The scientists of Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad have discovered three new craters on Mars.
- They have been discovered in the Tharsis volcanic region on Mars. Tharsis is a vast volcanic plateau centered near the equator in the western hemisphere of Mars. The region is home to the largest volcanoes in the Solar System.
- On the recommendation of the PRL, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature approved naming the three craters on Mars.
- These craters are; Lal crater, Mursan crater Hilsa crater.
- “Lal crater” is named after Prof. Devendra Lal, a renowned Indian geophysicist and former director of PRL from 1972-1983. The entire area of the Lal crater, in the Tharsis volcanic region on Mars, is covered with lava.
- “Mursan crater” is named after a town in Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Hilsa crater is named after a town in Bihar, India. Hilsa crater is a ~10 km wide crater superimposed on the western side of the rim of the Lal crater.
