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Naming of Sites on The Moon

While speaking at the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru, PM Modi announced that the point, Naming of Sites on The Moon..

Why in news?

  • While speaking at the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru, PM Modi announced that the point where the Chandrayaan-3 lander touched down on the lunar surface would be named Shiv Shakti.
  • Later, ISRO chief K Somnath said that the country has every right to name the landing site.
  • The Moon does not come under the jurisdiction of any one country. This raises the question about naming of points on moon’s surface.
    • In 1966, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs came out with the Outer Space Treaty.
    • Setting some common principles for space exploration, the Treaty said in its Article II:
      • Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means.

Indian Lunar Names: A Tribute to Pioneers

Notable Lunar Features
  • Beyond Landing Sites: The naming of lunar landing sites is just one instance of Indian recognition on the Moon.
  • Sarabhai Crater: A crater on the Moon honors Vikram Sarabhai, a visionary in India’s space endeavors.
Jawahar Sthal: A Legacy of Chandrayaan-1
  • Chandrayaan-1 Impact: Post Chandrayaan-1’s mission in 2008, the probe was intentionally crashed, and the impact site was named “Jawahar Sthal” in tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru.
  • Nehru’s Legacy: ISRO proposed the name in honor of Nehru, recognizing his advocacy for scientific advancements and research in India.
  • Timing and Acceptance: The landing coincided with Nehru’s birthday, adding significance, and later the International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially embraced the name.

Who names landing sites on the Moon?

  • International Astronomical Union (IAU)
    • The IAU is the primary organization responsible for the official naming of celestial bodies and their surface features, including those on the Moon.
      • IAU was founded in 1919. It determines some other rules for Space activities. India is among its 92 members countries.
      • Its mission is to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation.
    • They have established guidelines and procedures for naming lunar craters, mountains, valleys, and other features.
  • An informal practice of naming
    • Many mission sites first see names being given to them informally.
    • An informal practice of naming landmarks was common during the Apollo missions.
    • Names were given to the small craters and mountains near each landing site (e.g., Shorty, St. George, Stone Mountain) but official names were used as well (e.g., Hadley Rille).
      • Most of the informal names assigned during Apollo were later given “official” status by the IAU.
  • Historical and Cultural References
    • Lunar features are sometimes named after historical figures, scientists, astronauts, or cultural references.
    • For example, many lunar craters are named after famous scientists and explorers.
  • Space Agencies
    • National and international space agencies, such as NASA and ESA (European Space Agency), may play a role in suggesting names for lunar sites, especially those of significant scientific or historical importance.

Legacy of Lunar Naming

  • Influential Factors: The quality of images from spacecraft has driven naming. Far-side craters were often named after scientists and engineers. Informal names given during missions eventually received official status.
  • Variability and Symbolism: Not all notable figures are honored with prominent crater names. The selection can seem arbitrary, with scientific prominence not guaranteeing crater-endowed immortality.
  • Cultural Inspirations: The IAU permits names from Greco-Roman mythology for Jupiter and Saturn’s satellites. Giants, monsters, and descendants of mythological figures have been added to the allowable source of names.

The Role of the International Astronomical Union (IAU)

  • Planetary and satellite nomenclature falls under the jurisdiction of the IAU.
  • The IAU’s determinations set the standards for interpreting astronomical objects and phenomena.
  • With a total of 92 member countries, including India, the IAU is a globally representative organization.

The Procedure for Naming Lunar Landing Sites

  • In many cases, informal naming is an initial step, particularly for mission sites where there is limited information available.
  • The acquisition of high-quality images from spacecraft missions plays a crucial role in enhancing our comprehension of lunar features.
  • Prominent craters on the lunar far side have been designated with names inspired by notable scientists and engineers.
  • These informal names are subsequently submitted to the IAU for official approval.

IAU’s Process for Naming Planetary Objects

  • The naming of planetary features within the IAU is overseen by its Working Groups.
  • Selections of themes for naming these features are made once initial surface images are acquired.
  • As higher resolution images become available, investigators may propose additional names for consideration.
  • While suggestions for names can be submitted to a Task Group, approval is not assured.
  • Those names that receive approval become part of the official IAU nomenclature and are recorded in the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature.

IAU’s Naming Norms for Planetary Objects

  • Names should be simple, clear, unambiguous, and not duplicate existing names.
  • Political, military, or religiously significant names are not allowed.
  • Commemoration of persons on planetary bodies requires special circumstances and a three-year posthumous period.

Examples of Named Lunar Features

  • Several major far-side craters received names from scientists and engineers.
  • Craters named informally during Apollo missions were later officially recognized by the IAU.
  • Significant lunar sites carry both informal and official names.

Read also:- Chandrayaan – 3

Read more: chandrayaan-3, isro, shiv shakti, international astronomical union upsc, nasa full form

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