📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists from the Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) have identified three new craters on the surface of Mars. These craters, located in the Tharsis volcanic region on Mars, have been named Lal Crater, Mursan Crater, and Hilsa Crater. The naming of the craters was approved by the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature. The largest crater, Lal Crater, spans 65 kilometers and is named after Prof. Devendra Lal, a renowned Indian geophysicist. The two smaller craters, Mursan and Hilsa, are approximately 10 kilometers wide and are named after towns in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India, respectively.
The significance of the Lal Crater lies in the presence of geophysical evidence of material other than lava. A 45-meter thick sedimentary deposit was discovered in the subsurface of the crater, indicating the past flow of water on Mars. This finding reinforces the theory that Mars was once a wet planet with liquid water on its surface. The presence of sediment in the Lal Crater suggests that large volumes of water had moved material into the crater over time, shaping the landscape we see today.
Moreover, the discovery of the Mursan and Hilsa craters provides valuable insights into the infilling process of the Lal Crater. These smaller craters, located on either side of Lal Crater, offer a timeline of the geological events that have taken place in the region. The episodic infilling observed in these two craters sheds light on the dynamic nature of Mars’ geological history.
The naming of geological features on Mars, such as craters, is an important aspect of planetary science. By assigning official names to these formations, scientists can better communicate and reference specific locations on the Martian surface. The discovery of these three new craters by Indian scientists adds to the growing body of knowledge about Mars’ geological past and the role of water in shaping the planet’s landscape.
In conclusion, the identification of three craters on Mars by the scientists of PRL marks a significant achievement in planetary exploration. The findings from these craters provide compelling evidence of Mars’ watery past and offer valuable insights into the geological processes that have shaped the Red Planet. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of Mars, discoveries like these pave the way for a deeper understanding of the planet’s history and evolution.
