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New Delhi: Scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad have made a remarkable discovery by identifying three new craters on Mars. These craters have been named to honor the contributions of PRL and two towns in India. The newly discovered craters are named Lal, Mursan, and Hilsa. Lal Crater is named after the esteemed Indian geophysicist and former PRL director, Devendra Lal.
The other two craters, Mursan and Hilsa, are named after small towns in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, respectively. These names received official approval from the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN) on June 5.
Three craters on Mars discovered by PRL Scientists:
— PRL Ahmedabad (@PRLAhmedabad) June 11, 2024
International Astronomical Union named them after former Director of @PRLAhmedabad and two small towns in India
The scientists of the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, a Unit of the Department of Space, Govt.… pic.twitter.com/DKdNWuqB1n
All three craters are situated in the Tharsis volcanic region of Mars. This region is a vast volcanic plateau near the equator in the planet’s western hemisphere. Lal Crater, the largest of the three, spans 65 kilometers in width. Mursan and Hilsa, both about 10 kilometers wide, are located on the eastern and western sides of Lal Crater’s rim.
A spokesperson from PRL explained that the Lal Crater's area is predominantly covered with lava. However, there is geophysical evidence suggesting the presence of other materials. Using subsurface radar known as SHARAD (shallow radar), scientists have discovered a 45-meter thick sedimentary deposit beneath the surface of the crater. This finding supports the theory that water once flowed on Mars, moving large volumes of sediment into what is now known as Lal Crater.
The two smaller craters, Mursan and Hilsa, provide crucial insights into the geological timeline of the region. Their presence on either side of Lal Crater suggests that the infilling of Lal Crater happened in episodes over time. This episodic infilling process helps scientists understand the history and evolution of Mars’ surface.
This is not the first time Indian scientists have discovered and named Martian craters. Previous discoveries include craters named Poona, Lonar, and Kakori. According to international naming rules, craters less than 60 kilometers in diameter are named after towns with populations under 100,000. Once approved by the WGPSN, these names become official and are used in scientific maps and publications.
Mars is dotted with craters of various sizes, formed by different forces. According to NASA scientists, more than 43,000 impact craters on Mars with diameters greater than 5 kilometers exist on the planet. Most of these craters were created by meteorite impacts early in the planet's history, although some are from more recent events.
Hellas Planitia is the largest known crater on Mars, with a diameter of about 1,400 miles (over 2,250 kilometers). This massive crater, located in the southern hemisphere, has a depth of over 11 kilometers below the average surface level of Mars. Other important Martian craters include Argyre, Isidis, Schiaparelli, and Lyot, each providing unique insights into the planet's geological history.
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