The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad has announced a significant milestone in planetary science with the naming of three newly discovered craters on Mars. These names honor PRL’s former director, Professor Devendra Lal, and two Indian towns, Mursan in Uttar Pradesh and Hilsa in Bihar. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) approved these names on June 5, 2024. This development underscores the vital contributions of Indian researchers to space exploration.
Discovery and Location
These craters are situated in the Tharsis volcanic region on Mars, known for its massive volcanoes, including Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the Solar System. This region, located near Mars’ equator in the western hemisphere, is of significant interest to scientists studying the planet’s geological history.
- Lal Crater: The largest of the three, this crater spans approximately 65 kilometers in diameter. It is named after Professor Devendra Lal, a pioneering figure in cosmic ray physics who served as the director of PRL from 1972 to 1983. The crater is centered at coordinates -20.98° and 209.34°.
- Mursan Crater: This smaller crater, about 10 kilometers wide, is superimposed on the eastern rim of the Lal Crater. It is named after the town of Mursan in Uttar Pradesh, reflecting a blend of scientific achievement and cultural recognition.
- Hilsa Crater: Also 10 kilometers in diameter, this crater is located on the western rim of the Lal Crater and is named after Hilsa, a town in Bihar. The naming acknowledges the cultural and historical significance of these towns, linking Earth’s heritage with Martian exploration.
Scientific Significance
The discovery of these craters provides valuable insights into Mars’ geological past. Using the Mars SHAllow RADar sounder (SHARAD) on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), PRL scientists identified substantial sedimentary deposits within the Lal Crater. These findings suggest that water once flowed on Mars, transporting large volumes of sediment into the crater.
This discovery confirms that Mars was once wet, with water playing a significant role in shaping its surface. The sedimentary layers provide crucial evidence of the planet’s climatic history and potential habitability. The positions of the Mursan and Hilsa craters, superimposed on the Lal Crater, indicate that the sedimentary deposition occurred in multiple episodes, offering a timeline for the infilling process.
Cultural and Historical Context
Naming these Martian craters after prominent figures and towns in India highlights the country’s growing influence in space research. Professor Devendra Lal’s work in cosmic ray physics has had a lasting impact on the scientific community, making the Lal Crater a fitting tribute to his legacy. Similarly, naming craters after Mursan and Hilsa acknowledges the cultural and historical significance of these towns, connecting Earth’s heritage with Martian landscapes.
The naming of Lal, Mursan, and Hilsa craters on Mars marks a significant milestone in planetary science and reflects the contributions of Indian scientists to the exploration of our solar system. These names honor a distinguished physicist and culturally significant towns, enhancing our understanding of Mars’ geological history. This achievement highlights the importance of international cooperation in scientific discovery and celebrates the rich cultural heritage that informs our quest to explore the cosmos. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the universe, such recognitions remind us of the enduring legacy of human curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.
