Shiv Shakti Point: IAU Approves Chandrayaan-3 Vikram’s landing Site Name

March 26, 2024

GS Paper III Science and Technology

Context

The International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) working group for Planetary System Nomenclature recently approved the name ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3‘s Vikram lander.

Previous Names of Crash Sites

Tiranga Point: The PM previously named the Chandrayaan-2 crash site ‘Tiranga Point’
Jawahar Point: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam proposed ‘Jawahar Point’ for the Chandrayaan-1 impact probe landing location

Shiv Shakti Point on Moon

Location:

Shiv Shakti Point

It is located at 69.373°S 32.319°E, between the lunar craters Manzinus C and Simpelius N.
Significance of the Name: The term ‘Shiv Shakti’ represents nature’s masculine-feminine duality, embodying strength and resolution, and has a deep connection to India’s diverse cultural environment.

About International Astronomical Union (IAU)

Founding: The IAU was established on July 28, 1919, at the Constitutive Assembly held in Brussels, Belgium.
Aim: To promote and protect astronomy in all of its forms through international cooperation.
Headquarters: Paris, France.
Members: IAU membership includes 92 countries. Out of those countries, 85 are National Members.

Nomenclature Criteria by IAU

Rule 4: It emphasizes the international aspect of solar system nomenclature and promotes the fair representation of names from many ethnic groups, countries, and genders.
Rule 11: It emphasizes that names should be distinct within the context of celestial nomenclature to avoid confusion.
Rule 9: The IAU follows Rule 9, which prohibits names having political, military, or religious implications, with the exception of historical political personalities before the nineteenth century.

- India is represented by the Astronomical Society of India (ASI).
Professional Members: Its members include professional astronomers from all over the world, including those with doctorates, who are involved in astronomical research, education, and outreach.

Also Read: Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) Project

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