• UGI USER
  • Jun 13, 2024
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SCIENTISTS DISCOVER THREE NEW CRATERS ON MARS: LAL, MURSAN, HILSA

Why in the news?

  • On June 12, 2024, the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India, announced the discovery of three new craters on Mars in the Tharsis volcanic region, located around 21.0° S, 209° W.
  • The craters have been named Lal, Mursan, and Hilsa by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature.
source:slideshare

About the International Astronomical Union (IAU):

  • Established: 1919
  • Mission: Promote and safeguard astronomy through research, communication, education, and international cooperation.
  • Structure: Divisions, commissions, and working groups.
  • Membership: Professional astronomers (Ph.D. level and beyond), junior members; spans 92 countries (85 National Members).
  • Activities: Define astronomical constants, nomenclature, disseminate discoveries, organize campaigns, promote education, name astronomical bodies.
  • General Assembly: Held every three years.
  • Headquarters: Paris, France.
About the Mars three New Craters Lal, Mursan, Hilsa:

Lal Crater:

  • Named: after Devendra Lal, former PRL director.
  • Largest crater: 65 km diameter.
  • Located: in Tharsis volcanic region.
  • Indicates Mars’ watery past with significant sediment deposits.

Mursan Crater:

  • Named: after Mursan, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Diameter: 10 km.
  • On the eastern rim of Lal crater.
  • Insights into episodic infilling of Lal crater.

Hilsa Crater:

  • Named: after Hilsa, Bihar.
  • Diameter: 10 km.
  • On the western rim of Lal crater.
  • Understanding sedimentary processes in Tharsis.

Research and Discovery:

  • Collaborative effort by PRL scientists and international researchers.
  • Used SHARAD radar on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
  • Detected a 45-meter-thick sedimentary deposit in Lal crater.

What is a crater?

  • Definition: A bowl-shaped depression.
  • Caused by: Meteorite impact, volcanic activity, or explosion.