
A) It is a Martian crater.
B) It is a valley-like channel indicating ancient water flow.
C) It is a town in Kerala.
D) It is a space mission.
Correct Answer: B