Researchers at IIST, Thiruvananthapuram, helped name several Martian landforms after Kerala places and geologist M S Krishnan. The announcement came on November 28, 2025, after the IAU accepted their proposal linked to a crater study in Mars’ Xanthe Terra region.
BulletsIn
- IAU clears names inspired by Kerala for Martian craters.
- Includes: Valiamala, Thumba, Bekal, Varkala, Periyar, Krishnan.
- Proposal submitted by IIST researchers Rajesh V J and Asif Iqbal.
- Study focused on unnamed crater in Xanthe Terra region.
- Researchers found signs of ancient glaciers and flowing water.
- Krishnan Crater named for 3.5-billion-year-old formation.
- Its inner plain named Krishnan Palus; channel named Periyar Vallis.
- Four nearby small craters named after Kerala localities.
- Many names initially rejected; approved after revisions.
- Follows last year’s naming of Martian craters after Devendra Lal, Mursan, Hilsa.




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