Three Craters Discovered on Mars by Scientists of Physical Research Laboratory

GS Paper III Science and Technology

Researchers from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad have found three new craters on Mars.

Three Craters Discovered on Mars

Location of Craters: The craters are located in the Tharsis volcanic region, approximately at coordinates 21.0° S and 209° W.

IAU

IAU is an international non- governmental organization that aims to advance astronomy globally.
Establishment: 1919 in Brussels, Belgium.
Headquarter: Paris, France.
Objectives: It promotes research,education, and development through collaboration.

IAU Approval: The International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature has approved the naming of these craters based on PRL’s recommendation.

Three Craters Discovered on Mars

A crater is a landform that features a hole or depression on a planetary surface.
Causes: Typically formed by an object striking the surface or by geological activities such as meteorite, volcanic activity, or an explosion.
Types of Craters
- Impact Crater: A depression formed by the high-speed impact of a smaller body on a planet, moon, or other solid object.
- Volcanic Crater: A bowl-shaped depression caused by volcanic activity, usually located above a volcano’s vent.

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun.
Nickname: Known as “the Red Planet” due to its orange-red surface covered in iron(III) oxide dust.
Planet Type: Classified as a terrestrial planet.
Size: The second smallest planet in the Solar System, with a diameter of 6,779 km (4,212 mi).
Natural Satellites
- Moons: Mars has two small, irregularly shaped moons named Phobos and Deimos.

- Explosion Crater: A crater formed by an explosion near or below the ground surface.
- Pit Crater: A depression formed by the collapse of the surface above a void or empty chamber.
- Subsidence Crater: A depression caused by the collapse of the roof of a cavity created by an underground explosion, usually nuclear.

Lal Crater
- Named After: Prof. Devendra Lal, a distinguished Indian geophysicist and former director of PRL (1972-1983).
- Location and Size: A 65 km wide crater centered at -20.98° and 209.34°.
- Scientific Importance: The area of Lal crater, situated in the Tharsis volcanic region, is entirely covered with lava.
Mursan Crater
- Named After: Mursan, a town in Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Location and Size: A ~10 km wide crater located on the eastern rim of the Lal crater.
Hilsa Crater
- Named After: Hilsa, a town in Bihar, India.
- Location and Size: A ~10 km wide crater situated on the western rim of the Lal crater.

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