TheInternational Astronomical Union (IAU)has approved names for several Martian features proposed by two Kerala-based researchers.
Names Approved for Martian Landforms
- Major Feature:Krishnan Crater, A large, ancient crater in theXanthe Terra regionof Mars, is now named ‘Krishnan’ to honour M.S. Krishnan, thefirst Indian Director of the Geological Survey of India.
- Associated Minor Features:
- Valiamala:home toIIST(Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology).
- Thumba:birthplace ofIndia’s space programme(TERLS, 1960s).
- Bekal:named for the historicBekal Fort in Kasaragod.
- Varkala:known for its unique coastal cliffs.
- Periyar Vallis:named afterKerala’s longest river; now a Martian valley.
- Krishnan Palus:name given to the plain inside the Krishnan crater.
IAU Naming Rules for Planetary Features
- Large Craters:It must be named afterdeceasedscientists,scholars, orexplorerswith foundational contributions. Names should be internationally recognisable and culturally neutral.
- Small Craters:It may be named aftertowns or villageswithpopulationsunder 1,00,000.
- Vallis (Valleys) and Channels:It is named afterrivers or classical geographical nameson Earth.
- No Living Persons:The names of living individuals are never permitted.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
