International Astronomical Union approves seven new Indian names for Martian features

 WHY IN NEWS?

• International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved seven new Indian names for geological features on Mars.
• These include names inspired by Kerala’s Periyar river, Varkala beach, Bekal fort, Vallamala, Thumba, and a crater named after geologist M.S. Krishnan.
• Announcement made by IAU’s Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (Nov 24).
• Reflects India’s growing scientific footprint in planetary science and ISRO-linked heritage sites getting global recognition.

Relevance

GS3 – Space / Science & Technology
• Planetary nomenclature standards set by IAU.
• India’s scientific contributions through ISRO and planetary missions.
• Strengthening planetary geology databases and mission planning.
• Recognition of Indian scientists and heritage sites.
• Space diplomacy and global scientific integration.

GS2 – Governance / International Institutions
• India’s role in multilateral scientific bodies.
• Soft power through scientific naming.
• Institutional cooperation for planetary mapping.
• Enhancing India’s credibility in global space governance.
• Implications for future India–IAU collaboration.

BASICS

What is IAU?

• Global authority that approves names for celestial bodies and planetary features.
• Ensures standardization across scientific databases (USGS Gazetteer being the key one).
• Names require proposals with imagery, coordinates, scientific justification.

Nomenclature Rules for Mars

• Large craters (≥50 km): Named after deceased scientists.
• Small craters: Named after towns/villages with population <1 lakh.
• Other features (plains, valleys, ridges): Named after relevant themes (e.g., river names for valleys).

DETAILS OF NEW INDIAN NAMES ON MARS

1. Krishnan Crater

• Diameter: 77 km
• Named after M.S. Krishnan, eminent Indian geologist; headed Geological Survey of India in 1951.
• Crater lies SE of another crater named Kircher; part of the planet’s ancient surface (~3 billion years old).

2. Krishnan Palus (Plain)

• ~50 km wide plain associated with the crater.
• Recognizes Krishnan’s contribution to Indian geology.

3. Periyar Vallis

• A valley-like feature (~50 km long), named after Kerala’s Periyar river.
• Follows the IAU’s convention of naming valleys after terrestrial rivers.

4. Varkala

• Geological feature named after Varkala beach/town in Kerala.

5. Bekal

• Named after Bekal Fort region, Kerala.

6. Thumba

• Named after Thumba, the birthplace of ISRO’s space programme (TERLS inaugurated in 1963).
• Symbolically important for India’s space heritage.

7. Vallamala

• Named after Vallamala, a Kerala locality, fitting the <1 lakh population rule for small features.

HOW NAMES GET APPROVED ?

• Scientists submit a ‘Call for Proposal’ to IAU with:
  • Scientific maps & images
  • Coordinate data (latitude/longitude)
  • Description of the feature
  • Annotated / unannotated figures
• Proposals undergo committee-level technical scrutiny.
• Final approval by IAU after deliberation.

SIGNIFICANCE

1. International Recognition of Indian Science

• Places Indian toponyms & scientists on the global planetary map.
• Highlights Indian geologists’ contributions to Mars research and nomenclature efforts.

2. Cultural Representation in Space Science

• Names from Kerala—Periyar, Varkala, Bekal, Vallamala—reflect India’s cultural geography on another planet.

3. Strengthens ISRO’s Global Standing

• Thumba’s inclusion underlines India’s pioneering role in launching its space programme (TERLS, sounding rockets).

4. Knowledge of Mars’ Ancient Terrain

• Krishnan crater (~3 billion years old) adds to understanding of Mars’ early geologic history.

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Doppler Weather Radar: Enhancing India’s weather forecasting network

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• Definition: A Doppler Weather Radar is a specialized radar system that uses the Doppler effect to measure the velocity of precipitation (rain, snow, hail) in the atmosphere.
• Function: Detects rainfall intensity, storm motion, wind direction, and speed, which helps in real-time weather monitoring.
• Components:
  • Transmitter and receiver
  • Antenna
  • Signal processor
• Output: Provides radar images showing precipitation patterns and movement, aiding in forecasting severe weather events.

Relevance

GS3 – Disaster Management / Environment
• Early-warning systems for cyclones, thunderstorms, extreme rainfall.
• IMD’s radar network expansion under modernisation drive.
• Improved nowcasting accuracy through Doppler velocity data.
• Reducing disaster losses under Sendai Framework.
• Climate change–linked extreme weather monitoring.

GS3 – Science & Technology
• Working principle: Doppler shift for precipitation and wind velocity.
• Integration with satellites (INSAT-3D/3DR), AWS, and mesoscale models.
• Filling coverage gaps in Himalayas and coastal belts.
• Data-driven forecast improvements for aviation, agriculture, and fisheries.
• Upgrading computational capacity for high-resolution models.

Significance of Doppler Radar in India

• India faces seasonal extreme weather events: cyclones, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms, lightning.
• Operational Network:
  • India already has Doppler radars in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Karnataka and Chhattisgarh joining strengthens regional forecasting capacity.
• Coverage:
  • Mangalore radar: Coastal Karnataka and nearby regions.
  • Raipur radar: Chhattisgarh and surrounding central India.
• Benefits:
  • Improved early warning systems for floods, cyclones, and thunderstorms.
  • Enhanced precision in local forecasts for agriculture, aviation, and disaster management.
  • Faster dissemination of real-time alerts to citizens and authorities.

Why It’s in the News ?

1. New Infrastructure: First Doppler radars in these states, filling gaps in India’s meteorological coverage.
2. Disaster Preparedness:
   1. Early detection reduces human and economic losses during extreme weather events.
   2. Supports Ministry of Earth Sciences’ initiative to strengthen climate and weather forecasting.
3. Regional Impact:
   1. Karnataka: Coastal regions prone to heavy rainfall and cyclones from Arabian Sea.
   2. Chhattisgarh: Central India prone to thunderstorms, hail, and lightning during monsoon.
4. Government Focus: Aligns with India’s modernization of meteorological infrastructure to improve climate resilience.

Takeaway

• The operationalization of Doppler radars in Mangalore and Raipur marks a strategic upgrade in India’s weather monitoring network, particularly for regions previously underserved.
• It strengthens real-time monitoring and early warning, reducing vulnerability to extreme weather events.
• It reflects India’s larger focus on science-driven disaster management and regional climate resilience.

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